In Miami, we shift with the sun
Cuban coffee shots on the beach as the first rays shine through, lunch looking out at the bay, cocktails as the light starts to soften, and dinner somewhere that keeps the night going long after the plates are cleared. You can build an entire trip around the city’s art, shopping, architecture, and beaches — and you should — but we’d argue the best way to understand Miami’s culture is to eat your way through it.
And the options, of course, are endless. You’ll find plenty to plan around in our monthly Hit List, along with our Miami restaurant guides by neighborhood, cuisine and occasion. But if you’ve only got 72 hours, this is a good place to begin.
For the sake of this guide to eating your way through Miami, we’re assuming you’re here for a long weekend, arriving Friday morning and heading out Sunday evening. That gives you just enough time to explore Miami’s creative core and the beaches, and still sneak a peek at the city’s greener, more local-feeling corners — with a stellar lineup of meals, snacks, drinks and cafecito along the way.
Ol’Days
A Fresh Start
Start your trip sightseeing and eating through Miami’s hubs for art, design, fashion and nightlife. Before venturing out, begin at Ol’Days for a fresh, farm-to-table breakfast of creamy ricotta eggs, gluten-free banana-oat pancakes, and cold-pressed juice — or whatever makes you feel virtuous before the weekend escalates. From here, you are a quick hop to the Design District, where designer flagships, public art and visual eye candy make even window-shopping feel like an event.
PARI PARI Handroll Bar
Street Art & Sushi
Continue on to Wynwood for murals, people watching, and a relatively quick but always satisfying lunch at Pari Pari, from one of the area’s best Japanese sushi chefs. The handroll counter keeps things casual but precise, with each roll assembled and served to you one at a time so the nori stays crisp. You’ll want to keep lunch light, because within a span of a few blocks, you’ll find yourself tempted by Miami sweets staples like The Salty (for doughnuts), Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop (for pie), and Nite Owl Cookies (no explanation needed).
Sottovoce
Alleyway Aperitivo
As aperitivo hour approaches, seek out Sottovoce, a hidden wine spot tucked into an alley. It’s the perfect kind of pause after a day spent perusing galleries and boutiques and chasing murals. Order a glass of wine, charcuterie, and fatty lardo on focaccia. Consider this your reset before driving a few minutes south to the city’s buzzing urban center of Brickell.
Tâm Tâm
Vietnamese Drinking Food
In Brickell, you’re surrounded by skyscrapers and glamorous hot spots. Once that starts to feel a little too loud, hop over the bridge to downtown for a more low-key, big-flavor vibe at Tâm Tâm. This Vietnamese spot is built for drinking and loosening up, with shareable plates like tamarind-glazed ribs, fish caramel chicken wings, and a DIY lamb wrap situation served with crisp, colorful vegetables and herbs. Make a bathroom trip, too: There’s a karaoke machine hiding in there, which tells you exactly what kind of night this can become.
ViceVersa
Negroni Nightcap
End nearby at ViceVersa, the flexible downtown bar where you can either start the night or finish it (hence the name). The Italian cocktails are playful but serious, with a printed menu that feels more like an indie zine and makes ordering drinks extra fun. There’s also excellent pizza and gelato, too, but unfortunately, you were only born with one stomach.
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