Memorable Meals for Mom

Your mom deserves the best. And with Mother’s Day upon us, it’s the perfect opportunity to treat her to an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re looking for something casual or something fancy, Miami’s diverse food scene has you covered. Best of all, these restaurants can be enjoyed beyond just the holiday.

One spot that should be on everybody’s radar is Le Chick (310 NW 24th St., 786.216.7086), Wynwood’s go-to spot for fried chicken. Here, mom and company can enjoy the eatery’s signature dish along with a wealth of other specialties like grilled Spanish octopus, blackened vadouvan salmon, BBQ baby back ribs and tuna tartare. Le Chick’s offerings strike a proper balance between comfort fare and more refined cuisine, making it an ideal pick for particular palates.

For a more upscale affair, bring the family to Seaspice (422 NW N. River Dr., 305.440.4200) for a memorable meal with a view. The Miami River institution provides guests with an exquisite waterfront backdrop that pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s impressive global cuisine. As you’ve likely gleaned from the name, Seaspice specializes in seafood, so expect dishes like Alaskan king croquettes, barbacoa-grilled oysters, yellowtail snapper casserole and Chilean sea bass. Just keep in mind that this place isn’t cheap.

If your mom prefers a cozier setting, then head over to Cote Gourmet (9999 NE 2nd Ave., 305.754.9012) in Miami Shores. This charming restaurant serves up an intimate ambiance and stellar French cuisine for a dining experience to remember. French onion soup, trout almondine, beef bourguignon and duck confit are just a few of the classics you’ll find on the mouthwatering menu; be sure to also ask about any specials. Given the small space, reservations are strongly recommended.

Adventurous palates will find plenty to like at MiMo’s Phuc Yea (7100 Biscayne Blvd., 305.602.3710), where bold flavors abound. Phuc Yea’s Vietnamese-Cajun fusion will keep mom’s dinner party on its toes: Think caramel chicken wings, sweet and sour pork baos, curried clams, green papaya salad and Cajun fried rice. The eatery also boasts a fun selection of cocktails with cheeky names like She Fancy, Tuk Tuk Beep Beep and Phuc It, Just Eat Me. It’s a party here.

Up in North Miami, Perl by Chef IP (2420 NE 186th St., Suite 100, 786.654.2854) is turning heads with Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine that’s putting the neighborhood on the map. Treat mom to palate-pleasing specialties like crispy maitake mushroom, citrus-cured grouper carpaccio, hamachi crudo, Alaskan halibut and prime New York strip. Whether you visit for lunch or dinner, everyone’s in for a good time.

OPENINGS

In other news, we’re still in a global pandemic. Don’t tell Miami’s culinary scene, though: It’s showing no signs of slowing down, as new restaurants continue to open left and right.

One new spot that’s already making waves is Wynwood’s Cerveceria La Tropical (42 NE 25th St., 305.741.6991). The spacious Cuban brewery takes both its beers and food seriously. In charge of the latter is celebrated chef Cindy Hutson (ex-Ortanique on the Mile). She’s put together a tropical-inspired menu of delights, including street corn, chipotle agave charred smashed Brussels, coconut shrimp, Jamaican jerk chicken and flatbread pizzas. It’s worth visiting just to look at the beautiful space.

Another New York restaurant has made its way to the 305: Shelter (10 NE 27th St., 305.603.8970). The Williamsburg establishment has brought its wood-fired fare to Wynwood, where locals and visitors alike are flocking in droves. Expect to find Argentinian and Italian-inspired dishes such as crispy artichokes, truffle pizza, BBQ pork empanadas and steamed mussels.

One of the biggest draws is Shelter’s famed parillada. The sizeable platter is meat heaven for two: ribeye, chorizo, blood sausage, skirt steak, chicken, roasted vegetables, fries and double-rubbed pork ribs. In short, prepare to roll out of here.

Locals looking for a new breakfast option can start their day at Baywood (7010 Biscayne Blvd., 786.362.5108), MiMo’s new neighborhood café. It’s one of the few places to offer an all-day brunch menu, so you can enjoy avocado toast, Benedicts, egg sandwiches and French toast at any hour. There are also more lunch-appropriate items like salads, tacos and sandwiches – plus cocktails, wine and beer if it’s going to be one of those days.

Geoffrey Anderson Jr. and Dianne Rubin-Anderson are co-founders of Miami Food Pug, an award-winning South Florida food blog that fuses the couple’s love of dogs and food.