2012 experienced a deluge of restaurant openings with cuisines from far and wide - from intro's of reinvented Italian, Peruvian and Thai tastes to more abstract newcomers such as Florida homecooking, Neo-Soulfood from South Philly, backyard BBQ pits, and a knockout (true) Jewish deli. Whether in hopes of filling the wide-mouth appetites of Art Basel crowds or to lock in a periphery for 2013, these restaurants opened their doors and dazzled our palettes silly. We culled through the new listings and pulled our top contenders for restaurants to watch in 2013. Start booking now:
[Macchialina]
Florida Cookery - From riverside motel to beachview hotel, Kris Wessel spins true Florida country cooking with South Beach style to make for a much-anticipated second act.
Macchialina - Pubbelly team with another win for their reinvention of classic Italian homecooking, bursting with rich, robust flavors that of shortrib lasagna and wine cocktails.
My Ceviche - Although this tiny SoFi outpost can be easily passed by, it is a diamond in the rough, and oh how it shines. Hold tight to this ceviche spot that has the best fresh fish & flavors in Miami.
The Bazaar - José Andrés dazzles diners with his inventive dishes, serving sophistication and revelry in every sip, bite and swallow.
The Eating House - This pop-up broke ground and is here to stay. And we couldn't be more willing to support to a more delicious culinary cause.
—Aleksandra Marcotte