Liana
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
We eat out a lot. My daughter has declared herself a foodie. We like exposing her to as many flavors as possible and we don’t subscribe to the idea of taking her to restaurants that cater to children. We really want her to eat what we eat. We like the St Roche Market because you don't have to eat at the same place every time and they've got that great bar in the middle and there's a lot of healthy options. We like Seasons 52 in the Gables, Matsuri on Bird Road and Dragonfly in Doral. For a date night, my husband and I really like Byblos and Planta on the Beach - the creativity that goes into their Vegan menu is incredible.
Linda
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
So many restaurants you go to, you don’t know who’s the chef that night. One day it’s good and another it’s different. My advice is find your local treasure, where you know the chef is the owner and they are there.
Kēvens and Amber
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Su-shin Izakaya (Authentic Japanese, Coral Gables) Kēvens gets the Ohitashi. Uni sushi. Traditional Udon or Seafood Ramen. I love the Myoto Roll (made with Japanese mint that changes the game), Eggplant Shigiyaki, Soba noodles and Carrot-ginger dressing on everything. Happy Wine (Coconut Grove) Kēvens says try the grilled octopus with papas bravas. I enjoy the wine (Ha! Their menu is not super vegan friendly, but I still love it.) Choices Vegan Cafe (Gables and Grove) Kēvens gets the Mentil Lentil wrap (every time!) I get the Pixsa or Biggie Burger. Fratellino (Italian, Miracle Mile) We love this place because they will happily accommodate dietary restrictions. Kēvens likes the Octopus carpaccio and the Salmon with fettuccine in a pink sauce. For me, tons of bread (it’s amazing! and made in-house) with sautéed spinach and my entrée the Grilled Vegetable platter.
Joel
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
I can speak about breweries. When I first moved to Miami, Lincoln's Beard had this thing called recess, which was meant for parents of young children to come and hang out and have beers. It's a super good vibe, really mellow place. After that, Unseen Creatures, which is in the same area. They're focused on almost terroir level yeasts and other things to produce their beers. It's just spectacular and I totally love their stuff. The other one would be Tripping Animals. It's a little further afield. I will take a pilgrimage, at least once a week to one of these, to buy our stock of beer.
Sebastian
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
I'm an American steak and potatoes guy and I like Italian too. Hillstone never disappoints - I still call it Houstons, and probably always will. The best sandwich is in Broward at Laspadas. It's worth the drive. They put all the ingredients first and then the meat goes on top.
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.
Norka
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Fish House on Miller. The first time I went there, I was like 'what in the world, this is so strange and the decor!' But, I love it. I've never had anything that was bad. They have live music on the weekends. Another great place that we go for a treat is, Vicky's milkshake bar. It's in the Grove.
Sharon and Jeff
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Trattoria Luna (next to Roasters) is our family go to. They will literally make you anything - whether it’s on the menu or not. I usually get the tuna steak or tortellini. Also, we’re boaters - so we go often to Boaters Grill which is at the end of Key Biscayne – in a place called No Name Harbor. They have the most amazing fish and rice – with ceviche, tostones and frijoles – my kids eat ceviche because of that place.
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.
Ilene
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
In Pinecrest: Daily Bread, Cheese Course, Joanna’s. Brickell: River Oyster Bar, the new Fleming's and for French food, Le Petite Mason. We love Crust on Miami River. It is an Italian restaurant with great food. I get their angel hair pasta with olive oil and garlic, and an arugula salad. The portions are huge – so you have to share everything.