By: Charlotte Trattner By: Charlotte Trattner | September 1, 2022 | Culture Food & Drink Guide Food & Drink Shop
Miami is a burst of exciting energy these days, and the Miami Design District has something for everyone. Full of art galleries, world-class shopping and some of the best restaurants in the city, the Design District is a must when visiting the city. Home to more than 170 retail stores, it can be a challenge to refine your list. Here you will find world-renowned restaurants, public art programming and more. As one of the most visited attractions in Miami, it may seem the options are endless, so we're bringing you a go-to guide full of all the must-visit places in the iconic Miami scene.
Baccarat Boutique Bbar and Lounge
The indoor and outdoor dining destination serves breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. But it is the cocktail menu that stands out as a star. The signature drinks are served in Baccarat crystal, and guests can indulge and enjoy a truly unique experience. With an extensive wine, champagne and cocktail list, Baccarat Boutique Bbar Lounge provides an upscale destination within the MDD. 140 NE 39th St., Miami, @baccarat
Tacombi
Serving authentic tacos and cocktails, Tacombi brings the taste and sandy streets of Playa del Carmen to the Miami Design District with authentic Mexican traditions. This local haunt serves authentic Mexican street food, but it is also the perfect place to relax with a pitcher of the classic margarita and escape the hot Miami sun. 3930 NE Second Ave., STE. 100 Miami, @tacombi
Swan
Brought to the heart of Miami's Design District by Groot Hospitality, the indoor/outdoor destination offers bright and bold designs and dishes that perfectly reflect its Miami location. No trip to this Miami hotspot is complete without trying the signature drink, the swan, but with the extensive cocktail menu, there is something for everyone. You won't leave disappointed. 90 NE 39th St., Miami, @swanmiami
COTE
As a Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated Korean Steakhouse, Cote is a must-try when in this part of the city. Emulating its NYC flagship restaurant, the dining destination combines the classic American steakhouse with the flare of Korean barbeque. If you need another reason to check out this legendary restaurant, the thoughtfully curated wine list with more than 1200 labels is your answer. Nominated for the "Outstanding Wine Program" two years in a row by the James Beard Foundation, COTE is truly an unforgettable experience. 3900 NE Second Ave., Miami, @cotemiami
Michael's Genuine
This Design District staple has been part of the community for more than 15 years. Fitting perfectly into the vibrant area, Michael's Genuine is the perfect place combining the upscale aesthetic of the community with an approachable feel. With a menu ranging from crispy squash blooms to black truffle pizza or short ribs, every guest will leave happy and full whether they are going for brunch, lunch, dinner or even just cocktails. 130 NE 40th St., Miami, @michaelsgenuine
Mia Market
No trip to the Design District is complete without checking Mia Market, a chef-driven food hall featuring a curated mix of different foods and drinks created to help showcase a wide range of chefs and their creativity. With unique flavors and creations, Mia Market helps connect people through food and is worth checking out during your next adventure to the Miami Design District. 140 NE 39th St., Ste. 241, Miami, @miamimarketmiami
Frohzen
More than the Instagram photos filling your feed, Frohzen serves house-made ice cream that is almost too pretty to eat. Led by executive pastry chef Salvatore Martone, the whimsical menu features unique finds such as ice cream "cakesicles," ice cream cupcakes, macaron ice cream sandwiches and sundaes with toppings galore. But don't worry if you aren't an adventurous ice cream aficionado; guests have the option to order standard single scoops and even milkshakes. 151 NE 41st St., Ste. 137 Miami, @frohzenmiami
MadLab Creamery
Created by Soraya Kilgore, the pastry chef behind award-winning restaurants like Brava and Alter, MadLab creamery is the go-to destination to satisfy any sweet tooth craving. With classical and seasonal ice cream flavors and more than 30 toppings to choose from, guests can get creative with their combinations for the ultimate sweet treat. 140 NE 39th St. Ste. 137, Miami, @madlab_creamery
Night Owl Cookies
Created by Andrew Gonzales, Night Owl Cookies makes the Miami dessert scene a little sweeter. As the late-night stop for all your cookie cravings, Night Owl Cookies serves freshly-baked cookies in various flavors, such as the Nutella stuffed dirty Diana, the cinnamon toast crunch cookie covered in cereal, dark chocolate smores and more. No trip to Miami's Design District is complete without a sweet treat from Night Owl Cookies. 164 NE 41st St., Ste. 123 Miami, @nightowlcookies
Known for its high-end shopping, the Miami Design District is home to luxury shopping destinations. It is hard to narrow down the extensive list, but we chose some of our favorite spots you need to check out.
ALEXIS
This iconic and high-end womenswear line is one of the many luxury shops that call the Design District home. Developed by mother-daughter duo Ana and Alexis Barbara, worldly travels and classic vintage silhouettes inspire the designs that breathe romance, femininity, sophistication and versatility. Shoppers must stop and visit the beautiful Design District storefront. 143 NE 39th St., Miami, @shopalexis
Cult Gaia
The L.A.-born fashion and accessory brand is a must-stop when in Miami's Design District. The store is a garden-inspired and earthy environment that helps showcase the bold and chic womenswear. Shoppers can find beautifully designed dresses, handbags and accessories, all paying homage to the namesake, Greek goddess of the Earth, Gaia. 3915 NE First Ave., Miami, @cultgaiamiami
Glossier
Following a successful pop-up, Glossier opened a permanent location with a storefront that perfectly encapsulated the Miami lifestyle. Located in the heart of Miami Design District's Palm Court, the makeup and skin retailer is a go-to spot for all beauty lovers. Shoppers can explore the wet bar, which features many skin options and browse all the products in the perfectly Instagrammable shopping destination. 140 NE 39th St., Miami, @glossier
RE/DONE
Located in the heart of the Miami Design District, the vintage-inspired denim brand RE/DONE's storefront is full of fantastic denim and cotton clothing offerings. The location also includes a few Miami-driven capsule collections of denim, jewelry, art and even books. Although in the heart of Miami, the space is a love letter to 1970s California with hints of Miami flare. This space is any vintage or denim lover's ultimate shopping destination. 3918 NE First Ave., Miami, @shopredone
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
This fragrance collection is unlike anything you've ever experienced. Recognized as one of the world's most celebrated perfumers, Francis Kurkdjian's unique and bold scents combine the delicate and bold nodes for the utmost sophistication. The boutique offers a wide range of fragrances and personal engraving services, customizing each bottle, a perfect gift. 176 NE 41st St., Miami, @maisonfranciskurkdjian
Interdimensional Portal
As one of Miami Design District's newest unveils, artist Taina Lima who goes by the moniker Criola, created her largest mural yet. The Brazilian artist paints female figures inspired by her cultural heritage, taking a stance against racism and state repression. Her mural also combines geometric figures in the background of the artwork. As the Miami Design District has distinct and beautiful pieces, Criola's should be on your list next time in the neighborhood. 3801 NE First Ave., Miami, @criola___
Institute of Contemporary Art Miami
The institute regularly schedules exhibitions and programs dedicated to promoting contemporary art in Miami to help emerging and under-recognized talent. Free and open to the public year-round, the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami is the perfect destination for local art lovers. 61 NE 41st St. Miami, @icamiami
Photography by: Photo Courtesy: Kristin Wilson
