Cocktails at Segafredo L’Originale

Here are five restaurants we just can’t get enough of right now:

The River Seafood & Oyster Bar: The brainchild of Chef David Bracha, The River Seafood & Oyster Bar {650 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.530.1915} first opened in 2003, and has been a staple in Miami ever since. Using only local seafood, farmers, and vendors, The River Seafood & Oyster Bar puts a modern twist on classic seafood cuisine. Go for its prime Brickell location and extensive wine list, but stay for the top-shelf oysters, daily happy hour, and Smoked cocktail with High West Campfire, Zignum Mezcal, agave, and orange bitters.

Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar: Peru is known for its food, and here in Miami, we can get the best of it at Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar {8551 NW 53rd Street, Doral; 786.805.4344}. Opened by the same team behind Coral Gables’ Bulla Gastrobar, Pisco y Nazca—which is named after two Peruvian cities known for their production of pisco—serves up traditional Peruvian fare with an innovative twist. When you’re there, pair a Proper Rum & Coke with options like Passion Fruit Ceviche, Mushroom Empanadas, a Que Bestia burger, or a Plancha Pulpo with potato cakes and chimichurri. Whatever you choose, it’s guaranteed to be delicious.

R House: In an artsy haven like Wynwood, R House {2727 NW 2nd Avenue, Wynwood; 305.576.0201} fuses art with food. Part restaurant, part lounge, and part art space, R House is an intimate restaurant with an exhibition kitchen, an outdoor terrace, and a lounge with rotating DJs and live music. If you’re there for dinner, indulge in the Braised Lamb Shank with a porcini mushroom-coriander-cinnamon rub, Israeli couscous, arugula pesto, glazed baby carrots, and a port wine reduction. If it’s brunch you crave, go to the Sunday Sauce Brunch Party at R House, where for just $60, you’ll get unlimited brunch appetizers, one main entree, and bottomless mimosas, “Bye Joe” sangrias, and more.

Segafredo L’Originale: An Italian café by day, and a sexy lounge by night, Segafredo L’Originale {1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.673.0047} is always a good place to be. Go there for trendy DJs and beautiful people-watching, and stay for the long menu of espresso drinks, tapas, wine, cocktails, pizza, and more.

Berries in the Grove: Located in Coconut Grove, Berries in the Grove {2884 SW 27th Avenue, Coconut Grove; 305.448.2111} is a hip, friendly café filled with hanging lanterns, a tree planted in the center of the dining room, and Bohemian vibes. Start your feast with large appetizers like the Brie & Fruit Plate or the thinly-seared Tuna Tataki, and move on to Pumpkin Ravioli, Firenze Pizza, Rio de Janeiro Panini, and the Chocolate Pizza with Nutella and frozen yogurt. At Berries, nothing disappoints!

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor