It looks like everybody I do know is heading to Miami proper now—which, together with the truth that NYC climate has been greater than chilly—is precisely why I (additionally) deliberate a weekend journey with my buddies and brother to Florida’s most visited metropolis. After a number of days of unimaginable meals, cocktails, and pool hangs, I believed I’d share a number of of my favourite spots. With out additional ado, listed here are some locations, positively price including to your Miami itinerary.
Uchi Miami, created by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, is situated in Wynwood—a couple of 30-minute Uber from South Seaside, making it a no brainer for those who’re trying to enterprise past the realm. It’s a smooth, fashionable Japanese restaurant that takes sushi and Japanese delicacies to a different stage. The menu covers every thing from nigiri and sashimi to vegetable sides like bok choy and heartier choices like pork stomach. If you happen to’re on the lookout for extra of an expertise, the chef’s tasting menu (omakase) is the best way to go—however even simply ordering a number of rolls and small plates is a win (simply don’t overlook to order the fried milk for dessert).
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a high-energy spot with a moody ambiance, Komodo is the place to go. Situated in Brickell, this upscale restaurant serves every thing from uncooked salmon tacos to melt-in-your-mouth brief rib and crab lo mein. The house itself is an entire vibe—dimly lit, buzzy, and excellent for an evening out. It additionally has a big bar space and a lounge, so you possibly can simply maintain the evening going after dinner, or seize a cocktail beforehand.
Photograph by Nea Arentzen
We began with the uncooked salmon tacos (a should, I may’ve eaten ten), shishito peppers, and wagyu beef dumplings, which all disappeared in minutes. For mains, we ordered garlic king crab lo mein and two brief ribs (which include lettuce leaves, pickled crimson cabbage, and a miso dipping sauce for making lettuce cups). The brief rib just isn’t low cost ($110), however it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, filled with deep, savory taste, and huge sufficient to have leftovers (which I fortunately delivered to my jetlagged brother). My solely remorse? Not swapping one of many duplicate orders for one thing new.
Whereas ingesting on the seaside and splurging on wealthy meals all day is nice, typically you simply want one thing contemporary. Enter SunLife Organics, a juice and smoothie spot recognized for its high-quality, natural substances—and former worker at their LA location, Bella Hadid.
I wasn’t certain if we’d make it there, however after an unintentionally prolonged stroll, we lastly acquired our arms on a Bliss Bowl and a peanut butter chocolate protein smoothie. Whereas each have been nice, I additionally had my eye on the S’mores Smoothie—made with coconut sorbet, vanilla plant protein, coconut cream, chocolate unfold, and hemp granola. Subsequent time.
Esme is a comfortable, stylish boutique lodge only a five-minute stroll from the seaside, and it greater than lives as much as the photographs on its web site. Whereas we didn’t keep on the Spanish-Mediterranean-style lodge, we did enterprise as much as their rooftop cocktail lounge at sundown for pre-dinner drinks. It was the right solution to begin the night—nice vitality, enjoyable music, and a setting that simply begs for a photograph op (which, after all, I took full benefit of).
Often a tequila lady, I’ve been surprisingly into vodka these days so I instantly ordered the My Lemon Martini. I don’t usually love martinis, however this one was extra of a balanced cocktail regardless of its stronger vodka pour. If you happen to’re into gin, the Clover Membership 18—made with gin, lime, and raspberry—was additionally a success.
If you happen to’re studying this, Joe’s Stone Crab is probably going already in your radar. It’s one of many highest-earning eating places within the nation, pulling in round $50 million a yr—and if you stroll in, you possibly can see why. The place is huge, but each nook feels lively. You’re greeted by a energetic bar filled with company in beach-formal apparel whereas servers—in black-and-red tuxedos, adorned with diamond crab pins—navigate the house with easy precision. As you make your solution to your desk, it feels just like the restaurant simply retains going—one room opening into one other, every filled with diners cracking into large claws.
Photograph by Nea Arentzen
Our server, Sebastian, greeted us with a fast rundown of Joe’s historical past and his prime suggestions (all the time appreciated). We kicked issues off with a spherical of appetizers—mussels, spinach artichoke dip, and coconut shrimp, all quick hits. For mains, we clearly went all in on the crab, which arrived with basic sides: creamy spinach, buttery hashbrowns, and—you guessed it—extra butter. In a second of impulse, we additionally ordered fried hen and fries as a result of, nicely, why not?
Earlier than the meals arrived, we (very) eagerly accepted the supply of bibs—some would possibly go, however it’s a part of the expertise. If you happen to’re planning to go, guide early and maintain an eye fixed out on the reservations because it fills up shortly.
Whether or not you’re staying there or simply stopping by for the day, the Fontainebleau is price trying out for those who’re after a dreamy poolside scene. Image countless lounge chairs, a number of swimming pools, a Mediterranean-style outside restaurant and bar, and loads of cabanas to put up up at. In order for you a basic Miami pool day, that is it.
