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These classic Miami staples are ageless in their recipes, process, and atmosphere

Tasty Traditions at Old Lisbon

In Portugal, they say there are 365 recipes using bacalhau; one recipe for each day of the year. If you’re unfamiliar with bacalhau, it’s codfish that’s dried and salted and considered an absolute staple at most Portuguese dinner tables—and one that is rare to find here in South Florida. However, at Old Lisbon Restaurants, they bring the tradition to life by importing 16 tons of the specialized cod every year to offer customers the finest bacalao dishes in the Miami area. On its way to Old Lisbon, the fish is first fished from Norway, then salted and dried in Portugal. On a menu of over 20 seafood specialties, half of them feature this tasty tradition, and every bite you take is another moment of beachy Lisbon bliss.

Osteria Del Teatro’s Tribute to Timeless Classics

Situated in the iconic boutique Marlin Hotel in the Art Deco District of South Beach, Osteria del Teatro offers a nod to the past. Complete with black and white movies on display, soft jazz music playing in the distance, fantastic food, and signature cocktails, Osteria is the place to go when nostalgia strikes. Discover daily happy hour in the quaint lounge area from 5-7pm daily. For only $8, enjoy popular dishes such as the Casoncelli alla Bergamasca, made with handmade candy-shape ravioli and roasted veal stuffing, Parmesan cheese and crispy pancetta, all in a brown butter sage sauce. Try other greats, like the Agnolotti al Pesto or the Ravioli di Pesce. Pair your favorite bite with a signature cocktail, like the Sophia Loren, or perhaps a Bellini, an Old Fashion, or a Scotch Collins. If you ask us, it’s a savory way to unwind every day!

Standards of Excellence at A Fish Called Avalon

If the 1955 Oldsmobile convertible parked in front of A Fish Called Avalon isn’t enough to make you say, “Wow,” the culinary experience will certainly do the trick! For nearly 30 years, A Fish Called Avalon has set the standard for culinary excellence. For the past 10 years, Executive Chef Kal Abdalla, a veteran of The Forge and a native of the Syrian island of Arwad, has created award-winning dishes adored by locals and travelers alike. To the croons of live music daily, indulge in the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, the Chilean Sea Bass with a miso glaze, and for dessert, try the Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée. It will be the joy ride of a lifetime for your tastebuds!

By DiningOut Staff

Superb food, specialty drinks, and spectacular views—it doesn’t get much better than rooftop dining in Miami

The Miami skyline shows no signs of stopping, and one of the many perks of a growing multi-cultural city is the million-dollar view in some of the best neighborhoods in town. From Brickell to Buena Vista, rooftops are dominating the scene. Grab a cocktail and take in the city seascape at one of these breathtaking Magic City rooftops.

Area 31

Area 31 {270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami; 305.424.5234}
Wine and dine with the most spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and Brickell Key when you visit the 16th floor of Area 31 at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel. Enjoy an ocean-inspired and locally driven cuisine like East or West Coast Oysters from the Raw Bar or Faroe Island Salmon with Tokyo turnips, golden beets, and preserved lemon Grenobloise at one of the most popular rooftop restaurants in the Magic City. Come for brunch, dinner, or happy hour ($7 wine specials and $8 appetizers) and take in an awe-inspiring skyline that never disappoints.

Juvia

Juvia {1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.763.8272}
At the iconic 1111 garage structure, there’s a rooftop like no other with spectacular views of Miami Beach. Juvia on Lincoln Road is a must-visit on your next culinary adventure. Bringing foodies together with its global fusion cuisine, Juvia also boasts one of the trendiest rooftops, with an 11:11 happy hour that offers $11 appetizers and $11 cocktails like the Passion Star with vanilla Haku vodka, passion fruit purée and Prosecco. Come at sundown—you’ll thank us.

Sugar

Sugar {788 Brickell Plaza, Brickell; 786.805.4644}
What if you could experience the most breathtaking and panoramic views of Miami while simultaneously in a lush Asian-inspired jungle 40 floors in the sky? Anything is impossible in Miami, especially when you visit Sugar at the East Hotel in Brickell. Grab a seat at one of the teak-carved barstools or a day bed surrounded by palms after a day of shopping at Brickell City Center, and enjoy bites from their mouthwatering sushi menu or a cocktail like the Sesame Sling, with Tanqueray gin, mango, key lime, and hibiscus. It’s the perfect spot to transition from afternoon libations to an evening night out.

The 1 Rooftop

The 1 Rooftop {2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.6580}
A floating oasis with views of the ocean is probably the most Instagram-worthy of seaside rooftops. When you visit The 1 Rooftop at The 1 Hotel South Beach, not only will you get to experience the largest rooftop pool on the strip, you’ll also get to savor the amazing Japanese cuisine at Watr. Don’t fret if you see rain on the horizon—the retractable roof keeps patrons dry and happy while they bask in the intimate rooftop vibes with locally sourced cocktails and Watr menu favorites like Hamachi Crudo or the Wagyu beef Watr Burger.

No. 3 Social

No. 3 Social {50 NW 24th Street, Wynwood; 305.395.5811}
Live music, a vibrant art scene, and innovative cocktails and food come together at Wynwood rooftop hotspot No. 3 Social. The laid-back atmosphere perfectly captures the essence of the Wynwood spirit, and you can admire captivating street art from the comfort of the rooftop bar. No. 3 Social is a fantastic spot to catch up with friends or unwind after dinner with an order of fresh East Coast Oysters On The ½ Shell and a pitcher of Rum Punch.

Vista

Vista {5020 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami; 305.405.7547}
The trendy Buena Vista neighborhood is throwing its hat in the South Florida rooftop ring and locals and tourists are here for it. Situated on the second floor of the rustic Italian restaurant by the same name, the rooftop is charming and prime real estate if you’re looking to venture out of the usual touristy neighborhoods. The duo behind Fratelli Milano brings a hidden oasis for those looking for good seasonal cocktails in an intimate setting.

By Kathy Buccio | Contributing Writer

A list of local favorites that just couldn’t let go of the Miami Spice thrill (and we’re certainly not mad about it)

While Miami Spice may be over, we’ve found some spots that have either extended their Spice offerings or created a new menu entirely—leaving your taste buds satisfied and your wallets happy.

Seaspice

Lobster Bar Sea Grille Miami Spice Extended

If you’re a lobster fan, search no further than upscale seafood emporium Lobster Bar Sea Grille—just one of 13 eateries owned by Atlanta-based Buckhead Life Restaurant Group. The Lobster Bar Sea Grille sources fresh fish from around the world and through November, it’s extending its three-course dinner menu filled with everything of your lobster dreams.

For just $39, indulge in favorites like the Grilled Mediterranean Octopus, Whole Lobster Pasta Americaine, Nova Scotia Whole Lobster Stuffed Lobster, or the Twin Beef Tenderloin Medallions Au Poivre. For dessert, there’s the Signature Tropical Pavlova and Classic Profiteroles. Is your mouth watering yet?

Lunch Like a Boss at Seaspice

Long days working hard at the office call for a fine-dining lunch deal at Seaspice. Whether entertaining a client, enjoying a quick power lunch with co-workers, or taking a solo hour getaway, Seaspice’s world-class cuisine and nautical waterfront is reinventing your midday meal with a three-course Executive Lunch menu for just $29.

Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 3:30 p.m., lunch like a boss by indulging in dishes like the Salmon Crudo with white truffle ponzu or Maine Lobster Cappuccino. Entrée choices include Local Yellow Tail Snapper served with a citrus salsa verde, Wagyu Burger topped with smoked Gruyère and truffle aïoli, Shrimp Tagliolini, or, for a light and meatless option, the Vegan Plant Bowl with yellow lentil, curried butternut squash, shaved Brussels sprouts, and Turkish figs. With an Executive Lunch offering like this, you’ll head back to the office with a full belly and a clear mind.

Fi’lia South Beach: Curing Your Post-Spice Blues

Looking to cure your post-Miami Spice blues? Located in the heart of South Beach, Italian eatery Fi’lia South Beach is offering to help by way of a three-course, prix-fixe menu for both lunch and dinner. However, if a wider range of options is what appeals to you, Fi’lia’s all-day menu features delights like Charred Eggplant Spread and Linguine Cacio e Pepe, or dinner favorites like Calamari with lemon and marinara or the creamy Mushroom Risotto. All heavenly menus are available daily—and our hearts (and stomachs) are happy once again.

Taste of Matador

Olé, for a taste of Matador! Experience the culinary treasures of celebrity Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten by exploring his latest five-course prix-fixe menu while lounging in a luxurious, intimately-lit dining room.

Located at the Miami Beach Edition Hotel, The Matador Room offers the chef’s interpretation of Caribbean, Spanish, and Latin and South American cuisines while the ambiance is reminiscent of the glamorous supper clubs of the 1940s and 50s.

For $78 per person, indulge in fan favorites such as the Sweet Pea Guacamole with toasted sunflower seeds, Wild Gulf Shrimp with sizzling garlic and chile oil, or Black Truffle and Fontina Cheese Pizza. If you’ve come with a hard-to-satisfy appetite, the Arroz con Pollo with crackling skin and lemon zest will be sure to do the trick for you. And, to satisfy your sweet tooth, don’t miss out on the Warm Vanilla Fritters and Chocolate Pudding with Mexican chocolate. Can you say, “Olé!”

By Loren Gutentag, Contributing Writer

Steakhouse selections that shine

Bourbon Steak {19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura; 786.279.6600}

When you have the word “steak” in your restaurant name, you’re setting the bar high for your beef. This is especially true when celebrated Chef Michael Mina is attached to the concept. Unsurprisingly, the fine-dining establishment inside JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa offers diners plenty to like—both in the steak department and beyond.

First things first: Bourbon Steak isn’t cheap. The steakhouse fare comes at a premium, with entrees as high as $95 (and even $195 for an 8-ounce Japanese A5 Striploin). Prepare to spend a pretty penny on your meal. But you should also prepare to leave the restaurant in awe.

From start to finish, Bourbon Steak doesn’t disappoint. Instead of bread service, guests are welcomed with a trio of Duck Fat Fries, each with tasty sauces and seasonings like Smoked Paprika, Spicy Ketchup, and Smoky BBQ Sauce. As tempting as it is to gorge on these fries, overdoing it will leave less room for notable starters like Steak Tartare and Spicy Beef Lettuce Cups.

Make sure to balance all that meat with some seafood. The chilled seafood section of the menu features favorites like Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, a Chef’s Oyster Selection, and Caviar Parfait. Larger groups can indulge in heftier items like a Cast-Iron Broiled Shellfish Platter or an Ice-Cold Shellfish Tower.

There’s so much on the menu that sounds great—so much so that you’re likely to skip over the salads section. Pro tip: don’t. While Simple Greens may not sound exciting, the salads are done really well; The ‘Wedge” is big enough for the table and dazzles with its blue cheese, bacon and a heavenly buttermilk ranch.

Obviously, you can’t visit Bourbon Steak without ordering steak—it’s a crime (we read that somewhere). A range of options are available, including an 8-ounce Filet Mignon, a 16-ounce Delmonico Rib Eye and a 32-ounce Porterhouse. Notably, the 8-ounce, Chef’s Favorite Cut ‘Rib Cap’ gets its own little box on the menu and rightfully so: It’s the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.

Bourbon Steak Bar

If steak isn’t your thing, a diverse Land & Sea section includes Day-Boat Scallops, Scottish Salmon, Veal Chop and more. Or you can enjoy one of Bourbon Steak’s Signature selections such as the Miso-Glazed Sea Bass or the $95 Maine Lobster Pot Pie (a deliciously decadent affair). Daily specials are also up for grabs, so listen to your server.

Should you have room for dessert, you can stick to something light such as a Chef’s Selection of Cheeses or go all out with Molten Chocolate Cake with malted milk ice cream or the Bourbon Steak Candy Bar with dulce de leche and Guanaja brownie.

In the end, you get what you pay for at Bourbon Steak. A phenomenal dining experience is waiting for you here: You may walk out with your wallet a little lighter, but you’ll be grinning ear-to-ear with a full belly. So treat yourself—you deserve it.  

By Geoffrey Anderson Jr. | Staff Writer