Miami Dining

Miami continues to be the scenic backdrop in many popular television shows, whether dramas like yesterday’s Miami Vice and today’s CSI: Miami, or current reality shows like Miami Ink and even Top Chef. This cultural attention has drawn money to the southeastern tip of Florida, where developers and world renowned chefs have set up camp, slowly making Miami a culinary force to be reckoned with. Most of the cuisine doesn’t fit into the strict confines of the south beach diet, but one can hardly feel guilty for indulging in the decadent offerings when here on vacation. Plus, with the party-like atmosphere of most new restaurants in the hip South Beach, the Miami area is so inviting, it’s hard to resist joining the crowd.  

Unpretentious Local Flair
Nestled in a residential neighborhood of South Beach, at Sardinia (1801 Purdy Ave) you’ll find an Italian meal that won’t break the bank. There you’ll dine among locals in a spot where the focus is more on the menu than the décor. But don’t let that fool you, as the result is some of the finest traditional cooking in the area. Try the roasted vegetables to start, then choose from an assortment of unusual meats, from rabbit to suckling pig.

Worth Every Penny
Looking for the perfect steak? Prime 112 (112 Ocean Drive) has your meal, where you can choose from filet mignon, bone-in ribeye, or porterhouse, all of which are cooked to perfection. This modern steakhouse is not for the light spenders, but for those with a love of red meat, its worth the cash.

Tip: As such a hip locale, reservations are almost necessary to get a chance to sit at a table. You might consider making them before you even arrive in Miami to be on the safe side.

Don’t be turned off by the low lighting at Table 8 (1458 Ocean Drive). This restaurant inside the Regency Hotel isn’t trying to hide their eclectic delicacies. You’ll find that the famous Mediterranean cuisine of chef Govind Armstrong to be as impeccable in Miami as it is in L.A. Use the low lighting as an opportunity to savor the flavors with your other senses. Relying on your sense of taste and smell can provide a whole new dining experience. We suggest this is one you don’t miss.

Tip: For a more lit evening, choose to dine in the lounge, located under the Regent’s glass bottom pool. There you can order off the full menu, or opt for lighter bar fare.

Cuban Flair

In a city with as much Latin and Cuban influence as Miami, it would be a shame to leave without enjoying an authentic Cuban cuisine. Why not eat in style while you’re at it? Try Ola (425 S Ocean Drive), run by chef Douglas Rodriguez, in South Beach’s Art Deco district. Indulge in the nuevo dishes inspired by Rodriguez’s trips to Mexico, Central and South America.