- Red Rooster (Southern Comfort Food, Overtown)
Chef Marcus Samuelsson has created a gem in the heart of Overtown, one that features mouth-watering American comfort food like “chicken-fried” green tomatoes or Caribbean-inspired grilled fish with gooseberry salsa, avocado and coconut tea. The décor is fun and lively, the drinks are off the charts and the live music sessions create the perfect mood. And you’re not just getting good food when you dine at Red Rooster, you’re also supporting an integral member of the community. When COVID delayed opening of the restaurant in 2020, Samuelsson pivoted to become a World Central Kitchen to provide meals in Overtown. Does it get any better than this?
- Mayami (Mexican Food, Wynwood)
Come for the food and stay for the VIP party. This is the motto at Mayami in Wynwood. After a few hours of exploring the art and graffiti that adorns Wynwood walls, cool off at this ultra-hot spot that features authentic Mayan dishes and an atmosphere designed to impress even the most jaded diner. Be sure to dress in your hippest outfit because sneakers and shorts just will not do. You may spend more time people-watching than eating, but we promise you that the drinks and the creative dishes will capture your attention, too. Look out for full moon events when the restaurant presents fire shows with flame throwers, dancers and drummers!
- PERL (Mediterranean Fusion, Miami Gardens)
PERL offers both lunch and dinner menus during Miami Spice, so you just may have to go twice to make sure you get to try everything. Their artistic presentation is second only to the mouth-watering taste of dishes like crispy skin branzino or local burrata with tomato and shallot jam. The servers are perfectly attentive without being pushy, so you will feel you are on a mini-vacation to a luxurious Mediterranean island. Prepare to be amazed.
- The Bazaar by Jose Andres (Spanish Fusion, South Beach)
Even though you’re only traveling to South Beach, you will feel as though you are being transported to an underwater paradise while dining at The Bazaar. With magnificent, one-of-a-kind chandeliers and tropical outdoor seating, this celebrated hot spot by James Beard-winning chef Jose Andres might just take your breath away before you even taste the food. Their Miami Spice menu include a wide variety of options, so we wish you luck trying to choose from tempting delights such as Fish en Papillote, Black Rossejat (a paella-style pasta dish brimming with seafood), or Cuban Coffee Rubbed Churrasco. No meal would be complete without dessert, so be sure to save room for Key Lme Pie Jose’s way or perfectly prepared Flan. It will be a wonderful ending to a decadent meal.
- La Guilietta (International Cuisine, Upper East Side/Ironside)
For a change of pace, we recommend the sweet and simple – and incredibly delicious – La Guilietta in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Ironside. Where to begin? Let’s discuss the herb garden at the heart of the restaurant from which the kitchen picks their herbs. Then there’s the homemade pasta, freshly baked bread and exquisite care given to each of their dishes. You really can’t go wrong at La Guilietta. You do have the option of brunch, lunch or dinner through Miami Spice, so you have three chances to try their seared salmon with yuzu truffle sauce, their handmade maccheroni pasta with braised beef ragu or sesame tuna with miso glaze. You’ll feel like a part of the family with their incredible waitstaff, so be sure to put La Guilietta on your Miami Spice list.
What a tasty way to cap off a summer to remember! Go outside of your comfort zone and try new flavors and new cuisines. With these great deals, there’s nothing to lose. You’ll be supporting local chefs and servers and helping the restaurant scene bounce back from a challenging year. Your taste buds will thank you!