Miami: 7 Summer Menus for Haute Summer Nights

Summer is upon us, and here in the Magic City, Miami’s hottest chefs are celebrating with inventive new menus of delicious seasonal fare. For a taste of summer like you’ve never had before, head to these scrumptious spots for delectable dishes inspired by the sun:

Lure Fishbar

Sitting at the back of the raved-about Loews Miami Beach Hotel, this award-winning seafood joint has come out with a not new summer menu that only the talented Chef John Iatrellis could create. With delicious fare from both the land and sea, this prix-fixe menu includes tasty seasonal favorites like calamari with smoked chili glaze, a raw bar platter, Lure’s award-winning Bash Style Burger, Nori crusted tuna with Chinese broccoli and Jasmine rice, herb roasted chicken with Greek-style oven potatoes, and more. And to end this feast on a sweet note, try the Key lime pie with roasted white chocolate — your taste buds will thank you later. Lure Fishbar is located in the St. Moritz Hotel building, at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, at 1601 Collins Avenue. For more information about this special summer menu, which runs through July, call (305) 695-4550.

AQ by Acqualina

New at Sunny Isles’ most beautiful Mediterranean resort, Acqualina Resort & Spa, AQ by Acqualina’s summer dinner menu features Chef Anthony Domniguez’s favorite flavors from around the world. Book a table outside and pair his delectable fare — like the house-made hummus, yuzu tuna tacos, foie gras toast, dragon fruit Greek salad, local Florida wagyu beef burger, lobster tagliatelle and more — with million-dollar views. We promise it’s the perfect respite for even the longest of summer days. AQ by Acqualina is located inside the Acqualina Resort & Spa, at 17875 Collins Avenue. The restaurant is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday, from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday, from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM.

Baoli Miami

New this summer, Collins Avenue’s French-inspired locale, Baoli Miami, is giving guests a taste of the Orient with Chef Gustavo Vertone’s Asian-fusion favorites. For a summer dinner on SoBe you won’t soon forget, try the shrimp-tempura “Mango Tango” roll, savory Maine Lobster Risotto or teriyaki-marinated, Robata Grilled Organic King Salmon. Wash it all down with the talented bartender’s summer-only cocktail, the Buffalo Trace Bourbon-based “Sunset Affair,” and you’ll be wishing it was summer all year long. Baoli Miami is located at 1906 Collins Avenue. It is open Monday through Sunday, from 7 PM to 4 AM. 

The Dutch

Whoever says dessert shouldn’t be the main event, clearly hasn’t been to The Dutch at W South Beach Hotel & Residences. Led by critically acclaimed Executive Pastry Chef Josh Gripper, this haute joint recently unveiled a new dessert menu inspired by summer: one that includes chocolate soufflé with raspberry jam and mint chocolate ice cream; strawberry-almond ice cream cake with peach brulée and orange-tarragon sauce; churros & donuts served with dulce de leche and guava sauce; and milk chocolate & cherries with lemon cream and vanilla sorbet. With Chef Josh at the helm, one thing’s for sure: summer in Miami just got a little sweeter. The Dutch is located inside W South Beach Hotel & Residences, at 2201 Collins Avenue. Dinner is served Sunday through Wednesday, from 7 PM to 11:30 PM, and Thursday through Saturday, from 7 PM to Midnight.

American Social Las Olas

American Social Las Olas just turned 3, and to celebrate this momentous occasion, it’s showering all of its patrons with a special “Three Cheers for Three Years” anniversary menu available from now through the end of August. For just $20, guests can enjoy a selection of two signature drinks, like the “Not Your Father’s Root Beer Float” and “Ketel Blue Cosmo,” and one appetizer. Our vote? Either the plantain crumb-encrusted “Goat Cheese Croquettes” or the mojo pork-filled “Pikliz and Pork Tostones” — both are guaranteed to keep you coming back for more. American Social Las Olas is located at 721 E. Las Olas Boulevard. For more information about its “Three Cheers for Three Years” menu, call (954) 764-7005.

Biscayne Tavern

When its comfort food you seek, this trendy, but casual neighborhood gastro-tavern is the spot to be. Helmed by Chef R.C. Cabalquinto, this hot Yve Hotel Miami Downtown haunt is turning up the heat this summer with its own $25 prix-fixe “Summer Sunset” menu. Choose from the restaurant’s favorite appetizers, mains and desserts — like sirloin beef or pork belly sliders, the “Just Like Your Backyard BBQs” Biscayne Burger, Key West Key Lime Pie and more — for a delicious dinner guaranteed to end your hot Miami day on a high note. Biscayne Tavern is located inside the Yve Hotel Miami Downtown, at 146 Biscayne Boulevard. The “Summer Sunset” menu is available seven days a week, from 5 PM to 11 PM.

SUGARCANE raw bar grill

Located in Miami’s Midtown area, SUGARCANE raw bar grill centers on the simple pleasures of life: eating well, kicking back and celebrating with friends. This season, it’s adding to that mantra with Executive Chef Timon Balloo’s new menu of summer favorites: foie gras fried rice, sesame-covered watermelon kimchee and pan-seared scallops with bacon bean ragu and charred corn purée. SUGARCANE raw bar grill is located at 3252 Northeast First Avenue. For more information about its summer menu, call (786) 369-0353.