Restaurants all over Miami are collectively breathing a sigh of relief and throwing open their doors for in-person dining once again. They have adjusted to comply with all CDC, county and city guidelines—and there are many. Reducing their capacity to 50% and maintaining a six-feet space between tables will mean reconfigured dining areas and a little more elbow room. These restaurants put the new measures in place to welcome us back and ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
Alloy Bistro
After spending months indoors, this modern Italian eatery feels like a Mediterranean oasis in Downtown Miami. Dine in the cozy courtyard or indoors, by the open kitchen, where you can watch the chefs create each dish from scratch. They’re doing a cycle of sanitization every 30 minutes and every time a table is turned over. Guests can now scan a QR code to see the menu on their phones.
154 SE 1st Avenue, Miami; (786) 773-2742; alloybistro.com
Seaspice
Seaspice’s al fresco dining area (which overlooks the Miami River) and their indoor space have been redesigned to create a more intimate setting. Party size will be limited to six guests per table and all will be required to wear masks, except while seated. Lucky for us, they also used the two-month shutdown to elevate their menu, redefine their beverage program and undergo deep cleanings and staff training to safely provide the best-possible dining experience.
422 NW North River Drive, Miami; (305) 440-4200; seaspice.com
Cibo Wine Bar
Take a stroll down Miracle Mile and stop for fresh Italian apps paired with a refreshing rosé in the large, covered patio of this popular wine bar. Sunday brunch, which was previously buffet-style, is still being worked out, but they are open for business otherwise. They are limiting capacity to 25%, screening temperatures for both staff and guests and using enhanced cleaning procedures, disposable menus, touchless payment options and plexiglass barriers throughout for extra care.
45 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; (305) 442-4925; cibowinebar.com
Old Lisbon
Locations in Coral Way, South Miami and Sunny Isles are now open, so head there for their famous bacalhau dishes or giant platters with all the fresh seafood you can handle. They have trained their staff in safety protocols and have added social-distancing signs, hands-free sanitizers, touchless-lid garbage cans and plexiglass at hostess stations.
1698 SW 22nd St, Miami, (305) 854-0039; 5837 Sunset Dr, South Miami, (305) 662-7435;
17100 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, (305) 974-0038
Riviera Focacceria
Located at the Shops at Midtown, this Italian restaurant specializes in Ligurian cuisine. They create traditional dishes using ingredients found locally and imported weekly from Italy; so when you try their famed focaccia cheese, you know you’re tasting the real deal. With reduced personnel, they are easing their way back into dine-in service to ensure each guest has a quality experience. Hospital-grade cleaner was used to sanitize before re-opening and hand sanitizers will be placed at each table.
3252 NE Buena Vista Boulevard, Suite 110, Miami; 786-220-6251; rivierafocacceria.com
The Deck at Island Gardens
The Deck boasts one of the best views in Miami from their ample, all-outdoor dining area! They are almost ready for their grand re-opening on June 6, which will come with a new summer menu. All china, silverware and glassware will go through two dishwashers, or you can opt for disposable glasses, plates and utensils. Alas, their popular Sunday buffet-style brunch won’t be back during phase one of re-opening, but look for new à la carte brunch favorites with more to come as part of its Miami Spice debut.
888 MacArthur Causeway, Miami; (786) 627-4949; islandgardens.com
By: Estefania Garcia