Four Haute, Not-To-Miss New Restaurants in Miami

Here are four brand new restaurants that are worth every penny.

Gianni’s at The VillaAmbiance
At the aptly named, Gianni’s, in Casa Casaurina, every place is more romantic than the next. Start with a drink in the Onyx Bar (Versace’s former kitchen) and then take a table in front of the famous “million mosaic pool” featuring 24 karat gold tiles, or in Gianni’s formal dining room that has stone mosaic-tiled walls giving the whole thing a bit of a fancy wine-cellar feel.

What to eat
With Chef Mathias Gervias consulting, and chef Thomas Stewart at the helm, it’s a culinary destination. Pastas like the Bucatini alla Bottarga and the Spaghetti alla Chitarra are a must-try as is the Maine lobster and Petrossian caviar.

What to drink
Veuve Clicquot Rosé, Reims NV, is perfect to start, then try a Newton Chardonnay “Unfiltered” or a Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon with dinner.

Sweet tooth
Desserts are as beautiful as they are delicious. Some come flaked with gold. Our advice? Eat it for a truly authentic “Versace experience.”
1116 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (786) 485-2200
vmmiamibeach.com/

The Continental
Ambiance
Stephen Starr’s Miami Beach branch of the famous Philadelphia eatery is pure mid-century Americana, with a dash of modern design.

What to eat
You will eat big here, and surprisingly, with a hint of Asian. The Cheesesteak Eggroll is very popular as is the Lobster Mac & Cheese, Crispy Duck Leg “Bahn Mi” and Tuna Tataki.

What to drink
Definitely have a cocktail. Try a Polynesian-style Bump and Rind, or one of the Continentals martinis like the Side Car or Vesper.

Sweet tooth
Nutella cream pie is as good as it sounds, as is the Crackerjack Sundae with caramel corn, popcorn ice cream and lots of caramel sauce and peanuts.
2360 Collins Ave, Miami, FL 33139 (305) 604-2000
continentalmiami.com/

Brasserie Azur

Ambiance
The restaurant, designed by Francois Frossard, transforms its Midtown Miami space into a casual-chic eatery on France’s southern coast complete with star-lit patio, fuseball and a happening bar.

What to eat
Start with fresh items from the sprawling raw bar and artichoke carpaccio, and then get warm with a rotisserie chicken, or one of their fabulous pizzetas a la truffe.

What to drink
Start with a cidre, and then move on to a good Cote du Rhone for an authentic experience.

Sweet tooth
You’ll have trouble choosing from the extensive dessert cart, but you can’t go wrong with the tiramisu tarte or the caramelized meringue lemon tarte.
3252 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL (786) 800-9993
www.brasserieazur.com/

Lique

Ambiance
If you’re looking for a bit of Miami Beach or South of France in Aventura, it’s here. Waterfront dining, inspired rustic beach-style décor and pretty lighting make Lique (pronounced Leee-Q) an area destination.

What to eat
Tuna tartare tacos, king crab legs and anything else from their extensive raw bar.

What to drink
Go for the rosé and Champagne for the complete experience.

Sweet tooth
Nutella panna cotta is as decadent as it sounds. If you want something delightful and light, give the banana carpaccio brulee a try.
3957 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160 (305) 705-2425
liquemiami.com/