Enjoy some respite from the hustle of Brickell and instead, opt for lunch or dinner (and dessert) in South Miami. Recently, the area has seen an influx of new restaurants, and now is the perfect time to dig in.
After almost 20 years on Miami Beach, Macaluso’s has migrated to the mainland, settling on Sunset Drive in South Miami. The Staten Island-style Italian restaurant and market’s famous meatballs are still offered, as are the plentiful homemade pasta dishes and spinach salads mixed with the tangy dressing that you’ll want to take home with you. Just beware: Macaluso’s does not take reservations, so be sure to arrive early (and hungry). 5845 Sunset Dr., South Miami, 305-604-1811
A reinvention of Miami’s premiere food hall, which operated in the 1970s, Sunset Place’s Yumbrella is a new concept that features seven unique restaurants. Vendors offer a range of cuisine, from American and Asian to Latin American fare, and include two new concepts from Chef Adrianne Calvo. For starters, Noods serves up a drool-worthy roast pork chow mein, and The Beverly churns out tantalizing desserts that were pretty much made to be featured on Instagram (and then devoured, of course). Trust us, ordering the candied cornflake ice cream pie is basically a requirement. 5701 Sunset Dr., Suite 194, South Miami, 305-397-8499
Since launching in 2015, this artisanal donut shop has gained somewhat of a cult-like status. Miamians flock to the Wynwood locale first thing in the morning for year-round varieties like white chocolate tres leches and seasonal flavors such as key lime pie and butterscotch with caramel popcorn. It’s no secret that the Magic City is obsessed, and that a second location was a no brainer. The new spot, which opened its doors last month, is in the heart of South Miami, and is the ideal stop for dessert any time of the day. 6022 S. Dixie Hwy., South Miami, 786-409-4714, saltydonut.com
This San Antonio-based fast casual spot recently opened up shop on Dixie Highway. While Urban Bricks is known for its authentic pizzas—think white pizza topped with spinach, mushrooms and chicken and a margherita pizza sprinkled with fresh mozzarella and basil—you can also indulge in a selection of customizable pasta dishes and paninis, and salads if you’re in craving some greens. 6144 S. Dixie Hwy. Miami, 786-388-0606, urbanbricks.com
Chefs Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth recently unveiled Root & Bone, the sister restaurant of the popular New York City concept of the same name. The menu focuses on delivering farm fresh ingredients with new interpretations on timeless dishes. There are homestyle offerings like shrimp and grits, hearty entrees like lobster pappardelle, and seasonal seafood such as cast-iron seared yellowtail snapper. It’s important to note that if you swing by on a Monday evening, you’ll get to indulge in the bourbon and fried chicken dinner for half price. 5958 S. Dixie Hwy., South Miami, 786-785-1001, rootnbone.com
Photography by: Macaluso's photo courtesy of Macaluso's & Co., Yumbrella photo courtesy of Yumbrella, The Salty Donut photo courtesy of The Salty Donut, Urban Bricks photo courtesy of Urban Bricks, Root & Bone photo courtesy of Root & Bone