Dining Recommendations CITY OF DORAL Basilico-Northern Italian, $$ Lunch & Dinner 10405 NW 41 St │ Doral FL │7.5 Miles Away from Resort (305) 406-3737 Attire: Casual Zagat: “One of the hidden treasures in Doral, with outstanding Northern Italian cuisine and at an excellent value. Great service thanks to the watchful eye of the wonderful manager and owners.” It is a neighborhood restaurant. Los Parrilleros-Argentine Steakhouse, $$ Lunch & Dinner 10775 NW 41 St│Doral FL│2.5 Miles Away from Resort (305) 597-0019 Attire: Casual “Enjoy a variety of specialties from the Argentine grill, a mix of different cuts of 1st quality Angus beef cooked to your liking. The nightly entertainment and excellent service is sure to keep customers coming back for more.” Neighborhood restaurant highly recommended. Olivo’sPan Latin, $$ Lunch & Dinner 10455 NW 41 St │Doral FL│2.2 Miles Away from Resort (305) 718-9968 Attire: Casual Zagat: Wel- prepared and well-presented nouveau Pan Latin dishes, especially the must-try morcilla (blood sausage) spring rolls; good service and an extensive Argentinean wine list add further charms to the rustic-elegant room. Also, serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. It is a neighborhood restaurant.
*Reservations Recommended
Shorty’s BBQ- BBQ $ Lunch & Dinner 2255 NW 87 Ave│Doral FL │1.5 Miles Away from Resort (305) 471-5554 Attire: Casual Zagat: Roll up your sleeves and get down and dirty gnawing on the falloff-the-bone BBQ and buttery corn at this homegrown chain. Cheap tabs and friendly staffers work well against the western bunkhouse décor. It is a chain restaurant, with the original location located in US-1. Soo Woo Restaurant & Lounge‐Japanese, $$ Lunch & Dinner 9753 NW 41 St │Doral FL│1.4 Miles Away from Resort 305-477-4477 Attire: Casual With hibachi tables, SooWoo offers a pleasant and modern Japanese dining atmosphere with the freshest sushi and sashimi. Fresh homemade desserts & live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Neighborhood restaurant with great potential. Pizza Rustica – Pizza, $ Lunch & Dinner 9769 NW 41 St│Doral FL│1.4 Miles Away from Resort (305) 499-9757 Attire: Casual Zagat: “Deliciously scorched pies with high-end toppings have made this pizzeria a hit with pizza lovers. The salads are also a must-have. Excellent service and great pizzas keep them coming back for more. It is a chain restaurant. *Texas de Brazil-Brazilian Steakhouse, $$$ Lunch & Dinner 11401 NW 12 St│Doral FL│4.8 Miles Away from Resort (305) 599-7729 Attire: Smart Casual The decor at this Brazilian churrascaria is dramatic, but the atmosphere is casual, upbeat, and welcoming. The cuts of beef will melt in your mouth. Don’t leave without trying the Picanha. It is an upscale chain restaurant.
SOUTH BEACH *Casa Tua-Italian $$$$ Dinner 1700 James Ave│Miami Beach FL│15.5 Miles Away from Resort (305) 673-1010 Attire: Dressy Zagat: “There’s no sign outside this hidden, villa-like Northern Italian in a SoBe boutique inn, which just adds to the romantic allure especially in the flower-strewn courtyard. Most find the food equally fabulous, it definitely does not disappoint.” Make reservations early, up to two weeks in advance during the high season. *Hakkasan-Chinese $$$$ Dinner 4441 Collins Ave│Miami Beach FL│15 Miles Away from Resort (786) 276-1388 Attire: Dressy Zagat: “Modern Cantonese fare at the Miami Beach outpost of the London original hidden in the sprawling Fontainebleau. Assets include superior Dim Sum, generally knowledgeable service and chic environs that are surprisingly intimate given the big space.” Joe’s Stone Crab-Seafood $$$$ Lunch & Dinner(Seasonal) 11 Washington Ave│Miami Beach FL│16 Miles Away from Resort (305) 673-0365 Attire: Dressy Zagat: “Unless you grease the palms of one of those stone-faced maître d’s with some stone-cold cash, you’ll be waiting for those famous claws for up to 2-hours, if not more. As much a Miami landmark as the beaches themselves, Joe’s is a microcosm of the city, attracting everyone from Tshirted locals to bejeweled celebrities. No reservations are taken; waiting time could be up to 2 hours. *Lario’s on the Beach-Cuban $$$ Lunch & Dinner 820 Ocean Drive│Miami Beach FL│16 Miles Away from Resort (305) 532-9577 Attire: Dressy Zagat: “Excellent Cuban fare and mojitos to die for make this tropical eatery with a great Ocean Drive location a perfect stop in South Beach. No reservations, except for large groups.”
*Mr. Chow-Chinese $$$ Dinner 2201 Collins Ave│Miami Beach FL│14.8 Miles Away from Resort (305) 695-1695 Attire: Dressy Zagat: “Gorgeous décor with equally worthy Chinese chow and service that receives an A make this creation from celebrity Chef Michael Chow a must-stop. Located in SoBe’s W Hotel will make sure that you get a total South Beach experience.” *Prime 112-Steak/seafood $$$$ Lunch & Dinner 112 Ocean Dr.│Miami Beach Fl│16 Miles Away from Resort (305) 532-8112 Attire: Dressy Zagat: “Super sexy “ yet “serious”, this South Beach surf’n’turfer dishes up “monstrous” portions of “amazing” food, but it’s just as well known for hosting the “scenes of scenes” with “Bentleys, Ferraris and Lambos” pulling out front and “wannabes” “rubbing elbows” with movie stars, sport legends, and models…” Very limited availability all year round *Red, the Steakhouse- Steak $$$$ Dinner 119 Washington Ave│Miami Beach FL│15 Miles Away from Resort (305) 534-3688 Attire: Dressy Zagat: “As the name implies, this classy South Beach steakhouse is a true red meat/red wine lover’s paradise with its juicy, velvet Angus beef and extensive wine collection displayed behind a glass wall. An attentive staff, a cool ambiance and a stylish contemporary look complete the first-rate experience.” One of the best restaurants in town, where you can still make reservations. *Scarpetta-Italian $$$$ Dinner 4441 Collins Ave│Miami Beach FL│15 Miles Away from Resort (305) 674-4660 Attire: Dressy Zagat: “Spaghetti with oomph, the best polenta this side of heaven and other Italian fare make diners happy to have a spin-off of the NYC original close by. Thoughtful and efficient service and a captivating setting complete with fantastic water views.”
*Reservations Recommended
CORAL GABLES *Café Abbracci- Northern Italian $$$ Lunch & Dinner 318 Aragon Ave. │Coral Gables FL│9 Miles Away from Resort (305) 441-0700 Attire: Smart Casual Zagat: “Never “disappoints”; old fashion décor and school, for the real Italian dishes and experience.” *Christy’s-Steakhouse $$$ Dinner 3101 Ponce De Leon Blvd│Coral Gables FL│10 Miles Away from Resort (305) 446-1400 Attire: Dressy Zagat: “Power is palpable at this elegant English-style restaurant where an ex-president could be sitting at one table and a rock star at another. But Christy’s is the kind of place where conversations are at a hush and no one seems to care whom they’re sitting next to. A landmark since 1978. *Francesco-Peruvian $$$ Lunch & Dinner 325 Alcazar Ave│Coral Gables FL│9 Miles Away from Resort (305) 446-1600 Attire: Smart Casual Zagat: “According to fans, the “best ceviche in Miami” is to be found at this first-rate Peruvian eatery in Coral Gables dishing up “expensive” but consistently amazing seafood and other dishes, some authentic, others with Italian touches, the small space gets tightly packed and the owner always on-site shows in the overall welcoming vibe.” *Ortanique on the Mile- Caribbean/New World $$$ Lunch & Dinner 278 Miracle Mile│Coral Gables, FL │9 Miles Away from Resort (305) 446-7710 Attire: Smart Casual Zagat: “There is a “fabulous” “island feel” in the air in this “creative” eatery…” One of the best eclectic options in town! *Reservations Recommended
*Pascal’s on Ponce-French $$$ Lunch & Dinner 2611 Ponce De Leon Blvd│Coral Gables FL│10 Miles Away from Resort
(305) 444-2024 Attire: Smart Casual Zagat: “There’s nothing nouvelle about Pascal Oudin’s latest restaurant; it’s just very good, very French cuisine. The plainly appointed dining room is cozy, comfy and functional, just a handful of close-set tables hugging a short five-seat bar. The ambience is quiet and low-key, the clientele relaxed and appreciative. No bells, no whistles just fantastic food.” Sakura-Japanese $$ Lunch & Dinner 440 S Dixie Hwy│Coral Gables FL│11 Miles Away from Resort (305) 665-7020 Attire: Casual Zagat: “This established neighborhood Japanese in Coral Gables has been around forever thanks to the excellent sushi made from the freshest fish, with a small, simple setting, moderate prices and hands-on owners who go above and beyond to please.” Villagio-Italian $$ Lunch & Dinner 358 San Lorenzo Ave│Coral Gables FL│10.5 Miles Away from Resort (305) 447-8144 Attire: Casual Zagat: “Always bustling with shoppers, this contemporary-looking mall based Italian is a classy alternative to food-court fare offering delicious food plated in generous portions. Diners will appreciate the fairly priced wines and moderate tabs, while cordial kid-friendly service is a bonus.” Yard House-American $$ Lunch & Dinner 320 San Lorenzo Ave│Coral Gables FL│10.5 Miles Away from Resort (305) 447-9273 Attire: Casual Zagat: “A gargantuan suds selection and giant TVs galore attract mobs of lively young things on game night to this booming sports bar chain. An encyclopedic American menu delivered by a fast crew provides a solid food base for its killer happy hour.”
DOWNTOWN/BRICKELL *Bongo’s Cuban Café-Cuban $$ Lunch & Dinner 601 Biscayne Blvd│Miami FL│12 Miles Away from Resort (786) 777-2100 Attire: Dressy Zagat: “Bring on the mojitos because it’s all about the nightlife at this electric, Latin party, Downtown directly behind the American Airlines Arena. Great Cuban fare with a lot of style, definitely a place to get that Miami vibe and dance on.” *Novecento-Argentine $$ Lunch & Dinner 1414 Brickell Ave│Miami FL│13 Miles Away from Resort (305) 403-0900 Attire: Smart Casual Zagat: “It’s a young, pretty, after work crowd that flocks to these energetic Argentinean watering holes that make good lifting-off points before hitting the clubs. Quality food offerings include great steak and prices modest enough to leave ample room in patrons’ pockets afterwards. Pasha’s-Mediterranean $$ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 1414 Brickell Ave│Miami FL│13 Miles Away from Resort (305) 416-5116 Attire: Casual Zagat: “For a quick, healthy bite, these mostly counter-service Med “fast food” joints are just what the doctor ordered and are officially endorsed by the creators of the South Beach diet. Surveyors will agree that they’re well run, but split on the price.”
*Reservations Recommended
Rosa Mexicano-Mexican $$$ Brunch, Lunch & Dinner 900 S Miami Ave│Miami FL│13 Miles Away from Resort (786) 425-1001 Attire: Dressy Zagat: “Not your run-of-the-mill taco joints, these transplants from the New York based chain serve creative gourmet Mexican fare, like delicious guacamole made tableside, washed down with lethal pomegranate margaritas. Boasts fun, festive settings enhanced by engaged front-of-the-house crews. *Il Gabbiano-Italian $$$$ Lunch & Dinner 335 S Biscayne Blvd│Miami FL│12 Miles Away from Resort (305) 373-0063 Attire: Dressy Zagat: “From the antipasti to the after-dinner limoncello this Downtown sibling of Il Mulino in NYC exhibits true Italian class. Expect an inspired menu, extensive wine list, stellar service and excellent digs that extend to a beautiful outdoor terrace where diners can gaze at Biscayne Bay.”
DESIGN DISTRICT *Mercadito-Mexican $$$ Brunch, Lunch & Dinner 3252 NE 1 Ave│Miami FL│10 Miles Away from Resort (786) 369-0430 Attire: Dressy Zagat: “Spice and everything nice go into the authentic tacos, homemade guacamole and other Mexican delectables at this NYC transplant in the Design District. The stylish space, outfitted with white banquettes, blond wood and pop art attracts a hip following, while an excellent selection of tequilas seals the deal.” *Michael’s Genuine- New American $$$$ Brunch, Lunch & Dinner 130 NE 40 St│Miami FL│9.5 Miles Away from Resort (305) 573-5550 Attire: Smart Casual Zagat: “The name of this trendy Design District hot spot is a statement of intent that they deliver on via Chef-Owner Michael Schwartz’s ambitious, yet down to earth small, medium, large plates of locally sourced New American comfort food. Backed by inspired treats from genius pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith, a well-considered wine list, efficient staff and a lovely outdoor courtyard.” LITTLE HAVANA Casa Juancho-Spanish $$$ Lunch & Dinner 2436 SW 8 St│Miami FL│10 Miles Away from Resort (305) 642-2452 Attire: Smart Casual Zagat: “A generous taste of Spain comes to Miami in the form of the cavernous Casa Juancho, which looks like it escaped from a production of Don Quixote. The numerous dining rooms are decorated with traditional Spanish furnishings and enlivened nightly by strolling Spanish musicians. Versailles-Cuban $$ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 3555 SW 8 St│Miami FL│9 Miles Away from Resort (305) 444-0240 Attire: Casual Zagat: “Almost as famous as its palatial namesake in France, Versailles is an iconoclastic Cuban diner with wall-to-wall mirrors a constant buzz of activity and a mammoth, unabridged bilingual menu featuring every dish known to the culture.”
*Michy’s-American/French $$$$ Dinner 6927 Biscayne Blvd│Miami FL│12 Miles Away from Resort (305) 759-2001 Attire: Smart Casual Zagat: “Chef Michelle Bernstein is at the top of her game at this Upper East Side showcase for novel takes on French-New American comfort food; though opinion diverges on the décor, most applaud the staff’s attention to detail.” *Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill-Latin Fusion $$$ Lunch & Dinner 3250 NE 1 Ave│Miami FL│10 Miles Away from Resort (786) 369-0353 Attire: Smart Casual Zagat: “A happening scene unfolds at this Downtown Sushi Samba sibling where the excellent menu of eclectic small plates offers something for everyone and the airy Key West/Havana décor transports the attractive crowd to an island paradise.”
Romeo’s Café-Italian $$$ Lunch & Dinner 2257 SW 22 St│Miami FL│11.5 Miles Away from Resort (305) 859-2228 Attire: Smart Casual Zagat: “The personal touch is an art form at this tiny, romantic Northern Italian in Coral Way, where friendly Chef-Owner Romeo Majano stops by each table to discuss your tastes, then whip up one amazing dish after the other, customized just for you.”
*Reservations Recommended
COCONUT GROVE *Gibraltar-Seafood $$$$ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 4 Grove Isle Drive│Miami FL│15 Miles Away from Resort (305) 857-5007 Attire: Smart Casual Amazing views of Biscayne Bay from an unbeatable waterside location are the rock upon which all else is based at this New American in the Grove Isle Hotel, the patio nestled in tropical gardens is equally romantic. Excellent fare but average service; but the cuisine and views alone are definitely worth going. *GreenStreet Café-French/Mediterranean $$ Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 3468 Main Hwy│Miami FL│12 Miles Away from Resort (305) 444-0244 Attire: Smart Casual Zagat: “Long standing Grove hotspot is always packed; chalk it up to good, reasonably priced French-Med fare enhanced by people watching at its finest from sidewalk seating. There’s always a long wait for Sunday mornings for breakfast, but the staff keeps up with the bustling scene.
*Reservations Recommended
*Jaguar-Pan Latin $$$ Lunch & Dinner 3067 Grand Ave│Miami FL│11.5 Miles Away from Resort (305) 444-0216 Attire: Smart Casual Zagat: “This tropical Pan Latin eatery in the middle of the Grove hosts a cool as can be scene, but also boasts a caring staff and versatile, miraculously inexpensive menu. Addictive ceviche sampler spoons are a favorite, and if some find the rest average after a must-have pitcher of red sangria at the long bar everything looks delicious.
