Any savvy South Floridian knows Miami Spice is the best time to try out all the great local restaurants you’ve had on your list. After all, deals like these only come once a year. And this year, Spice is running for a record four months — from June 1 through September 30. To help you start planning your local dine around, we’ve put together a list of some of the best spots to try right now, from big hotel names to hidden gems that should be on your radar.

Hotel haunts for the flavor-chasing staycationer

Katsuya South Beach

If you’re looking for a delicious fusion of Latin American flavor and traditional Japanese robata and sushi, Katsuya is just the spot. This iconic restaurant at the SLS Hotel in Miami Beach has so many knockout dishes, like their crispy rice with spicy tuna, vegan watermelon tartar, tangy jidori chicken, and No Soy Sushi selection — and they’re all on the Miami Spice dinner menu. What’s more, their Dragon Lounge hosts a daily happy hour and a Sunday sake special, so time your visit around one of these events.

Katsuya South Beach is located at the SLS Hotel South Beach, 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. For reservations, call (305) 455-2995.

Los Fuegos at Faena

Steak lovers, “meat” your match. This Miami Beach favorite by Argentine grillmaster Francis Mallmann serves up an unforgettable “asado” experience that shines a spotlight on locally sourced ingredients and expertly prepared steak dishes. You can taste your way through some of the menu’s top-rated options at Miami Spice prices for both lunch and dinner, like organic chicken paillarda, branzino “a la plancha,” and the famous Los Fuegos churrasco steak. 

Los Fuegos is located at Faena, 3201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. For reservations, call (786) 655-5610

Fontana at The Biltmore

Hands-down one of the most romantic restaurants to enjoy date night al fresco, Fontana at The Biltmore specializes in Italian-inspired cuisine paired with a head-spinning wine list that spans the globe. Their Sunday Champagne Brunch is legendary, but if you just want to drop by for a low-key multi-course meal at a great price, you should definitely stay tuned for more information on their upcoming Miami Spice offerings. 

Fontana is located at The Biltmore, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables. For reservations, call  (305) 445-1926.

Bourbon Steak at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa

When it comes to the classic American steakhouse experience, Bourbon Steak at Turnberry Isle Hotel is a winner. Most foodies know it best for its butter-poached steaks and duck fat fries, and the plush decor and glitzy ambiance are the perfect way to dress up any special occasion dinner. Right now Bourbon Steak is serving up an amazing Miami Spice dinner menu that includes their signature New York Strip Rossini as one of the options, plus plenty more delicious choices. Come early or linger after your meal with a few cocktails at the bar, where the vibe is as chic and dreamy as the drinks themselves. 

Bourbon Steak is located at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, 1999 W Country Club Drive, Miami. For reservations, call (786) 279-6600.

Nikki Beach

You won’t find it inside a hotel, but as far as staycations go few places in Miami are as transportative as Nikki Beach. The original outpost of the iconic brand that has become a mainstay throughout the world, Nikki Beach makes guests feel like they’ve been whisked away to the beach clubs of St. Tropez. Head there now and order their Miami Spice lunch menu, offered Monday through Friday for just $25. Must-try items include the burrata Caprese, the tempura shrimp tacos, and Nikki Beach’s famous chicken satay.

Nikki Beach is located at 1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. For reservations, email [email protected].

StripSteak by Michael Mina at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

While dinner at Michael Mina’s award-winning concept is always delicious, StripSteak’s Miami Spice menu offers a well-rounded tasting experience at a great price. Appetizers include options like the BLT wedge salad and shrimp served with a Bombay Sapphire cocktail sauce, and entrees include your choice of miso salmon, slow-braised short rib (our pick) and roasted chicken. Finish your meal with a serving of cool key lime pie or the decadent bananas foster bread pudding. 

StripSteak is located at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. For reservations, call (877) 326-7412

Zuma Miami at Kimpton EPIC Hotel 

Dinner is always an event at Zuma, but we’ve long been fans of their power lunch, beloved by local movers and shakers for years. This Brickell mainstay has brought back its Miami Spice lunch menu, so you can dig into a specially priced feast that includes options like wagyu gyoza, chicken karaage, grilled salmon teriyaki, yuzu pie and more. For $10 extra, you’ll enjoy a sommelier-selected pairing of red or white wine and sake, or you can try two exclusive Miami Spice cocktails priced at $12 each. 

Zuma is located at 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami. For reservations, call 305-577-027

Il Mulino New York at Acqualina Resort & Spa

This beautiful oceanfront restaurant at the Acqualina Resort and Spa will whisk you away to Abruzzi, Italy with every sip of wine and bite of burrata. Drop by during the day to enjoy their Miami Spice lunch menu poolside, or come by in the evening for their Miami Spice dinner menu. Each offers foodie favorites, like the polpette di ricotta, hearty cavatelli, fileto di manzo alla Fiorentina, and torta di ricotta, just to name a few. 

Il Mulino New York is located at Acqualina Resort & Spa, 17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach. For reservations, call (305) 466-919

Local gems for the neighborhood foodie

Amare Ristorante

Family-owned and celebrated for its authentic Italian cuisine, Amare Ristorante has been a go-to among locals for decades. It’s currently serving a Miami Spice dinner menu that includes tasty apps like gamberi e fagioli and carpaccio di tonno, mains like tagliatelle bolognese, pollo al rosmarino, and branzino ai ferri, and desserts that include a classic homemade tiramisu and a summer-perfect panna cotta made with blueberry custard. 

Amare Ristorante is located at 1 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. For reservations, call (305) 731-6999

Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante

Sardinia is a great option whether you’re dining with friends, family, or your significant other. Located in Sunset Harbour, this Med-inspired gem focuses on simple, authentic Sardinian food like wood oven-baked veggies, sumptuous selections from a mozzarella bar, a salumeria and formaggi menu, and more. They’re serving Miami Spice menus for lunch and dinner, and each one features great options like the house fregola and arancini, the cartoccio of the day, a refreshing Caprese salad, and the chef’s selection of dessert. 

Sardinia is located at 1801 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach. For reservations, call (305) 531-2228.

Blue Collar

Located in Miami’s MiMo district, this no-fuss local eatery features homestyle comfort food that hits the spot — like tostones topped with vaca frita, savory pork and beans, crispy conch fritters, jambalaya, and more. If you dine now during Miami Spice, you’ll enjoy a specially priced three-course meal made up of any apps, entrees, and desserts off the regular menu. 

Blue Collar is located at 6730 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. For more information, call (305) 756-0366.

Palat

One of the top restaurants in Miami’s burgeoning Buena Vista neighborhood, Palat specializes in modern Italian cuisine and tasty contemporary dishes that feature fresh-caught seafood, homemade pastas, and more. They’re currently offering Miami Spice menus for lunch and dinner, each with four dishes to choose from in the appetizer and entree sections and two tantalizing desserts options. 

Palat is located at 4702 NE 2nd Ave., Miami. For reservations, visit opentable.

Cafe La Trova

Here’s a restaurant that will make you feel like you’re truly on vacation. With its stunning decor and live music every night, it’s a taste of golden-age Havana right here in Little Havana. Their Miami Spice dinner menu features delicious dishes like sweet corn and chicken empanadas, jamon serrano croquetas, lechon con chicharones, skirt steak ropa vieja, the local catch of the day, and creamy, custardy flan. 

Cafe La Trova is located at 971 SW 8th Street, Miami. For reservations, call (786) 615-4379.

Diya Indian Kitchen

If great Indian food is what you’re craving, pencil in a meal at family-owned and operated Diya Indian Kitchen in Sunset Harbour. You’ll find plenty of vegetarian options and street food selections on their Miami Spice dinner menu, like aloo bravas, eggplant barta, dhaal tadka, chana masala, and more. Desserts bring a little bit Latin inspiration into the mix — we love the Kashmiri flan and the Ras Malai tres leches. If you’d rather enjoy your food at home, Diya is offering pickup. 

Diya Indian Kitchen is located at 1766 Bay Road, Miami Beach. For reservations, call (305) 763-8948.

Estiatorio Milos

Taste your way to the isles of Greece at Estiatorio Milos in Miami Beach’s charming South of Fifth neighborhood. The stars of the menu here are the seafood dishes (like the ceviche and grilled octopus), but you’ll also find plenty to rave about when you try their lamb and steak options. Food is served family-style and many items are prepared right at your table. Estiatorio Milos will be offering a Miami Spice menu soon — keep checking their website and social media for updates. 

Estiatorio Milos is located at 730 First Street, Miami Beach. For reservations, call (305) 604-6800.

Esotico 

It’s all about tropical tipples and Polynesian-inspired dishes at Esotico. Ask for their Miami Spice dinner menu and you’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail called the Bali Hali — a fizzy blend of rum, rosé brut, and the house Hanalei mix — plus your pick of mouthwatering dishes ranging from beef cho cho to Hawaiian fried rice to Makuahine banana bread pudding. And that’s not all — if you prefer to order goodies from Esotico, the restaurant is currently offering tiki cocktails to go Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m.

Esotico is located at 1600 NE 1st Ave., Suite 102, Miami. For reservations, call (305) 800-8454.

Restaurants are adding Spice menus every day, so keep checking back for updates and more information. 

By Amanda M., Contributing Writer