It looks as if everybody I do know is heading to Miami proper now—which, together with the truth that NYC climate has been greater than chilly—is precisely why I (additionally) deliberate a weekend journey with my pals and brother to Florida’s most visited metropolis. After a number of days of unimaginable meals, cocktails, and pool hangs, I believed I’d share a couple of of my favourite spots. With out additional ado, listed here are some locations, undoubtedly value including to your Miami itinerary.
Uchi Miami, created by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, is situated in Wynwood—a few 30-minute Uber from South Seashore, making it a no brainer if you happen to’re trying to enterprise past the realm. It’s a modern, trendy Japanese restaurant that takes sushi and Japanese delicacies to a different stage. The menu covers all the things from nigiri and sashimi to vegetable sides like bok choy and heartier choices like pork stomach. Should you’re on the lookout for extra of an expertise, the chef’s tasting menu (omakase) is the best way to go—however even simply ordering a couple of rolls and small plates is a win (simply don’t neglect to order the fried milk for dessert).
Should you’re on the lookout for a high-energy spot with a moody ambiance, Komodo is the place to go. Situated in Brickell, this upscale restaurant serves all the things from uncooked salmon tacos to melt-in-your-mouth quick rib and crab lo mein. The area itself is an entire vibe—dimly lit, buzzy, and excellent for an evening out. It additionally has a big bar space and a lounge, so you’ll be able to simply hold the evening going after dinner, or seize a cocktail beforehand.
Photograph by Nea Arentzen
We began with the uncooked salmon tacos (a should, I may’ve eaten ten), shishito peppers, and wagyu beef dumplings, which all disappeared in minutes. For mains, we ordered garlic king crab lo mein and two quick ribs (which include lettuce leaves, pickled crimson cabbage, and a miso dipping sauce for making lettuce cups). The quick rib is just not low-cost ($110), nevertheless it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, full of deep, savory taste, and huge sufficient to have leftovers (which I fortunately delivered to my jetlagged brother). My solely remorse? Not swapping one of many duplicate orders for one thing new.
Whereas consuming on the seaside and splurging on wealthy meals all day is nice, generally you simply want one thing contemporary. Enter SunLife Organics, a juice and smoothie spot identified for its high-quality, natural elements—and former worker at their LA location, Bella Hadid.
I wasn’t positive if we’d make it there, however after an unintentionally prolonged stroll, we lastly acquired our fingers on a Bliss Bowl and a peanut butter chocolate protein smoothie. Whereas each had been nice, I additionally had my eye on the S’mores Smoothie—made with coconut sorbet, vanilla plant protein, coconut cream, chocolate unfold, and hemp granola. Subsequent time.
Esme is a comfy, stylish boutique lodge only a five-minute stroll from the seaside, and it greater than lives as much as the photographs on its web site. Whereas we didn’t keep on the Spanish-Mediterranean-style lodge, we did enterprise as much as their rooftop cocktail lounge at sundown for pre-dinner drinks. It was the right approach to begin the night—nice vitality, enjoyable music, and a setting that simply begs for a photograph op (which, after all, I took full benefit of).
Normally a tequila woman, I’ve been surprisingly into vodka currently so I instantly ordered the My Lemon Martini. I don’t usually love martinis, however this one was extra of a balanced cocktail regardless of its stronger vodka pour. Should you’re into gin, the Clover Membership 18—made with gin, lime, and raspberry—was additionally a success.
Should you’re studying this, Joe’s Stone Crab is probably going already in your radar. It’s one of many highest-earning eating places within the nation, pulling in round $50 million a 12 months—and whenever you stroll in, you’ll be able to see why. The place is huge, but each nook feels lively. You’re greeted by a full of life bar full of visitors in beach-formal apparel whereas servers—in black-and-red tuxedos, adorned with diamond crab pins—navigate the area with easy precision. As you make your approach to your desk, it feels just like the restaurant simply retains going—one room opening into one other, every full of diners cracking into big claws.
Photograph by Nea Arentzen
Our server, Sebastian, greeted us with a fast rundown of Joe’s historical past and his high suggestions (all the time appreciated). We kicked issues off with a spherical of appetizers—mussels, spinach artichoke dip, and coconut shrimp, all fast hits. For mains, we clearly went all in on the crab, which arrived with basic sides: creamy spinach, buttery hashbrowns, and—you guessed it—extra butter. In a second of impulse, we additionally ordered fried rooster and fries as a result of, properly, why not?
Earlier than the meals arrived, we (very) eagerly accepted the supply of bibs—some would possibly cross, nevertheless it’s a part of the expertise. Should you’re planning to go, ebook early and hold a watch out on the reservations because it fills up rapidly.
Whether or not you’re staying there or simply stopping by for the day, the Fontainebleau is value trying out if you happen to’re after a dreamy poolside scene. Image infinite lounge chairs, a number of swimming pools, a Mediterranean-style out of doors restaurant and bar, and loads of cabanas to put up up at. If you’d like a basic Miami pool day, that is it.
