Craving a lunch that won’t add to your holiday weight gain? Check out the Miami must-try spots below. (We even tell you what to eat while you’re there.)
The Strand Bar & Grill
Open for lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Helmed by Executive Chef Stephen Ullrich, most recently from Tom Colicchio’s Beachcraft, The Strand Bar & Grill {6801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.514.7474} sits in the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. When you go, expect a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu of thoughtful, New American fare that includes dishes made with South Florida’s organic community in mind. Ingredients are sourced from local boutique farms, and that includes the cocktails: like the A Beet Up Mule, which is made with beet-infused Veev Acai and fresh lime juice.
What you’re getting: Kampachi Crudo with asparagus, yuzu, radish and rice crisp
The Lido Bayside Grill at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Overlooking Biscayne Bay, The Lido Bayside Grill {40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.245.0880} is a Mediterranean spot perfect for any meal of the day (including happy hour!). The vibes are relaxed, the views are beautiful, and the food is inspired by the Mediterranean diet, with everything from green juice and fruit smoothies, to Avocado Toast, Roasted Veggie Buddha, Grilled Fish Tacos, and even Mini Cheeseburgers made with organic beef.
What you’re getting: chilled Living “Lasagna” with squash, cashew cheese, nuts, and vegetarian sausage
Artisan Beach House
Open for lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sitting in the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Artisan Beach House {10295 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour; 305.455.5460} is an idyllic oceanfront restaurant with globally-inspired plates filled with what’s fresh and local. One way to see this? In its fabulous (albeit, small) salad list; there’s everything from a Charred Kale or Local Greens salad, to a Florida Heirloom Tomatoes salad with local burrata.
What you’re getting: Smashed Beets salad with greens, pumpkin seeds, Humboldt fog, pumpernickel, and white balsamic
Sawa Restaurant & Bar
Open for lunch daily starting at 11 a.m.
As if the Shops of Merrick Park weren’t attractive enough, Sawa Restaurant & Lounge {360 San Lorenzo Avenue #1500, Coral Gables; 305.447.6555} gives you another reason to go there. Named after a word that means “togetherness” in Arabic and “harmony” in Japanese, this restaurant fuses Mediterranean and Japanese ingredients and cooking styles. The result? An eclectic menu of meat, vegetarian, and seafood tapas, kebabs, sushi, salads, soup, and more in a chic, lounge-like atmosphere.
What you’re getting: an Ahi Tuna Burger with avocado, arugula, and aji amarillo

Oishi Thai
Open for lunch daily starting at Noon
Sushi is one of the healthiest meals around, and the team at Oishi Thai {14841 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami Beach; 305.947.4338} makes some of the best in Miami. The brainchild of self-taught chef Piyarat Potha Arreeratn, or “Chef Bee,” of NaiYaRa {1854 Bay Road, Miami Beach; 786.275.6005} and Khong River House, Oishi Thai serves simple sushi dishes that let the quality of the fish and Chef Bee’s talent speak for themselves.
What you’re getting: a Daimyo Maki Roll with tuna, hamachi, salmon, scallions, asparagus, avocado, I/O masago, and sesame seeds
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor