Schmap Miami Dining & Drinking

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Miami - Dining & Drinking
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Miami takes its dining scene very seriously - as well it should. People come from all over the world to drink and dine in this sunny city by the Atlantic Ocean. Restaurants range from South American to Continental to Caribbean, while the local fusion cuisine known as "Floribbean" borrows influences from all three regions.

Many of the city's restaurants specialize in fresh, local seafood. Swordfish, yellowtail, lobster and oysters have a place on most menus. In the autumn and winter, stone crab season takes over the Beach. At restaurants such as Monty's, South Beach Stone Crabs and the legendary Joe's Stone Crab, people wait for hours and pay upwards of $40 each to enjoy the delicious crustaceans.

Miami is known as the capital of Latin America, and its eateries represent every country and region of the southern continent. Brazilian rodizio, Argentine churrasco and Peruvian seafood are just a few of the ethnic specialties local restaurants dish out. Dozens of Cuban eateries serve filling, tasty meals for under USD7.

For many diners, however, a restaurant's food is not the point. Neither is the decor, although a restaurant scores points for having a great view or a kitschy theme. To these people, the most important quality in a restaurant is its social cachet - dining is secondary to seeing and being seen. Restaurants often post lists or display framed pictures of celebrity patrons. If you're not famous, never fear: you can get by on looks, charm or deep pockets.

Whether you're looking for a cheap and filling meal, a gourmet Italian feast or a night amongst the stars, you can find it in one of the districts of this splendidly diverse city.

South Beach

South Beach is the epicenter of excitement and glamour. It is here, at restaurants such as The Strand or the China Grill, that you're most likely to spot a celebrity at the next table. Although many of the restaurants are very pricey, places such as the ever-popular News Caf¨¦ offer a pleasant atmosphere, low prices and great food. Grab an outside table and enjoy wine and cheese as you ogle the SoBe street scene.

Miami Beach

Although central Miami Beach is not as jam-packed with restaurants as its southern neighbor, there are plenty of excellent dining options, many of them located within the luxury hotels. At Tapas Under the Trees, located in the gorgeous Fontainebleau Hotel, patrons can nibble on appetizers as they soak up the tropical atmosphere.

Downtown Miami

Downtown Miami is popular with businesspeople and other locals. Nightlife is nonexistent, but there's a flourishing restaurant scene. Seafood restaurants such as Orlando Seafood Restaurant and steakhouses such as Porcao serve delicious food with a local twist.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables, a quaint village within Greater Miami, boasts a culturally rich entertainment and dining scene. Sample Jamaican gourmet cuisine at Ortanique on the Mile, and then have a drink at Satchmo Blues Bar.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove, another small, trendy community within Central Miami, boasts a number of excellent casual and gourmet dining choices. At Chiyo, attractive hipsters nibble on sushi and give each other the once-over. Down the street at Mezzanotte in the Grove, dancing on the tables is encouraged - as long as no one's pasta gets overturned.

Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne's restaurants have a different feel from any other part of Miami - or any other part of the world. The dining establishments are characteristically laidback and informal; most of the time they open and close when they choose, and menus can change daily. Grab fish and fries at the Bayside Seafood Grill and then venture over to Sundays on the Bay for a frozen drink.

Little Havana

Little Havana, located in Central Miami, has the greatest number of excellent Cuban and South American eateries. Versailles, while slightly more expensive than others, is famous for its food. Another excellent choice is Casa Juancho, where diners enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine, a comfortable yet elegant atmosphere and live flamenco music. The district can be somewhat questionable after dark, so visitors are recommended to go in groups.

Hileah

Hialeah, a suburb of West Miami, caters to locals, and the prices tend to be more reasonable than in other parts of the city. Los Ranchos, a popular chain of South American steakhouses, is typical of the neighborhood's restaurants. The food is excellent, the decor is attractive, and social climbers are rarely in attendance.

Adventura

Aventura, best known for the gargantuan Aventura Mall, can claim its fair share of fusion restaurants, from expensive to reasonably priced. For inventive cuisine that doesn't stretch the budget, check out the Gourmet Diner.

South Miami

South Miami features a number of unpretentious restaurants serving varied cuisine. El Chalan, a Peruvian seafood restaurant, and Goodies From Holland, a delightful Dutch bakery, typify the dining scene. The two establishments are polar opposites in terms of food, but they both offer a relaxed atmosphere and low prices.

Broward County

Once you hit Broward county you're officially out of Miami, but many people consider it an extension of the Greater Miami area. A variety of excellent restaurants cater to tourists and seasonal residents. The Wolfgang Puck Grand Caf¨¦, located in Sawgrass Mills, offers low-priced versions of the great chef's famed California cuisine. Fort Lauderdale's Zan Z Bar claims to be the first South African eatery in the United States.

The roster of restaurants in this sprawling metropolis is impressive, eclectic and ever-changing. It's difficult to keep track of which restaurants are remodeling, moving, opening a new branch or changing themes. No visitor or local - no matter how dedicated - could ever sample all of Miami's cuisine or enjoy every one of its bars. However, the city's boisterous and irrepressible spirit demands that while you're here you do your best to meet the dining and drinking challenge every day and on into night. As far as challenges go, that isn't a bad one at all.

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Bayside Seafood Restaurant

Hidden cove bar

3501, Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL 33149
United States
+1 305 361 0808

Do not confuse it with the Bayside Marketplace. This little spot on the Rickenbacker Causeway leading to Key Biscayne looks like a palm-thatched tiki hut and has a water view. Do not expect luxurious decor at this rustic spot, but do look forward to good seafood, simply prepared. Bayside serves up fresh fish, with daily specials shown on a chalkboard, at low prices. You have the option to order your fish fried, broiled, blackened, or served in a garlic sauce. On weekend evenings, you might catch a little live music.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Casa Juancho

Traditional Spanish cuisine 2436 Southwest Eighth Street
Miami, FL 33135
United States
+1 305 642 2452
http://www.casajuancho.com This is the place to go when you feel like listening to some live flamenco music. This restaurant's award-winning Spanish cuisine is served in a cozy setting that looks as if taken directly from a travel guide on Spain and its traditions. The service is courteous, and the entrees are moderately priced. Located in the popular area of Little Havana, it can sometimes get seedy at night. Make sure you have arranged transportation if you are staying later than 11p.

Review © 2007, Wcities

China Grill

Asian delicacies in high-tech deco 404 Washington Avenue
Miami, FL 33139
United States
+1 305 534 2211
http://www.chinagrillmgt.com This restaurant, located in a deco tower composed of changing colored lights, has an equally impressive high-tech interior, perfect for impressing a first date. The menu is Pacific Rim, with offerings like Seared Rare Tuna rimmed in spicy Japanese pepper and avocado sashimi, and specialty sakes. China Grill was recently awarded 'best atmosphere' in a local magazine, and is known to draw some of the biggest celebrities in the world.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Francesco Dazzi
Photo: © 2007 LENNY FURMAN
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Photo: Stacy

El Chalan Restaurant

Budget Peruvian seafood 7971 Southwest 40th Street
Miami, FL 33155
United States
+1 305 266 0212 This is not a place to pass up if you are in the mood for outstanding seafood at rock-bottom prices. All dishes are prepared and arranged to the highest Peruvian standards. Mariscos con Arroz (seafood and rice) is a house specialty, made with all varieties of fresh fish and shellfish on a bed of rice. You can also choose from a variety of non-seafood items such as pasta and a few meat dishes. Whatever your fancy may be, El Chalan will not disappoint you. Entrees start at about USD7.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Joe's Stone Crab

Famously delicious seafood 11 Washington Ave
Miami, FL 33139
United States
+1 305 673 0365
http://www.joesstonecrab.com/ Fans of crustaceans should make it a priority to eat here. For nearly 100 years, the folks at Joe's have been serving up the freshest, most delicious seafood in greater Miami. You can dip the house specialty in drawn butter or a mustard sauce. Reservations are not accepted, so get here very early or be prepared to wait. The place is a favorite with locals and tourists. Be sure to call during summer months, as the restaurant closes down during part of the summer.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Monty's Stone Crab &Seafood Restaurant (Coconut Grove)

Relax at the raw bar 2550 South Bayshore Drive
Miami, FL 33133
United States
+1 305 856 3992 / +1 305 858 1431
http://www.montysstonecrab.com/ Set in the casual corner of Coconut Grove, just a few yards beyond the trendy thoroughfares of Mayfair and CocoWalk, this popular waterfront restaurant is famous for its raw bar and its laid back atmosphere. People of all ages come in shorts and sandals to enjoy the ocean breeze, the melodies from the steel drum band, and the wide variety of seafood. Stone crab is the house specialty. Casual attire is appropriate for the raw bar; the dining room has a dressier atmosphere.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Versailles

Splash of Cuban culture 3555 Southwest Eighth Street
Miami, FL 33135
United States
+1 305 444 0240 Personable, friendly service and a rich history help make this not only an excellent dining adventure, but also one of the memorable cultural experiences in Miami. All of the menu specialties, as well as the ambiance, are spicy, flavorful and traditionally Cuban. The restaurant is open into the wee hours. Come for an early breakfast or a very late dinner. Catch up on local happenings while enjoying authentic Cuban coffee and cuisine. Prices are reasonable.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Miami - Dining & Drinking"
Miami
Miami - Historical Background
Miami - Neighborhood Guide
Miami - Where to Stay
Miami - Art & Entertainment
Other nearby cities:
Fort Lauderdale (51 miles)
Florida Keys (108 miles)
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Tampa (328 miles)
Jacksonville (523 miles)
Atlanta (974 miles)
New Orleans (1066 miles)
Chattanooga (1141 miles)
Nashville (1307 miles)

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