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The 38 Essential Miami Restaurants, April 2014

by Ana Heretoiu
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by Ana Heretoiu

Here, now, is an updated version of Miami's Eater 38, your answer and ours to any question that begins, "Can you recommend a restaurant?" This highly elite group, which is in no particular order of importance or rank, has been culled from a panel of experts and covers the entire city, spans myriad cuisines, histories, locations, and, collectively, satisfies all of your restaurant needs, save for those who are never happy. Every couple of months, we'll be adding pertinent restaurants that were omitted, have newly become eligible (restaurants must be open at least six months), or have stepped up their game.

After much reflecting and pouring over reader emails and comments, we've decided to drop The Dutch, Area 31 and Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. The good news is that in their places, we shine light on The Cypress Room, Swine Southern Table & Bar and Wynwood Kitchen & Bar on this month's list.

Think we missed something? Temper tantrum not necessary- just nominate your favorite restaurant in the comments section or drop us a line. Pop-up restaurants, however, do not qualify.


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Bourbon Steak

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Not just another insipid Miami steakhouse, Michael Mina's exceptional clubby, contemporary steakhouse tucked away in the Turnberry Isle Resort & Club is the way it is for many reasons, one big one being executive chef Gabriel Fenton, whose skills are a cut above most as seen in dishes such as lobster-stuffed tempura squash blossoms with truffle vinaigrette and an apple cider-glazed pork belly. And then there are those duck fat fries.
19999 W Country Club Dr., Miami, FL 33180
(786) 279-6600
(786) 279-6600

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Edge, Steak & Bar

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Bringing a sleek update to the steakhouse, executive chef Aaron Brooks has ambitiously and successfully set his sights beyond just the mastery of your standard filet mignon at Edge, Steak and Bar. And to think, you don't have to empty your wallet to enjoy a steakhouse in the Four Seasons.
1435 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
(305) 381-3015
(305) 381-3015

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El Mago de las Fritas

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The best fritas in Miami. Hands down.
5828 Southwest 8 Street, Miami, FL 33144
(305) 520-9605
(305) 520-9605

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The Federal Food, Drink & Provisions

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It seems that no restaurant has as much fun as the folks at The Fed, led by chef Cesar Zapata, Aniece Meinhold, and Alejandro Ortiz. The modern American tavern always keeps things interesting, cranking out adventurous food with a bit of a laugh - Jar-O-Duck, short rib pot pie and buffalo style pig wings, to name a few - and always hosting a hell of a party.
5132 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33137
(305) 758-9559
(305) 758-9559

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El Palacio De Los Jugos

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Cheap Cuban food, fresh fruits, veggies and a bakery known for it's fresh-squeezed sugarcane, tamales and perfectly salty chicharones cut to order. Sort of like Miami's version of Grey's Papaya- high on pork fat.
5721 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL, 33144
(305) 262-0070
(305) 262-0070

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La Esquina Del Lechon

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Fans of all sorts of Latin American fare can agree to go here, where the pan con lechon, among other things, is arguably the best in town. Those truffling for an entire pig may want to head here Thursdays through Sundays when they serve the entire hog cooked out back in a caja china. In keeping with the times and the digestive tracts of its customers, they also welcome Gluten-free requests.
8601 Northwest 58th Street, Doral, FL 33166
(305) 640-3041
(305) 640-3041

J&G Grill

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Jean Georges Vongerichten, emperor of a large contingent of restaurants throughout the world, has this whole restaurant thing down to a science. For his latest rendition of J&G Grill, JGV pairs the expertly executed cuisine of recently appointed chef Brad Kilgore, who puts his own twist on Vongerichten's global cuisine in the elegant and airy dining room at the St. Regis Bal Harbour.
9703 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, FL 33154

Joe's Stone Crab

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Like the Madonna of restaurants, Joe's needs only one name and little explanation. It's a South Beach stone crab institution that's always mobbed and home of the original Miami Beach power lunch.
11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-0365
(305) 673-0365

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La Camaronera

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Long before Guy Fieri discovered it, La Camaronera was one of Miami's best kept secrets for fresh fish and the best fried fish sandwich you may ever eat. And while it may be no secret anymore and on the to-do lists of every hungry tourist who watches his show, locals still love it, even if they'd rather chase its food truck, The Fish Box, around town instead of standing in line with Fieri fans.
1952 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33135
(305) 642-3322
(305) 642-3322

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Palme d'Or

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Despite its ornate, old world ambience, Palme d'Or's cuisine is thoroughly modern, nouveau French cuisine that'll have you singing voulez-vous couchez avec moi to your plate. Indulge at the historical Biltmore Hotel's signature restaurant.
1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 445-1926
(305) 445-1926

Makoto

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A Stephen Starr restaurant in Bal Harbour Shops where what's on the plate is more important than who's sitting in front of it sounds almost as implausible as a half off sale at Gucci, but alas, thanks to chef Makoto Okuwa, former Head Sushi Chef at Morimoto New York and Philadelphia, it's the real deal. In addition to the raw stuff, Makoto's modern Japanese dishes and bincho charcoal robata have even the most finicky fashionistas fawning over the fare.
9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
(305) 864-8600
(305) 864-8600

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Michael's Genuine Food & Drink

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Design District trailblazer featuring groundbreaking, contemporary American, organic fare by Michael Schwartz and divine desserts masking as art by pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith. Michael's remains a celebrity and foodie favorite over the years.
130 NE 40th Street, Miami, FL 33137
(305) 573-5550
(305) 573-5550

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Michy's

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The diminutive, always packed Upper East Side eatery by Michelle Bernstein features a creative mix of Latin, southern, and comfort foods where pork belly meets fried chicken with a side of croquetas and ceviches.
6927 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33138
(305) 759-2001
(305) 759-2001

NAOE

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After shutting down his spot on Sunny Isles, Sushi chef Kevin Cory relocated his acclaimed NAOE to Brickell Key and he hasn't missed a beat. The tiny eight seat NAOE constantly puts out the best sushi experience in Miami, always fresh and never disappointing.
661 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL 33131

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Ortanique on the Mile

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One of the few restaurants where the word fusion doesn't mean 'we're not sure what we are,' Ortanique's seamless blend of Latin, Caribbean and Asian cuisines translates into an exceptional culinary experience. Boozehounds praise the place for their mad mojito making skills, too.
278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 446-7710
(305) 446-7710

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Pascal's On Ponce

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Pascal Oudin doesn't need a Food Network show, a manic Twitter account, or a publicist (chef handles all his own PR) to explain why his cozy, fine, contemporary French restaurant has been in biz since 2000.
2611 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 444-2024
(305) 444-2024

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Pubbelly

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Typically, serious food fans would laugh off the notion of an Asian-inspired gastropub in Miami, but when it comes to Pubbelly, it's no laughing matter and a serious statement of what happens when people know what they're doing. This is the one that started it all, now with four subsequent siblings to add to the family.
1418 20th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 532-7555
(305) 532-7555

Red, The Steakhouse

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Proving the naysayers wrong and surviving the rife and wrath of other area steakhouses since they opened in 2009, Red, The Steakhouse has carved out its own meaty niche thanks to chef/partner Peter Vauthy's culinary--and social media--prowess. From Andrew Zimmern and Ferran Adria to NBA and celebrity heavyweights, Red's diners, famous or otherwise, are impressive and impressed, and for that it has well earned its permanent spot on the map as an essential Miami meatery.
119 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 534-3688
(305) 534-3688

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The River Oyster Bar

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At The River Oyster Bar, you'll find seriously good seafood by David Bracha with no attitude and reasonable prices. A seasonal menu packs 'em in on a nightly basis, especially during daily happy hours when working stiffs, foodies and hipsters flock there to indulge in the restaurant's namesake--the freshest oysters south of the Puget Sound.
650 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33131
(305) 530-1915
(305) 530-1915

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Prime One Twelve

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Besides Joe's Stone Crab, there aren't many restaurants in Miami (or the world for that matter) that could get the words "Recession Proof" scribbled on their menus in indelible ink. Prime 112 is one of those restaurants. A meat palace of epic proportion (and profits), Prime is the city's most star-studded, slam-packed steakhouse.
112 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 532-8112
(305) 532-8112

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Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill

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Overnight sensations are a dime a dozen (see: Justin Bieber), but when it comes to Miami restaurants, Sugarcane is a success story like no other. Chef Timon Balloo is a cool, culinary renegade, leading a talented team that works the restaurant's three kitchens to delightful effect.
3252 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33137
(786) 369-0353
(786) 369-0353

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Hiro's Yakko-San

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Miami's most authentic Japanese restaurant that needs no bells, whistles (though it has moved to nice new digs) or celebs thanks to an unabridged menu of standouts, traditional and downright funky. It's also where you will find some of Miami's best known chefs on their down time and after hours.
3881 NE 163 Street, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
(305) 947-0064
(305) 947-0064

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Zuma

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Rainer Becker's modern Japanese inspired by traditional, informal Izakaya-style dining may seem almost oxymoronic, but the sleek, chic crowd of culinary mafia, celebrities and scene-chasers who eat and drink here don't care. After all, it is the first Miami restaurant whose London and Hong Kong siblings made the Top 100 listing of The S.Pellegrino World's Best Restaurants.
270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL 33131
(305) 577-0277
(305) 577-0277

MC Kitchen

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The sophisticated and buzzy MC Kitchen by Dena Marino and Brandy Coletta features addictive modern Italian dishes with a twist of Americano. Coletta and Marino opened up their Design District eatery a year ago and since turned it into one of Miami’s never-disappointing dinner spots.
4141 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33137

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Mandolin Aegean Bistro

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The best Greek and Turkish food in Miami is tucked away in the intimate, understated courtyard at Mandolin. Transport to the Greek Isles with a menu of elegant small plates (no over-fried falafel here) and entrees like lamb and beef meatballs and the exceptionally grilled octopus with refreshing Greek wine to complete a great meal.
4312 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33137
(305) 576-6066
(305) 576-6066

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Tongue & Cheek

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Jamie DeRosa earned his culinary chops at Tudor House before opening up T & C, his first restaurant, an innovative spot, self-described as sophisticated and whimsical. Making quite the name for itself in the past year, T & C steals the spotlight with its funky twists on Contemporary American dishes in a relaxed setting and a fun, playful attitude.
431 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 704-2900
(305) 704-2900

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Blue Collar

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Opened at the start of 2012, Blue Collar has moved up in the rankings due to its cult following and rave-worthy American comfort food. Chef Daniel Serfer puts TLC into every meal he serves at the small diner-like spot. Fans include Rakontur director Billy Corben, after whom Serfer created a special off-the-menu Corben sandwich.
6730 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33138
(305) 756-0366
(305) 756-0366

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Gigi Noodles, BBQ, Beer

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Since Gigi exploded onto Miami's dining scene two years ago, it has continued to serve delicious, inventive Asian-inspired dishes at bargain prices. Even after Chef Jeff McInnis' departure, their buns are still some of the best in town, and it remains the go-to late night spot for good eats in Midtown, always busy at nearly any hour.
3470 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33127
(305) 573-1520
(305) 573-1520

db Bistro Moderne

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Daniel Boulud's restaurant at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami in Downtown brings a taste of exceptionally refined French fare to Miami. Renowned for their charcuterie, especially the pate, and their namesake sirloin burger filled with braised short ribs, foie gras and black truffle, db Bistro Moderne also has been praised for its vast selection of premium wine labels.
255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131
(305) 421-8800
(305) 421-8800

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PB Steak

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The fifth in the Pubbelly boys’ (Jose Mendin, Andreas Schreiner and Sergio Navarro) mini-but-delicious-and-constantly-expanding-empire of restaurants, the trendy PB Steak, puts an innovative Pubbelly touch on classic steakhouse, giving it an adventurous, gastro-pubby feel.
1787 Purdue Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Harry's Pizzeria

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Michael Schwartz's second restaurant in the Design District neighborhood has received more than a warm welcome since its opening in the fall of 2011. Harry's continues to be a casual go-to for some of the best wood oven specialty pizza in town, polenta fries, salads, draft brews and more.
3918 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33127
(786) 275-4963
(786) 275-4963

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Hakkasan

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The Fontainebleau’s Cantonese restaurant has quickly made its way to being a Miami staple with its mouth-watering dishes and sleek atmosphere. Two words to remember: Dim Sum.
4401 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
(877) 326-7412
(877) 326-7412

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Khong River House

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After exploding onto the Miami dining scene, the trendy Khong received numerous accolades for dishing out some seriously bold and authentic flavors. Hands down the best Thai food in Miami and though you might have to work hard for that reservation, you won’t regret it.
1661 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 763-8147
(305) 763-8147

Eating House

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What started as a hit pop-up by chef Giorgio Rapicavoli partner Alex Cassanova quickly turned into a permanent drool-inducing Miami go-to. Almost seven months after opening, the spot continues to churn out creative dishes that summon taste buds all ‘round. Think pasta carbonara like you’ve never had it, playful desserts like the ‘dirt cup’ and, yep, cap’n crunch pancakes.
806 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Miami, FL 33134, Miami, FL 33134
(305) 448-6524
(305) 448-6524

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The Local House

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Exactly what its name implies, The Local House caters diligently to its Ocean Drive regulars, though everyone else likes it too. Located in the lobby of The Sense Beach House, the year-old restaurant offers seafood galore, creative twists on classic dishes and caviar cocktails in a homey setting.
400 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139