The May Hit List: All Day, Jaguar Sun, Hometown Barbecue, and More

Coffee fanatics line up outside the ventanita here for their morning or afternoon caffeine fix. Famous for its specialty coffee, you can find cold brew, Japanese-style made-to-order drip, and plenty of espresso. It’s also one of the few restaurants that proudly shares where it sources ingredients — mainly from Florida with a few exceptions for some of its coffee. For fare, depending on what you’re in the mood for, choose a light bite like a croqueta or mamey tart, or lean into a hearty egg dish complete with bacon, avocado, and home fries. Weekend brunch includes a few specials like the crab Benedict, and there are always plenty of naturalish wines and local beers to enjoy. [Update on 5/24: All Day announced it would be closing temporarily.]

In search for a larger space to properly social distance, the beloved downtown lounge relocated to Lot 6 in Little River to open Sunny’s Someday Steakhouse. An unassuming warehouse district surrounds the new venue, and you may even drive past it once, or twice, trying to locate the entrance. Once you find it, you’ll be rewarded with a hip secret garden complete with picnic benches, outdoor kitchen serving up traditional steakhouse fare, and plenty of crafty cocktails.

Dining status: Outdoor tables by reservation only.

New York chef and James Beard-award nominee Billy Durney brought his legendary barbecue to Miami in 2019 when he opened the first outpost of his cherished New York City restaurant. The casual industrial space is home to his smoked meats – think brisket, crispy burnt ends, and housemade sausage – in addition to ribs, wings, and a variety of savory sandwiches, tacos, and sides. 

Dining status: Indoor and outdoor dining via counter service only. More info here. Takeout is available, too.

Latin and Caribbean flavors effortlessly blend together at this hotel restaurant, which served up dishes like roast Cuban pork with garlic yucca mash, and tuna that’s adobo-rubbed and served over malanga goat-cheese fondue. Fans of ceviche, make sure to check out the options that includes tuna and foie-gras, lobster, and hamachi Nikkei ceviches.

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

When you step into this quaint community of shops and restaurants a few miles north from the luxury fashion houses of the Design District, you’ll be transported into a different world. A massive bodhi tree greets you on your way to the two-story restaurant.  The Italian menu offers appetizers like grilled pears alongside a selection of pizzas, paninis, pastas, and mains like chicken piccata, veal Milanese, and branzino. 

Dining status: Outdoor and indoor tables are open for reservations; call 305-405-7547.  Takeout is available, too.

Located inside the chic Mr. C Hotel, this contemporary Italian restaurant radiates charming sophistication. Whether you choose to sit within the sleek, modern aesthetic of the interior dining room or the more casual outdoor terrace that overlooks Biscayne Bay, you’ll be treated to top-notch service and dishes ranging from creamy burrata and beef tenderloin carpaccio to cacio e pepe bucatini and lasagne alla Bolognese.

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

This refuge from Brickell’s hustle, tucked inside the towering Four Seasons Hotel, has a sleek modern dining room and casual patio complete with fire pits (yes, Miami loves them). You’ll find Latin flavors throughout the menu, like the chorizo and cheddar croquetas, tostones with avocado chimichurri and cotija cheese, and wagyu churrasco. But you’ll also find staples like a rib eye, lamb chops, and beef tartare. The drink menu has a variety of whiskies, wines by the glass and bottle, and cocktails. Plus there’s a dedicated cigar menu for enthusiasts. 

Dining status: Outdoor and indoor tables are open for reservations; call 305-381-3190.

A short drive north you’ll find The Dalmar hotel’s colorful rooftop. Depending on your mood (and perhaps the weather), this space oozes vintage cocktail lounge with midcentury modern leather and velvet furniture on the interior and a quirkier, mosaic infused, lively atmosphere outside. Its witty cocktail menu targets three moods: classic, adventurous, and group (think trendy tureen). Nosh on small and large plates like sushi rolls, lobster mac and cheese, seared duck breast, crispy pork belly, and edamame dumplings. 

Dining status: Outdoor and indoor tables are open for reservations; call 954-945-9100. Takeout is available, too.

The terrace, surrounded by lush greenery thanks to the adjacent garden center, is where you can unwind after a long week with a pitcher of peach bellinis, plus an always-filling breakfast burrito or satisfying juicy Benedict burger. It’s also open for lunch and dinner, where you’ll find not-your-basic sandwiches like duck sliders with hoisin slaw, and healthy eats like the chickpea bowl, or the quinoa and kale bowl, alongside grilled meats (served after 5 p.m.).

Dining status: While there are limited indoor tables, head for the outdoor covered patio tables, which are open for reservations. Takeout and delivery are also available.

If you’re savvy enough to find the elusive elevator, you’ll be rewarded with stunning Miami Beach views, white and lavender-hued décor, and an impressive green living wall that you’ll be tempted to caress. Cocktails with playful names like the Sobe Pornstar (vodka, passion fruit puree, agave, and prosecco) are terrific ways to kick off the evening. The international menu offers you choices from ceviche and wagyu beef gyoza to short-rib asado negro, and truffle risotto. 

Dining status: Outdoor and indoor tables are open for reservations; call 305-763-8272.  Takeout is available, too.