Lauren
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
I love exploring new restaurants and that's been hard this year with COVID, but I make all outdoor reservations. I call in advance to make sure that we have outdoor seating. If I see that it's too crowded, I won't go. We just went to Red Rooster last Saturday night in Overtown. It was probably the best mac and cheese I've ever had. In the Design District, my favorite is Mandolin for Greek food. It's a romantic, beautiful restaurant. We just went to the new Cote Miami, which is like culinary theater. In Coral Gables, Mamey is really good, with great outdoor seating. In terms of the Grove, we probably go to Green Street every two weeks because we love the waitstaff there, we know what we're going to get, it's dependable. For Thai food, we love Atchana. For Indian, we love Bombay Darbar. Paulo Luigis is like the Italian that I was used to grow up in New Jersey. And, the new ghost kitchen in Coconut Grove is Two Korean Girls. I love their concept. They come in these fabulous, bright pink boxes and the food is a great combination of flavors.
Sandy
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Seasons 52. They always have stuff I can eat there. And Matsuri for Japanese - I avoid the rice and get sashimi and vegetable soup. They have a great conch that's sautéed with what seems to be green beans or maybe it's cactus.
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.
Alina
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
We love Hillstone for everything. Naiyara for Thai food. Branko and I love Izakaya and Matsuri.
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.
Aymee
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
The best food is the one you cook at home. But, I like Maroosh in Coral Gables and some of the new places in the Wynwood area that offer plant based foods.
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.
Sasha
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
27 is a unique place in Miami. When people are in town, it’s where we go. It’s a fun, cozy – not fancy, they have great cocktails. I am pretty simple – I really like Lucali for pizza on Sunset Harbor. I would be happy to go there for my birthday and just have a pizza. I also think what Jeremy Ford is doing at Stubborn Seedis beautifully plated and tasty and good for a special occasion.
Rich And Martha
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
We have celebrated all our important moments at El Secreto. Luis and Dover always go over the top for us!
Dan
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
My wife’s favorites are Zuma and Petite Mason. Also, we love Bazaar Seafood at the SLS. Sakura on Le June always has high quality sushi and the chef has been there for 35 years. For Valentines dinner, I blind folded my wife and drove her around the city and then came back home. As she opened her eyes, our boys were the host, waiter and cooks. They had the table set for two with a menu they prepared. She cried all night and said it was the best dinner ever.