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If you want to see the ocean and have some people watching there's not much to choose from right on Ocean Drive, but we used to have lunch on the terrace of the Tides Hotel, and then walk across the street to the beach. Haven't been in years, so I can't say how the food is these days, but the terrace is a bit raised above the street level and out of the foot traffic.
I second Prime 112, and from there you could walk over to the Nikki Beach club, have a drink on one of those pasha beds, and go to the beach through their access. ( they have changing room/teepees ) Totally camp South Beach frou-frou. -
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ngaristo, are you looking for a good basic lunch spot, or a special occasion type of place? That might make a difference in what we recommend....
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re: ngaristo
I think you should check out the newly opened La Cote at the Fountainebleau. They have a second floor outdoor restaurant right on the beach. What a gorgeous location with unmatched ocean view. The menu is St. Tropez inspired. I can't wait to go myself. The view is to die for! Plus the Fountainebleau is a beautiful property worth checking out anyway..
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re: hollys
Rondo
Apr 1, 2009 06:44 PM
I have to say that the Fountainbleu is beautiful, especially inside, but something about it left me, and my wife, cold. Perhaps it was the size of the place. Also I believe they are still doing construction, either tearing down or completely renovating a building right next door which I think is near La Cote and I'm wondering if that might not deter from the overall dining experience. "Would ya like a jackhammer with that glass of wine, sir?" We also toured the Eden Roc and thought it was a wee bit cozier and the staff much friendlier. Anyone eat at Gia located in the Eden Roc? Menu looked interesting but it wasn't lunchtime yet when we were there.
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re: Rondo
The outdoor terrace restaurant is good at the Eden Roc for good salads,hamburgers - the fish tacos are wonderful.They also have a nice oceanside view. I think the construction issues are winding down as I haven't experienced this problem in a while. That being said I still want to try La Cote at the Fountainebleau. I will let you know what I think.
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If I were going to have a birthday-ish lunch near the beach, with good food and a nice vibe, I'd go to Nemo. While it's not right on the beach, it's close enough to walk over, and sitting outside under the big tree has a kind of south beach/california feeling.
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re: onthelam
Was just in South Beach this past weekend and had a nice late breakfast/early lunch at Icebox Cafe. It's very casual and laid back and may not be the best choice for an occasion, but for a nice everyday spot, it's great. Extremely friendly staff, home made food, great baked goods. We had the crabby eggs and they were fabulous. Some avocado salsa on top and a homemade biscuit. Really superb. Close to Lincoln Road for strolling afterward, but better than the touristy spots along that street. We also had brunch at Books & Books on LIncoln which was good, but kind of overpriced. Strawberry pancakes were terrific and the bookstore at the restaurant is worth an hour of your time, even if you don't eat there.
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re: onthelam
One more thought if you have a car. This might be an odd suggestion, but the last time we were in town, a few people recommended Carpaccio in the Bal Harbor Mall. First of all, I don't like malls very much and would never choose to eat in one if other options were available. There wasn't much around there and we were kind of in a rush, so we went. Well, this is no ordinary mall. Kind of like an oasis — just beautiful. And the restaurant was absolutely great. Fine service, very welcoming. Really pretty and superb food. I had carpaccio (I think it was yellowtail) which was tender and delicious. The breadsticks were memorable and the crowd was very elegant. Strange as it sounds, it would be a nice spot for a birthday.
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Blind Mind
Mar 31, 2009 08:12 AM
I second the Books & Books recommendation on Lincoln Rd. The lobster/mango wrap is one thing Im currently addicted to. The turkey/brie/asian pear/mango chutney sandwich is also da bomb.
I also like Spris for pizza/salads. Its my favorite pizza in Miami (I wont say the best because people here will pitch a fit but to me its the best haha) and the one with prosciutto, parmesan, and a fried egg is sinfully delicious. Ice Box Cafe also does a nice lunch and you will never leave that place without feeling full. Also in the Lincoln Rd area is the Dilido Beach Club which has some great dishes though you will pay the tax for eating at a hotel on South Beach (Stella beer is about $10, burger is $13 to give you an idea...). Good people watching though.
The last reccos I will make for lunch is Pita Spice on Washington between 10th and 11th. Best falafel pita Ive ever had. Get it with everything, especially hots (which are TURBO hot so be warned). Also best burger in Miami is at Food Love Cafe on the beach sand around 19th-20th in a trailer w/ a yellow awning. Jalapeno burger is kickass and so is the bacon cheeseburger.
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Books & Books is pretty good on lincoln. Macalusos for a meatball hero is always an option as is clarkes. P112 (I would do mac & cheese) is a great option as well
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Rondo
Mar 30, 2009 05:52 PM
Icebox on Michigan Ave just off Lincoln Mall is always a good bet. If you are looking for something a little more upscale and like Italian my wife and I had a great lunch at Quattro a couple of trips ago. If you are looking for down 'n dirty diner food I suggest The Big Pink at 2nd & Washington. BTW, I heartily second Joe's Stone Crab if it is open. Get the fried chicken.
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