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.
Hutong, Lincoln's Beard Brewery, Tripping Animals Brewery, University of Miami, Unseen Creatures
Galia
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
We're so spoiled in Coral Gables and South Miami. The Ritz Carlton in Coconut Grove just opened up a new restaurant called Isabelle's - It's fantastic. Doc B's is a new restaurant, sort of like Hillstone's, that is good and close by. They have an angry meatball that is delicious. And, Bombay Darbar or Strada in the Grove. I've recently started going back to Christie's steakhouse, which is ironic because of course that's where I grew up going for special occasions. It's so special to walk in there and it's so familiar. The service is great. The food is great.
Dina
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Red Rooster in Overtown. The original is in Harlem, New York. That's where I used to live and would frequent Red Rooster all the time. I'm excited that they brought it back here to Miami, in the same community where my family's restaurant is. It's like your soul food, but with a French / New Orleans infusion. They have this amazing shrimp and grits, or an oxtail, which is to die for. They even have something for vegans, which is a plant based fried chicken appetizers which is amazing. I didn't think I'd like it, but I do. And they have a DJ and it feels like New York.
Felix
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
I like Talavera restaurant in Coral Gables. It's a Mexican restaurant, but it's not your typical Mexican food. And, they have awesome margaritas and guacamole. I like to order the Swiss enchiladas. And, in my opinion, the best pizza and Philly cheesesteak can be found at A Little Bit of Philly in Miami Springs. I like Cafe Italia. It has a very nice ambiance, delicious food and my favorite dish is the Ravioli Amatricianna.
Carlos
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
We like Miss Saigon Bistro – The rice noodle bowls are great. Also, Joanna’s Market – I strongly recommend the latte, sandwiches and bagels. And, Chocolate Fashion on Sunset – it’s a coffee place. They have a tremendous breakfast. The omelet with vegetables is out of the park! My wife likes Spanish food. Sometimes we go to Rincon Espanol. Also, Two Chefs is excellent quality and underrated.
Michael
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
I like Coyo Taco, especially the octopus tacos. With my daughter, we go out for pizza – as it gives me a reason to have pizza. I love Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza.
Chris
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Hate Mondays. I just ask Carl every time I go there, ‘what do you think I should get today?’ He gives me a recommendation, and if it doesn't sound appealing to me, he says how he can switch it up with this or that. He really goes the extra mile to make sure you're eating what you like. I like Kampai on Sunset and 87th avenue. Even their Thai food is amazing. But, The Biltmore brunch is hands down my number one recommendation. It's not your regular buffet.
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.
Naomi
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Ghee. I really enjoy Chef Niven's food. And, Lincoln's Beard Brewery.
Kate
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Right now, my favorite restaurant and the only restaurant we've been going to right now, is La Natural. They have a sourdough made with a really old starter and they make amazing pizza. When I first started going, they had this grilled pineapple, and it was so good. It was seasonal, but now they have these mushrooms with green sauce. My husband and I are both very particular about food and there's certain places where it might taste good, but you don't feel good afterwards, so you don't end up going back. But I feel great after I eat at La Natural. There's another little place that I really love that my husband has been going to since he was a teenager, called Tarragon Middle East Market. It's owned by two Lebanese brothers who are twins and they're just so kind and so nice. The dates they sell are like no other date I have ever tasted in my life. They just melt in your mouth. All their food is really good.