SOUTH BEACH & MIAMI BEACH

Ago
Robert De Niro's Italian restaurant at the Shore Club.  Great food, great people watching.  Love to sit outside overlooking the pool for lunch and dinner. 
1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
305.695.3244

Balan's           
Global menu, good food at reasonable prices.  Crab cakes and Greek salad are my favorites. 
1022 Lincoln Rd. South Beach
305.534.9191

Barton G's      
Incredibly ingenius food presentations that you'll find nowhere else.  Great place for special events such as birthdays.  Very expensive.
1427 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
305.672.8888 
www.bartong.com

Big Pink           
Classic american diner with huge portions of delicious food.  Love the veggie burgers, sweet fries, corn dogs, salads, and ummm, everything! Great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and for late night indulgences. 
157 Collins Ave, Miami Beach   
305.532.4700

Blue Door           
Located in the famous Delano hotel - eccentric menu with great ambience.
Dine inside or out back near the ocean. Expensive but great people watching.
1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. 
305.674.6400. 

Bond St.        
Next to the Shore Club downstairs.  This hidden sushi bar is a Miami favorite. Chill atmosphere and great food.  Seating is a little uncomfortable but I still love to go!  Reservations recommended.
150 20th St., Miami Beach, FL
305.398.1806 

Cafe Prima Pasta
Located in an up and coming area, this Zagat favorite offers homemade
Italian dishes, jazzy vibe, and good prices.  A local favorite. 
414 71st St., Miami Beach. 
305.867.0106
www.primapasta.com

Casa Tua
A charmingly renovated 1925 home is host to this romantic dining experience that is frequented by the "in-crowd".  Dine in or out.  Fabulous lounge upstairs with a casual chic setting. I pig out on the mini burgers. Make your reservations well in advance!  Pricey. 
1700 James Ave. Miami Beach 
305.673.1010.  
www.casatualifestyle.com

China Grill           
Family style Asian cuisine in a fabulously upbeat atmosphere. Great food I love everything!  Chic bar scene too! 
404 Washington Ave, Miami Beach
305.534.2211

Clark's           
You'll think you are in Ireland in this charming Sobe restuarant.  A local favorite and always packed on Thursday nights.  Enjoy some of the strongest drinks in town and very friendly service. Definitely not for dieters. 
840 1st St., Miami Beach 
305.538.9885

David's Cafe
Open 24 hours, this authentic Cuban restaurant serves up the epitome of comfort food.  Stop by for a quick coffee or hit the buffet.  Fresh squeezed fruit juices are my favorite. 
1654 Meridian Ave., South Beach.
305.672.8707

El Rancho Grande
Authentic Mexican just off Lincoln.  All the food is delicious and tastes even better with a margarita! 
1626 Pennsylvania Ave, Miami Beach
305.673.0480

Emeril's
New Orleans meets Miami!  Fabulous cajun cuisine in an elegant
environment.  Love the calamari appetizer!  At the Loews hotel.
1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach 
305.695.4550

Escopazzo
Excellent Italian and organic raw food menu - Very romantic ambience.
1311 Washington Ave., South Beach 
305.674.9450

Forge
An institution of decadent dining.  Wednesday night is the busiest. Great
meat and seafood and one of the largest wine cellars in South Florida. 
432 41st St., Miami Beach 
305.538.8533

Grazie
An Italian favorite.  Great food and service. 
701 Washington Ave., South Beach. 
305.673.1312

Icebox
Exceptional bakery-cafe off of Lincoln Rd.  Menu changes daily.  Great for lunch or dinner.  Local hotspot. Decadent desserts.
1657 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach 
305.538.8448 
www.iceboxcafe.com

Jerry's Deli
Straight from Beverly Hills, this deli offers a HUGE menu of delectable foods.  Late night hours and delivery service. 
1450 Collins Ave., South Beach
305.532.8030

Joe Allens
I love it here for lunch. Minimalistic ambience with something for everyone on the menu.  One of the best hamburgers in town.
1787 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach
305.531.7007
www.joeallenrestaurant.com

Joe's Stone Crab
Famous stone crabs and seafood.  Tourist hot spot that gets very busy. 
I prefer to go for lunch or get take-out and eat on the beach. 
11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach
305.673.0365

Macaluso's
This is my absolute favorite home-style Italian restaurant!  I crave the meatballs and the salad but everything is fantastic.
Closed Mondays.
1747 Alton Rd., Miami Beach
305.604.1811

Nemo
Offering New World cuisine in a charming high-quality environment.
100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
305.532.4550
www.nemorestaurant.com

Nobu
Amazing sushi restaurant at the Shore Club.  Very Busy on weekends.
Love the lobster tacos, yellowtail jalapeno, black miso cod.  Very pricey.
305.695.3232.
1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach.
305.695.3232.
www.shore-club.com

Pacific Time
Delicious Pan-Asian seafood.
915 Lincoln Rd. 305.534.5979

Prime 112
If I had to eat at only one place for the rest of my life, it would be here.  A fabulously successful steak
and seafood house with a modern vibe.  All the celebrities dine here. Make reservations well in advance.  
112 OceanDr. Miami Beach.
305.532.8112
www.prime112.com

Quattro
This elegant Italian restaurant with a sophisticated interior and menu to match is a great place to eat well and people watch.  Love it here! Over 200 fine wines on the menu and a fabulous bar.
1014 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. 
305.531.4833.

Shoji Sushi
Great sushi at reasonable prices. Chic ambience with outdoor/indoor dining.
100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. 
305.532.4245

Sushi Samba
I eat here about 2-3 times a week.  I love the sushi, the vibe, the staff, and
the fabulous sake selection.  DJ makes it fun...Great people watching too!
305.673.5337
sushisamba.com

Talula
Bold, flavorful menu with Southwestern and Japanese touches. Excellent wines, casually elegant ambience. 
210 23rd St., Miami Beach
305.672.0778
www.talulaonline.com

Tantra
Intimate restuarant lounge with incredible food.  Monday is the
busiest night.  Great dancing after dinner. 
1445 Pennsylvania Ave., South Beach
305.672.4765.

The Setai
Great restaurant with good food.  Very expensive but nice ambience.
Strong Asian influence.  Love the white truffle pizza.
2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
305.520.6000

Taverna Opa
This lively Greek restaurant will sure have you dancing on the tables.  Might be a good way to burn off all
those calories from the deliciously indulgent food.  Everything is great on the menu.  Eat on the back patio if you don't want someone dancing on your table and throwing napkins all over.
36-40 Ocean Drive, South Beach
305.673.6730

Touch
Great vibe in this fabulously decorated restaurant.  Fresh seafood and meats... love the Seabass and foie gras.  Dancers and performers nightly.  Great seating outdoors for people watching. 
910 Lincoln Rd., South Beach
305.532.8003

Van Dyke
Favorite spot on Lincoln to People watch.  Great menu.
846 Lincoln Rd.
305.534.2233

Wish
Designed by Todd Oldham, this longtime favorite offers New American
cuisine in a beautifully landscaped setting. Located at The Hotel.
801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach 
305.674.9474
www.wishrestaurant.com

World Resources
Great sushi and Thai on Lincoln Rd.  Love the salmon carpaccio, leechi nut martinis, and the whole red snapper. 

DOWNTOWN & MIAMI

Andiamo's           
Just North of Downtown, this yummy cafe has the best pizza and salads around. Check out their $50k Brick oven! Get your car washed while you dine.
5600 Biscayne Blvd.
305.762.5751
 www.andiamopizza.com

Azul                 
At the Mandarin Oriental upstairs.  Beautifully prepared global fusion dishes. Pricey but worth it.  Chef Clay Conley does a fabulous job.
500 Brickel Key Drive, Miami, FL 
305.913.8254
                       
Cafe Sambal
Located at the Mandarin Oriental on ground level - fabulous food with an Asian flare; delicious martini's, beautiful views. 
500 Brickell Key Dr. Miami
305.913.8251

Capital Grill           
Incredible steaks and a very rich environment.
444 Brickell Ave. Miami 
305.374.4500

Dogma Grill
Real hot dogs with all the trimmings. 
7030 Biscayne Blvd.
305.759.3433

Duo                       
Hidden on South Miami Ave. this is a definite favorite of those in the know.  Choose from over 1,300 wines and a new age menu including tartares, gnocchi, and chocolate sushi.  You won't be disappointed.
1421 South Miami Ave., Miami  
786.497.4386.
                       
Karu & Y
Fine dining with ultra lounge near the Performing Arts Center. Pricey but well worth the experience. Exceptional service and presentation.
71 NW 14th St. Miami, FL  33136 
305.403.7850   
www.karu-y.com

Michy's           
Former chef of Azul at the Mandarin has opened a family operated restaurant with New American cuisine.  Absolutely delicious!  Gourmet home cooking with small portion sizes. Closed Mondays.  Reservations a must.
6927 Biscayne Blvd. Miami 
305.759.2001

Novocento
A favorite downtown hotspot, this Argentinian restaurant provides an upbeat ambience, great food, and good prices.  Love to meet my friends here after work. 
1414 Brickell Ave.
305.403.0900 on Sobe 305.531.0900

Post 
Restaurant and lounge with Latin/Asian cuisine. 
1777 SW 3rd Ave., Miami.
 305.856.8585

Soyka 
Modern and chic, this local favorite offers a wide variety of American and
Italian cuisine.  Great for lunch, dinner, and happy hours.  Nice bar area.
5556 NE 4th Ct., Miami. 
305.759.3117

BAL HARBOUR

Carpaccio        
A favorite local meeting place at the Bal Harbour Shops.  Great food,
great people watching.  Moderately priced Italian.
9700 Collins Ave. Bal Harbour 
305.867.7777 

La Goulue
French bistro with classic French style in the Bal Harbour Shops. Service is not consistent

The Palm        
Famous New York style steakhouse...incredible food.
9650 E. Bay Harbor Dr., Bay  Harbour Islands
305.868.7256

SURFSIDE

Cafe Ragazzi
Just South of Bal Harbour Shops, this is one of my favorite Italian restaurants.  I always get the Veal Ossobucco with saffron risotto but everything is superb.  Moderately priced. 
9500 Harding Ave., Surfside
305.855.4495

AVENTURA

Chef Allen's
Innovative fine dining with an ever changing eclectic menu. Delicious souffles for dessert. Reservations recommended.
19088 NE 29th Ave., Aventura
305.935.9062
www.chefallens.com 

IVY
This is as close as you can get to a South Beach vibe in Aventura. Great food and ambience.  Latin and Asian influenced menu. Open for lunch, dinner, and after hours.  Great outdoor dining area as well.
19004 NE 29th Avenue, Aventura
305.932.1416

COCONUT GROVE

Le Bouchon Du Grove
Genuine French food in a tiny cafe. Unpretentious and delicious. 
3430 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove, FL 
305.448.6060

Baleen's 
Located at Grove Isle, this romantic yet pricey French restaurant has bayfront dining, indoor bar, and elegant atmosphere.  Great service.
4 Grove Isle Dr., Coconut Grove
305.858.8300

Cafe Tu Tu Tango
Enjoy local artists displays and fabulous tapas.  Located in Cocowalk.
3015 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove
305.529.2222

Cheese Cake Factory 
The biggest selection of food I've ever seen on a menu. I haven't had a bad meal yet (or a dietetic one). Cocowalk in Coconut Grove.

CORAL GABLES

Chispa
Delicious tenderloin churrasco is among my favorite dishes in this reasonably price Spanish style restaurant.  Great place to meet people.  Bar  is always packed after work. 
225 Altara Ave. Coral Gables
305.648.2600 
www.chisparestaurant.com

Max's Grille
Modern American bistro. 
2 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables
305.567.2600

Norman's
A gourmet's dream - New World cuisine and truly flavorful food.
dinner only - Tues - Sat.
21 Almeria Ave., Coral Gables 
305.446.6767
www.normans.com

Pascal's
Classic French Cuisine. Elegant dining atmosphere.
2611 Ponce De Leon. Coral Gables 
305.444.2024

Restaurant Brana
Newly opened, this hot spot is rapidly gaining the favor of locals.  The New American menu will dazzle you. 
276 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables
305.444.4595 
www.restaurantbrana.com

SUNNY ISLES

Aaria
Located at the magnificant Aqualina, dine in or out next to the ocean. Pricey. 
Caribbean cuisine impeccably presented in elegant surroundings.
17874 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305.918.8000
www.acqualinaresort.com  

Il Mulino
Straight from New York - this elegant Italian restaurant at Aqualina will surely impress you and leave you quite satiated.  One of my favorites when I have guests in town. 
17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach
305.933.2477

PALM BEACH

Amici
A Palm Beach favorite offering comfort food and everything in between. Jackets required at dinner. 
375 South County Rd., Palm Beach, FL 
561.832.0201
www.amicipalmbeach.com

Ta-Boo
Delicious Continental food.  Turns into the main hangout after dinner.
221 Worth Ave., Palm Beach
561.835.3500

FT LAUDERDALE

Cafe Martorano
Famous for it's 2+ hr waits, this authentic high-energy Italian restaurant offers huge
portions of delicious food and a great wine selection. Get the meatballs for sure. 
3343 E. Oakland Pk. Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale  954.561.2554

Chima
If you want to pig out, this is the place!  On Las Olas, this Brazilian restaurant offers
amazing meat dishes, an all-u-can eat salad bar.  Love the lamb chops. 
2400 E. Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale
954.712.0508

Mark's`
Contemporary American menu; super star chef.  Great upscale atmosphere.
1032 E. Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale
www.chefmark.com