The July Hit List: Rosie’s, Krüs Kitchen, Vinya Table, and More

One of Miami’s most popular pandemic pop-ups is back in semi-permanent form with its first standalone location. For now, Rosie’s: The Backyard is an outdoor oasis seating 70 guests under the shade of a massive Banyan tree, while owners Akino and Jamila West work on renovating a historic house in Little River that will eventually become the full-fledged Rosie’s. Beloved for its soul food-style brunch, Rosie’s blends Southern comfort food with Italian influence. So book your table for all-day brunch, featuring deviled eggs, pastrami hash, and, yes, a cacio e pepe omelette. 

This buzzworthy new American bar and grill in Coconut Grove is the latest opening from David Grutman and the folks at Groot Hospitality. While the DJ booth plays tunes to set the mood, true to the spirit of the laid-back Grove neighborhood, this spot is a bit more low key than Grutman’s typical nightclub-meets-restaurant vibes. The covered outdoor seating area makes for the perfect spot to partake in their weekend brunch offering.

Call 305-521-4969 for reservations.

A reservation at Florida’s first and only two-Michelin-star restaurant seems like a worthy way of celebrating the release of our first Michelin Guide. The legacy of the late Joël Robuchon is on full display in this impressive “workshop” of French cuisine. Book yourself a seat at the 34-seat dining counter for a special glimpse of the action in the open kitchen, where you can watch Robuchon’s legacy brought to life by his protégés. While it’s to be expected of a Michelin-caliber tasting menu experience, we can’t recommend reservations here without mentioning the price tag: L’Atelier’s multi-course menus run anywhere from $190 to $280 per person. Also to note: the Design District gem is located upstairs from its sister restaurant Le Jardinier, which earned itself a one-Michelin-star rating. No bad choices here.

Soak up summer’s extra daylight hours with toes-in-the-sand dining at Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne’s gourmet burger lounge on the beach. Dune Burgers serves up beach bites like their signature craft burger (made with a 35-day dry-aged patty) and turmeric lime yuca fries, with a side of sea breeze and serenity that will make you feel like you’re on vacation. While you’re there, ask Geno at the bar to make one of his classic Frozen Mojitos. And if you’re stuffed, take off your shoes and take a walk down the shore to El Farito, the lighthouse at the southern tip of Key Biscayne.

Call 305-365-4500 for reservations.

X marks the spot of one of Miami’s best restaurants. Inside the lobby of the X Miami building in Downtown Miami, you’ll find this intimate cocktail bar and pasta restaurant that reopened last month. At Jaguar Sun, the drinks are tropical, the bartenders are fun, and the food is no after-thought. Rest assured, they’ve brought back their Parker House rolls, cacio e pepe bucatini, and delicious crudo plates. It’s a cozy space ,so reservations are a good idea if you want a seat in the dining area, while the bar is first come, first served.

Christy’s Restaurant is that rare sort of old-fashioned steakhouse, refreshed with modern décor, a killer cocktail menu and top-notch service. This landmark on Ponce de Leon Boulevard must be drinking from the fountain of youth, because for over 40 years, it has wined-and-dined some of the biggest-deal dignitaries – and now reinvented under new ownership, it’s still serving up an experience you can’t get anywhere else. Start with Christy’s signature Caesar salad, and wrap up with the Baked Alaska. If we haven’t convinced you, seeing the flambé dessert show up at every other table should do the trick. 

Expanding beyond its Key Biscayne roots, Vinya has now turned its Coral Gables pop-up concept into a new permanent (and beautifully designed) restaurant and wine market in the heart of the Gables. Here you can pair unique dishes from sharing plates to entrees with an ample by-the-glass wine menu. The eclectic food menu features new dishes exclusive to the Coral Gables location – like blood sausage spring rolls, lamb baklava, and venison carpaccio – alongside favorites including the Vinya burger made with American wagyu, and customizable charcuterie boards of cured meats and cheeses, as any wine bar should. Sit outside on the sidewalk to watch the energy of Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile come to life.

Call 305-203-4229 for reservations. 

At Krüs Kitchen in Coconut Grove, chef Sebastián Vargas focuses on seasonal ingredients to create a Miami-inspired evolving menu. Previously only open for lunch and takeout, Krüs recently launched dinner service in its upstairs dining area, located right above its newly Michelin-starred sister restaurant Los Félix. Creative, fresh and flavorful dishes abound in this stylish and cozy space. Alternatively, you can pick an outdoor seat for people-watching in the Grove, but regardless you’ll want to stop by the upstairs wine store & market to find your next favorite wine bottle from some of the up-and-comers of the natural minded wine world.

This new Mediterranean restaurant at Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale makes quite the impression. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll be put in the perfect mood for dining on this Mediterranean-meets-Florida menu. Evelyn’s is named for Evelyn Fortune Lilly Bartlett, a Fort Lauderdale legend known as the Lady of Bonnet House, for her impact on the local landmark known for its beautiful gardens.

Call 754-336-3100 for reservations.

The popular Israeli food hall stand at MIA Market in the Design District now has a full-service brick-and-mortar location further north in Hallandale Beach. The restaurant’s interior is designed to transport you to the vibrant ancient seaside city of Jaffa, as will its contemporary Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu is kosher-style, focused on Glatt Kosher meats, and completely dairy-free, making all of vegetable dishes fully vegan-friendly. Enjoy mezze starters, hummus, falafel, deconstructed babaganush and more from chef Yaniv Cohen (aka The Spice Detective), as well as stewed tagine dishes and grilled entrees like kofta kebabs and beef arais (stuffed pita). You can even partake in a special Israeli brunch buffet on Sundays, or take in a lively belly dancing show on Thursday and Saturday nights.