By Annie Kurnick By Annie Kurnick | December 14, 2021 | Lifestyle, Feature,
FROM VEGAN RESTAURANTS TO HAIR SALONS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, HERE ARE OUR BEST RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2021 IN MIAMI.
Best Hair Salons
Rossano Ferretti
Located inside of the exotic Faena Hotel, there lies a chic hair salon where relaxation meets excellence. Ruled by Italian hairdresser Rossano Ferretti, the Rossano Ferretti Salon provides an exclusive experience where the timeless European atmosphere provides a pocket of peace amidst the grand Faena oasis. Utilizing an innovative hairstyling technique, the unique services are customized to the hair type of each client while enhancing individual beauty. Offering a wide-range of luxurious services, the salon offers an impressive lineup of hair remedies such as its own Rossano Ferretti Prodigio Hair Treatment. Whether a cut, color or treatment, Rossano Ferretti’s ultraluxe beauty room is your one-stop-shop for all-things fabulous. Faena Hotel, 3201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, @rossanoferrettimiami
IGK
Undeniably one of Miami’s trendiest hair salons, IGK Salon graces the Design District with its mastery of hair craft. The artsy decor and cheerful atmosphere of the shop serves as the perfect backdrop to fulfill your every hair desire. While the glamour hub sees its fair-share of celebrity clientele, expect all hairstylists to exude influencer-like personalities and fashion flair themselves. From simple trims to unrivaled hair coloring treatments, the salon is famed for topping off each client with effortless beach waves. Modern, trendy and versatile, IGK Salon has every guest walking out red carpet ready. 3930 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, @igksalons
Best Hotel For a Staycation
Faena
Experience a weekend filled with true Miami Beach luxury at the Faena Hotel. The 5-star tropical oasis exceeds expectations while placing emphasis not only on lush accommodations, pristine beaches and decadent epicurean delights but also on its vast cultural and arts programming, entertainment and wellness offerings. Enjoy dinner at one of the property’s three signature restaurants and head to the Faena Theatre for extravagant entertainment. Whether spending the day on the beach, poolside or at its one-of-a-kind spa, the Faena stands as the ultimate home away from home, where extravagance is experienced within every detail. 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, @faena
Best Brunch
Mila
Famed for its formal dinner and mixology bar, Mila takes Miami’s food industry by storm with its recent launch of a one-of-a-kind brunch experience. While tingling the taste buds of city foodies through every bite, the flavorful brunch offers a two-hour, multi-course, bottomless beverage experience in complete luxury. Serving Asian and Mediterranean-inspired fare, the menu features craveable classics including eggs benedict, entrees such as sweet-spicy soy-glazed salmon and a generous selection of shareable dishes from fresh sushi to seafood towers. Whether celebrating a milestone or looking to satisfy a Sunday, MILA invites you to top off your weekend in proper Miami fashion. 1636 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach, @milarestaurants
Zuma
Crowned as one of Miami’s most beloved sushi spots, Zuma’s unique brunch is one of the city’s most sacred weekend culinary excursions. Offering bottomless, Asian-inspired brunch all weekend long, indulge in unlimited samplings of Asian cuisine, bottomless cocktails and live music. Located in Brickell, the three-tiered brunch experience allows guests to choose from Classic, Signature and Premium menus while sulking in the tropical breeze with river views. From sushi and sashimi to bao buns and robata-cooked dishes, Zuma’s brunch is a can’t miss for locals and visitors alike. 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, @zumamiami
Beaker & Gray
A stroll through Wynwood topped off by a casually delicious brunch is a Sunday well spent in Miami. Serving hearty dishes alongside a lineup of craft cocktails, Beaker & Gray stands as the ultimate brunch spot. Indulge in the two-hours worth of unlimited sparkling wine, mimosas and watermelon-mosas all weekend long. From sticky chicken wings and crispy yucca to Cuban benedict and wagyu burgers, Beaker & Gray’s brunch is the perfect way to draw the curtains on a long weekend. 2637 N Miami Ave, Miami, @beakerandgray
Best Sushi Spots
Azabu
Azabu Miami offers next-level Asian dining, from the infinite grades of toro laid out with artistic precision to the unparalleled selection of Japanese whisky. Choose to dine in the main area and indulge in the izakaya experience that features dishes like robata-grilled yakitori, king crab fried rice and nigiri sushi platters. For Miami’s most exclusive Japanese culinary experience, opt to sit in The Den, a posh yet intimate space that you enter through the kitchen doors. Here, you’ll experience the omakase way of dining. Wherever you choose to spend your evening at this Michelin-starred concept, expect an impeccable meal and nestled in the South of Fifth neighborhood. 161 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, @azabumiami
Makoto
Helmed by chef Makoto Okuwa, this Stephen Starr spot dishes out the finest sushi and Japanese-inspired fare. Adorned with palm trees and koi ponds, you can relax in Makoto’s sleek and elegant ambiance located in the Bal Harbour Shops. Consistently noted as one of Miami’s top restaurants, the menu does not disappoint. Featuring countless Japanese classics from the cold and hot menu, its more unique dishes include the wagyu short rib, Japanese eggplant or any of the mouthwatering dishes from the Japanese robata grill. Whether coming for the shopping experience or the star-studded cuisine itself, Makoto serves as some of the best post retail therapy you’ll ever have. 9700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, @makotobalharbour
Sushi Erika
While the city sees no shortage of high-caliber sushi spots, the art of casually delicious Japanese fare is a rare find. For those who appreciate Deli-like experiences, Sushi Erika is the ultimate go-to for fresh market fish and decadent rolls. From a classic miso soup and wakame salad to a Miami Heat roll towered with tuna, salmon and spicy mayo, the on-the-go eatery brings Japanese comfort food to our shores. 1700 John F Kennedy Causeway #100, North Bay Village
Best Health Food Destinations
Planta
With a mission to celebrate the power of plants, PLANTA (@planta) is the city’s one-stop-shop for delicious plant-based fare. Led by founder Steven Salm and co-founder and executive chef David Lee, the dynamic duo birthed the eatery in 2016 while aiming to expand the accessibility of health-focused dining. With multiple locations sprawled across South Florida, PLANTA offers daily delicacies from crispy rice and lettuce wraps to a plant-based spaghetti carbonara. Whether looking for an intimate sit-down supper or indulging in five-star vegetarian cuisine from the comfort of your home, PLANTA is prepared to nourish your soul through culinary creativity.
Pura Vida
Claiming the title as Miami’s favorite healthy food spot and café, Pura Vida’s (@puravida) health-focused menu has changed the game for local wellness fanatics. From its fire egg bowl and mango salmon to a toasted chicken wrap, the all-day café has eight South Florida locations including South of Fifth, West Avenue, Edgewater, Design District, Aventura, Coral Gables, West Palm Beach and Bay Harbour. Serving classic coffee shop items with a wellness twist, the casual eatery has become an essential part of Miami’s wellness and culinary community. Whether looking for a hearty meal or fresh-pressed juices, Pura Vida is your one-stop-shop for all of the above.
Photography by: Courtesy of Unsplash