In June, I always get the urge to travel. Can't get away this month? These restaurants and cafés provide an opportunity to experience different cuisines, enabling you to explore diverse cultures and locales through food without the cost of a plane ticket.
From its pastelitos and gelato to late-night cookie runs, Miami has officially been named "The Sweetest City in the United States," according to new research from Betway. The study ranked major U.S. and Canadian cities to identify where people have the biggest sweet tooth. Miami came out on top with a standout score of 99.0, beating a list of cities that include Atlanta and Las Vegas.
Why does Miami stand out? The city has a high concentration of dessert venues, including 123 bakeries, 51 ice cream parlors, and 135 dessert shops. There are 70,000 online mentions of sweet treats like candy, chocolate, and donuts, highlighting strong local and visitor interest. Miami’s combination of high availability and strong demand sets it apart from larger cities, cementing its status as a top destination for dessert lovers.
And the city’s year-round warm weather supports a thriving ice cream and frozen dessert scene, while its multicultural population fuels demand for a wide range of sweet offerings, from traditional bakeries to modern dessert concepts.
FRENCH ESCAPE
One example of Miami’s global dessert scene is Sweet Paris Miami, 786-238-7770, 851 NE 1st Ave., Space 105, Miami, a French crêperie and café in Miami's Worldcenter. Step inside and you’re transported to Paris, with elegant chandeliers, a chic Parisian interior, and the enticing aroma of freshly-made crêpes from the open kitchen. This is a great spot for families and kids, date nights, girlfriend brunches, and Francophiles who want to feel like they’ve escaped to a sidewalk café in Le Marais.
Sweet Paris serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, from sweet Nutella crêpes, Argentine-imported dulce de leche crêpes, and fresh waffles in the morning; to savory crêpes, salads, and paninis at lunch; to dinner crêpes and French cocktails in the evening.
GREEK VEGAN: NUDE, BUT NOT RUDE
(Courtesy Nude Pita)
Nude Pita Greek Salad
Tucked away in a food truck court right off Biscayne Blvd., Nude Pita, 786-992-9153, 633 NE 79th St., Miami, is the first 90% Greek vegan restaurant in the U.S., where the vibrant flavors of Greece meet the purity of plant-based cuisine.
Founded by chef Alexia, whose family hails from Kalamata, Greece, the menu celebrates the essence of "nude" food — free from preservatives, GMOs, and hidden sugars. The award-winning dishes are also crafted with a commitment to sustainability.
Noticing a gap in the market for delicious keto and vegan options, and inspired by her own dietary success, Alexia established a haven for keto enthusiasts to enjoy exceptional flavors without compromise. Whether you're exploring their marinated Greek chicken and meat options, or if you're a vegan, whether you're savoring the vegan pitas, bowls, "vurgers," or a cauliflower rice bowl – a standout favorite – you'll experience a meal that honors both tradition and the environment.
UK COFFEE STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD
Black Sheep Coffee, 737-226-7305, 2750 SW 27th Terrace, Coconut Grove, is the UK coffee brand that now has more than 140 locations globally, and is rapidly expanding in the U.S. They have just signed a deal to bring at least six locations to Miami Beach.
Bringing an international concept into a city that is driving much of the brand’s U.S. momentum, and with a growing footprint across Florida and Texas, the thing that sets Black Sheep Coffee apart is the concept: Chic cafés with a high-energy, community-driven feel. Black Sheep has a Doral location opening soon, and is doubling down on the Miami market with this latest expansion to Miami Beach.
Founded in 2013 by college roommates Eirik Holth and Gabriel Shohet, the brand launched in the UK and has quickly built a following. Black Sheep Coffee became the first specialty coffee brand in the UK to serve 100% specialty-grade Robusta beans – stronger, smoother, and higher in caffeine.
The specialty coffee, signature matcha lattes, frozen mimosas, and over-the-top milkshakes have made Black Sheep a neighborhood favorite. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available on every menu. They also serve specialty Arabica coffees, ceremonial-grade matcha, smoothies, and açaí bowls, but the Norwegian waffles are the winner here.
EXPERIENCE COASTAL SPAIN
(Courtesy of Solei)
Solei Table Spread
Solei Beach Club, 305-532-7715, 1717 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, is the hot new spot for sipping, savoring, and soaking up the sun. Just opened in the renovated Art Deco boutique Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, Solei delivers an experience inspired by the spirit of coastal Spain, blending the Mediterranean's laid-back charm with South Beach's signature style. Facing the ocean, Solei is the perfect spot for a midday respite, lunch with friends and family, and golden hour cocktails, plus a selection of shareable plates and bottles of wine.
Start with the raw bar, featuring a decadent Seafood Colosseum: oysters, Caribbean lobster, P.E.I. mussels, Quahog clams, and ceviche du jour with caviar or stone crab add-ons. An array of pintxos – small snacks or appetizers – include selections such as a mezze board with pimento hummus, cilantro tzatziki, pistachio-wrapped feta, felafel, halloumi, artichoke and eggplant, and herbed olives. Spanish-style shrimp and Malta-lime chicken wings are also great for shared bites. Save room for the Basque-style pistachio cheesecake and Key Lime pie.
A MEDITERRANEAN OASIS
(Courtesy Adrift Mare)
Adrift Mare falafela and kale salad
David Myers recently returned to Miami for a special evening at Adrift Mare, 305-503-6529, 1395 Brickell Ave, 25th Floor, Miami, his Mediterranean-inspired restaurant perched on the 25th floor of the Brickell Arch Hotel. (formerly Hotel AKA Brickell.)
Myers, often referred to as the “Gypsy Chef” for his culinary explorations, blends his laid-back, approachable style with refined dishes inspired by his global experiences and techniques. Myers is renowned worldwide, and has been recognized by prestigious outlets including Michelin Guide, Esquire, Vogue, Forbes, and more.
Begin your night with cocktails on the restaurant’s terrace with a stunning view overlooking Biscayne Bay. Try the Strawberry Kush, or choose from an extensive cocktail menu, including smoked Old-Fashioneds. Follow with the elevated menu of fresh Mediterranean flavors with dishes like eggplant toast, burrata, and Florida Red Snapper, focused on locally-sourced ingredients.
FATHER’S DAY EXPERIENCES
In a city known for its late nights and high-energy weekends, Sundays in Miami have carved out a moment of their own. The city’s best restaurants are giving Sunday dinner a new meaning, from traditional Italian meals to dinner-and-show experiences, a perfect way to make Father’s Day extra special.
(Courtesy Mirabella)
Mirabella / Photo: Morris Moreno
Mirabella at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 305-674-4660, 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, is hosting its Sunday Supper from 6-10 p.m., a cozy yet sophisticated take on the classic Italian family dinner. The three-course, prix fixe menu is served family-style, encouraging you to share and savor each bite. The menu features comforting favorites like fritto misto, garlic bread, chicken parmigiana, and rich Sunday Gravy, all ending on a sweet note with cannoli and tiramisu. Supper also includes wine bottle specials and classic cocktails like Negronis, Aperol Spritzes, and Old Fashioneds, making it a perfect way to wrap up Father's Day and the weekend. Price is $70 per person.
Sofia Design District, 786-220-0225, Palm Court Dome, 140 NE 39th St., #133, Miami, presents an immersive dinner-and-a-show experience 7-9 p.m. on Sundays, with a four-course chef’s tasting menu, and a live vocalist and band setting the tone for the evening. Step into Sofia’s signature gallery-style ambiance which blurs the line between restaurant and theater – with each course, sound, and moment becoming part of the performance. Price is $95 per person.
Newly debuted, La Famiglia Sundays from 6 -11 p.m. at Papi Steak, 305-800- 7274, 736 1st St., Miami Beach, offers a fresh way to do Sunday dinner in Miami. La Famiglia Sundays is a modern take on the classic Italian Sunday dinner, offering comfort dishes amid the restaurant’s signature high-energy atmosphere. The à la carte menu features standout dishes like a 48 oz. Bistecca Fiorentina; chicken parmesan; Italian meatballs with stracciatella; and grilled branzino with puttanesca. Begin with shareable starters like rosemary focaccia and salumi & fromaggio, and end on a sweet note with cannoli and profiteroles.
Irene Moore is a Miami-based writer and certified sommelier whose vivid descriptions take readers through culinary cultures around the world.
(Irene Moore)
Irene Moore