Boca Raton.

Elite bagel shop a little off the beaten path - everything bagel, double toasted, hollowed out, with butter and cream cheese is the order. Quick breakfast-to-go works too: turkey bacon, egg, and cheese.

A small Boca venue booking mostly top-tier tribute bands - great for taking parents or a spouse for a birthday. Tickets and drinks are reasonably priced, parking is easy. Seats have drink holders; ask the box office for a cushion if you want one.

Intentional, soulful Mediterranean on Glades Rd. The sabich crepe is the sleeper hit and the cappuccinos are bold and perfect - but the smash burger might be the best burger of your life. Ask for Gabriel.

Neighborhood pizza shop where the pies disappear faster than parents can cut them - takeout-friendly, so grab two and bring the rest home. Ask the counter guys (Dom and Alejandro) what's good; the rotating pizza of the month is the move.

A Cuban food truck with a constant line, and it earns it - fresh, generous, and cheap. The chicken empanada and the mamay shake with milk are the orders. Good errand-day stop; even the short line moves.

Comfort Cuban close to home, prepared with care and genuinely nice service. The classics are the move; portions can run modest, so order the extra side of plantains.

The poke pick in Boca - fresh fish, clean tropical room, right by Mizner, and the sushi rice isn't over-vinegared. Ownership changed recently and the kitchen is still on top of it.

Wine-on-tap spot that's a local favorite for happy hour - sit at the bar (ask for Melissa) and order the truffle fries, a cheese board, and a froze. Brunch is as good as dinner. Ambience works for date night or a girls' night.

The Boca Raton's Beach Club side - not too big, not too small, with three pools and a beautiful beach. Service is what brings people back (Juan remembers your preferences). Two cautions: check bills nightly for stray charges, and a one-bedroom 'beachside' is not a separate-bedroom suite - book the suite if you want that.

Old-school Boca Italian, always packed - the rack of lamb and the langostinos are the standouts. Free valet, welcoming hostess, and the bar area is a fine wait. It gets noisy; skip the pasta fagioli.

The original Vinny's Cafe owner sold the old spot and opened this - same wraps, same guy (Vinny himself still takes catering orders and over-delivers on quantity and quality). Regulars followed him here; that tells you what you need.

The viral Caesar wrap spot lives up to it - the Supreme Caesar wrap is huge and packed with flavor. Quiet little spot, helpful staff, worth every penny.

Beautiful modern design, spacious rooms, direct beach access, multiple pools, and one of the best hotel gyms around. A popular babymoon and special-occasion pick - service is strong from arrival to departure.

Modern Mediterranean on South Beach where everything tastes fresh - the mushroom hummus, crispy cauliflower, and Moroccan cigars to start, and absolutely save room for the tahini soft serve. The front-of-house team (Martinique, Alexandra) is exceptional.

Byblos' sister restaurant in Coconut Grove - start with the kibbeh and the labneh. The tasting menu is the move for an occasion (Father's Day and Mother's Day tables both rate it). Pair it with a drink at the Level 6 rooftop upstairs.

Bay-front and made for occasions - birthdays and anniversaries get the little touches (roses, champagne) without asking. Romantic at sunset; book ahead and mention the occasion.

Kimpton's South Beach hideaway - beautifully designed, peaceful, and genuinely clean, a block off the beach noise. Hard to find a flaw; when one guest's flight got cancelled near checkout, the staff handled it gracefully. Attentive, unpretentious service.

Lives up to the hype. Sit, let your server walk you through the menu, and take the recommendations - they know what they're doing. Watch for the Humo pop-ups.

A Miami landmark that locals gatekeep with 'are you really from Miami' - the All-Around and West Virginia dogs come with the signature house-made chili, slaw, onions and mustard. Get fries with chili and cheese on the side, and don't be shy about custom requests.

Water views from the Epic's 16th floor - food comes out fast.

Cuban-American fine dining with French technique - unlike anything else in Miami. The Homestead guava runs through the menu: the guava jam and the guava sorbet are perfectly balanced. A best-meal-of-the-trip contender.

Wynwood rooftop with Greek-leaning Mediterranean food and city views - go at night and sit outdoors. The lobster pasta and branzino deliver; expect around $100/head for a group doing it properly. Happy hour runs daily and is the value play.

From the chef behind Laser Wolf, and one of the best meals in Miami right now - food, service, and vibes all 10/10. Book it before the World Cup crowd does.

Sunset drinks on the water at the Mondrian - you enter through the hotel to reach it. The waterfront view at golden hour is the whole point; the food and cocktails are good enough not to spoil it. Come for the sunset slot.

Cozy Sunny Isles date spot - calm evening lighting, a stunning ocean view, and a sound level that actually allows conversation. Indoor and outdoor seating options, prices reasonable for the setting. Works for a small family celebration too.

A cozy Indonesian spot downtown with wood carvings, colorful paintings, and a window area where you sit cross-legged on cushions - take that seat if it's free. Authentic enough to draw Indonesians. Friendly chatty service.

Dinner that turns into a party on South Beach - go on a Friday knowing it gets loud, and the high-energy room is the product. The sushi rolls are shockingly large for the price, and there's a breezy open-air patio. Off nights can feel flat, so pick a peak night.

Some of the best pizza in the city - crispy-chewy crust, sit at the bar.

Cool, romantic tapas spot - let the bartender pick by flavor.

Monster-themed upstairs bar at the Citadel - expertly crafted, creatively named cocktails in a cool, dim room. The Japan drink is refreshing; the bartenders (Joe, Ian) are part of the draw.

The Grove location of the reliable taco formula - exceptional service from the door, good vibes throughout. Never misses; the Aventura regulars end up here instead.

Waterfront Grove spot worth repeat visits - The Slip (the lychee drink) is the reason, but the food backs it up. Great with kids; the floor team (Anthony) takes real care.

Top floor of the Mr. C in the Grove - one of those rare rooms that gets everything right: food, service, and what might be the best view in Coconut Grove. Beautiful design throughout.

Brickell bar with a legit comedy night - find it on Eventbrite and go after dinner. Laid-back energy, lively late-night crowd, welcoming vibe.

Beautiful brunch cafe - the omelettes and the guava-mango jam are the order, with an English breakfast tea. The vegan options (burger, steak) hold up for an early dinner too.

Bourdain was right - the jerk chicken is packed with flavor, and the curry goat roti might be the best in Florida. A Little Haiti staple since 1980. The chicken curry plate with rice and peas and cabbage is fresh and tender.

Michelin-starred but easy on Resy for one - everything as it should be.

The butter chicken is outstanding - rich, flavorful, perfectly cooked. Book ahead for groups; a full house is the norm. The brunch selection is worth a separate visit.

Beautiful room, generous portions - stick to the drinks and the vibe.

Lively Brazilian spot full of energy - the passionfruit-strawberry caipirinha is the best in Miami. Great for groups; the steak and salad are the safe orders.

French charm in the Gables - intimate without feeling crowded, classic look with the red velvet bar. Handles big groups gracefully, which is rare.

Come for the cocktails and the string-lit courtyard - my favorite drinks in Miami, smooth and sweet. Eat elsewhere; the kitchen is the weak link.

Unpretentious Miami Beach dive with a serious bar program - Amy's cocktails are wizardry. The mozzarella sticks and the crispy chicken sandwich (genuinely crispy) are the food orders.

Exceptional across the board - the crispy artichokes and eggplant dumplings are the standouts, and the cocktails are good too. Sister to Amal in the Grove. Big enough to buy out for a rehearsal dinner.

A Miami trip highlight downtown - perfect plate presentation, creamy matcha, and wonderful service (Maday). Worth hunting down even when the GPS fails you.

A must-visit breakfast spot in Hollywood - the cinnamon French toast (add the chicken) is literally the best I've had. Avocado toast and açaí bowl are amazing too; iced matcha done right.

The full Cuban experience with live music - plan on dinner. The insider move is happy hour at the bar: delicious drinks, great bar food, and the flan for dessert.

Middle Eastern cafe where the shakshuka - creamy with a little heat - is the dish to order. Cozy, stylish room with fast, friendly service. One caution: the menu rotates (the Impossible arayes is gone), and delivery quality lags the dine-in experience.

A Coral Gables institution since 1989 - sit in the beautifully decorated bar area and get the espresso martini, made with freshly pulled Italian espresso. Portions are generous and the wine list is solid. One honest note: a longtime regular says a recent Friday visit felt like it's lost a step since founder Nino Pernetti's passing.

The patio feels like Italy - hyped and actually worth it.

Packed even on a Tuesday morning, and you can see why - speed racks of fresh bread, a huge pastry selection, and espresso flying. Two items are world-level: the croissants and the soft eggs.

Ben is a master laminator - that foundation makes everything. The pistachio croissant is the proof; the chocolate, dulce de leche, and ham-and-cheese all deliver. Tiny space, hard parking, worth it.

Scenic bayfront room with a nice outdoor area - the setting is the draw. The service is kind and attentive (ask for Lauren); a couple dishes miss, so order simply and enjoy the view.

Reliable last-minute Italian reservation - the gyoza agnolotti and the octopus starters are solid, and the spicy rigatoni alla vodka is the standout main. Order toward the appetizers; skip the amatriciana (overcooked, chewy guanciale).

Beer people, go - the flagship brews are incredibly well done, balanced, with real variety. The staff is friendly and the deals are good. If I could give it 100 stars I would.

Birthday-dinner perfect - mind the dress code, they'll work with you.

The hype is real - the massive cast iron pancake you've seen online is that good. It's not your typical diner; go for that. Skip the coffee.

Special-occasion French in Brickell - the bread alone is worth it.

Legit Jamaican - oxtail for me, curry goat for the table.

Park Grove's club residences - breathtaking water views, a beautiful pool, a real restaurant, and genuinely praised staff (front desk, valet, management). The one loud warning from a resident: thin walls - fine for a quiet single, frustrating if you like music or having people over.

A Miami institution - the energy is electric from the moment you walk in. The line moves fast and security is on it. Go late, stay later; this is as close to Studio 54 as it gets.

Funky Saturday market - rare produce and good hummus; get there early.

Welcoming, well-curated card shop - the Pokémon selection runs from nostalgic to current. The staff is down to earth and actually knows the cards. Don't sleep on it.

Beautiful special-meal room - Sunday brunch is memorable.

Old-school bagel breakfast - avoid holiday mornings.

Korean BBQ that won over my nine-year-old critic - we all agreed it was the best. The wedge salad is the best we've had, worth coming back for alone; then do the Butcher's Feast.

Ecuadorian fine dining that earns the hype - transportive from the traditional decor to the flavors. Start with the canelazo cocktail. Go hungry.

One main done right - the cotoletta is the point, full of flavor and well presented. Quick, attentive service; a well-put-together room.

Tiny Wynwood listening bar - the vibe and music are unreal, DJ spinning behind the bar. Reserve ahead ($25/person goes toward your tab) or you may not get in. It's tiny.

Casual Venezuelan done fresh - the pepitos, arepas, and cachapas are all tasty. The welcome is warm; the grilled chicken arepa is a great order.

The patatas are little soccer balls - crispy, pillowy, spicy, creamy. A definite goal. The burrata with hazelnut notes and the playful crispy cheese with jam are great starts.

Sunday brunch with a view - pricey ($500 for two with drinks), but the service carries it: attentive, glass never empty. Also a calm, refined room for a business lunch.

The King Guava is a very Miami take on a bagel and it's spectacular. Best bagels south of New York - fresh enough to eat plain. Small shop, limited seating; go early.

Walk past the racks of Gatorade and lottery tickets into the back of a convenience store and you're in a rustic, candlelit Spanish bodega. Lunch is great; I'm planning a dinner visit.

Galician home cooking right by Crandon Beach - the paella for two is the perfect portion, with sides of garbanzos and perfectly cooked calamari. The owners (Galicia and Madrid) are incredibly kind.

We went twice in one day - the craving hit that hard. On my hunt for Miami's top NY-style slice, this ranks #1 so far. The Brooklyn-style pie, welcoming staff.

Wynwood outdoor party spot with a rustic vintage look - go for the scene and atmosphere, not the food. Two cautions: reserved seating can carry a steep price, and drink pricing can vary between bartenders - confirm prices when you order.

Lowkey Venezuelan hole-in-the-wall downtown - doesn't look like much, but it's a great find. Ask for the special dishes; the food leaves a lasting impression.

Turkish breakfast in the beautiful Upper Buena Vista - we came twice in one vacation. After breakfast it's the perfect spot to wander. Ask Maria for recommendations and try as many traditional dishes as you can.

Top-five cigar lounge in Miami - elegant, with real attention to service detail. The humidor is curated and well priced, the cocktails are well made, and the burger is one of the best around. Great for a fight night.

Classic Cuban diner counter - the sandwich cubano, obviously.

Elegant and consistent - salmon tartare and the Greek salad.

Excellent, well-maintained Har-Tru tennis courts full of energy, plus new pickleball courts. Friendly regulars and a helpful staff; well lit and safe at night.

Like walking into Little Italy - a cute, quaint Italian spot on Ocean Drive. The burrata with bresaola is to die for, the pasta is out of this world, and get the gelato tower for dessert.

Local seafood shack on the canal with warm service - ask what's fresh that week before ordering; the catch varies (stone crab season starts in October).

Everything packed with flavor, beautifully prepared - the duck pasta is a standout. Walking through the curtain feels like entering another world. Trust your server's suggestions.

Brilliantly modern, masterfully executed Indian - rich in flavor and beautifully presented. Small menu, all hits.

Cheap, fresh sushi buffet with lots of fish options - the salmon and yellowtail nigiri are the move. Calm atmosphere, hibachi-style dishes too. Skip the rolls with artificial toppings.

Cook-it-yourself Japanese BBQ - fun for a first-timer. Tell them it's your first visit and they'll walk you through the whole menu. Service can feel rushed at peak times.

Hidden behind the taco stand in Wynwood - you get a private code with your reservation. It took me three years to get in and every second of the wait was worth it: the best omakase experience I've ever had, each course flawless.

Wynwood rooftop with cute nooks - relaxed, tropical, chill music, views from the higher ground. Good for a drink or a laptop session; escape the heat inside when you need to.

The best fish I've had since moving to Miami - fresh, exquisite. Sit at the bar with chef Nis if you can, and pick your own sake glass from the ones they bring back. Even a non-sushi person has a great date night here.

The Caviar & Champagne buffet at the Setai is truly unforgettable - incredible variety, including an interactive meat station. The room is beautiful, sometimes with Cirque du Soleil-style performers.

Classic laid-back diner breakfast - the meatloaf is a home run.

What more can be said - the iconic stone crab, and it lives up to the reputation. Sit at the bar, share the claws with the Joe's sides: coleslaw, hashbrowns, creamed spinach.

A three-level food hall in a converted downtown warehouse - loads of vendors, everything cooked in front of you, and a great vibe during big soccer matches. Quality varies by stall (one lobster mac was a miss); browse before committing and pick the busiest counters.

Go for the river scene and a group dinner more than the food.

The most authentic old-school Chinese in Miami per regulars who've eaten here since the early 90s - the crispy chicken with fried garlic (golden, juicy, aromatic) is the signature, and the hot and sour soup might be the best around. Not fancy, just flavorful and reasonably priced.

Special-occasion spot with amazing views - the signature move is the whole Norwegian crab brought out live and de-shelled tableside. Service handles indecisive tables well. Two practical notes: it's valet-only parking, and steak is served inside, not on the rooftop.

Let Kat walk you through the menu - she's knowledgeable and passionate about every dish, and the dinner itself is otherworldly. A must-try; I'll come back again and again.

The late-night Cuban standby - one of the few kitchens open late. Classic rice, beans and plantains plus empanadas; a full meal can run $15 with tip. Skip the Cuban sandwich (panned hard) - the chicken and spinach-cheese empanadas are the orders.

A little slice of Paris for brunch or a date - beautiful room.

Miami's beloved wine-and-charcuterie house near Edgewater/Midtown/Wynwood - you pick your own cheeses and wine (beer too, no liquor), then sit inside for the live music or outside for the vibe; food can be ordered at the outdoor bar. First come first served and it gets busy - go early if you want the music.

SoBe Italian I visited twice in two days - pizza one day, pasta the next. Perfect wood-fired crust, fresh ingredients, and the best gluten-free pizza I've had.

Sourdough pizza with the perfect crust - crispy but still chewy, real flavor. The charred carrots are surprisingly good too.

Some of the best Haitian food I've had in a long time - the legume with beans and rice is the order. Heads up: the akra and pate run spicy.

A true French bistro on the main road in Coconut Grove - one of the best French restaurants I've been to. Small and a little tight, with a good European atmosphere and a varied menu.

Fantastic happy hour above CocoWalk with incredible views. The tuna tartare and branzino are 10/10, the truffle paella is 100/10, and the mushroom croquettes are exquisite.

The Surf Club's new chef, Michele Esposito, has completely transformed the menu - the Pasta is my personal favorite. Spectacular room, outstanding food.

Get the spicy vermicelli with pork - a really enjoyable dish. The wontons themselves are good but the Shanghai wonton soup broth is bland.

One of the best meals I've ever had - every dish flavorful and intentional. The mushroom al pastor tacos are packed, the salsas are so good I wish they sold them, and the sweet corn arepa closes it out. Anniversaries get champagne and a Polaroid.

Classy without pretense - polished but comfortable, like the cool friend who owns a tailored suit. The Clubhouse out back is a brilliant hang.

Lives up to the NY name - spicy vodka sauce and the calzone.

Worth the drive - we came from Naples just for it. The truffle potatoes are an absolute must, the truffle pasta is incredible, and the lamb shank is perfect. Small room; book ahead.

Thai street-food energy in Little Havana - feels like eating on the street in Thailand. Order like tapas and share everything.

Hidden gem in busy South Beach - I grab dinner here every time I'm in Miami. The chef's tasting is excellent and a LOT of food; the pasta omakase is the move.

Wynwood club that runs tight - bottle service, cleanliness, and customer service all on their toes to a degree I haven't seen elsewhere in Miami. Chris makes the place move.

Our go-to for years: churrasco with gallo pinto, French fries, and queso frito. One of the best Nicaraguan restaurants in the Flagler area - authentic, full of flavor.

A great little wine bar with a back patio built for a long night - spacious enough that even a Saturday can have room, and they host game nights and private events (a 40-runner pasta dinner came off perfectly). Easy parking, intimate or group-friendly.

The spoil-ourselves Mexican spot - food and drinks never disappoint, and service (ask for Maykell) is kind and attentive. Handles big family groups smoothly. Beautiful ambiance; this is the treat-yourself choice, not the budget taco stop.

A hotel restaurant that punches way above - the look, vibe, and lighting are all superior. Brunch in the Thesis: the short rib Benedict and the breakfast croissant, plus a homemade guava jam.

Feels like leaving Miami for the Aegean - everything fresh and beautiful.

Downtown date-night gem - dimly lit, cozy, genuinely welcoming. The lobster mac and a passionfruit lemon drop is the order. Great for a girls night too.

$18 Filipino buffet the locals pack ($20 with coconut water). Tons of selections, friendly service - be sure to try the chili paste. A hidden lunchtime gem.

Thin, crispy, no flop, great crust, not oily - I'd give it a 9.3. Start with the meatballs: four medium balls packed with flavor. Lives up to its reputation.

The pan con lechon never disappoints, especially sitting outside on 27th Ave - so many great memories here. The coffee is super good and the mango smoothie is worth the little wait.

Grown-up cocktail lounge on the beach - fresh and intentional. Super cool live jazz that turns into a true party when the DJ arrives. Good drinks, fast service.

Truly authentic Greek - and I'm Greek, so take my word for it. Slightly off the beaten path but beautiful, and they treat everyone wonderfully. Let your server guide the choices.

The beach's best tennis - high-quality Har-Tru clay courts in great condition, easy reservations, friendly staff, annual memberships. A game changer.

The #3 slice in the USA, and it's deserved - the crust is somehow crispy and soft at once. Get the hot honey pepperoni and the bacon and leek. The best NY-style pizza in Miami.

Hidden little listening bar - easy to walk right past. Cool DJ, small intimate room; I snagged bar seating without a reservation on a Friday.

Food quality and creativity 10/10, with fire dancers and vibrant decor - a truly unique dining experience. Our flight landed us near midnight and they still fed us.

Moody, beautiful room - luxurious, trendy, yet cozy, with Michelin-quality service. The food is nuanced with layers; stick to the signature plates.

Grove raw bar on the water - incredibly fresh seafood, delicious drinks, fun and relaxing. Great for a celebration; the staff makes first-timers feel like regulars.

Intimate 16-course omakase - precise and curated, come hungry.

Hand rolls that stand apart even among Miami's best sushi - the food is a literal work of art. Walk-ins can take the bar, which we ended up loving.

Four seats total, plus three people working - the most intimate omakase I've had. Quality, knowledge, and above all creativity from Chef Kevin. I'm not even a raw fish guy and the food was incredible.

Elegant but energetic - the perfect balance whether it's a date or a group. Start with the provoleta, then the truffle dishes; the sushi and desserts hold up too.

Colorful North Miami coffee house with a rustic interior - the coffee is delicious and the breakfast platter is massive (I overestimated). Great counter service.

Quietly confident Spanish - intimate, architectural, no theatrics needed. The tomato bread and the pear dessert are phenomenal; the octopus is good and the seafood rice is rich. Consistent across visits.

The best place in Miami to do ceramics - Cristina and Adam are super hands-on, whether hand building or wheel throwing. The Beginners Wheel Throwing Class makes a great date.

Fresh, simple, perfectly balanced hand rolls - every bite tastes like quality. The salmon and bluefin stand out; the onion topping is a nice touch. Great Saturday lunch downtown.

A fun, welcoming spot where the margaritas are the draw - fresh and perfectly made. The staff (Kim, Oriana, and the manager) give personal, attentive service, and the DJ keeps the atmosphere up. Easy place to relax over drinks.

One of my favorite bars in Miami - great deals, cool cocktails, honest bartenders, outdoor seats, and sometimes live jazz in the street.

The steak is shockingly huge - sweet-tangy potatoes alongside.

Warm, lively room - everything tastes fresh, flavorful, and authentic. Good spot to get together with friends or family.

The mixed vegetable stir fry is the sleeper hit - fresh, flavorful, cooked to perfection, good enough to bring me back for the rest of the menu.

A pasta place that keeps delivering - the cacio e pepe with truffles and the carbonara both hit the mark. The staff's recommendations are fantastic.

Always a safe bet - I've been several times over the past year and always have a great meal. We were about to drive to West Palm for French food when a friend sent us here instead; blown away.

Cozy little slice shop, warm and inviting. The cheesesteak sub has its own following - maybe the best in Miami, though the pizza is the steady order.

An architectural masterpiece on the bay with fantastic views - the contemporary collection perfectly captures Miami's diverse cultural energy. Every second Saturday is free.

Cute and cozy, indoor and outdoor seating - good pizza, generous portions, and genuinely attentive service.

Poolside at the Goodtime - lively, lovely decor, great food and amazing service. The steak and eggs with a latte and fresh green juice is the order.

A birthday tradition - tell them about allergies, they're great with it.

Fish soup and the snapper - fresh and perfectly seasoned.

Easy to root for - chef Josh Elliot and his wife Ellie's first venture together, and their depth of experience shows. Chef-driven tapas without the fuss; no parking or seating issues on a Saturday.

A celebration spot - elegant, vibrant, the venue is absolutely stunning. Every dish fresh and beautifully presented. We came after a World Cup match and the atmosphere was incredible.

Movies on a rooftop with headphones - I was nervous it would be disorganized, but it was a 10/10 experience: welcoming staff, smooth operation, great energy.

Pink flowers, soft French music - simply gorgeous, chic and eloquent. My birthday-and-Mother's-Day brunch spot; we loved it so much we went back.

The Grove outpost trades heavily on the NY name - stick to the classics and temper expectations. The salads are huge; the service is solid.

One sandwich feeds two if you're not starving - the chicken salad sandwich is the order. Say hi to Mariam, she's lovely. Free parking.

Getting a Cuban sandwich in Miami is practically a requirement, and this is the place to do it - it lives up to the hype. Start with the croquetas: exactly what they should taste like. Crispy, buttery bread, homemade pickles.

Riverside special-occasion spot - go for an early dinner on the water.

The most aesthetically beautiful restaurant room I've ever seen - every inch stunning. No reservation? Sit at the bar; the bartenders make it an experience anyway.

Great kabobs and the side sauces are 'absolutely bomb' per multiple tables. The room runs warm - eating outside is more tolerable. Parking can be a bit of a hunt; staff are responsive.

Caribbean fish-fry vibes in Coconut Grove - fresh seafood made to order until they run out, never over-breaded, so the fish flavor carries. Stone crab is the star when they have it, with cold cheap beer and live music. One fryer means dishes take a while - settle in, that's the deal.

A real hardwood hammock preserve inside Miami city limits - gorgeous, quiet, with an odd sweet aroma and interpretive markers along the path. Bring mosquito repellent or they will find you. The canopy blocks the sun and it's enclosed with few exits, which some find eerie alone - go with company.

Rum bar at the Mayfair House - delicious conch fritters, amazing drinks, and a beautiful poolside view. Ask for Nick. The redone rooms upstairs make it a great staycation.

You order inside an airplane - fun and the coffee is actually great.

Waterfront classic and a must-visit whenever I'm in Miami - start with the French onion soup, then the surf and turf with mashed potatoes and the huge Caesar salad.

Design District Italian that's an absolute gem - great for a girls' day or a birthday. The food is out of this world; the tasting menu is the way to go.

Authentic Italian inside a 100-year-old arcade building, mostly untouched inside - historic architecture and amazing food in one. The bolognese is great. Perfect for a quick, lovely lunch.

Warm martini bar with great music and small plates full of flavor. My glass arrived chipped and they remade the drink and sent a tuna tostada on the house - that tells you what you need to know.

Sit at the bar and go a la carte - you can't go wrong with anything. The papas are a must, plus the seasonal agnolotti and the chicken.

Brickell rooftop for a date or friends - great views and lively without trying. We came on a cold Sunday for our anniversary and they kept us cozy. Easy to get in without a reservation.

A superb steakhouse that surprises with original combinations - the cavatelli and the mushroom chitarra are outstanding, and the pork chop makes any meal memorable. We celebrated our wedding night here.

One of the coolest dinners I've done in Miami - intimate from the second you arrive. We lucked into having the whole place to ourselves; birthdays get the full treatment.

Fresh, creative, perfectly balanced rolls at Cocowalk with stunning presentation - some of the best sushi I've had. The manager and chef are actually involved, and it shows.

Shockingly good omakase inside the Design District food hall - I can't believe one of my best sushi meals happened in a food hall. The fish melts in your mouth and the sauces are perfect.

Gables Mexican that always delivers - the chile relleno is phenomenal, and Ernesto's service is spectacular. The decor has gone more contemporary, but the food and service are still on point.

Worth all the hype - the scallop crudo is a perfectly synchronized combination of flavors, and the chicken wings, beef tartare, frogs legs, and lamb wrap all landed. Truly delicious and so fun.

Tucked inside the dated Grand mall - we walked past it countless times and never thought twice. Pleasantly surprised: tasteful, upscale Asian that's better than it has any right to be.

An upscale, intimate lounge tucked behind Sugar - beautifully done room, great cocktails, and music that elevates at the right time. The service is the legend here: Milos and Tony are the names to know. A classic worth returning to.

One of Miami's best smash burgers, with a variety of sauces - from a 2020 pop-up done good. Well-curated interior, great beats, and you can taste the quality. Sergio and Ted will get you right.

Everything a tennis player needs - I've taken my daughter here for years through her juniors career. Alejandro and the staff are fantastic; the service is what keeps me coming back.

The Miami Slice team-up version works - sophisticated room, great music.

Serious chef-owned Brickell seafood - without exaggeration, the best seafood restaurant in Miami. The bar is the happening place; the bar specials are the move.

Relaxing rooftop above Espanola Way - perfect for an afternoon drink. The Old Cuban is the order; Antonio behind the bar will make sure you're taken care of.

Quirky old-Florida speakeasy between Wynwood and the Design District - my new favorite bar in Miami. Great stop for after-dinner drinks; the live DJ is a nice touch.

One of Miami's longest-running liquor licenses, and not content to coast on it - the burgers from the Masa Crafts kitchen are SO GOOD with a couple of beers.

The linear park under the Metrorail - well maintained, well lit, with basketball and a playground alongside the path. I woke up early and ran it; loved every minute. Eventually it'll stretch 10 miles.

Tiny brunch spot worth the wait - Gables iced coffee and the French toast.

Kid heaven - go right at open to beat the crowds. Fun rides, pony rides, a petting area, and delicious food with places to sit and cool down.

Fun little bagel shop - the Little Havana on asiago.

Lively bar with fun music and a welcoming vibe - the happy hour has genuinely reduced prices that make it worth the visit. Good hookah too.

An absolute masterpiece - blows everything else in the city out of the water. Sleek, modern room; the fish quality and the signature tastings are the reason to come. Great for a birthday.

Fresh, beautifully prepared sushi that arrives right on time - 10/10 food with great music. The chicken katsu, jungle roll, and the dulce de leche volcano all delivered.

The Grand Tasting events are a blast - fun and well organized. Otherwise it's an amazing Key Biscayne happy hour; Juan behind the bar explains how he prepares everything. An unexpected gem.

An incredible culinary experience from presentation to plate - the cabbage and chicory salad with green goddess is one of the best salads I've had.

The Wynwood bakery institution in the colorful building you can't miss - always busy, always worth it, eat in or take out. Proof an amazing experience doesn't need a fancy space.

Great live-music room - get there early, parking is rough.

Tucked away with no signage, inside the Citibank building - you'd literally miss it, and that's part of it. The tasting menu is an extraordinary journey; each dish introduces a new array of flavors.

Anniversary-level and we were blown away - the attention to detail is the thing. The crab and lobster miso soup, the Alaskan crab sushi, and the wagyu beef skewers did not disappoint.

Book upstairs and ask for a window over the water - great cocktails, generous portions. Free valet was a nice surprise; a great anniversary or birthday lunch.

Old-school Italian by the airport - sit at the bar, huge portions.

Ocean-view Las Olas spot we went to back-to-back nights - live music that isn't blasting like everywhere else, and large outdoor screens. Stick to the simpler plates.

The fruit-shaped desserts taste as good as they look on Instagram - incredibly fresh, beautifully crafted, perfectly balanced, not overly sweet. The cat-shaped crispy ones brought my kids in.

Indoor fun zone - clean, spacious, tons of activities for all ages. They do an amazing job with kids' birthday setup and keeping things under control.

Omakase at the Pier Sixty-Six - each piece lands completely differently, unique cocktails, beautiful presentation. They handled our botched eight-person birthday reservation gracefully.

Real New Haven apizza in Delray - thought I was back in Connecticut. Straight from the oven with the slightly charred crust. Expect a 30-50 minute wait for the pie when they're busy.

Pretty plates on the Ave, and a friendly walk-in for two on a Friday - stick to the smash burger and the cheesebread; the rest of the menu is uneven.

A nice patio spot with a broad menu - come for the beautiful weather outside and keep expectations modest on the food.

Sit outside under the tree - the ambiance is amazing and the food and drinks are 10/10. The blueberry and blackberry mojitos are refreshing and not too sweet; get the burnt ends to start.

We've had many dinners here since they opened, and the happy hour finally lives up to them - great selection, unique dishes, delicious cocktails, beautiful room.

All-you-can-eat sushi that isn't a sad buffet - oysters and crab legs too. The hamachi nigiri is my favorite; well worth the 30-minute drive.

Consistently excellent - the chicken lollies and the wine wall.

Downtown WPB standby - every dish fresh and full of flavor, and the service goes above and beyond. I've eaten here many times; ask for the specials.

The set menu is insanely good - especially the tuna tacos - and they handle bachelorette groups beautifully. Sit inside in summer; the outdoor area has no fans.

Fun, vibrant Palm Beach steakhouse - great for a birthday. The food is chef's kiss, the drinks are epic, and they take care of you when you reserve a section.

Incredible food out of a tiny kitchen - a place I genuinely love and keep coming back to. Limited wine list, and it's community seating with few tables, so plan accordingly.

The view is the headline - spectacular at sunset. The wagyu steak's flavor is excellent even when the temp slips; the burger is super tasty. Live music can run loud.

Half-pound cookies worth the line - we waited 20-40 minutes and I'd do it again. The original chocolate chip and the pistachio toffee are the orders.

Absurd spread for the price - lobster and even snails at a buffet, plus fresh sushi. We've celebrated two family birthdays here and come for both lunch and dinner.