Here’s our top picks for haute eateries in Miami:
THE SARSAPARILLA CLUB
AMBIANCE
Bringing American Dim Sum to Miami, Je McInnis and Janine Booth, have created a verdant and airy concept with down-home touches at the Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach.
WHAT TO EAT
The dim sum is superb, so make sure to try the Pork Belly Bacon Steamed Buns, Corn 4 Ways and Drunken Deviled Eggs. For entrees, Rock Shrimp Laksa is a must as is the Sarsaparilla Fried Chicken, which has a hint of green curry.
WHAT TO DRINK
Look to the bar for Rye and Sarsaparilla smoke cocktails made with house made sodas. Licensed to Illa, is the favorite concoction of the night. Don’t want booze? The lemondade is sour and not too sweet.
SWEET TOOTH
Try a Sarsaparilla Float with to ee ice cream, or the Ginger Almond Apple Pie, which defines the cuisine here – the best take on American classics with a twist.
ZEST
AMBIANCE
Influenced by world cuisine and Chef Cindy Hutson’s culinary travels, Cuisine of the Sun, better known as Zest, takes on a gastronomic experience with a mix of Asian and Caribbean cuisine.
WHAT TO EAT
As a gastronomic restaurant, entrées include a large slew of choices. From Conch Scampi, Angus Beef Sirloin Steak, Curried Octopus with golden raisin pilau to Niman Ranch Pork Tomahawk Chop with yucca cake, sautéed escarole and passion fruit chimichurri.
WHAT TO DRINK
Zest’s indoor/outdoor state of the art bar and lounge area is the place to be. Their innovative drink menu features fresh juices, syrups, infusions, and fresh garnishes. The Rum Sugarcane drink is at the top of the cocktail menu.
SWEET TOOTH
Cap off the night with the apple pie á la mode with cheddar cheese whipped cream.
LOS FUEGOS
AMBIANCE
Located in the Faena Hotel Miami Beach, South America’s favorite grill master, Francis Mallman, introduces a contemporary asado experience with an open-fire kitchen, local ingredients, and traditional rustic cuisine.
WHAT TO EAT
The tuna appetizer is the front-runner, as is the grilled octopus, which many people describe as the best one they ever had. The steaks are a specialty here so don’t miss out on the rib eye and wayhu marucha steak.
WHAT TO DRINK
Order up a Argentinian Mendoza such as Bodega Catena Zapata, a Viña Cobos “Cobos” Malbec or Luigi Bosca’s “Icono.”
SWEET TOOTH
For those with a sweet tooth, the desserts are a definite must have. The apple pancake has been referred to as to die for as well the fruit and caramel cream sponge cake. Don’t miss out on the home run hitter: homemade ice cream paired with grilled fruits.
SUSHI GARAGE
AMBIANCE
A former body shop still has big garage doors that can bring the outdoors in when the weather is good. A serene palate of light woods, bright green and swimming fish overhead put Sushi Garage in the running for coolest restaurant design.
WHAT TO EAT
Everything is great but the Chicken Shrimp gyoza and Miso Maple Sea Bass are favorites. Try sushi, the Tuna Chicharron, center-cut tenderloin or the sashimi-grade tuna steak.
WHAT TO DRINK
Their drink menu consists of a large variety of sake, cocktails, wine, and beer. Grab a cucumber martini with yuzu or a Jasmine Sour
SWEET TOOTH
Embrace your sweet tooth with the almond sponge with green tea ganache paired with the quenelle of lychee sorbet between two aerated to ee crisps. A unique recommendation: the wasabi rice pudding cake is at the top of everybody’s list.
