MIAMI Restaurants

Here are my recommendations depending on what you're looking for in terms of food, ambience and price. The list covers a range of restaurants from fine dining to best hole-in-the-wall to marvelous middle-of-the road dining. The following are my personal recommendations and I have received no compensation or request from any of these establishments to feature them on my website.

And for juicy savings, don't forget to visit SouthFloridaDines.com for half-price dining deals throughout South Florida!

QUICK SERVE
For healthy, homemade Caribbean food that's not spicy, and a great value, POLLO TROPICAL is an icon in South Florida. This fast-food chain actually makes every dish from scratch but it's served at almost fast food pace.  Their signature dish is the grilled chicken, always fresh, hormone-free, and marinated in tropical juices and herbs for 24 hours! The best part--it's grilled right in front of you and not in the back kitchen. There are many locations throughout South Florida and Tampa.  In South Beach, the closest one is in driving distance at Alton Road and 15th street. And they do have parking which is a rarity in South Beach. Pollo Tropical is very popular with locals for its fresh, healthy profile.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Jerry's Famous Deli in South Beach. This 24- hour deli is popular with tourists and the nightclub refugees that seek food for hunger pangs when the nightclubs close at 6am.  They literally have 700 menu items. Portions are huge so consider sharing. Prices are a little steep. Here's my review from 2009.

Christine's stops at this building for her Art Deco Walking Tour. The story behind this building is mostly X -rated but Christine will share a slice of the R- rated version during her tour.
Address: 1450 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139-4113 (no parking lot, only street side parking)

Big Pink (South Beach) Great for after the beach. Popular with locals and celebrities. Careful: Portions are Bigger than an elephant's pinky!

FINE DINING
If you want to splurge, then bookmark this page! There's Asia de Cuba at the Mondrian Hotel on the west end of Miami Beach. This restaurant is a fusion between asian and caribbean  housed in the magical hotel. Take a taxi if you are staying on the island because valet is astronomical $25.

A seasonal favorite is Joe's Stone Crab opened only during the months of October through May. Keep in mind stone crabs are served chilled, not warm.  They have opened a new take-out section with large, open and inviting casual eating area.

Prime 112 is THE exclusive steak house of Miami and the rich and famous are regulars at this prime restaurant. Located at 3rd and Washington Avenue. 

REFRESHING DESSERT
Milani Gelateria offers the best gelato in all of South beach.  Young entrepreneur, Francesco, is only 26 years-old and is passionate about fresh, homemade gelato that is refreshing and uplifting  for the sizzling Miami Heat. Milani is located in the charming Española Way. Enjoy this light-tasting dessert without the guilt. A great place for couples and families amidst the Spanish charm of Espanola Way.

BEST PLACE FOR SUNDAY AFTERNOON
There are two spots that are popular with locals and also tourists.  The first is Lincoln Road in South Beach.  This pedestrian avenue is lined with restaurants, chain stores such as Victoria's Secret, art galleries and a movie theater at the west end.  A farmer's market with fresh, and sometimes organic fruits and vegetables, surges the local energy. Lincoln Road is also dog friendly where dogs are permitted inside stores with a leash. All restaurants cater to dogs by providing water and food bowls for their outdoor dining section.

The second destination is in downtown Miami at Mary Brickell Village. A restaurant haven, many establishments feature outdoor seating for a casual bite,  leisurely cocktail or complete meal to wind down the weekend.  Balan's is a popular place for band music and lively crowd and at the center of the action. Other restaurants in this tucked- away- corner of downtown are Blue Martini (bar), Oceanaire (fine dining for seafood, indoor only), Rosa Mexicana, and a long-time favorite Perricones.

Parking garage is nearby on 9th Street (one way street only) and charges $4.00 for 2 hours, $6.00 for 3 hours.

More to come...

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