Where to Eat During Miami Art Week: The Essential Visitors’ Edition

Put Boia De the top of your reservation list because while the space has always been small and thus hard to get into; now, with its Michelin star, it’s even harder to snag a seat. While previously considered off the beaten path, word about this charming brasserie has spread like wildfire. So: Head north from the Design District, and look for the luminous neon exclamation point next to the laundromat. Once you find it, you’ll be rewarded with impressive dishes. We’re particularly fond of the beef tartare, tagliolini nero, and the potato skins topped with caviar.

When you have a chance to taste a dessert curated by one of the best pastry chefs in America, you take it. Puerto Rico native Antonio Bachour opened his flagship bakery in Coral Gables a few years ago and since then has expanded his empire to include an outpost in Doral and his newest and highly anticipated restaurant, Tablé, opens this season in the Design District so keep an eye out for that too. His current two locations are opened for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a rotating list of rich desserts that are almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.  

While its former space was tiny, this Catalan restaurant made up for it tenfold in bold flavors. Now in its larger location, just a few doors down, its fearless chef-driven menu is just as exciting. With a consistently evolving menu, make sure you wait to make decisions until the specials are announced. Staple dishes that shouldn’t be missed include the simple, but classic toasted bread with grated tomato, or the pa amb tomaquet. The ous, or poached egg, is another stellar dish. It’s served in a potato foam and topped with jamon ibérico and black truffle. You’ll be sad when it’s finished. Pro tip: Its slightly more casual sibling, Niu Wine, is perfect for a lighter meal.  

With more than 10 locations, you’re never too far away from classic Cuban fare and pastries. The family-owned enterprise sells Cuban favorites like warm empanadas, gooey pastelitos, and savory croquetas. Make sure to also try the Cuban sandwich and for a heart-pumping kick of caffeine order a colada, an amped up version of an espresso shot.

Find a location near you at Vicky Bakery’s website.

An ideal way to ease into the Miami scene once you’ve landed or recuperate after a whirlwind Miami stay is with an alfresco meal inside this Grecian-inspired courtyard. Its serene setting instantly relaxes your mind while its uber-fresh fare nourishes your body.  Sharing is caring so order several mezes and sit back.  For an easy way to start noshing while you get settled order one of the sampler mezes. Other favorites include the köfte meatballs, grilled prawns, and the cheese saganaki. Pro tip: Walk-in waits can easily extend into a couple of hours so set a Notify if necessary. 

This quaint South of Fifth Café is serving up major Insta-worthy vibes with its suspended secret garden interiors, lush patio, and vibrant dishes – which are just as enticing as they are showstoppers. Brunch and lunch are its most popular meals, but it is open for casual dinners and offers a family-style Shabbat dinner on Fridays. The menu offers an appealing blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors with options like the hummus served with a warm Jerusalem bagel, grilled lamb chops with hints of citrus, and a honeyed baklava. Plus, you can level up your wine with interesting selections from Israel and Lebanon. 

Known for its stone-ground blue masa that’s pressed into tortillas daily, this string of Mexican taquerias gets you pretty close to feeling like you’re south of the border. Order at the counter and sip your chilly margarita while you wait. Standouts include its al pastor tacos with hints of charred pineapple and its grilled elote, or corn on the cob, with a creamy cilantro jalapeño sauce. And don’t skip the churros coated in cinnamon and sugar.

A dinner here guarantees a lively evening that will make you feel like you’ve traveled to Cuba. Celebrated chef Michelle Bernstein is pulling out all the stops to make you feel welcomed into her restaurant and leave very well fed. As you sway to the nightly band’s beats, start your evening with your choice of empanadas and croquetas. The options – from roasted calabaza empanadas to jamon serrano croquetas are all stellar so you can’t go wrong. For mains, opt for the lechon or arroz con pollo for a classic Cuban meal or try the crispy whole boneless snapper if you’re craving local seafood. Make sure to get there earlier than your reservation so you can enjoy some time at the bar – which was recently named one of the Best 50 Bars in the World. Pro tip: order the daiquiri classico or mojito.

While it can be considered a special-occasion restaurant to locals, you’re on vacation so treat yourself. The late chef Joël Robuchon’s creation was also the only restaurant in Miami to receive two revered stars from the Michelin Guide. The indulgent menu does offer a la carte selections, but our suggestion is to go with one of the prix-fixe menus depending on your appetite (and wallet). Each course delivers decadent presentations that lead into expertly prepared dishes each with its own rich flavors. Be prepared for a lengthy, but oh so rewarding meal, so don’t make any set after-dinner plans.

This New York-style pizza joint is selling its ‘za by the slice for walk ins or full pies if you preorder. Toppings range from a classic margherita or pepperoni to more complex flavors like leeks and bacon or mushroom and truffle. Take it up a notch by adding indulgent stracciatella or aromatic basil to your pizza. Once you’ve ordered, pull up a chair at the counter and get ready for your palate to be very happy momentarily.

Contact Miami Slice at 305.217.5423 to place an order. 

Nikkei restaurants specializing in Japanese-Peruvian cuisine are having a Miami moment, but this family-owned restaurant has been at the city’s forefront since its early days as a food hall vendor. It has since then expanded into its own brick-and-mortar inside a ritzy Design District courtyard, and we can’t get enough of its raw fish masterpieces. Order its light bites to your heart and stomach’s delight and rest assured you won’t leave overly stuffed. You can never go wrong with its tiraditos, nigiri or ceviches all expressing bright flavors made with intricate techniques.

Whether you want to be in the heart of buzzy South Beach or are craving Coconut Grove’s more tranquil vibes, you’ll be able to sit down for a plant-based meal that you’ll actually enjoy. PLANTA’s swanky décor welcomes you in and for those who aren’t vegetarian or vegan, the menu will surprise you. Designed to expose the true versatility of plants, dishes are beautifully presented but most importantly don’t lack any flavor. Its sushi and the burger will make your palate do a double take when you realize there’s no seafood or meat in them.