The March Hit List: Tropezón, Old Lisbon, Tacombi, and More

Allow yourself to be transported to Spain’s southern coast at this Andalusian-inspired gin and tapas bar. Indulge in classic Mediterranean small plates like jamón ibérico, chorizo, gazpacho, pan con tomate, tortilla, and gambas al ajillo. Sips here range from crisp gin and tonics to fruity sangrias and smooth sherries. 

It may be a drive for some, but once you discover this oasis you’ll be rewarded with expansive water vistas, magical sunsets, and a relaxed vibe that effortlessly pairs with its coastal fare. Start with a creamy New England clam chowder or refreshing ceviche before diving into a brown sugar-crusted salmon or almond-crusted sea scallops. There’s also a raw bar with oysters, tuna tartare, and sashimi. 

Call 305-668-8788 for reservations or visit redfishmiami.com.

This Mexican restaurant feels like a mom-and-pop business when it’s really a successful chain with concepts in New York, Virginia, and now Miami. With a mission to share Mexico’s taco culture with hungry diners, the menu boasts a slew of them, from carne asada to seared fish. You’ll also find quesadillas, guacamole, margaritas, and housemade fruit drinks. And sticking with the warm family feel, it created a community kitchen during the pandemic that continues to make and distribute Mexican meals to those who are food insecure. 

This Portuguese restaurant had been on the same corner of Coral Way for decades, years before Miami became a culinary destination. It shares the owner’s homeland fare with patrons, and has branched out with two more locations in South Miami and Sunny Isles. Mussels and grilled sardines share the menu with seafood rice abounding with shrimp, clams, squid, and fish or grilled octopus. If you like codfish, you can choose to have it prepared in a variety of ways from breaded to shredded.

Call 305-854-0039 for reservations for the Miami location.

When you can’t get to Germany but you’re craving a beer and bratwurst, head over to this Pompano Beach darling that’s been serving up German fare for decades. Surrounded by striking traditional steins, the restaurant radiates with a warm ambiance. The menu, which features dishes like fried münster cheese, Bavarian onion and apple soup, and all the schnitzels you’ve ever dreamed of, is complemented with a vast German beer menu. 

Strolling around downtown, you may overlook the small alley that leads you here so make sure you’re paying attention. Once you find it, the aromas will guide the way to this Aegean retreat washed in white and accentuated with hints of rich blues. The menu is filled with classic mezes like shrimp saganaki, grilled octopus, and hummus. For entrees, choose from grilled lamb, traditional moussaka, or a mixed seafood platter. It has a second location in Coconut Grove, which also serves weekend brunch with Greek yogurt bowls, Greek coffee, and a variety of egg dishes. 

Call 786-773-1535 (downtown) or 786-254-7079 (Coconut Grove) for reservations. 

This family-owned restaurant tucked into a quiet Coral Gables street is reminiscent of a bustling Parisian bistro. Both lunch and dinner menus offer an international selection of dishes including Bahamian conch fritters, Argentine churrasco, and Newcastle fish & chips. Pro tip: If you’re a tuna sandwich lover, don’t miss the baked tuna melt with Swiss and cheddar cheese on toasted rye at lunch.

This waterfront restaurant is a hidden gem, tucked inside a residential building on Biscayne Bay. Serving, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, the reasonably priced menus offer a selection of entrees that include an appetizer like ham croquettes, spring rolls, or lentil soup. For dinner, the tiered menu allows diners to stay on budget while never compromising flavor. Dishes include Mexican oxtail tacos, miso-glazed salmon, blackened ahi tuna, and slow-cooked boneless ribs.

Call 305-377-4442 for reservations.

The South Beach market is home to a variety of vendors, with an international list of cuisines from Cuban to Japanese. If you’re looking to up your casual dinner game, then check out this prix fixe tasting menu experience, which takes you on a tour through Spain’s northern Basque region. You’ll sense chef Aitor Garate Berasaluze’s passion for his native land with every bite you savor.  

A lively atmosphere, alfresco dining, and wood-fired pizzas ensure that there’s always a crowd at this Italian trattoria. You can also look forward to a variety of pastas like penne alla vodka and frutti de mare alongside mains like eggplant Parmesan, veal marsala, and chicken cacciatore. Pro tip: The pear pasta may seem like an entrée but this creamy, indulgent antipasto is definitely worth ordering.