The Miami Hit List, Lunch Edition: Itamae, Planta, Sanguich de Miami, and More

If you’re looking to impress your lunch companion, this open-air patio, surrounded by lush greenery and orchids, is the place. Here you’ll find vegetable-centric dishes almost too beautiful to eat — almost. Choose from à la carte items like a roasted beet salad with herbed goat cheese, mandarin oranges, and pistachios, or from the three-course prixe fixe menu. The beet salad is an option on that, too, along with a creamy spelt risotto with winter vegetables, and mimolette.

Dining status: Outdoor and indoor tables are open for reservations. Takeout is available, too. 

This family-owned Nikkei restaurant made its name as one of the Design District’s food hall vendors, even garnering a James Beard award nomination. Now it has opened up its own brick-and-mortar just steps away. Order a variety of the Peruvian/Japanese-inspired dishes to share, like the torrejitas de choclo (corn fritters), a tiradito clasico or ceviche, and a signature roll.

Dining status: Outdoor tables are open for reservations. There’s a takeout option, although it’s not always available.

We’re lucky to have such a deep-rooted Cuban community in the city, and with that come all the island nation’s savory dishes — in particular its signature sandwiches. The menu here includes snacks like ham croquettes and chicharrones, but the stars of the show are the sanguiches. All are meat-heavy, so first decide if you want ham, shredded pork, turkey or sous-vide steak. And if you’ve never been, start with the traditional Cubano, with ham, lechon, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, on warm buttery Cuban bread, as classic as it gets.

Dining status: Indoor tables only, reservations not required. Takeout is available.

Stepping through the powder-blue wooden gates of this Design District restaurant will transport you straight to the whitewashed homes of the Greek islands, or perhaps to quaint Turkish coastal towns. Lunch is the perfect time to pick a few mezes for the table. The Greek sampler, which comes with three dips (tzatziki, olive, and tirokafteri) and warm pita, is the right way to kick off a meal. The Ali Nazik plate of ground lamb over smoked eggplant yogurt is a treat, and it’s always fun to watch the cheese saganaki come flaming to the table. Make sure to squeeze the lemon over it for a citrusy kick.  Pro tip: Reservations can be hard to get, so plan ahead or set a Notify.

Dining status: Outdoor and indoor tables are open for reservations. Takeout is available. 

Located in the heart of South Beach, Planta’s modern aesthetic fits right in. But inside, you’ll find a plant-based menu with surprises at every turn. There are no boring vegetable dishes here. Instead, the plates range from a spicy tuna roll that replaces fish with ahi watermelon; an avocado lime tartare; crispy Korean cauliflower lettuce wraps; and a selection of pizzas.

Dining status: Outdoor and indoor tables are open for reservations. Takeout is available. 

While this is a chain, it certainly doesn’t feel like it as you stroll through the ritzy Bal Harbour Shops, passing one luxury fashion house after the next, on your way up to the second-floor veranda. You’ll catch executives lunching on rib-eye steaks with pineapple soy ginger marinade alongside a group of socialites enjoying seared ahi tuna salads with mango, avocado, and cilantro-ginger vinaigrette. It’s always lively, and just right after shopping.

Dining status: Indoor tables are open via reservation.

The team behind Coyo Taco just debuted this sexy rooftop restaurant at the new Moxy South Beach. Bright eclectic décor, inspired by bold Mexican tapestries and textiles, welcomes you onto a vibrant terrace. The food reflects that same energy, with dishes like grilled cactus and shrimp, tostadas topped with seared tuna, or uni and crab and quesadillas stuffed with roasted poblano chiles and a variety of Mexican cheeses.

Dining status: Outdoor tables are open for reservations; call 305-306-0776.

Wandering off Las Olas will pay off when you find yourself on the outskirts of Flagler Village. You’ll usually catch chef Rino Cerbone surveying his kingdom as you step into this dimly lit, speakeasy-like spot. Depending on how hungry you are, start off with tender wagyu and pork meatballs — or just go straight to a warm panini, like the short rib and prosciutto; a housemade pasta like gnocchi with pesto and broccoli rabe; or a pizza like the Melanzane, with grilled eggplant, caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella, provoleta, and whipped ricotta.

Dining status: Indoor tables are open for reservations. Takeout is available. 

The business district’s favorite French restaurant has created the Dejeuner D’Affaires, a prix fixe lunch menu that you’ll enjoy whether or not you’re a power luncher. The three-course meal options include a marinated beetroot salad, salmon carpaccio, and ratatouille with Mediterranean vegetables. Side dishes and desserts are available for a separate charge.

Dining status: Outdoor and indoor tables are open for reservations; call 305-403-9133. Takeout is available, too.

This is where you go to get your fill of the gooeiest of mac & cheese. Owned and operated by Pitbull’s former manager, Derrick Turton, aka Chef Teach, House of Mac has two locations. Depending on which you visit, the menu features different takes on his cheesy wonders. You can’t go wrong with the five-cheese truffle mac & cheese or lobster mac & cheese, both topped with golden breadcrumbs. There’s even a vegan mac & cheese alongside a veggie burger if that’s how you roll.

Dining status: Indoor and outdoor tables in North Miami, only indoor tables in Wynwood. Reservations not required.  Takeout and delivery are available, too.

The beloved Lincoln Road food hall brought all of its swoonworthy vendors together to launch the Lunch Like a Local promotion for $15. Choose from two classic rolls at TYO Sushi, a ceviche bowl at Cilantro 27 or a pimento cheese sandwich from Necessary Purveyor. Your options are endless – plus your meal includes a drink.

Dining status: Outdoor and indoor tables available. Reservations not required. Takeout is available.