Barbara & Steven
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Michael Schwartz is our most serious chef. We like what Michael does because he is really committed to local ingredients – and for me especially, he is really committed to live fire. All his restaurants have wood burning grills, and I think he has been very successful in delivering wood grilled flavor in his food. When you eat his food you really know that someone was burning logs in a grill. We like Fi'lia his new Amara. We also like, The Petit Mason – Barbara especially likes it because it is so ‘adult’ and has white tablecloths. And, there are no television sets in the dining room – which is hard to find in Miami. They serve a baby chicken marinated in preserved lemons and garlic and grilled over a charcoal burning grill that’s fantastic. You’ll also find us at Stubborn Seed, Plant + Food, and Kyu in Wynwood.
Chris
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
We enjoy a lot of them. Recently, we went to Balloo. I really love Caribbean food and they're doing it so cool. It's real small and they don't take reservations, but the food is top-notch and exciting. They had big a pickled slab of chayote squash with this delicious sweet and spicy chutney. I'm fascinated by and have always wanted to grow chayote. I like to see it on a menu sort of showcased like that. We always make our way out to 27 and Mandolin is always one of our favorites. Boia De is really nice, that's sort of near us. Then there are a couple Mexican places down in Homestead that are good. They're almost all in gas stations. 5 Hermanos on 272 and Krome. It's a food truck at a gas station with a couple of tents.
Samuel And Kristina
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Mandolin. The Mediterranean food is fresh and we love the vibe especially the outdoor ambiance. Bombay Darbar in Coconut Grove deserves a shout out too. Owner Danny worked on a cruise ship before he seamlessly turned his hole in the wall off Grand Street into one of Miami's top Indian restaurants.
Anthony
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
I'll give some shout outs. My friend Josh from Premium Meats is in the wagyu business. He's gone from being an incredible host where you would get meat from his house. And now, he's in the Bird Road Arts District. He started by ordering wagyu beef for himself, and then thought his friends would like some too. He's got a real passion for it and he's happy to talk any cut of cow. I want to frequent places where the passion is coming from the owner like that because it's gonna bleed into the bite or the sip that you have.
Allison And Will
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Bombay Darbar: Mango Curry chicken and Butter Chicken. Threefold Cafe: Everything! (but seriously: Smashed Avo, Chickie Babe, Beef short rib). Don Gloton: Chicken cachapa and reina pepiada arepa.
Mike
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
I am a Palmetto Bay guy, and having a small business, I understand the need to support our small businesses. My favorite place not just to eat, but to have a beer, is Golden Rule, which is right next to my house. There's a great Italian place in Palmetto Bay called, Cafe Portofino, which I absolutely love. And, there's a pizza place called Zio Artú, which is fairly new.
Ethan
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
I keep a list of restaurants on my phone that I try to constantly update - so when we've got a free night and ask where we want to go - we can take it out. The Downtown Dadeland area has been really impressive lately. Our favorite restaurant in Miami is probably Whisk - their spicy seared beef with coconut rice and spinach blends together in this perfect balance. Second place is called The Fish House. It's on Miller road, way out west. It's like a hole in the wall kind of place. They have a grilled octopus dish that is far better than any grilled octopus I've ever had at the fanciest restaurants around.
Kim
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
We love, Ghee. But, our go to is LAN. They are under Target near Dadeland. It's quick, with easy parking and my girls are vegetarians and it's easy for them to find food they love. It's easy for the rest of us too, who are not vegetarians. Ghee is good for a special occasion. I also like Seasons 52. I know it's a big chain, but it has a nice feeling. There's a middle eastern place in the Royal Palm Hotel, at the end of Lincoln road, called Byblos that transported me. We went for Miami Spice.
Jorge
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Local Pie. Last Sunday, I left your stand and went and bought two cauliflower pizzas. Another business is Phitness Lab. It's a small boutique gym and the owner has poured 13 years of his life into it. It's a great family environment. I like to support them.
Alain And Peter
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Bali Cafe in Downtown Miami and for healthy fast food: My Ceviche