Miami dinner reservations
Ok, I am only a few weeks out from our trip and have made some reservations and wanted input. We have 6 nights in total in Miami then go to Fort Lauderdale for our cruise and finally have one last night in FL before flying home. I made a reservation at
Johnny V's for that last night.
We are returning to Pacific Time in the Lincoln Mall. I want to hit Talula one night. Considering Ortanique in Coral Gables. Also wanted input on Lario's. Is it good and do you need/do they take reservations? It's an easy walk from our hotel. What about Texas de Brazil? Any other must try places? Also, I heard Morimoto has a place in Miami.
I'd also love some lunchtime suggestions for casual and inexpensive tasty food. We're staying in South Beach but will have a rental car and aren't afraid of exploring.
I will be happy to return the favor when you want to visit the Pacific Northwest. I am so looking forward to warmer weather and some tasty South Florida chow.
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LOVE YOU (yes, I'm yelling) for telling peole about the all caps. :) I think Nobu is a great rec in Sobe. You've got good recs for Miami. My most favorite favorite favorite of them all is Ortanique. Can not say enough about how incredibly good it was (and it felt very Caribbean/S Florida to me).
If you want some recs for farther North, there are a few good places in Hollywood (in between Miami and Ft Laud). Sushi Blues for sushi and music, Michael's Kitchen (gotta get the amazing asian baby-backs with fried rice), Hollywood Vine for a fun wine bar, Argentango for Argentinian. Have a fun trip and enjoy our gorgeous weather!
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IN SOUTH BEACH,PRIME 112 BUT TO GET A RESERVATION IS HASSLE.
HOUSTONS IN AVENTURA AREA.GREAT VIEW.
CATALINA ACROSS FROM DELANO ON COLLINS IN SOUTH BEACH IS GOOD TOO.
MOKAI IS NEW HAPPENING PLACE FOR LATE EVENING BAR CROWD.
FORGE IS ALWAYS GOOD ON ALTON RD.THIS IS A MUST SEE RESTAURANT MORE THAN ANY OTHER.GOOD WINE SELECTION ,SUPER SERVICE.
IN FT LAUDERDALE VISIT BLUE MARTINI,IT IS OPEN TILL 3 AM..
INDIGO ON LAS OLAS GREAT FOR DINNER AND IT IS LIKE EUROPEAN CAFE WITH A VIEW OF LAS OLAS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU. AND MANGOS FOR DANCING AND LIGHT FOOD.DINING IS ALWAYS CHEAPER IN LAS OLAS AREA THAN SOUTH BEACH. -
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We had lunch today at Bissaleh Cafe. Their Israeli dip platter with a enormous Yemenite bread called lafa is excellent. Enough for two at $12. Good Lavazza coffee and fruit smoothies. Strongly agree with all the recs and also enjoy Balans for moderate priced eclectic cuisine on Lincoln Road. Le Bon on Lincoln Road has a wonderful sounding menu but have not tried it yet. River Oyster is great as is Cacao. Casa Juancho for good Spanish food in a fun, very Miami atmosphere on SW 8th St. Coral Gables is filled with good restaurants. Pacal's on Ponce, Miss Saigon Bistro, Ortanique are just some. Yakko San on W. Dixie Highway at about 172nd is a long drive from South Beach but has non sushi Japanese country cuisine that is certainly unique in Miami. El Palacio de Juegos on Flagler is a great very casual Cuban spot that is the real deal. You eat outside on picnic tables. Fantastic bargain and superb fruit drinks. I would suggest not having Italian food in Miami. You can get it anywhere. Why not try something unique?
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if you're willing to drive further north up A1A, The Rascal House is an old-time deli (good deli, cheap and big portions) in Sunny Isles, just north of Bal Harbour. We're headed there later this week.
Just a block or two north of The Rascal House is Bissaleh Cafe, a kosher, Israeli cafe on Collins Ave and 176th Street. We just went there today for lunch--reasonably priced for good food. They also have pizzas, pastas, fish and salads in addition to more traditional Israeli fare. See my post for more info.
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lax2mia
Dec 4, 2006 10:08 PM
I've had bad experiences the last two times at Pacific Time that I've been advising people against it. There are so many new places on the beach that returning to Pacific Time may be a detriment. All of tpigeon's recs are good. I'd add Le Sandwicherie to the cheap lunch places just for it's casualness.
Texas de Brazil is all you can eat, but it's a bit of a trek from the beach and is located in an outlet mall (although the decor will make you forget you're at one). If you're going to the mall to shop you can opt for lunch at T de Brazil, thus leaving more of the day to digest all the beef you're sure to consume.
You can also try Michy's on Biscayne near 69th. Not too far of a drive and it's some of the more creative dining in the city. You'll see differing opinions on the place, but given that it's small plates, chances are you'll have at least one thing you'll love.
And for Cuban, if you're going OTB, try either Las Culebrinas on Flagler or Havana Harry's on LeJeune at US-1. Both are better than Lario's IMHO.
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Having just been to both, I would suggest Cacao in Coral Gables over Ortanique. Found the overall experience slightly better (see my recent review of Miami restos from my trip last week). I would also seriously consider Jaguar in Coconut Grove- excellent value & terrific ceviche.
We also really enjoyed Alta Mar in SoBe - very un-SoBe - classy, great service, and subdued!!!
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No on larios. There are much better places to go, especially at their price point.
I would not do pacific time if you have already been. Try something new like Osteria del Teatro, Nemo, Marks, Prime 112, Tuscan, Macalusos or Alta Mar instead.
I have not been to Texas de Brazil but I would do Grazianos instead. The one on Bird Rd. is better than the one in the gables but the one in the gables is still very good.
Ortanique is great, other great choices are:
Romeo's cafe - need to reserve at least 3 weeks in advance.
Francesco's
River Oyster BarLunchtime suggestions in SOBE
Mr. Chu's - dim sum
Macalusos
Joe Allens
A la folie
Puerto Sagua
Puerto Sagua
Tapas and Tintos
