Miami is best known for its sun, sea and salsa but over the years, this palm-fringed city has emerged as a vibrant epicentre for some serious eating! With international chefs like Nobu Matsuhisa and Michael Mina establishing successful outposts here, Miami has become a mecca for chefs and restaurateurs. Caribbean and Latin American spices combined with home-grown tropical produce creates a unique brand of local fare.
Here are just some to tantalise your taste buds and maybe get you dancing too…
Looking for something more casual? Panther Coffee is ideal as a quick, laid-back spot to take a client to go over some final detailing on a deal. It’s a cool, industrial place with friendly and skilled baristas. The cold brew is excellent and the constant aroma of fresh coffee will ensure your caffeine levels are sufficiently topped up. It has the perfect ambiance for entrepreneurs looking for a hip place to work and meet other like-minded thinkers.
For a more serious experience, treat your clients to somewhere that’s considered one of the top dining destinations in Miami – Azul. If you’re looking to impress, you won’t go wrong here. Located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Chef Benjamin Murray has created a unique menu that fuses Mediterranean and Asian flavours. They have a collection of more than 700 wines from around the world and a Martini Bar that has over 200 different kinds of martinis. It’s probably best to go at the end of your business trip to fully enjoy this selection!
Escape to a private island for a unique dining experience. The fresh looking Palmeiras Beach Club is surrounded by Biscayne Bay with breath-taking waterfront views. By day take in the 180-degree seascape and by night be treated to the twinkling city lights while you relax amidst decor that echoes the vista and hand painted walls by local artists. The menu is a reflection of the atmosphere with innovative Mediterranean cuisine. The desserts are exquisite, the service is meticulous but you may have a task convincing yourself to head back to the mainland.
Tucked inside Matheson Hammock Park, this is one of Miami’s hidden gems and has stunning views of the bay. You can sit outside on the sandy beach and watch the moon dance over the water. But while the gently swaying palms and tiki torches are for the romantics, the fresh seafood and excellent wine selection is for all lovers of fine dining.
A collaborative venture by the man behind club LIV, David Grutman and the mastermind of Chin Grill, Jeffrey Chodorow, Komodo is a buzz-worthy restaurant to see and be seen at. Located in a swanky three-storey eatery, it has dining on multi-levels. It perfectly marries contemporary South-East Asian cuisine with the South Florida nightlife, bringing you plenty of duck and dim sum with a side of celebrity sightings. Try the signature 13 grilled vegetable salad before embarking on a handcrafted cocktail.
This iconic location is the former home of world-renowned and late Italian designer, Gianni Versace. This is an elite dining experience where the Mansion alone is an attraction in itself. Dine in an opulent setting and enjoy visually stunning Mediterranean and Italian dishes like the Langosta (langoustine) served with tear drop tomatoes and baby vegetables, and the whole Branzino (fish) offered at market price. You can opt to eat in one of the three themed rooms; the Medusa (formerly Versace’s formal dining room), the Moroccan featuring Greek Gods, or on the patio overlooking the pool. A table here will leave you with something to talk about. Reservations are imperative.
Get Eating
From locally-grown products to farm-fresh ingredients and innovative menus by award-winning chefs, Miami dining all comes together to create a blend of flavours unique to the region. Visit Miami to experience the dining scene (and maybe get a tan) if nothing else – you won’t be disappointed!
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