Tuyo {415 Northeast Second Avenue; 305.237.3200}
Tuyo’s new executive chef, Victor Santos, has big shoes to fill, but the bright, young Brazilian-native has two things going for him with a culinary school degree and a hefty amount of experience in fine-dining restaurants under his belt. On where he’s taking Tuyo’s cuisine, Chef Victor Santos says, “We want to separate ourselves from the New-World cuisine that he [former Chef Norman Van Aken] so successfully did throughout his career, so I’m taking more of a modern American approach with a strong French influence with Asian and Latin touches.” For a cross-cultural tasting experience, Santos recommends the oven-roasted Red Snapper with coconut jasmine rice, lemongrass, and ginger-lime vinaigrette, topped with a black bean and pineapple salsa. tuyomiami.com
Old Lisbon {1698 Southwest 22nd Street; 305.854.0039}
After what feels like far too long, the culinary delight that is Old Lisbon has re-opened its doors at the historic Coral Way location. Servers carrying authentic Portuguese dishes walk out from a rustic open kitchen, while guests sit at white-clothed tables, surrounded by white walls, in a space adorned with hand-painted art of Old Lisbon, and all around is an atmosphere of Old-World charm. Take a seat, order the Bacalhau na Cataplana com Ameijoas (a stewed Norwegian codfish), and you’ll be transported to Old Lisbon. oldlisbon.com
L’Echon Brasserie {62nd Street and Collins Avenue; phone TBD}
To say Andreas Schreiner, Segio Navarro, and Jose Mendin (AKA The Pubbelly Boys) are on a roll would be a massive understatement. In less than four years, the trio has made huge culinary strides, opening six restaurants and most recently adding a seventh concept to their repertoire: L’Echon Brasserie. Their newest Pubbelly-style eatery makes its home at the renovated Hilton Cabana, where Chef Jose Mendin takes on the world of French cuisine with a twist by adding his unmistakably classic yet playful Pubbelly touch to a menu of shareable plates. A gorgeous indoor/outdoor setting with oceanfront views and two waterfalls provide the perfect space to bite into his French-inspired dishes. lechonbrasserie.com
Uvaggio {70 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 707.224.2254}
“Top Chef” contestant Bret Pelaggi has partnered with former Wine Director Heath Porter and Owner Craig DeWald to open Uvaggio, a high-end, European-style wine bar. The three restaurateurs combined their passion for wines to create an upscale wine bar (with plenty of class but without the typical stuffiness) and curate a menu of wine-inspired dishes. It’s a unique process they call “tasting backwards,” where boutique wines are first carefully selected, and then their aromas, flavors, and textures help create and pair a corresponding dish. Uvaggio welcomes wine lovers with open arms. uvaggio.com
Big Fish {620 Northeast 78th Street; 305.373.1770}
Formerly located in Downtown Miami, the Italian eatery known as Big Fish has re-emerged—twice as delicious—on Biscayne Boulevard and 78th Street. The seafood emphasis here is bold and clear, with fresh fish dishes made even more delectable by friendly service, affordable prices, and a perfectly fitting ambience. Order the whole Branzino and lay back on the outdoor patio as you indulge, while white curtains move in the breeze and sailboats float gently along the river. The Big Fish legacy continues. thebigfishrestaurant.com
R House {2727 Northwest Second Avenue; 305.576.0201}
Come on over to R House, and experience Chef/Owner Rocco Carulli’s new sensory experience in Wynwood. It’s a restaurant, lounge, and art gallery all in one. R House boasts a menu of shareable contemporary American dishes sprinkled with Latin, Asian, and Mediterranean influences. The restaurant is also home to the White Porch Gallery, which features an innovative movable wall system showcasing the work of various artists. And, of course, R House’s cozy lounge provides an ideal space for guests to enjoy the DJ’s tunes and sip on home-infused cocktails. Come check it out—R House is your house. rhousewynwood.com
La Mar {500 Brickell Key Drive; 305.913.8288}
As a Gaston Acurio restaurant, La Mar could have chosen no lovelier nor more elegant setting than the Forbes five-star, award-winning Mandarin Oriental. At La Mar, Acurio’s acclaimed cuisine—an eclectic combination of Peruvian-Asian fusion and nuovo-Andean fare—is served in a stunning space with panoramic water views. A truly unique Miami experience, with just the right touch of luxury and creative tastes, awaits you there. mandarinoriental.com
Colette {1223 Lincoln Road; 305.534.7888}
Behind this quaint and charming French eatery on Lincoln Road is Frederic Boldron, a highly knowledgeable chef with over 18 years of culinary experience, who brings his passion for French cuisine to the charismatic Colette Little French Bistro. Under the supervision of Colette’s owner, Francis Pittilloni, Boldron dishes out French classics in a warm and inviting setting, ideal for a pre-dinner bottle of rosé or a post-movie alfresco meal. There’s always the option for a romantic meal in the sunshine, too, since Colette is newly open for lunch as well. coletterestaurant.com
Tokyo Blue {4040 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale; 954.566.2122}
When a restaurant taps not one, but two former Nobu chefs, the outcome is most likely going to be something beyond wonderful. Tokyo Blue has done just that at the new Downtown location, having added the highly skilled Chef Mai, specializing in Thai delicacies and Japanese food; and Sushi Chef Jo, who works exclusively with the freshest ingredients of the highest quality. And at Tokyo Blue, dining on five-star Eastern dishes doesn’t break the bank, to the delight of our palates and wallets. tokyoblueonthebeach.com
Dry de Luxe {2000 Collins Avenue, Suite 4; 786.484.4260}
When you go out for a special meal, you want to look your best. To achieve your most stunning, drop-dead-gorgeous look before a romantic dinner or a night out with the girls, leave it up to the most capable hands in town, Dry de Luxe. The Miami Beach blow-dry lounge will not only update your ‘do to supermodel status, but they’ll also shape your brows and apply your make-up, leaving you looking absolutely fabulous. After all, your dinner shouldn’t be the only thing looking beautiful. drydeluxe.com