Miami is peppered with high-end restaurants catering to the celebrities, business tycoons and sports stars who frequent the sweltering city. While you can get some savory food at a Cuban fast-food stand or eat some fresh seafood in a crowded beach side bar, there's something about a visit to Miami that calls for a bit of swaggering swank once the sun sets. Coupling lush surroundings with mouth-watering food and some equally delicious people watching, Miami's most exclusive restaurants pack a lot of bang for the buck.
The gilded walls and general glitter are the first tip off that Bourbon Steak is far more than a steak restaurant. World-famous chef Michael Mina brings his decidedly upscale touch to traditional American grub like steaks and hamburgers. Dry-aged and American Wagyu steaks are wood-grilled to perfection alongside gourmet sides and appetizers like truffled mac and cheese and foie gras with bread pudding and brandy-glazed cherries.
Bourbon Steak
Fairmont Turnberry Isle
19999 West Country Club Dr.
Miami, FL 33180
786-279-6600
michaelmina.net
Though the restaurant's name sounds like a ramshackle establishment welcoming flip-flop wearing patrons, the tuxedoed waiters might change your mind. Serving Miami since 1913, the granddaddy of crab restaurants is still arguably the best. Start with Florida Little Neck Clams or Rock Shrimp and grits in a barbecue reduction followed by Soft Shell Crab or Filet Mignon with a black pepper sauce. Save room for the restaurant's famous Key Lime Pie, the official State Pie of Florida.
Joe's Stone Crab
11 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
800-780-2722
joesstonecrab.com
With a tag line stating, "it's not fresh . . . it's alive", NAOE has eclipsed long-standing Miami sushi doyen Nobu for favorite sushi spot. The South Beach location has even die-hard foodies gushing over the quality and exquisite presentation of the dishes, drinks, and everything else about the small and casual yet power-player restaurant. If you want to eat with the insiders, NAOE is a must-dine in Miami.
NAOE
175 Sunny Isles Blvd.
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
305-947-6263
One of the city's most exclusive restaurants is located in one of its most exclusive hotels, the Mandarin Oriental. The menu is a mix of Asian and Mediterranean, always well done, like Crispy Oysters wrapped in beef, tuna, hamachi and salmon carpaccios. The view is also among the best in the city, where floor to ceiling windows highlight Miami's famous waters.
Azul at the Mandarin Oriental
500 Brickell Key Dr.
Miami, Florida 33131
305-913-8288
mandarinoriental.com
A favorite of celebrities and sports stars, Prime 112 offers gourmet steakhouse faves like Kobe sliders and truffle fries. Foodies will argue that it's more hype than heft. Whatever your opinion, there's no denying Prime 112 is one of Miami's places to be seen. Luxury vehicles pop out the beautiful in the valet line, the sleek interior pipes sexy music, and the glasses clink. Basically the makings of a chic night out in Miami as long as you remember to reserve a table.
Prime 112
112 Ocean Dr.
South Beach, FL 33139
305-532-8112
mylesrestaurantgroup.com
