Area 31 at the EPIC
Area 31, the breathtaking restaurant on the 16th floor of the EPIC Hotel, delivers guests a dramatic menu of fresh, premium seafood prepared with a Mediterranean influence. The restaurant, which debuted December 15, 2008, features seafood from its namesake region Fishing Area 31, the ecologically sound marine waters of the Western Central Atlantic including the entire Florida coast, Central America and northern South America, with its menu created by rising star John Critchley. Critchley hails from Boston where he worked extensively with world-renowned Chef Ken Oringer. The menu is complemented with a wine list expertly assembled by Master Sommelier Emily Wines along with an innovative cocktail list from Master Mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout.
16th floor of Epic Hotel, 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami; 305.424.5234; www.area31restaurant.com.
Joe’s Stone Crab
Established nearly a century ago and taking up a city block, Joe’s has been a favorite among residents and visitors to the Magic City for years. A true Miami Beach landmark, the Joe’s experience is that of ambiance and quality cuisine. Famed for their crab claws, spinach, key lime pie, and celeb clientele, there’s really no other seafood locale in Miami for exquisite crustaceans like Joe’s. Not to mention that is has been voted as one of the best places for a power lunch in many of our Haute Secret City Guides. For a great Joe’s experience without having to bribe the maitre d’ to get a table, try the takeout/café next door.
11 Washington Ave., South Beach; 305.673.0365; http://www.joesstonecrab.com
Nemo
Most popular for their innovative seafood-based menu from famed restaurateur Myles Chefetz and copper fixtures highlighting the tree-shaded courtyard, patrons flock to Nemo for its laid back atmosphere, delicious raw bar, and international seafood creations. The interactive kitchen creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Chef Mike Sabin plans his seasonal menus around the freshest products blending Caribbean, Asian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern influences. While there, order wok-charred salmon or grilled Indian-spice pork chop. Delish.
100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305.532.4550; http://www.mylesrestaurantgroup.com
Fifi’s
Fifi’s may not be as swanky as some of our other top five listings, but the freshness and quality of the plates certainly draws in the haute crowd accustomed to swanky food. From yellowtail snapper to fresh stone crabs, pre-cracked and served over ice with lime and delectable mustard dipping sauce, Fifi’s fresh fish and pure ambiance is a favorite among locals who know where to grab a great catch.
2001 Collins Ave., Miami; 305.520.6700; http://www.fifisseafood.com
Chart House Miami
Since 1961, Chart House has been offering amazing views of Dinner Key Marina and Biscayne Bay from both the dining room and the outdoor deck. Delicious seafood like a Parmesan-encrusted Hemingway snapper fillet and decadent desserts like their famous Hot Chocolate Lava Cake are what continue to draw in the crowds to this Coconut Grove resto. The romantic-meets-business atmosphere makes it a double-threat dining option when looking to impress potential clients or a hopeful lover.
51 Chart House Drive, Coconut Grove; 305.856.9741; http://www.chart-house.com/
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