While South Beach has always been a primary draw to visitors to Miami, locals and tourists are exploring newly developing and redeveloping downtown neighborhoods also. Here’s a list of six great dining destinations in Downtown Miami.
Aussie Chef Aaron Brooks has racked up the awards and recognitions since his arrival in Miami with his hip interpretation of the classic steakhouse. Grass-fed beef, locally sourced seafood and the freshest farm-to-table ingredients make a dinner at Edge Steak & Bar as satisfying as it is revelatory. Diners can mingle indoors, on the seventh-floor terrace of the Four Seasons overlooking Biscayne Bay or at the bar where mixologists come up with an array of surprises—bourbon and fresh beet juice, anyone?
Peruvian cuisine hasn’t stopped being hot since Americans were introduced to it a couple of decades ago, and it’s delectable here at chef Gaston Acurio’s La Mar . Sample his signature ceviches and freshly grilled anticuchos, and explore the novo-Andean and Asian-Peruvian fusion on the menu. The ambiance is as much fun as the food, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating (with to-die-for views of the Miami skyline) and three bar areas to pick from. To really impress your date, stop by for the sumptuous Sunday brunch.
There’s going out for sushi, and there’s dining at NAOE. And the two are worlds apart. Naoe seats only eight people a night. Set aside $250 per person and put yourself on the waitlist for a night you will never forget as Chef Kevin Cory and his staff put together an unforgettable feast for the eyes, mind, and palate. The unique chef’s tasting menu is prepared daily using ingredients sourced from Japan, so if you’ve been lucky enough to snag a reservation, make sure you contact the staff at least 10 days in advance to explain any dietary restrictions.
Downtown Miami has a slew of great spots for great dining options and you're sure to enjoy the people watching while you're there.
For excellent food shared between excellent friends, there’s little to beat Zuma. Chef Rainer Becker presents beautiful plates meant to be shared “izakaya-style,” which means that although you’re dining in a stylish people-watching haven, you’re completely relaxed. Already wildly successful in Hong Kong, London, Istanbul, Dubai and Bangkok, the Miami location boasts boat accessibility from the Intercoastal Waterway.
A meal at NIU Kitchen is like visiting a quirky little museum your eccentric cousin insisted on taking you to while on a trip to Spain. Tucked away downtown, this eatery offers funky takes on Catalan cuisine that change frequently but never stop being fun. Meant to be shared and passed around, the tapas style salads, bites and funky desserts Chef Deme Lomas creates are filling and surprising.
Consider yourself a coffee expert? Take yourself to ALL DAY and be amazed. Co-owner Camila Ramos has curated an incredible coffee and tea list from around the world. It’s not just the brews, it’s the techniques with which they are infused and served that makes this place such an education. Everything is made from scratch or sourced locally. Try “Joe Went to Thailand,” Thai iced coffee with xocolatl mole bitters, or “Royal Tea,” dried coffee fruit tea and sweet Florida milk infused with nitrogen. Eggs and baked goods and an excellent beer and wine list round out the offerings here.
Rediscover downtown or explore it as a newcomer, Downtown Miami has lots of options for dining destinations and good eats! Did we list your favorite hot spot? If not, write to us in the comments below! Looking for other great things to do in Miami, restaurants, events or sports, register on 305area and stay connected - it's free!
Cover photo from The Edge Steak & Bar Facebook page
