It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And to get in the holiday spirit, you’ll need the most wonderful food in town.
To make your Christmas Eve and Christmas extra-special this year, consider celebrating it at one of our favorite Miami restaurants. Find out what they are—and how they’re celebrating!—below.
BLT Prime
A traditional steakhouse feast two days in a row
At this world-renowned steakhouse, get a holiday feast on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For just $98 per person, BLT Prime {4400 NW 87 Avenue, Doral; 305.591.6606} welcomes guests to indulge in a three-course, prix-fixe tasting menu created by Chef Steve Mendez himself. The food won’t disappoint! Expect plates like Pumpkin Maple Bisque with cardamom, crispy leeks, and candied ginger; Roast Duck with Brussels sprouts succotash, a wild rice pilaf, and an amaretto sauce; and Molten Strawberry Short Cake with white chocolate, compressed rhubarb, and Greek yogurt sorbet. The regular menu will also be available. Reservations are required and can be made between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tax and gratuity are not included in the price.
Bourbon Steak
Steak and seafood that’s Michael Mina-approved
Bourbon Steak {19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura; 786.279.6600}, which is located inside the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, is the brainchild of James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur, Michael Mina. Spend Christmas at this modern-American steakhouse, and you’ll get a three-course, prix-fixe meal the whole family will love. Priced at $105 per adult and $45 per child (age 5 to 11), the mouthwatering menu includes: Market Oysters, Ahi Tuna Sashimi, Filet Mignon, Glazed Beef Short Rib, Miso-Glazed Sea Bass, Truffle Mac & Cheese, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and more. Reservations are required and can be made between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tax and gratuity are not included in the price.
CORSAIR kitchen & bar
A holiday feast at non-holiday pricing
Also at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, the modern-American restaurant, CORSAIR kitchen & bar {19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura; 786.279.6800}, has a few ways for guests to celebrate Christmas this year. Available on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, guests can take advantage of both a holiday brunch buffet for $52 per person and a three-course, prix-fixe Christmas dinner menu for just $58 per person. On the dinner menu, guests can choose from festive dishes like Butternut Squash Bisque, Short Rib Ravioli, Roasted Turkey Breast, Grilled Salmon, Herb Roasted Beef Tenderloin, and so much more. Reservations are required. Reservations for brunch can be made between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Reservations for dinner can be made between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tax and gratuity are not included in the price of any meal.
Jaya at The Setai
Asian inspired brunches and dinners                                                                                       
Spend your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at one of Miami’s most beautiful hotels: The Setai, Miami Beach! Jaya at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899} will kick-off Christmas Eve with a lavish holiday brunch buffet for just $44 per person. The next day, go back for an even bigger brunch buffet—complete with traditional and non-traditional selections, the restaurant’s “Festive Menu,” dessert and raw bar selections displayed on an elaborate ice sculpture, free-flowing Louis Roederer Champagne, and live jazz in the courtyard—for $145 per adult and $63 per child (age 5 to 12). On both nights, guests are invited to continue the Christmas festivities with Executive Chef Vijay Veena’s a la carte “East Meets West” dinner, which will highlight an array of Asian-inspired plates and American staples, on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 855.923.7899. Reservations for brunch can be made between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Christmas Eve, and 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Christmas Day. Reservations for the East Meets West dinner can be made between 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tax and gratuity are not included in the price of any meal.
AZABU Miami Beach
Michelin-level Japanese cuisine right on Miami Beach
This year, enjoy the indulgence of a lavish Christmas meal, with none of the work! The Michelin-starred, Japanese concept, AZABU Miami Beach {161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 786.276.0520}, is offering a $50 prix-fixe dinner menu with Wagyu Beef Tataki, Branzino with Umami, Sakura Pork Shiokoji, and Yuzu Keylime Pie, to name just a few. Make your meal even tastier by pairing it with a seasonal Sake Flight for $22 or a Japanese Whisky Flight for $35. Reservations are required and can be made after 6 p.m. on Christmas Day. Tax and gratuity are not included in the price.
Boulud Sud Miami
Daniel Boulud’s famous Mediterranean-inspired fare
Holiday or no holiday, a menu by Chef Daniel Boulud is always a good idea! On Christmas Eve, head to his newest Mediterranean concept, Boulud Sud Miami {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami; 305.421.8800}, and get a three-course meal inspired by the best of the sun and sea. On the menu, expect to see Octopus A La Plancha, Pumpkin Agnolotti, Roasted Elk Loin, Miami Buche de Noel, and more. This menu is priced at $85 per person. Reservations are required and can be made between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Tax and gratuity are not included in the price.
Lolo’s Surf Cantina
A very, merry (Mexican) Christmas
Stop by Lolo’s Surf Cantina  {161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.735.6973} on Christmas or Christmas Eve, and you’re in for a baja-inspired treat! In addition to the normal dinner menu, guests can get mouthwatering, a la carte specials like Seasonal Salad with Grilled Prawns or the 10-ounce Ribeye with caramelized onions and chipotle. Reservations are required and can be made between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tax and gratuity are not included in the price.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
Steak on the water
This Christmas Eve, pair your steak dinner with impeccable views of the yacht-filled Miami River! At Wolfgang’s Steakhouse {315 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.487.7130}, indulge in its signature a la carte menu, which includes the Seafood Platter, Sizzling Canadian Bacon, Prime NY Sirloin Steak, Chicken Paillard, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and more. For dessert, end the meal on a sweet note with a slice of Chocolate Mousse Cake or Apple Strudel. Reservations are required and can be made between Noon and 10:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Tax and gratuity are not included in the price.
MR CHOW
Celebrity-approved Chinese fare
Sitting right in the W South Beach, the magical MR CHOW {2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.695.1695} will host a true Chinese feast on Christmas Day. From the a la carte menu, guests can order the restaurant’s famous signature dishes, like Chicken Satay, Lobster Shumai, Sweet and Sour Pork, the legendary Peking Duck, and the restaurant’s housemade MR CHOW Noodles. Reservations are required and can be made between 5:45 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tax and gratuity are not included in the price.
Seaspice
A sexy, very-Miami Christmas
On Tuesday, December 25, sexy Seaspice {422 NW North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200} will host a Christmas dinner like no other. Sitting right on the Miami River, this trendy restaurant and lounge invites guests to arrive by yacht or car and enjoy live holiday music, traditional holiday cocktails, and a visit from Santa Clause himself! Guests can order special Christmas dishes or choose something from the regular a la carte menu. The festivities will run from day to night, and include entertainment from DJ Axel Beca. Reservations are required and can be made between Noon and Midnight on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tax and gratuity are not included in the price.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Looking for a new kind of weekend lunch in Miami? Head over to London-born Novikov Miami {300 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.489.1000}—a world-renowned Chinese-Japanese concept by maverick chef-owner, Arkadiy Novikov, and a popular favorite of A-list celebrities like Rihanna, Leonardo DiCaprio, and even Prince Harry. As of Sunday, December 16, the haute Asian spot (which is known for its dazzling seafood and vegetable displays) welcomes Miami guests to indulge in a new weekly lunch special: “Duck & Dim Sum Sundays.”
Priced at just $49 per person, and designed to share between two guests, the menu is just as the name implies. Diners will start with half a Peking Duck, and get an assortment of ten of the restaurant’s most popular dumplings: like Spicy Prawn Moneybags, Saffron Sweet Corn Dumplings, Chicken & Morel Siu Mai, Shrimp & Cilantro Dumplings, Kimchi Wagyu Dumplings, and more.
Craving Novikov classics, like the Hamachi Carpaccio & Shaved Truffle, Novikov Duck Salad, Truffle Duck, or the King Crab Honey Truffle? Fear not; you can get those too! Novikov Miami’s full a la carte menu will still be available during Duck & Dim Sum Sundays, including its $16 Kaishi sake flight—which we hear pairs very well with dumplings.
This lunch runs from Noon to 3 p.m. every Sunday. A minimum of two diners are required.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Zucchini Salad from Macchialina

serves four
Ingredients
Zucchini Salad:
Zucchini, shaved raw, seared, and fried  
Yellow squash, shredded and blanched
Fava beans, blanched
Mint, for garnish
Sunflower seeds, for garnish
Pecorino cheese, fresh
White Balsamic Dressing:  
2 c onions, brunoise
2 anchovies, chopped
2 Tbsp capers, brined
1/2 tsp peperoncino
12 garlic cloves, confit
1 c white balsamic vinegar
1/2 c lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1 c finishing oil
Extra virgin olive oil, for cooking
Method
For the salad: Using as much as you see fit, mix the zucchini, squash, and fava beans in a bowl.
For the dressing: Sweat the onions, anchovies, capers, and peperoncino in a small amount of oil, on low heat. Keep sweating until the onions are translucent. Turn off heat and allow to cool. Purée in the Vitamix (or any blender). Take the mixture out of the blender and add everything else.
To serve: Toss the zucchini, squash, and fava bean mixture in dressing. Garnish with mint, toasted sunflower seeds, and fresh Pecorino.
Macchialina is located at 820 Alton Road.  

Here is this week’s Miami food news:

Wednesday, December 12: Live Music at BarMeli69
This (and every!) Wednesday, head to BarMeli69 {6927 Biscayne Boulevard, MIMO; 305.754.5558} for a glass of wine and live music. Musical duo Anabel & Mounny will be playing Flamenco rumba. Live music begins at 8 p.m. Wine and bites are priced a la carte.
Friday, December 14: Havana Club Rum at In the Kitchen with Norman Van Aken
In honor of the holiday season, spirits expert Gio Gutierrez, of Havana Club Rum, will lead a holiday cocktail-making class at In the Kitchen with Norman Van Aken {50 NW 24 Street #113, Wynwood; 305.748.6915}. Class participants will learn how to make three rum cocktails: Sueñito Punch, Airmail, and Old Cuban. The class will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $75 per person and can be purchased here.

Sunday, December 16: Novikov Miami Launches Duck and Dim Sum Sundays
Miami has a new dim sum lunch! Head to Novikov Miami {300 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.489.1000} every Sunday, and get a prix-fixe lunch of Peking Duck and an assortment of ten dumplings (like Spicy Prawn Moneybags, Saffron Sweet Corn Dumplings, Chicken & Morel Siu Mai, and Kimchi Wagyu Dumplings), all for two people. The restaurant’s a la carte menu will also be available for those who want it. This lunch will run from Noon to 3 p.m. The special menu on Duck and Dim Sum Sundays is priced at $49 per person. A minimum of two diners are required.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Ruinart’s 2018 artist in residence, Liu Bolin—better known as “The Invisible Man”—is doing big things at Art Basel Miami Beach 2018. He has an art installation at Art Basel, in the prestigious Collectors Lounge; he designed a special Ruinart gift box, on sale at the Collectors Lounge for $5,000; he’s kicking-off the weekend with a live performance at Miami Beach Botanical Gardens; and for Art Basel week only, Hakkasan {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.276.1388} is offering a four-course, prix-fixe menu in his honor.
Available from Tuesday, December 4, to Sunday, December 9, the menu is inspired by both Bolin’s art and his residence with the first established Champagne house in history, Ruinart. Each course will be paired with one of the brand’s beloved bottles of bubbly, and the dishes are all themed around the core of Bolin’s art: “revealing the invisible.”
Offering the perfect way to refresh and refuel during your Basel-hopping this year, here are the pairings you can get excited to try on Hakkasan’s special Art Basel 2018 menu:
DIM SUM PLATTER
Champagne pairing: Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
Steamed Truffle Black Rice Dumpling
Boston Lobster Dumpling
Har Gau with Gold Leaf
Seafood with Black Fungus Dumpling
FIRST COURE:
Champagne pairing: Ruinart Rosé
Traditional Peking Duck with Fresh White Truffle
MAIN COURSE:
Champagne pairing: Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2006
Charcoal-Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with Champagne and Chinese Honey
Black Pepper Beef Tenderloin
Asparagus with Lotus Root Lily Bulb
Chicken-Fried Rice with Sugar Snap Peas
DESSERT:
Earl Grey Mousse
Served with: Mandarin sorbet, almond streusel, lemon tea gel, and a glucose tuile
Reservations can be made during dinner service, which starts at 6 p.m. nightly. The menu is priced at $330 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, and requires a minimum of two guests. All guests will get one five-ounce pour of Champagne with each course. Diners who take advantage of this Art Basel menu can also purchase full bottles of the paired vintages: NV Ruinart Blanc de Blancs ($35), NV Ruinart Rosé ($35), and Dom Ruinart 2006 Blanc de Blancs ($75).
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Ask Miami’s finest and they’ll tell you: Kiki on the River {450 NW North River Drive, Miami; 786.502.3243} is arguably one of Miami’s chicest dining destinations. Sitting right on the Miami River, this restaurant embraces the spirit of the Greek isles. With its Bougainvillea-clad terrace and classic, made-from-scratch Greek favorites, Kiki on the River invites you to mentally transport to the Mediterranean… if only for just one night.
And as is the case with any hotspot in Miami, this week is all about Art Basel. Here are two events, both open to the public, that Kiki regulars can get excited about:
Friday, December 7: A Celebration of the Works of Spanish Actor and Artist Jordi Mollà
You might have seen Spanish actor Jordi Mollà in the likes of Jamón, Jamón, Historias del Kronen, Blow, and Bad Boys II, but did you know he’s an artist, too? This Friday night, reserve a table for dinner at Kiki on the River and peruse his paintings—they’ll be on special display throughout the restaurant and lounge. Reservations can be made after 6 p.m. A la carte menu prices apply.
Sunday, December 9: Sunday Funday Celebrating Art Plug Power House and Van Dutch
This weekend, do Sunday Funday Art Basel-style! Reserve a table for lunch at Kiki on the River, and enjoy art by RhymelikeDimez, CB Hoyo, and Ketnipz. Wondering where to find it? Look in the water. The artists all designed custom wraps for select Van Dutch Yachts, all anchored right at Kiki’s. Reservations can be made after 1 p.m. A la carte menu prices apply.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Calling all art and food lovers! Art Basel Miami Beach 2018 is officially here—and all this week, the streets of Miami will be flocked with celebrities, A-listers, art connoisseurs, entertainers, and the world’s elite looking for the hottest parties, dazzling art events, and most interesting exhibitions, concerts, meet-and-greets, and more.

And as you hop from fête to fête, you’ll need to take a break to refuel with some good food and drinks. Lucky for you, we know exactly where to go! Follow our restaurant guide below and do as the Basel-ers do: Basel, eat, drink, sleep, repeat.

Here’s where to go if you’re in…

SOUTH BEACH + MIAMI BEACH
What’s there: Art Basel Miami Beach, Design Miami, SCOPE Miami Beach, Untitled, Superfine! Miami Beach, Aqua Miami + PULSE Miami Beach

A Fish Called Avalon {700 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.532.1727}
Executive Chef Kal Abdalla brings some of his Eastern Mediterranean roots into this romantic, Ocean Drive restaurant, which serves some of the best-made seafood in town.

Hosteria Romana {429 Española Way, Miami Beach; 305.532.4299}
Inspired by Centro Storico, in Rome, this Española Way restaurant invites diners to experience the true essence of Italy with traditional music, rustic decorations, and exquisite Roman Jewish cuisine.
Jaya at The Setai {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}
This haute restaurant at The Setai, Miami Beach serves eclectic Southeast Asian/Indian cuisine, cocktails, and sake.

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 parties and events.

Cibo Wine Bar South Beach {200 South Pointe Drive, Miami Beach; 305.987.6060}
This small chain boasts a menu of modern Italian cuisine and an extensive, 3,500+ wine list in a rustic, oceanfront setting.

Dolce Italian {1690 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.975.2550}
This trendy, indoor-outdoor restaurant sits in the Gale Hotel, right on Collins Avenue, and is known for its modern Italian fare and popular mozzarella bar.

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 fusion menu of inventive Caribbean, Spanish, Latin, and South American 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 lavish, contemporary Asian cuisine in a flamboyant, oceanfront setting.

Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann {3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.655.5610}
This is Miami’s only South American, live-fire cooking restaurant, which was created by famed Argentine “gaucho” Francis Mallmann.
BRICKELL + DOWNTOWN MIAMI
What’s there: Art Miami, CONTEXT Art Miami, PRIZM, NADA Art Fair, Miami Street Photography Festival + FREE!

Kiki on the River {450 NW North River Drive, Miami; 786.502.3243}
Sitting on the Miami River, pretend you’re on the Greek islands at this see-and-be-seen restaurant, which puts a modern twist on Mediterranean classics.

Cantina La Veinte {495 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.623.6135}
Overlooking Biscayne Bay, this haute Mexican restaurant and lounge serves upscale Mexican cuisine with a trendy, Magic City flair.

Pubbelly Sushi {701 South Miami Ave #421, Brickell ; 786.899.5043‬}
This hip sushi joint is the brainchild of one of Miami’s favorite chefs, José Mendín, and serves an inventive, playful American take on Pan-Asian classics.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse {315 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.487.7130}
This restaurant offers 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 an oasis of 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, fresh juices, mezcal cocktails, and more.
MIDTOWN + WYNWOOD
What’s there: Spectrum Miami, PINTA Miami + Red Dot Miami

Salumeria 104 {3451 NE 1st Avenue, Midtown; 305.424.9588}
Go here for weekend brunch, lunch, or dinner, and feast on Italian-cured meats, breads, pastas, Italian delicacies, and wine.

Mason Eatery {3470 North Miami Avenue, Midtown; 786.618.5150}
Created by the same team behind Beaker & Gray, Mason Eatery has a diner-like feel and serves a modern take on popular American plates.

Three {50 NW 24 Street #101, Wynwood; 305.748.4540}
Brought to us by award-winning chef and restaurateur, Norman Van Aken, this upscale Wynwood restaurant focuses on elevated Florida cuisine.

BarMeli69 {6927 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami; 305.754.5558}
Take a trip to the Mediterranean at this MiMo wine bar, which is run by spunky Liza Meli.

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.  
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor