Here is this week’s Miami food news:

All Week: Art Basel 2017
Art Basel 2017 is BACK! Follow our dining guide here to find out where to eat and drink as you breeze through art fairs, parties, fashion events, and more. Art Basel events start as early as Sunday, December 3, and run through Sunday, December 10. 
All Week: Get a Four-Course Lunch at Sakura 736
Sitting in South of Fifth, Sakura 736 {736 1 Street, Miami Beach; 786.607.0199} is a newly-opened restaurant with sushi, ceviche, and other Nikkei-inspired, Japanese-Peruvian fare. Just in time for Art Basel, Sakura’s new lunch special includes a generous four-course, prix-fixe menu for just $29. Don’t want four courses? Order from the restaurant’s a la carte menu, or choose from a menu of $11 lunches just for kids. Then, wash it all down with complimentary home-brewed iced tea, or browse the wine, beer, and daytime cocktail menu for something with more of a “kick.” Sakura 736 is open for lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Starting Wednesday, December 6: Villa Azur Celebrates Art Basel!
Head to Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688} for a daily schedule of top-notch dinner parties, international club pop-ups, art by Catherine l’Empereur and Antoine Verglas, top DJs, and glasses overflowing with Armand de Brignac and Louis Roederer champagne. Read more about it here!
Friday, December 8: NaiYaRa Presents Live Painting
Herbert Galarza, a Bolivia-born South American street artist known for his eye-popping, Miami-inspired art, will do a live painting at NaiYaRa {1854 Bay Road, Miami Beach; 786.275.6005}. NaiYaRa will become a gallery for Galarza’s art, some of which will be available for purchase. Finally, because NaiYaRa has partnered with Macallan for this event, professionally-painted Macallan bottles will be on sale and dinner guests will get exclusive, one-night-only pours of Macallan scotch. Read more about it here!
Starting Friday, December 8: Sarah Michelle Rupert Exhibit at LT Steak & Seafood
Like all of Miami, The Betsy Hotel is gearing up for Art Week 2017—and it’s doing so by hosting special art exhibits throughout the hotel and its restaurants. Joining in the fun, the hotel’s main restaurant, LT Steak & Seafood {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044}, will host an exhibit of Sarah Michelle Rupert’s collection of photography, video, collages, drawings, and animation. Sarah is currently the Gallery Director at Girls’ Club Foundation, a private collection and exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art by women. Outside of that, Sarah works as an independent curator and consultant for arts organizations, develops website content, digital applications systems and curricula, and organizes workshops for artists. Her art exhibition will launch to the public during Art Basel this Friday, December 8, at 8 p.m., and will remain on display until April 1, 2018. LT Steak & Seafood is open from Sunday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Starting Friday, December 8: Cantina La Veinte Honors Mexican Artistry
Celebrate Art Basel 2017 in true Cantina style at Cantina La Veinte {495 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.623.6136}, where art and food lovers can explore the diversity of Mexican artistry through upscale Mexican cuisine, live entertainment, and Mexican-inspired art exhibits. From Friday, December 8 to Sunday, December 10, starting at 8 p.m., Cantina La Veinte will have art by recognized Mexican artists on display in its gorgeous outdoor, waterfront patio. Tickets are free when you register on Eventbrite here. Cantina La Veinte is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 p.m. on Sundays.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Art Week Miami—that beautiful time of year, centered around Art Basel, where celebrities, A-listers, art connoisseurs, entertainers, and the world’s elite descend on the Magic City for a week full of parties, art events, exhibitions, concerts, and more—is back. And as you hop from fête to fête, you’ll need to take a break to eat, drink, and refuel. Lucky for you, we’ve already mapped out Miami’s best restaurants for your Basel-ing adventures, so follow our guide below to know where to get your fill!
Here’s where to go if you’re in…
SOUTH BEACH + MIAMI BEACH
What’s there: Art Basel Miami Beach, Aqua Miami, PULSE, and Design Miami
Jaya at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}
Haute restaurant at The Setai, Miami Beach serving eclectic Southeast Asian/Indian cuisine, cocktails, and sake.
LT Steak & Seafood {1440 Ocean Drive, South Beach; 844.862.3157}
An American restaurant from award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel that serves prime beef, seafood, and sushi.
BLT Steak Miami {1610 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.605.0819}
Sitting in the Iberostar Berkeley, this newly re-opened restaurant serves a menu of signature steaks and seafood; like a 28-day dry-aged New York strip, Kansas City bone-in strip, tuna tartare, or a porterhouse for two.
NaiYaRa {1854 Bay Road, Miami Beach; 786.275.6005} 
Everyone in Miami loves Chef Bee, and NaiYaRa proves why: it’s his Sunset Harbour restaurant that puts a modern, upscale spin on Thai street food. 
Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636}
With its location inside the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, this casual spot for upscale pizzas, burgers, and cocktails is a go-to food stop as you hop between Art Basel fêtes. 
Cibo Wine Bar South Beach {200 South Pointe Drive, Miami Beach; 305.987.6060}
Serves up modern Italian cuisine and an extensive list of 3,500+ wines in a rustic setting overlooking the ocean.
Dolce Italian {1690 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.975.2550}
A trendy, indoor-outdoor restaurant in the Gale Hotel, right on Collins Avenue, with modern Italian fare and a popular mozzarella bar.
Mare Mio {447 Española Way, Miami Beach; 305.397.8950}
A seafood restaurant on charming Española Way.
Market at EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4500}
Located in the Miami Beach EDITION Hotel, this Mediterranean market-inspired spot is part patisserie, part boulangerie, and part salumeria.
Matador Room {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4600}
This Miami Beach EDITION Hotel restaurant, which is the brainchild of famed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, serves a menu of inventive Caribbean, Spanish, Latin, and South American-fusion cuisine.
Pao by Paul Qui {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5630}
The product of Top Chef and James Beard Award winner Paul Qui, Pao serves up lavish, contemporary Asian cuisine in a flamboyant oceanfront setting.
Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5610}
Miami Beach’s only South American, live-fire cooking restaurant, created by famed Argentine “gaucho” Francis Mallmann.
The Strand Bar & Grill {6801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.514.7474}
Located in the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, this seasonal, ingredient-driven spot serves organic, new American fare amidst sweeping ocean views. 
Yardbird Southern Table and Bar{1600 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.5220}
Southern-inspired, American fare centered around one thing: the bird.
BRICKELL + DOWNTOWN MIAMI
What’s there: Art Miami and CONTEXT Art Miami
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse {315 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.487.7130}
An authentic steakhouse experience right on the Miami River.
Seaspice {422 Northwest River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}
Sitting right on the Miami River, this see-and-be-seen spot is a haven for yachts, A-listers, and chic, globally-inspired cuisine.
Tacology {701 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 786.347.5368}
Brought to you by the same team behind Cantina La Veinte, this vibrant, Mexican-style market serves tacos, ceviche, salads, juices, and mezcal cocktails.
Big Easy Winebar & Grill {701 South Miami Avenue Suite 33, Brickell; 786.814.5955}
Located in the new Brickell City Centre, this is Miami’s only South African steakhouse and professional golfer Ernie Els’ first restaurant in the United States.
Zest {200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Miami; 305.374.ZEST}
A relaxed, casual concept centered around Executive Chef-Owner Cindy Hutson’s signature “Cuisine of the Sun.”
DESIGN DISTRICT + WYNWOOD
What’s there: Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami
Soyka Restaurant {5556 NE 4 Court, Upper East Side; 305.759.3117}
Mark Soyka opened this spot in a converted warehouse in 1999, and today, it’s known for its American cuisine, historic vibes, and live jazz.
Ironside Kitchen Pizza & Coffee Co. {7580 Northeast 4 Court, Miami; 305.531.5055}
A hidden gem with some of the best Neapolitan wood-fired pizza pies, all served in a rustic, airy space in Miami Ironside.
R HOUSE {2727 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201}
The brainchild of Chef-Owner Rocco Carulli, this funky Wynwood restaurant brings together food, art, and music.  
Wynwood Kitchen & Bar {2550 Northwest 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.722.8959}
Sitting inside Wynwood Walls, this relaxed, art-filled restaurant serves up Latin-inspired small plates, large plates, cocktails, and more.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Basel-hopping this year? In honor of Art Basel 2017, Sunset Harbour has one more spot to add to your list: NaiYaRa {1854 Bay Road, Miami Beach; 786.275.6005}. On Friday, December 8, fans of the hotspot’s Asian cuisine can come for dinner and get a dual treat—delicious food and eye-popping art by South American street artist Herbert Galarza, who is known to create art using historic pop imagery and contemporary cultural iconography that depicts highly-individualized messages about society and culture. From 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. this Friday, Galarza will not only turn the restaurant into his own personal art gallery, but he will paint one of his murals live for all dinner guests to see.
Known for Chef-Owner Piyarat Potha Arreerat’s modern, upscale spin on Thai street food, NaiYaRa has been in Miami Beach since it opened in 2015. And just in time for Art Basel 2017, “Chef Bee” (as the locals lovingly know him) has unveiled a bevy of new menu items that add a touch of South Beach chic to the flavors of back-alleyway Thailand. They include: Tuna Tostones with hot sesame oil, guacamole, and truffle eel sauce; raw grouper Tiradito with chili, garlic, and cilantro; Laad Nah with crispy chow fun noodles, white pepper chicken, bok choy, and jalapeño vinegar; and Panang Curry with slow-roasted lamb shank, green beans, peanuts, and jasmine rice; all of which will be available this Friday, in addition to NaiYaRa’s usual a la carte menu.
Born in Bolivia, but raised in South Florida, Herbert Galarza is known for his “graffiti-pop-style” art, most of which shows off his love for music, art, and all things Miami. He is most known for creating a mural titled The Never-Ending Battle, a work that shows South Beach nightlife mogul David Grutman and iconic DJ Cedric Gervais fighting with Lightsabers. Since then, he has been commissioned for paintings and murals with some of Miami’s foremost nightlife and music industry hotshots, and has even designed murals for Ultra Music Festival promotions and an album cover for Paris Hilton.
Craving a tasty night out at Art Basel? NaiYaRa is just the spot. Co-sponsored by Macallan scotch, this Friday night’s event will feature a pop-up shop with both Galarza’s work and custom-painted bottles of Macallan for sale, as well as exclusive pours of Macallan scotch for one-night-only.
NaiYaRa serves dinner nightly from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations are encouraged during Art Basel.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

If seafood is what your tastebuds are longing for, Miami has just the place. Try one of our favorite Miami seafood spots—five of them are below!
LT Steak & Seafood
Sitting right on Ocean Drive, LT Steak & Seafood {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.673.0044} is the brainchild of famed Executive Chef Laurent Tourondel. Sitting in the historic The Betsy-South Beach, this restaurant serves a seasonally-inspired American menu with an emphasis on what’s fresh and local. In addition to a curated wine program, guests can expect a mix of light and hearty dishes, like Lemon Poached Lobster Salad with grapefruit oil, Grilled Red Snapper with smashed fresh peas and lime-shiitake ginger vinaigrette, a 36-ounce U.S.D.A prime Porterhouse with a jalapeño chimichurri, and even impressive sushi dishes like Crunchy Curried Peekytoe Crab.
Lobster Bar Sea Grille
Dazzling South of Fifth diners, Lobster Bar Sea Grille {404 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.377.2675} is the award-winning Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’s haute new addition to Miami Beach’s seafood scene. In a setting that includes an ice display made of white Thassos marble imported from Greece, this restaurant sources its seafood from all over the world: namely Europe (especially Greece and Spain!), New Zealand, Japan, and other parts of the United States. The menu is broken down into four parts, from a “Live Lobster Experience” with Canadian hard shell lobsters from Nova Scotia and a “Whole Fish Experience” with whole European and local fish prepared in the Mediterranean style, to “USDA Prime Signature Steaks” and “Unique Seafood Specialties & Appetizers,” the latter of which has a menu of shareable appetizers like crudo of pristine fish, sashimi, ceviche, tartares, buttery French tartes with house-cured salmon, and more.
A Fish Called Avalon
Perched on the corner of Ocean Drive and 7th for almost 30 years, A Fish Called Avalon {700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.1727} is a South Beach staple. Hidden in the Avalon Hotel, this indoor-outdoor spot uniquely sits right in the heart of Ocean Drive’s action, without making you feel like you’re on Ocean Drive at all. Grab a seat inside, and feast on Spanish Octopus, Seared Diver Scallops with an artichoke potato mash, Wild Salmon Tartufata Crusted with Panko and horseradish, and more in an intimate, demure setting. Get a table outside on the open-air terrace, which has direct views of the Atlantic coast, and you can get some people-watching while you eat, too. Pro tip: Wherever you sit, order a mojito. They’re legendary here.
The River Seafood & Oyster Bar
This Brickell dining destination is not to be missed. Known for its popular happy hour and top-notch seafood, The River Seafood & Oyster Bar {650 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.530.1915} serves up a modern twist on classic seafood. The setting is comfortable—you feel like you’re eating in your friend’s living room—but the menu makes you feel like you’re traveling the world. When you go here, expect ice-packed, hand-shucked cold water oysters (with daily deals!), fresh cold-water fish brought in from Alaska, organic salmon and bronzini from Ireland, sardines from Spain, and much more.
Seaspice
When it comes to good seafood in Miami, it’s hard to ignore Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}, which combines good seafood and a beautiful setting. Sitting right on the Miami River, this sexy restaurant and lounge serves a high-end, globally inspired seafood menu that has everything from a haute raw bar to Seaspice Scampi with Wild Nigerian jumbo prawns and a tomato confit, Chilean Sea Bass with a truffle porchi crust and Yukon gold potatoes, and a Maine lobster Risotto. While there, try Modern Garden, a lounge within the Seaspice restaurant, and you can get raw fish crudo paired with upmarket meats cooked on 850-degree volcanic stone slabs. Show up by car or yacht (both are welcome!), order a Blossom Martini with Ketel One, St. Germain and a fresh Orchid from Seaspice’s bespoke cocktail menu, and take it all in: here, you’re guaranteed delicious food… and a good time.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

The holiday season is all about indulging. So why not indulge in one (or 10) of Miami’s tastiest desserts? Try these sugary treats listed below—they’re sure to sweeten up your winter.

Warm Peach & Apricot Cobbler
With toasted coconut streusel and vanilla gelato
Where you’ll find it: Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.4636

Profiteroles Bianca
Cream puffs, chocolate pastry cream, and white chocolate sauce
Where you’ll find it: Segafredo Espresso L’Originale {1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.0047}

Brûleed Lemon Tart
With roasted fig, hazelnut, and vanilla frozen yogurt
Where you’ll find it: Scarpetta {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 877.326.7412}
Key Lime Pie
With homemade “schlag”  
Where you’ll find it: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse {315 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.487.7130}
Sundae with Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Candied Peanuts & Popcorn
With whipped cream and chocolate sauce
Where you’ll find it: Market at EDITION {2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.257.4500}
Dessert Sampler
Dulce de Leche Spring Roll, Sweet & Sinful Soufflé, Coconut Panna Cotta, Baklava, and Pistachio Ice Cream
Where you’ll find it: Sawa Restaurant & Lounge {360 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.447.6555} 
Keylime S’mores
With graham cracker, black berry pudding, and marshmallow
Where you’ll find it: Artisan Beach House {10295 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour; 305.455.5460}
Pudim Português com Vinho do Porto
Cream Caramel flavored with port wine
Where you’ll find it: Old Lisbon {1698 SW 22 Street, Miami; 305.854.0039}

Coconut Cake with Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
Where you’ll find it: Soyka Restaurant {5556 NE 4 Court, Upper East Side; 305.759.3117}

Leche Frita
Deep-fried custard
Where you’ll find it: Casa Juancho {2436 SW 8 Street, Miami; 305.642.2452}
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Monday, November 27: Happy Hour at BarMeli69
A long day at the office should always end on a happy note… a happy hour note, to be exact. At BarMeli69 {6927 Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.754.5558}, you can get “happy price” select glasses of wine or sangria for $6 each, select bottles or carafes for $22 each, and $5 snacks. Happy Hour is available Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cheers!
Wednesday, November 29: Coastal Grand Opening Party
Sitting inside the Atlantic Hotel & Spa, Coastal is the hotel’s new flagship restaurant; and if the name doesn’t give it away, it features an American menu that’s largely about the sea. This Wednesday night, the restaurant will officially open with drinks, bites, oceanfront view and a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Jack Seiler, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Welcome to the neighborhood, Coastal!
Thursday, November 30: Drink Wine at Sawa Restaurant & Lounge
Had a rough day? Looking for an excuse to start the weekend early? Head to Sawa Restaurant & Lounge {360 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables; 305.447.6555} every Thursday night, from 7 p.m. to Midnight, and you can get 50% off all bottles of wine.

Friday, December 1: Brunch at Grove Bay Hospitality Group’s New Stiltsville Fish Bar
We’ve all heard of Sunday brunch, but now you can get brunch on Friday, too! Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth opened Stiltsville Fish Bar in Sunset Harbour just last week, and with it, a weekend a la carte brunch every Friday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. On the menu, expect a modern take on classic seafood dishes: like Pork Belly Bacon and Sweet Corn Pancakes with pickled green tomato chow-chow, a Baby Kale and Pimento Cheese Omelet, Shrimp N’ Grits, Green Eggs and Ham, a Butter Lettuce and Avocado Salad, Chilled Watermelon and Pickles, Smoky Plantain Hash, Sugar Dusted Beignets, and a Hummingbird Waffle with rum caramel and charred pineapple. Is your mouth watering yet?
Sunday, December 2: Asado Brunch at Los Fuegos
Head to Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5610} every Sunday, from Noon to 4 p.m., and experience a major social event in Argentina: the asado, or an open-fire barbecue typically shared by family and friends. During this weekly Asado Brunch, expect a four-course feast of family-style plates like Empanadas stuffed with hand-cut prime filet mignon and llajua sauce, Pink Grapefruit Salad with avocado, Chorizo with garlic aioli and potato salad, Dulce de Leche Pancakes, and more. Sunday Asado Brunch runs from Noon to 4 p.m. every week. Brunch is priced at $75 per adult and $35 per child. Bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys are available for an additional $25 per adult.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

When we think of those sexy, Miami dinner parties, no place comes to mind quite as much as Villa Azur {309 23 Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688}. Sitting right in the heart of Miami Beach, this Mediterranean restaurant and lounge is a favorite of A-list diners like Alec Monopoly, Martha Stewart, Leonardo di Caprio, Karolina Kurkova, and Cristiano Ronaldo, to name a few. And during Art Basel, it’s a hotspot that shouldn’t be missed.
Kicking off the weekend in style, this year’s Art Basel festivities at Villa Azur will start on Wednesday, December 6, with the haunt’s own pop up of L’ARC PARIS—the iconic nightclub and celebrity jetsetter hangout-of-choice sitting at the top of the Champs-Elysees, in Paris. Then, the next night, international DJ Jack-e will hit the turntables for the spot’s weekly Thursday Night Dinner Party, undeniably the hottest dinner party in town. As if that weren’t enough partying for one week, once Friday hits, the fun has only just begun. Starting Friday, December 8, Villa Azur will host a pop up of POSH BRAZIL, the most famous nightclub in Brazil; and then keep the party going with DJ Michael Canitrot on Saturday, December 9.
No matter which night you go, one thing’s for sure: you’re guaranteed beautiful people-watching, glasses overflowing with Armand de Brignac and Louis Roederer Champagne, works of art by Catherine L’Empereur and fashion photographer Antoine Verglas, and of course, delicious, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine by new Executive Chef Philippe Ruiz.
During Art Basel 2017, Villa Azur will be open from December 6 – 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor