By The Editors By The Editors | March 13, 2019 | Food & Drink,
These four hot spots will take your tastebuds on the ultimate culinary tour around the world.
The first stateside location of the Peruvian favorite will feature all the gems—plus a few new dishes. Expect wasabi ceviche and chirashi causa, both a rainbow of colors and symphony of flavors. There is also Kobe beef, duck, chicken and a delightfuly glazed chanchito Nikkei. For an Insta-worthy performance, order the hot rock ceviche, where the chef uses a piping hot stone to introduce heat to the traditional ceviche offerings. Speaking of Insta-worthy shots, the architecture and interiors of Osaka are stunning: a dimly lit dinning room, waterfalls and stone walls. You may be in the heart of Brickell, but for a night at least you’ll feel transported to the land of exotic and unforgettable flavors. 1300 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami, 786-627-4800
Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, chef Richard Ampudia brings his love for Mexican food and culture to Miami. With a Mexican twist on traditional American cuisine, this joint offers prime dishes (even options for vegetarians), featuring a tostada bar, tacos and entrees ranging from slow-cooked lamb to whole snapper. The “bebidas” menu, including signature cocktails, mezcals and reposados, is extensive enough to satisfy whatever you’re in the mood for—and then some. Don’t miss the boba smoothies, like the Berry Breeze or Sunset, which are decadent eye candy. A spring break must is the Coco Fresco, fresh coconut water in a Lolo’s coco shell. And in typical Miami fashion, you don’t even have to leave your lounge chair to enjoy the mouthwatering tacos and thirst-quenching cocktails. You can have your order delivered beachside while you work on your tan or enjoy the sunset after a long day of... relaxing. Does life get better than that? (No need to answer.) Don’t forget to stop by Lolo’s every Tuesday for Tacos & Tequila specials. 161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 305-735-6973, loloscantina.com
When it was announced that D.C. restaurateur Fabio Trabocchi was opening a new version of his flagship restaurant Fiola in Coral Gables, locals waited with eager appetites. The world-class service and quality Italian dishes have lived up to the hype. There are raw bar staples, salads, housemade pastas and plenty of creative seafood (scallops spritzed with lime and fresh coconut milk, buttery and bright carabineros and hamachi in rosewater). The menu changes daily in order to incorporate Miami’s top seasonal ingredients, bringing variety and spontaneity to the offerings. To further transport guests to Italy, the space was designed by the acclaimed architect Jeffrey Beers and Barcelona-based Lazaro Rosa Violan. Buon appetito! 1500 San Ignacio Ave., Coral Gables, 305-912-2639, fiolamiami.com
Bringing Mykonos beach bar vibes, Astra’s panoramic views of Miami’s skyline and interior design will surely transport you there. In typical Miami fashion, Astra gives its guests a stunning Instagram-worthy pink wall adorned with butterflies at the entrance. Whether you’re in the mood for lying on a rustic daybed with white linens and overhead string lighting or sitting next to the lush green wall, you’re sure to forget you’re in Wynwood. Executive chef Kosme Sanchez delivers a Mediterranean-inspired menu using locally sourced ingredients. Astra’s Milo plate—a modern meze mashup of fried zucchini, squash, eggplant, cheese, lemon and of course tzatziki sauce—will satisfy all your Greek cravings. From 5 to 7 p.m., Astra’s happy hour will feature its signature handcrafted cocktails made with classic Greek liquors. Call us basic, but the Astra Mule served with fresh fruits in a copper mug looks fab and delish. Already convinced to make this your new happy hour spot? Yeah, so are we. But this isn’t just your typical rooftop restaurant; in addition to weekend brunches and international DJs, Astra is offering yoga classes and private events. A quick trip to Greece may not fit in your weekly work schedule, but Wynwood’s hottest new lounge might make it a little easier. 2121 NW Second Ave., Miami, 305-573-5778, astramiami.com
Photography by: OSAKA PHOTO COURTESY OF OSAKA; LOLO'S SURF CANTINA PHOTO COURTESY OF LOLO’S SURF CANTINA; FIOLA PHOTO COURTESY OF FIOLA; ASTRA PHOTO COURTESY OF ASTRA