The July Hit List: Zitz Sum, Township, Via Emilia Garden, and More

This downtown Mexican restaurant isn’t your usual taco joint. Serving up Baja cuisine that’s bursting with flavor, here you’ll find aguachiles sharing the menu with pork belly in a salsa verde pesto, mussels in a chorizo broth, and a chile stuffed with smoked tuna. If you’re craving tacos, these pockets of perfection are stuffed with octopus, carne asada or shrimp before they’re charcoal-grilled. 

As the mainland outpost to the famed Miami Beach family-owned Italian restaurant, this pasta factory continues with the same traditions. Look for a variety of handmade vegetarian, meat, and seafood pastas, like pumpkin cappellacci in a butter and sage sauce, or the always-solid tagliatelle in ragu Bolognese. The interior’s modern aesthetic flows outdoors into a quaint garden, transporting you away from Miami’s busy streets. 

Meat eaters and vegans alike can come together to enjoy David Lee’s Asian-focused menu, one that will leave you satisfied and feeling healthy, too. Sushi expertly prepared with watermelon, avocado, tempura broccoli or hearts of palm will charm you into thinking you’re eating fish. (Assuming you’re into that sort of thing.) Warm dumplings share the menu with truffle udon noodles, pineapple fried rice, peking jackfruit, Cantonese crispy noodles, and garlic bok choy.

Located in an unassuming building in the budding MiMo District, it’s easy to drive past, so look out for the red lanterns. Inside you’ll find a speakeasy-type atmosphere and a balanced blend of Cajun and Vietnamese cuisine. You won’t find basic pho or noodles here; instead, look for green papaya salad, dreamy rolls, fluffy bao buns, savory curries, Cajun fried rice with andouille sausage, and duck confit.

Call 305-602-3710 for reservations.

This outpost of the international steakhouse serves up certified Black Angus beef with a side of sultry vibes. The daily happy hour offers an impressive menu of bar snacks like beef tartare, wagyu meatballs, tuna tartare taco, and half-off specialty cocktails. If you’re craving steak for breakfast, brunch will brighten up your weekend with a wagyu breakfast burger and truffle steak and egg.

The new kid on the block in Brickell is drawing locals and visitors alike with consistent, well-presented Mediterranean fare. The shaded terrace doesn’t hurt either. Start with a mix of dips: roasted red pepper, hummus, baba ghanoush and labneh. Appetizers also include falafel, baked kibbe, cheese saganaki and octopus. Fish and grilled meats round out the menu. Pro tip: Don’t miss the heavenly and extra-gooey moussaka.

Call 305-967-8301 for reservations.

This downtown sports bar is all about bringing people together. It’s famous for its special events, including football- and soccer-watching parties, weekend brunches, and lively dueling pianos.  With a collection of more than 50 beers in addition to liquor, wine, and cocktails, you’ll find that perfect drink to pair with a selection of bar bites.

The seafood restaurant and raw bar is the newest concept to open at the Moxy South Beach. Also created by the founders of Coyo Taco, this marisqueria incorporates the vibes and flavors of Mexico’s seaside towns with locally-sourced whole fish cooked over a wood-burning grill, scallop skewers with pineapple and spring onions, tacos al pastor, roasted corn topped with morita chile and cotija cheese, and a variety of Oaxacan-style mole sauces.

Call 305-423-8004 for reservations.

The global brand’s contemporary space boasts Miami River views dotted with high-rises and mega-yachts. Even after 10 years, the Epic Hotel restaurant still hosts one of the best brunches in town. Modern Japanese cuisine holds the spotlight on the weekends, with a sprawling sushi buffet and — of course — unlimited drink specials. Meanwhile, daily dinner service offers an izakaya-inspired menu with plenty of nigiri sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls, plus an omakase experience.

Call 305-577-0277 for reservations.

Chef Pablo Zitzmann is back and so are his inventive takes on Asian flavors and dishes. The Colombian native has reemerged onto the Miami dining scene alongside his wife, partner and baker Natalia Restrepo to share with us his hybrid between dim sum and izakaya dining with plenty of dumplings and Asian street food tapas.