If you could choose a handful of your Miami favorites, what would they be?

[missdaisy]

Hey all,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I really value all your insights. My husband and I are flying down to Miami in March for 10 days from NYC and I want to make some early reservations. Last year we did Casa Tua, Juvia, Scarpetta (old fave), Nobu (have to do it every year), Dining Room, Osteria (not a fan) and a few others I can't remember off the top of my head. That list was just to give you an idea of our tastes

Where should we try this year?? I've heard Zuma? If it's easier, just link me to a thread.

Thanks very much!

[rebus1805]

Agree with all the other posters. Also MC Kitchen in the Design District by Dena Marino for excellent Italian, Xixon for real Spanish tapas near Coral Gables, Sugarcane in Midtown and Los Perros with multiple locations in Miami Beach. Los Perros has Colombian hot dogs and they are very unusual. Collins Ave. in the 60's and 70's (North Beach) has multiple South American restaurants and they are fun to sample. They are unpretentious, reasonably priced and offer good food.

[tpigeon]

Adding to the list of those already mentioned..
In SOBE
Pubbelly Steak -- If you are going to Nobu because of miso black cod, just forget about it and go here. They have the exact same dish except it is $25 as opposed to whatever ungodly cost it is at nobu these days. Pubbelly steak is great in general.
Barceloneta
Florida Cookery
Milos -- can get very expensive and you have one in nyc, but since you go to nobu....
Hakkasan -- see Milos.

Across the Bay
DB Bistro
Nemesis Bistro
Tuyo
Naoe

I agree with Blind Mind on Zuma but I would add there is somewhat of an overlap to Nobu. Zuma is a much nicer space.

BTW if you are from NYC, why would you go to Nobu here? There are more than you can shake a stick at there...

[LargeLife]

Solid recommendations from BlindMind.....Joe's is still a can't-miss on Miami Beach....and still love Casa Tua....Sardinia remains a big hit with me as well....

On the mainland....really like River Oyster Bar....(although sometimes you have to go out to go in).....Milonga Cafe...down south on US1 claims to have the best pork sandwich...and they may be right....Graziano's (Bird Road, original location) is outstanding for Argentenian steaks.....Basilico's on 36th Street (near the airport) is excellent for Italiano......Michy's and Michael's Genunine are both very, very good.....

EMac
Ft. Pierce, FL

[Blind Mind]

From your examples, it seems as if you mostly stick to Miami Beach. Here's some suggestions for Beach and Mainland:

Beach:
The Bazaar
The Dutch
Indomania
Macchinalia
Sardinia
Pubbelly/Pubbelly Sushi
Altamare
Makoto (Bal Harbour)

Mainland:
Michael's Genuine Food & Drink
Sushi Deli
Su Shin Izakaya (Coral Gables)
Edge Steak & Bar
Momi Ramen
River Oyster Bar

It's been awhile since I've been to Zuma but I always thought the food was decent but expensive.
Sakaya Kitchen (casual lunch spot in Midtown)