People ask me all the time why I love Miami, my #1 answer is always “The Food here is AMAZING!” and I like to eat (see photo at the end of this article as proof).
Miami Spice is a yearly event running from August to September designed to encourage visitors and South Florida residents to dine at places that may ordinarily be out of budget or to try something new. Now 18 years in (WOW!), Miami Spice has more than 215 local restaurants on board with set menus for lunch starting at US$23 and dinner starting at US$39 excluding taxes.
With so many places to choose from, there’s really not enough time to eat your way through it all, but that’s okay! I’m here to give you a heads up on a few of my favorites and what you need to try on the menu, I’ve also included links for the full Miami Spice menu available at each spot. Reservations for any of these places is highly recommended, these are the hot spots of the city! Stay tuned to my Instagram stories for all the NEW restaurants I’ll be visiting this year!
The Jim and Neesie
Hidden inside the lobby of the The Generator, The Jim and Neesie can easily be missed, I only found it two weeks ago! With friendly service, signature drinks and specially curated dishes you will love this remote spot away from the bright lights and bustling of South Beach. My recommendations from the Jim & Neesie Miami Spice menu are Hamachi Tartare, Crispy Skin Airline Chicken (the best chicken you will ever have and I rarely order chicken when I go out) and the Banana bread!
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill
One of our go to places for fried chicken (one of THE BEST in the city!) Blue Ribbon Sushi is a staple on our dinner list. Located inside the Plymouth Hotel on South Beach this is another hidden place with troublesome parking but it’s certainly worth the hunt! My recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Miami Spice dinner menu are the Burrata, Duck Fried Rice or Fried Chicken or BOTH, and the Miso Carrot Cake!
Bird & Bone
Another top Fried Chicken spot in the city (my husband is a fried chicken connoisseur..so you can trust me on this one lol) Bird & Bone is a countryside farmhouse style restaurant located inside the Confidante Hotel (checkout my Instagram TV video from our recent stay here!). The ingredients here are locally sourced from independent small farms and organic butchers, so you know you’re getting only the freshest juiciest dishes! My recommendations from the Bird & Bone Miami Spice dinner menu are the Skillet Heirloom Cornbread, Roasted Pork Shank and the Seasonal Cobbler! Get the Fried Chicken on the side, it’s worth a try!
Byblos Miami
One of my favorite things about Byblos is the decor, it’s chic and full of Miami flare! Look for it next to the Royal Palm Hotel (where you can also valet park your car) and be ready for a full Eastern Mediterranean experience. Arrive early for great happy hour deals from 6-7pm daily. My recommendations from the Byblos Miami Spice dinner menu are the Duck Kibbeh, Middle Eastern Fried Chicken or Mejadra Rice and the Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse!
CRUST
For the best Italian food in town look no further than CRUST! Three things will shock you about CRUST, their exceptional service, affordable wine prices and their portion sizes, their pasta dishes are massive and can be shared by more than two people! Make sure you come here hungry! Located downtown near the Miami River, parking here will be a challenge but they do have valet available for only US$6. My recommendations from the CRUST Miami Spice dinner menu are the Shrimp Cakes, Lobster Ravioli or Surf & Turf pizza, and the Limoncello Cake! They also give complementary after dinner Port wine that I always pass over to my husband, Port is just not my thing!
Diez y Seis
With a cute, casual vibe Diez y Seis is a tapas style Mexican restaurant located inside the Shore Club Hotel and is a great place to grab lunch before or after hitting the beach. My recommendations from the Diez y Seis Miami Spice lunch menu are the famous Guacamole, El Luchador Burger or Carnitas Tacos and the Cajeta Flan.
Planta
Even if you are not vegan or vegetarian I encourage you to try Planta! Prepared with high quality products from their rooftop garden and local suppliers, this place should be added onto your to do list, just look for the beautifully lit terrace when you drive by. My recommendations from the Planta Miami Spice dinner menu are the Truffle Mac & Cheese, Frenchie pizza (I’d still pay extra for the famous Planta burger), and the Chef’s selection of soft serve.
Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill
I think every visitor from the Caribbean has been and loves Sugarcane, it’s the place I get asked to meet up the most! A long standing staple in Mid-Town this tapas style restaurant has a wide variety of delicious dishes and cocktails and is known for their mojitos! My recommendations from the Sugarcane Miami Spice dinner menu are the Shrimp Ceviche, Burrata and Pan Seared Hanger Steak topped off with a Mini Nutella Sundae.
Truluck’s Seafood, Steak & Crab House
An upscale white table cloth restaurant in the heart of Brickell, Truluks offers fresh stone crabs and juicy steaks at a much lower price during Miami Spice! My recommendations from the Truluks dinner menu are the Lobster Bisque, Dry Aged pork chop or Thai Shrimp Curry Pappardelle, and the Trulucks Tasting Trio. If you work in the Downtown or Brickell area, this is a great option to checkout for a nice Friday lunch!
Smith & Wollensky
Just know if you are visiting me in Miami and request a waterfront lunch, this is where we will go! Treating travelers and locals for over 20 years, Smith & Wollensky is an award winning steak house with some of the best views on the beach as long as you’re lucky enough to get outside seating. My recommendations from the Smith & Wollensky Miami Spice dinner menu (they don’t offer Miami Spice lunch!) are the Burrata and Beef Bacon, Petit Filet Mignon or the New York Strip and the Chocolate Layer Cake.
BONUS
La Mar by Gastón Acurio
When I first moved to Miami all I wanted to do was eat by the ocean and the first place I found was La Mar by Gastón Acurio! This beautiful restaurant located inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Brickell Key has been my go to place for lunch and dinner when looking for amazing Peruvian food paired with iconic Skyline water views. Be prepared to be blown away from the time you enter the hotel! The La Mar by Gastón Acurio Miami Spice Menu is a bit small so I recommend you get one of everything to try! Everything here is absolutely delicious.
Don’t forget to stay tuned to my Instagram stories for all the NEW restaurants I’ll be visiting this year. You can also checkout my new YouTube Channel to see all our video reviews, do me a favor and hit subscribe to help me reach my goal of 100!
Photo taken at East Winds Hotel in St. Lucia.
