Craig Robins Shares His Haute Secrets To Miami

Photo Credit: Felipe Cuevas

Craig Robins is the ultimate innovator—he’s a real estate developer, entrepreneur and creative. With a deep passion for both art and design, he’s credited with birthing the remarkable Miami Design District, housing bespoke boutiques of the most famous fashion, timepiece and design houses in the world including , Dior, FENDI, Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels, Gucci, Rolex, Prada, Hublot and so many more. The President and CEO of Dacra is a longtime lover and believer of the city of Miami and rightfully knows every in and out of our beloved city. Here, we catch up with the visionary to get the scoop on his haute secrets—including his favorite places to eat, shop, relax and hang out in the Magic City:

Where were you born: Miami Beach, Florida

How long in Miami: My entire life.

Neighborhood: Miami

Occupation: President and CEO of Dacra

Favorite restaurant: Mandolin

Best sushi: Kaido

Best Italian: MC Kitchen

Best new restaurant: Swan

Best hidden gem: Aubi & Ramsa in Jade Alley

Best healthy eating spot: St. Roch Market

Best vegan/vegan-friendly restaurant: OTL

Best late-night dining restaurant: Ghee

Best fine dining restaurant: The Surf Club by Thomas Keller

Best waterfront dining (for Miami): Amara at Paraiso

Best dessert: Dairy-free coconut ice cream with fresh berries from MadLab Creamery

Best cocktails: Kaido

Best happy hour: 6 a.m.

Best wine list: The Forge

Best place for a romantic date: My dock

Best nightclub: Bar Bevy

Best Sunday brunch: Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink

Best place for a power business meeting: ICA

Best rooftop (pool/restaurant): 1 Hotel

Best hotel for out of town guests: Faena Hotel 

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Miami Design District—Gucci, Rick Owens, Dior, Louis Vuitton

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Palm Court Plaza at MDD

Best spa: Recovery at DBC Fitness

Favorite charity event: Best Buddies

Favorite cultural event: Watches & Wonders at MDD, Design/ Miami & Art Basel

Favorite cultural institution: ICA

Best pizza: Harry’s Pizzeria

Best lunch: MC Kitchen, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Swan & Mandolin

Best gym/athletic facility: DBC Fitness

Best massage: Jackie

Best museum/exhibit: PAMM

Best weekend getaway/staycation: My house

Describe your city in three words: Urban, tropical, paradise

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Stiltsville from the tip of Key Biscayne

All-around favorite spot in Miami: Miami Design District

Best aspect of MIAMI: Where the mangroves meet architecture!

Photo Credit: Felipe Cuevas