Over the past 20 years, fashion and fare have become intimately intertwined in the South Florida scene. While trends shift from one fad to the next, the timeless charm and effortless style of these establishments are proving them to be icons that define the city we love.
Cecconi's Miami Beach
Since it opened two-and-a-half years ago, Cecconi’s has found favor with international
fashion luminaries and savvy denizens alike, who swarm the
light-strewn terrace for a chance to partake in Miami’s artistic underbelly over
Venetian cuisine. The goat cheese and black truffle pizza and the skirt steak
with cipollini onions and truffle sauce are menu standouts that keep patrons
coming back. Located at Soho Beach House—the still-hot members-only club
that lures creative trades and hosts shows for Chloé and Rag & Bone, among
other top brands—Cecconi’s is a fashion destination for all. And it’s known for
clientele with as much panache as the place itself. While invitations to ultraprivate
events at Soho Beach House during Art Basel Miami Beach this December
were highly coveted, a reservation at Cecconi’s proved equally as elite.
4385 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-507-7902
Juvia
New to the Miami scene last February, the 1111 Building’s purple-hued penthouse,
Juvia, quickly attracted boldfaced names with its stunning views,
unparalleled design, and innovative take on Asian fusion. Designed by
architecture
firm Herzog & de Meuron, the 1111 Building itself is host to the
most luxurious and in-vogue retail in town. On its rooftop, the restaurant’s
clean modern lines, vertical botanical gardens, and artistic food presentation—
such as the Hawaiian blue prawn and sautéed duck magret—reflect the
collaboration of the renowned architect with interior designer Alejandro
Barrios-Carrero, horticulturist Patrick Blanc, and chefs Sunny Oh, Laurent
Cantineaux, and Gregory Gourreau. The place is a hit with Miami scenesters,
including fashion photographer Bruce Weber and DJ David Rondón.
1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-763-8272
La Piaggia
The quintessential 1990s hot spot, known as a model haven, La Piaggia has
always attracted beautiful people. Fashion specimens flock to its pool to
spend their afternoons nurturing hangovers (before another show or night
of debauchery), and drawing the in-crowd of the moment. Dubbed a quasi
members-only club (the right look or name drop is all that’s needed for
entry), this French-Italian eatery has fed the likes of Tommy Lee, R. Kelly,
and former President Bill Clinton (sans Hillary). It’s a place where preening
over a bottle of rosé and tuna carpaccio on a late Sunday afternoon has
yet to go out of style. 1000 South Pointe Dr., Miami Beach, 305-674-064
News Cafe
This quaint European-style sidewalk café has offered Miami creatives
coffee, food, and a curated selection of newspapers and magazines since
its opening in the late 1980s. Before Ocean Drive became a barrage of
paparazzi, fashion luminaries from Lauren Hutton to Cindy Crawford
and Heidi Klum frequented News Cafe for its understated yet sophisticated
atmosphere. While the restaurant is perhaps best known for Gianni
Versace, Calvin Klein was also a regular. And Colombian designer
Esteban Cortazar, who lived in the upstairs apartment, credits his fame
to mentor Todd Oldham, whom he met downstairs at the café. Open 24
hours a day and located in the midst of the Art Deco district, it remains
the consummate place to see and be seen. Breakfast is served all day;
opt for the French toast sprinkled with fresh strawberries, or Egg News
(the specialty Benedict with ham, tomatoes, and cream cheese sauce).
800 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, 305-538-6397
Prime One Twelve
This swanky steakhouse attracts A-listers with the alluring appeal of
ample portions and beautiful women. The 48-ounce porterhouse, truffled
lobster mac and cheese, and throng of models keep Prime One
Twelve perennially packed with stylish actors, athletes, and musicians—from Gisele Bündchen to Vivica A. Fox and the entire Miami Heat
basketball team. With that type of celebrity clientele, owner Myles
Chefetz has seen and heard it all. However, he attributes his success to
keeping it to himself; what happens
here stays here. 112 Ocean Dr.,
Miami Beach, 305-532-8112; mylesrestaurantgroup.com
photography by gesi schilling (cecconi’s); gary james (prime one twelve); dale stine (news cafe)
