Pedro
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
We travel up and down Krome Avenue a lot. So, we like to frequent the nurseries and the natural fruit stands around that area. I like the Last Carrot in Coconut Grove. I've been going there since I was a teenager. It's funny that question brought me to realize how long I've been here at home and not going anywhere.
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.
Kevens (round 2)
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
If you are in Fort Lauderdale, there is a place called Green Bar. They have great vegan food. I am vegan, but once a year I have poke in Hawaii. For a good bottle of wine, go to Happy Wine in Coconut Grove. You are surrounded by wine and can sit in the middle and order some food. If you eat seafood – they have a great grilled octopus.
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.
David
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
I like Atchana Thai, on Grand and Commodore Place. Also, Moon Thai - I've eaten there for 15 years. There's a sushi place on the east side of US1, south of Le June called Sakura. It's very good. I have pretty much gone plant based. I eat at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, where I'm a member, and they actually make vegetarian sandwiches.
Leslie
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
There are so many places. Right now, we go to Bulla in the gables – it’s tapas and we get all types of different things there. There’s a restaurant on the Miami River that we like, called Crust. It’s Italian – Harvey likes their octopus salad a lot. And, their service is amazing - it’s a husband and wife team.
Vanessa
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
For clothing, there's a small boutique near Pinecrest that's wonderful, called Indigo Republic. I love going there with Aly and just getting a few things. As far as restaurants, Guadalajara is a Mexican spot that's family owned that we enjoy. We also like Anacapri, the Italian spot. Those are our go-to places.
Susan & David
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Daily Bread is our almost “daily” ritual. We love having a variety of the food available in the fridge when we don’t feel like cooking. Three Fold - avocado toasts and almond milk lattes, Lokal: burgers and the shrimp tacos!
Stephan
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Not surprisingly, I’m interested in Indian food. One of my favorites is on South Dixie – called Saffron. I’ve eaten Indian food all over the world, and they have some of the best I’ve ever had. I get the paneer makhani – fried cheese with spicy sauce, malai kofta – dumpling with Indian cheese, chickpea flour and gravy. They adjust the spice level to your taste. There’s also a great appetizer with baby spinach leaves, coated in chickpea flour and fried. Another recommendation, if you need quick and cheap Indian food, there’s a place called Bollywood Masala – near the quick stop on Red Road. I get the Dal and Sambar soup. Sometimes they have fresh dosas. It’s a good deal. One dosa is really big and my wife and I can split it for a meal. They have some tables, but it’s mostly take out.
Al
What local restaurants or businesses do you recommend?
Some of our favorite haunts – Green Gables Café on Alhambra. They are open for lunch and have a diversified menu. There’s never a bad dish – I usually get one of the specials. Café Vialetto – off of Bird and Le June – The chef/owner is the most endearing, loving man and makes you feel like you’re at your brother’s house. Normally we get the pasta of the day – which he makes fresh. He makes great salads. I’ll order without opening the menu just by talking with him about what I am in the mood for. Izakaya for Japanese, and Blue Collar for old fashion comfort food -they have a great veggie plate.