Banana Leaf Tamale from Plant Miami
January is that time of year where most of us set resolutions—and more often than not, those resolutions have to do with health and fitness. Recovering from the holidays, and trying to watch what you eat this month? Lucky for Miamians, that doesn’t mean you have to stay in.
Head to some of Miami’s best restaurants (like those listed below), and order healthy. These plates are so good, you won’t even know they’re diet-friendly. Eat up!
The Lido Bayside Grill: Inspired by the Mediterranean, The Lido Bayside Grill {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.673.1717} is known for its gorgeous Biscayne Bay views, “sun-kissed” cuisine, and nutrient-rich food so delicious, that you don’t even realize it’s good for you. To stay on the extra healthy side, try the Buddha Bowl! It’s vegetarian-friendly, gluten free, and packed with a tasty combination of quinoa, roasted veggies, raw veggies, and tahini dressing.
Kazumi: This modern sushi spot has every kind of sushi you could crave… and then some. Unless you’re getting it fried, or having ice cream sushi, sushi is generally pretty healthy. For all of its goodness and more, head to Kazumi {260 Crandon Boulevard #16, Key Biscayne; 305.361.2675} and get the Ichigo Roll; it’s stuffed with an eel and crab mixture, and topped with strawberries and avocado.
Joe’s Stone Crab: You know you don’t have to go to Joe’s Stone Crab {11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.673.0365} and get the stone crabs (although we completely understand why you do). But, as the real locals know, everything on the Joe’s menu will leave you craving more! To stick with your health goals, order the seared Branzino with smoked salted lemon oil, and choose your own a la carte sides. The steamed Spinach, grilled Asparagus, and garlic Green Beans with candied walnuts, dried tomatoes, and shaved Asiago cheese are all delicious, healthy choices.
Plant Miami: Considering anything that comes out of the Plant Miami {105 NE 24 Street, Wynwood; 305.814.5365} kitchen is plant-based, everything on the menu is pretty healthy. (Yes, even the ice cream.) One of the most popular and most filling dishes is the Banana Leaf Tamale with sweet corn, mushroom, cacao molé, aji amarillo, and avocado.
Pubbelly Sushi: Who doesn’t love an excuse to go to Pubbelly Sushi {8970 SW 72 Place, Kendall; 786.369.5472}? If you’re there and trying to eat healthy, take advantage of the full vegetable menu—the Baby Bok Choy with garlic ponzu, black beans, and red chili flakes, and the Japanese Eggplant with red miso, garlic chips, chives, and sesame are two of our favorites on there. If you really want sushi, get a kick (literally) out of the spicy Hamachi Jalapeño sashimi with yuzu soy, cilantro, and roasted poblanos.
Tacology: At this point, everyone in Miami should know about the tacos at Tacology {701 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 786.347.5368}. (If you don’t, trust us: you’re missing out.) The taco menu includes every kind of taco you could imagine, from Chicken Pastor and Cochinita, to Nopales (Cactus) and Quinoa, Lobster, and even the Scrambled Egg taco. To be extra good on your diet, try the Vegan Taco, which is filled with seasonal roasted vegetables, jalapeño hummus, and crispy mananga.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor