10 Restaurants Bringing the Heat and Style For Miami’s Big Race Week

One of the most-hyped openings in a while, this outpost of the glamorous London restaurant delivers the drama. The space is huge, the décor is extra, and the presentation is over the top, giving you the feeling of being instantly transported into Poseidon’s underwater world. Let’s start with the cocktail book. Yes, it’s a beautifully presented book with photographs of each cocktail so you can easily visualize your choice before it’s set on the table. While the name suggests seafood-centric fare, the menu has options for everyone. Dinner appetizers include caviar, oysters, and tartare, with mains like glazed pork belly, tiger prawns, and wagyu gyoza. If you can’t get a dinner reservation, the excellent, reasonably priced prix fixe lunch features several signature dishes, including the standout kimchi fried rice and steamed sea bass.

Pro tip: Don’t miss a visit to the bathroom (and bring your camera). You can thank us later.

Housed in one of the most iconic classic Miami neighborhoods, this café is much more than a restaurant. Here, James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein is transporting you directly to Cuba, from the island décor and lively music to her classic cuisine. Get there at least 30 minutes before your reservation so you can enjoy the bar, recently lauded by World’s 50 Best, thanks to elegant bartenders who create drinks in theatrical fashion, including one of the best mojitos in town.

As the nightly live band starts up, order empanadas and croquetas for the table – both come best stuffed with options like steak, sweet corn and chicken, risotto, and lobster. For entrees, don’t miss the flaky, crispy, whole boneless snapper, the uber-tender lechon, and the crowd-pleasing arroz con pollo. And for a typical end to an atypical meal, order the flan, a creamy custard that you’ll hope never ends. 

Pro tip: If you visit on Friday or Saturday, head over to ’80s-themed 305 Bar in the back — the one always giving off major Miami Vice vibes (opens at midnight).

For dishes that simply allow the freshness of the ingredients to shine, take a stroll through the Design District to this family-owned shop. The unpretentious restaurant, which started as a food hall vendor, now offers alfresco dining overlooking a buzzy courtyard. Itamae has also garnered several impressive accolades recently. The Nikkei menu effortlessly combines Peruvian ingredients with Japanese techniques, and since it’s always changing you can keep coming back for new items to savor. Menu staples include citrusy ceviches and tiratidos, sashimi, and specialty maki rolls, along with a selection of natural wines.

Pro tip: This is outdoor dining, so check the forecast before your meal.

If you’re looking for a relaxed vibe away from South Beach’s electric energy, this downtown bistro, with its warm ambiance and tantalizing aromas, welcomes you in. The rotating wine list specializes in natural and biodynamic wines, but don’t fret if you’re not well-versed in them — the knowledgeable staff will happily guide you through.

Once you’ve settled on wine, peruse the Catalan-inspired tapas menu. We like the Pa Amb Tomaquet: perfectly toasted bread with crushed tomato and garlic oil that’s a simple, delicious way to start your meal. Other ways to get going include a variety of charcuterie options alongside seafood bites like oysters, anchovies, octopus, prawns, and branzino tartare, and if you’re looking for a must-have dish, try the Ous. Resembling soup served in a bowl, it’s poached eggs in potato foam, topped with jamon ibérico and black truffle. Slather on warm bread and be prepared for the wave of happiness that follows. Other shareables to try are the charbroiled calamar and arros sec. And if you’re in the giving mood, buy a round of beers for the kitchen staff (yes, it’s an actual menu item and we encourage it). 

Pro tip: If you want to grab a glass of wine before or after your meal, sister concept NIU Wine is a few steps down the street.

The thing about a weekend-long event is that, well, eventually you’re going to need brunch, right?  And the team at Major Food Group has you covered with the Coconut Grove location of Sadelle’s, their tribute to the great New York tradition of noshing. That means all the essential forms of smoked fish — sturgeon, sable, Scottish salmon and so on — with the requisite bagels and garnishes. It means egg-salad sandwiches, matzoh ball soup and, because this is MFG, latkes with caviar. In other words, it is the quintessential pause you’ll want in an otherwise hectic weekend.

Pro tip: The Sadelle’s tower is the object of anyone’s appetizing dreams. IYKYK.

You’re instantly going to feel cooler and sexier the moment you step inside this outpost of the Michelin-starred New York City Korean steakhouse. A sleek black door ushers you into a dynamic welcoming reception, where you’re then invited to head through another door into the dimly lit dining room and lively bar. You’re at a chophouse, so you’ll find classic cocktails like the Proper Martini and Cote Fashioned on the menu. Still, don’t sleep on the impressive wine list. Even if it seems overwhelming, just ask for a sommelier, who’ll be happy to guide you through based on your preferences.

While not overly extensive, the dinner menu offers guests the best cuts of meat, from American wagyu to A5 Japanese wagyu. We recommend starting off with something light, like the bright ceviche or tuna tartare, before diving into meat selections like the Butcher’s Feast, a prix fixe menu that comes with USDA prime and American wagyu beef, and a selection of accoutrements like pickled vegetables, a savory egg soufflé, and even a delightful soft-serve dessert. 

Pro tip: If you can’t snag a dinner reservation, it’s also open for lunch. 

The Miami outpost of the Michelin-starred Washington D.C. restaurant delivers similarly stellar service and quality dishes that chef Fabio Trabocchi is known for having mastered. The burrata here is sublime and so is the bison steak tartare. The all-star pastas, which also can come gluten-free or in half portions, will satisfy any of your cravings, from pesto or clams to ragu Bolognese, or even short rib lasagna. And if your mood is steering you away from pasta, that’s cool too. The charred Spanish octopus, whole branzino, or rib eye are also excellent choices. Fiola also hosts wine pairing dinners with celebrated vintners, so be on the lookout.

Pro tip: The wine list is extensive so don’t hesitate to ask for a sommelier, who can help navigate.

Nestled in a strip mall, bookended by a supermarket and laundromat, it’s easy to miss one of Miami’s hottest spots. The space is rather petite, so smaller parties will usually get bar seating, putting you that much closer to the satisfying aromas. The Italian-inspired menu changes constantly, but a best practice here is to order a few plates and share. First, start with the famous potato skins. Far from what you remember from your childhood, they’re crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and topped with straciatella, caviar, and egg. The tagliolini nero with king crab and truffle is also a must-try, but really anything you order is going to make your heart and soul happy, so just go for it.

Pro tip: Look for the trademark neon exclamation point and a handful of outdoor tables to guide the way inside.