Running from August 1 through September 30, Miami Spice allows Miamians to enjoy some of the region’s top restaurants at a very palatable price point. With over 200 choices this year, we’re making your experience easier with a compact guide that’s outlined by neighborhood.
If you want to enjoy three delicious courses without the guilt, head to Plant Miami, situated on The Sacred Space Miami’s zen-inducing Wynwood campus. When you enter this modern oasis, you’ll immediately feel relaxed. And then there’s the food: flavorful and innovative dishes like a green papaya salad with cucumber and daikon, and sesame ginger noodles made with kelp, mushrooms, and a carrot ginger puree. 105 NE 24th St., Miami, 305-814-5365, sacredspacemiami.com
Set in an unmarked warehouse in Wynwood, Chef Bradley Kilgore’s popular Wynwood haunt is known for offering up unique food pairings with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Kilgore designed the cuisine around three tasting menus, which are enhanced by a la carte items like the soft egg, a crowd favorite that’s served with sea scallop espuma, truffle pearls, and Siberian caviar. During Miami Spice, you can try a few of Kilgore’s specialties (although the aforementioned soft egg is pretty much a mandatory add-on). 223 NW 23rd St., Miami, 305-573-5996, altermiami.com
Beeline to this high-end eatery in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood if you’re in the mood for a delectable seafood-focused meal. The best part about the Miami Spice selections at Lobster Bar is that there are so many dishes to choose from (which is pretty much unheard-of similar locales during the promotion). Your best bet? In our opinion, it’s the jumbo shrimp on ice to start, followed by the surf and turf. For dessert, go for the profiteroles. They’re filled with vanilla bean ice cream and sugar-roasted almonds. 404 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-377-2675, buckheadrestaurants.com
For lighter Italian fare that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Roman-inspired spot in Sunset Harbour is ideal. It’s hard to believe that vegan Italian food exists, but La Moderna has mastered this new food category. In fact, the kitchen cooks up dishes like vegan parmigiana, vegan cannelloni, and portobello mushroom carpaccio, all of which are mouthwatering, and are also offered during Miami Spice. 1874 Bay Rd., Miami Beach, 786-717-7274, lamoderna-miami.com
This elegantly appointed gem from the heralded chef Daniel Boulud offers an interesting perk. Every couple of weeks, the Mediterranean inspired lunch and dinner menus will rotate, allowing you to try a variety of seasonal dishes—think branzino a la plancha with freekeh and apricot, Moroccan shakshouka, and rigatoni carbonara—and a handful of sinful desserts. 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami, 305-421-8800, bouludsud.com
Known for offering some of the best Japanese cuisine in Miami (and a gorgeous bay view from the patio), it’s no surprise that dinner at Zuma can cost a pretty penny. That’s why it’s a no brainer to visit during Miami Spice, as you can sample the restaurant’s favorite dishes, including spicy fried tofu and glazed pork ribs, without breaking the bank. Just make sure you don’t plan to visit on a weekend, as the dinner menu is only available Sunday through Wednesday. 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami, 305-577-0277, zumarestaurant.com
Just in time for Miami Spice, Chef Michael Beltran has launched a new menu at his Coconut Grove staple, highlighting both seasonal summer produce and his Cuban-American roots. Available every day of the week, the Spice selections include appetizers like local ceviche and homemade croquetas to start, followed by either grilled yellowjack, venison, or a smoked pork chop. For a sweet ending, dig in to the sambuca crema-topped flan. From the first bite, you’ll notice something earthy yet tantalizing about this boozy treat, which is actually made with candy cap mushrooms (bet you didn’t see that one coming). 3540 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove, 305-640-5862, arietemiami.com
Situated at the cornerstone of Coconut Grove’s residential center, Tigertail + Mary is the latest restaurant from Chef Michael Schwartz. Conjuring a tropical oasis, the setting allows for indoor-outdoor seating, and the menu of home cooked specialties jives with the neighborhood’s relaxed vibe. During Miami Spice, enjoy Schwartz’ rock shrimp pizza and spaetzle made with eggplant and gruyere, followed by a chocolate brownie bomb (we imagine you can’t go wrong with that one). 3321 Mary St., Coconut Grove, 305-722-5688, tigertailandmary.com
With a name like Ad Lib, you have to be prepared for the unexpected. With a focus on sustainable fish and meats, the menu is concise in length but certainly not in variety or flavor. Throughout Miami Spice, you can sample some of Chef Norman Van Aken and newly appointed Chef Joe Mizzoni’s greatest hits, including roasted chicken with black truffle ravioli and grilled pork chop with apricot chutney, as well as two delectable desserts from the heralded pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith. 2415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 305-504-8895, adlibgables.com
For authentic Italian in a super chic setting, look no further than Zucca. If the lush green wall on the building’s façade doesn’t do it, the romantic interiors will draw you in, and then when you taste the goat cheese-stuffed zucchini flowers, you’ll likely become a loyal fan. The Miami Spice menu also features two homemade pasta dishes, roasted duck with grilled peaches, and red snapper with pesto. 162 Alcazar Ave., Coral Gables, 786-580-3731, zuccamiami.com
Photography by: Ariete photo courtesy of Blue Shell Media; Lobster Bar Sea Grill photo courtesy of Alchemy;
