Miami constantly has new restaurants popping up all over town, but not all are memorable or worthy of a second visit. Until now! Tambourine Room exceeded my expectations.
This just might be Miami’s best surf and turf dinner if you can swallow the gut wrenching prices!
After dining out at numerous restaurants in 2022, consuming all types of food from pizza to burgers to special occasion meals. I have come out with my Miami favorites, the best of the best list!
Kochi uses gastronomic techniques of contemporary Korean food that is certainly worth a visit.
The chef uses luxe ingredients from Southern California or imports them from places like Haikodo Japan and using skillful technique and glorious presentations, along with genuine hospitality and gracious service, it was a memorable meal indeed.
It has been a long time since I’ve been so excited about such a brilliant restaurant and I know I will be thinking about Jua for a long time to come
At the Jane, Antwerp there is a sense of entertainment and theatre; where fine dining meets rock and roll. It’s subtle and not overdone. It was an outstanding dinner, with a perfect backdrop. Chef Bril is successfully setting new standards for gastronomy and The Jane, Antwerp is certainly one of the most glamorous and trendiest restaurants in Europe, but also a world class dining experience.
Asiatiko in Aventura, Florida is a kosher game changer. Who knew, a cool, tasty, kosher spot is in Aventura. I guess you must expect the unexpected. Well done.
Coral Gables seems to be getting some excellent restaurants of late, and you can add another one to my hit list. There is no better restaurant in Miami right now serving dim sum and Izakaya than Zitz Sum.
I’m back recommending my favourite new and notable Miami restaurants along with my tried and true choices for ShaneaSavours 2021 Hit List.
The food at Little Mad in New York has a flavourful mix of cultures, with influences of Italian, French, American, and Korean all intertwining into interesting and wonderful creations. This is definitely on my must-return list.
La Colombetta in Como, Italy serves wholesome, pleasant, and fresh dishes in a rustic and cozy atmosphere.
The dishes are quite hearty at the newly opened Casa Isola Osteria in Miami by chefs Jose Mendin and Santo Agnello. They’re serving a Brooklyn Italian menu that grandma would serve you at home.
Ke-uh Restaurant in Sunny Isles will no doubt become a hot spot in North Miami. The menu is diverse and eclectic, with many shareable plates and fish flown in from Japan and the Mediterranean.
Lapinou Bistro is one of Toronto’s best French restaurants. everything we ordered had dynamic and vibrant flavours. I’m usually wary of restaurants in the entertainment district because honestly there are so few that are any good, but Lapinou is an exception.
I have always longed for delivery from upscale and delicious purveyors. Unfortunately, it took a pandemic for eateries in Toronto to bring delivery and takeout to the masses. Here is my latest list of restaurants in Toronto offering takeout and or delivery.
In the hope people are continuing to support local eateries and caterers by ordering takeout or delivery from participating restaurants, I’ve created a second edition of my favourite spots in Toronto for takeout / delivery.
I have shared some of my favourite places in New York open for takeout or delivery during the Covid-19 social isolation quarantine. Many of these establishments need our support now more than ever.
I have shared some of my favourite places in Miami open for takeout or delivery during the Covid-19 social isolation quarantine. Many of these establishments need our support now more than ever.
Hutong Restaurant in Miami also has locations in Hong Kong, Beijing, London, and New York. It may be one of Miami’s top spots for Chinese food.
The food at Amber restaurant in Hong Kong is definitely gastronomic but not gimmicky. There is a modern approach to the cuisine, it displays a multitude of refined and meticulous and indulgent details. Highly recommended.
VEA Restaurant in Hong Kong is on Asia’s 50 best list as well as having one Michelin star. They tick off every box, decor, outstanding service and noteworthy food and wines. Every dish is intricately prepared, with a symphony of flavours.
At Miami’s L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon you will enjoy style, service and exceptional food, with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, along with an extensive wine list, with good choices of wines by the glass, and a creative cocktail list.
Everything was seamless during our stay at the newly opened Mandarin Oriental in Lake Como, Italy. Almost every spacious room has magnificent views and the service is thoughtful and professional. Highly recommended!
Icy-N-Spicy in Miami Beach is a real crowd pleaser. Friendly, creative and reasonably priced. I can’t think of a better spot to cool off with a cold treat while you stroll the beach.
Mandrake Restaurant in Miami Beach is a new Asian fusion inspired dining experience in a theatrical space.
Back by popular demand, my personal favourite list of Miami restaurants for 2018/2019 in no particular order, as well as new openings I want to try.
You do not have to indulge in a fine dining experience to receive outstanding food. One of Toronto’s hottest new restaurants, Sara, has a kitchen bursting with ambition, inventive and creative food in a serene, yet casual environment.
Toronto’s Frilu Restaurant is a modern, casual eatery, serving fine dining, with warm, gracious hospitality and showcasing playful, creative and dramatic food.
Alma Restaurant in Toronto is unpretentious, approachable, and delicious, with an eclectic menu. Chef Anna Chen is producing a larger than life winning formula.
I say be adventurous, and you will be treated to a super cool, bohemian, urban vibe. Pinky’s Ca Phe in Toronto is a hidden treasure that serves exciting food with unique, bold, healthy, and distinctive flavours.
Godspeed Brewery is a cool place to meet friends for a beer where the food is surprisingly good, with a small menu of about twelve items. Well done, and Godspeed!
Miami’s St. Roch Market is a contemporary multi-vendor food hall where the curated food and beverage program is accompanied by a high quality, hospitality driven experience.
I am thrilled that a good poké place has opened in North Miami. At Poké + Go you select a bowl or a burrito, then protein, toppings and a sauce. Burritos start at $10, and a bowl at $13.
StreetXO in Madrid serves dishes that are creative, boldly flavored and fun to eat. It is the kind of food that has no limits, with dishes you’ve never heard of before. It’s street food with a twist, drawn from the inspiration of Asian food stalls.
With the opening of Etaru, people in Hallandale, Florida and surrounding areas can now dine at an upscale, Japanese, contemporary Robatayaki restaurant, with a beautiful waterfront setting.
Chef Norman Van Aken’s new restaurant, Three in Wynwood, Miami, is not only stunning, the dishes are infused with innovative flavours. They are hoping to become the first restaurant in Miami to receive a Michelin Star. They just may just get what they wish for.
1-800-Lucky in Wynwood, Miami is a buzzing marketplace is already a hangout for locals and tourists alike. It has always been difficult to find good Asian food. Now you can find it under one roof. Just be prepared for crowding and lineups. But that makes it part of the fun.
The food at Habitat in Miami is delightful, and the pricing fair. The food respects the elements and honours simplicity. I was impressed with the level of service from everyone in the restaurant.
Under the direction of Top Chef winner, Jeremy Ford, at Stubborn Seed in Miami, the dishes are ambitious and complex, with a modern twist.
Just when you thought you were all caught up with the latest restaurants in Miami, here comes a new list to keep you busy this season. Watch for my upcoming reviews.
Toronto’s Copetin has a buzz and a cool vibe. And, more importantly, the food is bursting with flavour and every dish is exciting in a different way.
Zen Restaurant in Toronto aims to preserve the culture of Japanese cuisine, providing excellent service and beautifully prepared dishes using fresh, unique ingredients. It exceeded our expectations and lit up my umami sensors.
Located in the new Found:Re Boutique Hotel, Match Cuisine and Cocktails was on Phoenix Magazine list of promising Valley restaurants. But less than 6 months in, this attractive restaurant had already lost its chef, ouch!
One of the reasons I think Lake Inez in Toronto is jam packed and so popular is the hands on approach of the owners, who constantly come by to see how everything is going.
The vibrant menu showcases farm fresh, conscientiously-sourced, truly soul-nurturing dishes. This one is worth a visit. The chefs’ passion and creative expression is reflected in their cooking.
Tanuki in Miami is lively, and colorful, with graffiti-covered walls, reclaimed wood and yellow leather banquets with blond wood tables and digital lights accenting a long wrap around bar. Samurai swords decorate the walls. The central focus of the room is a seven-foot statue of a Tanuki, a Japanese talisman said to bring good luck.
I am a big fan of the Pubbelly Group and in particular their sushi restaurant. I was happy to hear they were opening at the Brickell City Center at 701 South Miami Avenue. It is so refreshing to see malls like Bal Harbour and Brickell City Center opening quality restaurants.
Phuc Yea was one of Miami’s first pop-ups. It’s since reopened in the trendy MiMo district. I would call the restaurant a mash-up of Vietnamese and bold Cajun flavours. The owners and staff were friendly and courteous and so it pains me to report I was not a big fan of the cuisine.
What else does a Jew do on Christmas Day when everything else is closed? Go for Chinese food, natch! Tropical Chinese is the real deal. It’s authentic Chinese cooking, where everything is hand-crafted from scratch, since 1984.
For me “Dôa” means, “dead on arrival”. Cool place, but you’ve got to upgrade the food and service. I am too old for this and was very disillusioned.
Foxley Bistro remains as busy and beloved as ever because of the spot on execution of the dishes and the prices are moderate yet the food is so interesting. So even with all the competition on Ossington, Foxley’s is here to stay.
Nota Bene is not only the best restaurant in the Entertainment district, it is one of Toronto’s best restaurants. It always exceeds my expectations and has stood the test of time.
I have my friend Fenwick to thank for recommending I try a new spot at 17070 West Dixie Highway in North Miami.
I am often asked for suggestions for not-so-fine dining, reasonably priced neighborhood restaurants that also serve great good.
I think the newly opened Lettuce and Tomato Gourmet Gastrobar fits the bill.
Miami’s dining scene keeps getting better. Let me introduce you to last season’s favourites, new restaurants and my most anticipated for the Fall and Winter of 2016-2017 …
I found the Maria Cristina to be the grande dame of San Sebastián. A landmark hotel, it has been transformed and restored to its former glory.
Did you know Shanea is a contributor to SocialMiami.com? Click through to see some of her latest reviews.
David Chang challenges our taste buds and brings food to a new level. He takes some of my favourite dishes and makes them new and unique.
Black Brick Midtown was one of our favourite new restaurants last year, so I thought it was worth returning again to see if the cooking and service still lived up to my expectations. I am happy to report that we had a delicious meal there.
When I first visited Drunken Dragon, after it opened, I was in love with this new concept of sharing plates and Asian fusion food. I looked forward to returning to see if it was still how I remembered it. If it is your first time visiting it make sure you take the address with you as the restaurant is signless and has blacked out windows. Located in a seedy strip plaza, the sign above it says, “Market”.
Hidden in a dingy market where the staff is not so friendly and the place has lots of rules – no phones, no takeaway, no second orders – the Chef works sushi wonders.
The best rolls for me weren’t even on the menu but thanks to an insider I knew what to order. Now I can share this information with you …
We only went for lunch but I can’t wait to go back for dinner later next week to try the American Southern barbecue technique of slow cooking, and smoking. We saw the chef select some wood that was piled on the side so he can start smoking some meat – he said takes up to 14 hours.
The menu is divided into four sections. Crudo, small plates, rice and large format dishes. There is also a section called Binchotan service, where they grill meats, fish and seafood table-side.
Even though it just opened right after Christmas, Komodo at 801 Brickell, is already making a name for itself.
A collaboration between restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow, of China Grill fame, and nightlife impresario David Grutman, of LIV, Komodo is a beautifully-done, trendy yet high-end, contemporary Southeastern Asian restaurant.
Best old favourites and new loves.
There have been many new restaurant openings in Miami since the summer. One of the new ones is The Continental on 2360 Collins Avenue at 23rd street.
Bazi restaurant (CLOSED) at 1200 Collins is another new restaurant that opened recently in Miami. It is located in the lobby of the beautiful Art Deco Marlin hotel.
Judging from our experience tonight, the New Nobu Eden Roc will be one of Miami’s new ” Hot Spots” to dine at. The restaurant is located inside the Iconic Landmark Eden Roc Hotel at 4525 Collins. The new Nobu is an improvement in looks from the Shore Club or even the New York restaurant.
The cuisine is called North Western frontier food which is now the Pakistan and Afghanistan border. The food is rich and heavy. Most dishes are based around meat but there are a few vegetarian options. It serves renown Kebobs, which are some of the best we tried in India.
Of course everyone wants to try The French Laundry at least once in your life. So go ahead, beg your concierge or use a connection to try and get you in. We have been twice and I wouldn’t go back again.
Dailo restaurant in the former “Grace” space on College Street. They call this new Asian cuisine and we were very impressed. The staff is very knowledgable and helpful.