Quintessential SoBe dining for 2 gals?

[cherrybounce]

My best girlfriend and I will be going to South Beach for the Food and WIne Festival (my b-day present to myself). The nights we are not going to events I would like to go to something with wonderful local food and an only-in-South-beach atmosphere, maybe outdoor dining, nothing stuffy or formal. We'll be staying at the Loew's and would like to walk or take a short cab ride. Any and all prices.

[Frodnesor]

I've only been once and was not so wowed by the food that I've gone back, but Table 8 would seem to fit the bill. Probably the only good place to eat on Ocean Drive, it has outdoor seating, and is only 2 blocks away. Don't take my lukewarm comments as an indictment - others have raved about the place, it just didn't bowl me over.
http://www.table8la.com/sb.html

For more casual and less expensive outdoor eating, there are a few places worth visiting on Lincoln Road, which is an outdoor pedestrian mall and nice area for a stroll - Rosinella for good simple Italian, Le Bon for Belgian (moules & frites and Belgian beer are highly recommended), Yuca for Nuevo Latino (place has been around forever now and is qualifies as "old guard" by Miami Beach standards, but has been good every time I've gone), Icebox Cafe (which I prefer more for breakfast than lunch/dinner). Front Porch Cafe around 14th & Ocean is also nice for breakfast.

Joe's Stone Crab is a Miami institution and deservedly so, the food is excellent. Short cab ride from your hotel. No reservations, be prepared to wait.

For some true local flavor try some of the Latin American / Caribbean places - on the Beach there's David's Cafe or Puerto Sagua for Cuban, Liberty Steakhouse for Argentinian, El Chalan for Peruvian, Tap Tap for Haitian. Of these I've personally only tried David's, Puerto Sagua and Tap Tap, and frankly none (IMO) have particularly exceptional food, but they're decent and it is a real glimpse of Miami. Tap Tap in particular has a fun vibe, the other places are nothing special at all.

[cherrybounce]

Thank you so much for your reply. What do you think of Ola Restaurant?

[Frodnesor]

I have not been to Ola since they moved into the Sanctuary Hotel. I used to enjoy going to their prior spot on Biscayne Blvd. I like their ceviches, lots of interesting contemporary adaptations, and their other starters. The entrees can be hit and miss. I love the seared duck breast which comes with a great baked rice dish w/ duck confit, edamame, raisins and other goodies. Others have been somewhat pedestrian.

[YosemiteSam]

I'm sure I'll be crucified on here for this, but if you're looking for a great SoBe experience, you can still do well eating in the garden at Wish. It is overpriced, but the food is really quite consistent, and it's a wonderful atmosphere - very South Beach, especially when the weather and humidity cooperate - I also like the rooftop bar at the same hotel.

Also often frowned on here but good for atmosphere and decent food (but again expensive) are The Social and outside at Ago. We actually really enjoyed a meal on the patio at Ago recently - pleasantly surprised.

[Frodnesor]

It's been a while since I've been to Wish. In my experience the menu reads much more interesting than the food actually tastes. The outdoor area is quintessential South Beach though.

Social, per a recent thread here, has gone through a menu revamp and it looks like the exec chef Sean Mohammed is fully in charge, no longer Michelle Bernstein's menu. Also not nearly the same kind of "small dishes" approach.

Ago I've never tried so can't comment.

See, that's hardly even a slap on the wrist, much less a crucifixion!

[tpigeon]

Just so you know, Sean Mohammed was always executing at social, Michelle Bernstein just designed the original menu.

Ago is overpriced but good. Very basic fare. That being said, I love their burratta, it is easily the best in Sobe (except when osteria has it, which is rare).