La Gamba {3437 Main Highway, Coconut Grove; 786.464.0908} 

At La Gamba, great food and a friendly atmosphere take precedence over the

theatrics that often run the Miami food scene. The menu at this delicious Coconut Grove grotto is chock full of tapas and entrées at such fair prices, it’s possible your meetup with friends may turn into a full Saturday affair. Traditional Spanish plates such as Piquillo Peppers stuffed with cod and squid ink sauce, and Garlic and Mixed Croquettes roll out one after the other amidst the buzz of intimate conversation and live music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It’s small, intimate, warm, and inviting—a good addition to one of Miami’s most personable neighborhoods. lagambarestaurant.com

Riviera Focacceria {3252 Northeast Buena Vista Boulevard, Suite 110, Miami; 786.220.6251}

To dine at Riviera Focacceria is to be whisked away to a Ligurian countryside villa, and it may just be the only place in Miami, if not America, where this is

possible. Every Italian dish and detail inside this new Midtown favorite is made to Northern Italian perfection, from the Ravioli Genovesi al Tocco, homemade and filled with a succulently braised Angus brisket, to the Vino Pigato, a white wine made with grapes from the Genovese region, grown so close to the ocean you can almost taste the Mediterranean sea in every sip. You cannot dine at Riviera Focacceria, however, without indulging in the Focaccia di Recco—two layers of thinly sliced dough filled with stracchino cheese, of which 200 pounds are imported from Italy weekly to ensure that the dish is as close to the real Italian thing as possible. It’s this attention to detail, to the authenticity and integrity of the dishes, that makes Riviera Focacceria molto bene indeed. rivierafocacceria.com

Bistro Be {1111 Southwest First Avenue, Miami}

When searching for authentic Belgian food, Miami is probably not the first place that comes to mind. That’s why we love the new Bistro Be, an authentic

Belgian restaurant bringing new tastes to our vibrant dining scene. Here, you’ll find a contemporary European escape, where the sophistication of French fare combines with the boldness of German cuisine, all orchestrated by Belgian native and Owner Emmanuel Verschueren. Bistro Be Executive Chef Frederik Appelt recreates tasty homeland fare like Currywurst, Mussels, Steak Tartare, and even Noordzeepannetje—Belgian fish stew, to the lay person. And don’t worry—he’s happy to help you decipher the menu. bistrobe.com

   

SoFi Café {500 South Point Drive, Suite 180, Miami; 305.763.8692}

This new addition to Miami Beach makes healthy eating easy, affordable, and tasty. With the shores of South Beach just a block away, it’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post-beach day meal—or to pick up light and refreshing food to bring with you. The Açaí Bowls are must tries. Each comes with a base of açaí, banana, and other fortifying ingredients. Toppings like kiwi, berries, granola, chia seeds, and honey make it a meal. Come lunch, the nutritious wraps and pitas—washed down with fresh-pressed juices—nourish without weighing down your afternoon. If you’re tempted by the burgers and shakes on the menu, fret not. They’re health-ified, too, so that you literally can’t go wrong on this awesome and affordably-priced menu. sofi-café.com

Vintro Kitchen {2216 Park Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.674.9200}

This summer, we advise locals to check out a new boutique hotel—not for a staycation, but for the food. In the heart of the new cultural district, Vintro Hotel and Kitchen is home to many striking dining outlets to plug into: a wine lobby bar, a roof deck, and a canal-side terrace. Mediterranean-inspired and Latin-flavored, Vintro Kitchen is committed to handcrafted food and drink with dishes designed for sharing. Local and responsibly-sourced seasonal ingredients fill the blackboard, while the cocktail list features perfected classics and craft favorites. Grower wines pair perfectly with the tapas arranged upon the table. Raw bar enthusiasts will be wowed by a 26-foot signature cold bar featuring wild-caught Hamachi crudo and hand-picked salads. It’s the perfect spot to fall in love—or fall in love again—with aphrodisiac bites and artisanal cheese and charcuterie to linger over as you sip. vintrohotels.com

Sardinia {1801 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach; 305.531.2228}

Named after the Mediterranean island from where its cuisine hails, Sardinia is one of Sunset Harbour’s best kept secrets. Duff Goldman, master baker behind Ace of Cakes, raves about the eatery’s lamb shank, but that’s only one reason why you should visit. There are at least 250 others, all bottled and sealed with a cork, as the restaurant puts much emphasis on its curated wine selections. They even go so far as to use only the highest quality glassware in order to heighten the tasting experience. The restaurant boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, providing an ambiance that’s as refined as it is laid-back, as comfortable as it is enticing.