The December Hit List: The Drexel, Barbakoa, El Bagel, and More

Located on Española Way, a charming street that easily transports you from buzzy South Beach to a quaint seaside town on the Med, this is the Esmé hotel’s newest restaurant. Created by the team that brought Mandolin Aegean Bistro to the Design District, the menu boasts Mediterranean-inspired dishes and wine. Pair the housemade pastas and pizzas or locally sourced seafood with a French rosé, Spanish bubbles, an Italian red, or Grecian white.

As a hospitality vet who grew up picking up shifts at her family’s Cuban restaurant, chef Eileen Andrade’s experience and talent in the kitchen has led her to open her latest restaurant at foodie paradise The Doral Yard. Look for Latin dishes with an Asian twist, like the Loaded Spanish Boniato Fries with vaca frita, kimchi sour cream, maduros, and fried garlic. It’s a lively spot where you can sip on a cocktail at the bar with friends or catch up with family on the terrace with a sampling of shareable plates.

The humble food truck-turned-bagel sensation opened up a brick-and-mortar last year and has been serving up its fluffy bagels since then. You can only order online for same-day pickup (that means no walk-up or pre-orders) or feed your grateful friends by putting in a catering order. While the bagels are indeed spectacular, it’s the sandwiches that will make your soul sing. Pro tip: Make sure to get your order in early because once the truck sells out for the day, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.

No reservations necessary.

For a true omakase experience in Palm Beach County, head over to this unassuming eight-seat bar. As part of the two-hour chef’s choice dinner you’ll sample a variety of uber-fresh sushi, nigiri, sashimi, and maki prepared by talented chefs who are eager to chat and share at least a few of their secrets with you.

Tucked amid towering skyscrapers, this breakfast, lunch, and brunch joint will impress business contacts or out-of-town visitors alike. The all-day menu spans from eggs paired with steak, crab, or salmon to creamy soups, crisp salads, and satisfying sandwiches. Since you’re already there, don’t forget the daily baked croissants.

No reservations necessary.

Two longtime friends came together to open up this inviting bistro that’s serving up all things Argentine. Think starters like empanadas, chorizo, pulpo, and of course, the gooey, cheesy wonder of provoleta. Meats here are beloved, so if you don’t want to choose, order the meat parrillada, which comes with a variety of cuts. For non-meat eaters there are plenty of options too, from a seafood parrillada to risotto and housemade pasta.

You only have a few days to snag a reservation at this exclusive omakase dinner, which runs through Dec. 5, so act fast. Chef Daisuke Nakazawa and owner Alessandro Borgognone of New York City’s Michelin-starred Sushi Nakazawa have landed in Miami for a pop-up experience that will elevate your palate to another stratosphere. You can look forward to a 19-course menu with beautifully plated sushi that’s almost too pretty to eat.

Regardless of where in Miami you are, you’ll probably be near one of these Argentine restaurants or markets. The family-owned empire now has four restaurants and an additional three markets around town that sell housemade Argentine prepared foods and baked goods along with imported Argentine sundries and wine.

For reservations, call: 305-860-1426 (Brickell); 305-225-0008 (Bird Road); 305-819-7461 (Hialeah); 305-774-3599 (Coral Gables).

If you’re looking for an entertaining happy hour, craving Asian fusion fare or a lively late-night spot, this Wynwood haunt is it. The Maki Hour menu offers discounted beer, wine, cocktails, and maki bites while the Thursday Ladies Night menu is a three-course treat that includes two drinks. The vibrant venue also hosts a Sunday brunch with a selection of crudos, maki, and eggs Benedict.

Come here to indulge in Antonio Bachour’s sweet world of pastries. The celebrated chef, who was once named one of the top 10 pastry chefs in the nation, has created a flagship store that’s exploding with buttery croissants and decadent tarts alongside a modern cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

No reservations necessary.