Miami was recently named the "#1 Foodie City in the United States" by Forbes, so there's plenty of excitement right now around Miami’s culinary scene. Miami cinched the title because of its diverse range of cuisines, from Italian, Japanese, Asian-inspired, Latin American, to Mexican. Miami was also recognized for its high concentration of restaurants per capita, and for having 13 Michelin-starred restaurants.
One of Miami's foodie finds is Felice Brickell, 305 526-4800, 1450 Brickell Ave., Ste. 110, Miami. Felice first opened on Manhattan's Upper East Side, and now there are locations in Brooklyn and Long Island. Felice now brings its Italian charm to Brickell, the heart of Miami’s bustling financial district. Felice Brickell pairs its stylish design with a vibrant atmosphere, making it a standout destination in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood.
Perfect for a leisurely brunch, a business lunch, or an elegant evening out, Felice is known for its warm Tuscan hospitality and authentic cuisine. Savor dishes such as oven-roasted Mediterranean sea bass, with Yukon Gold, cherry tomatoes, capers, Taggiasche olives, braised shallots, parsley, charred lemon; or a favorite, the chicken Parmigiana with creamy tomato sauce, mozzarella, 24-month aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and fresh oregano. Pair with wine from a thoughtfully curated wine list highlighting small-production Italian labels, with an emphasis on biodynamic and natural selections.
For Thanksgiving, Felice Brickell will offer a specialty cocktail called Plane Sight, made with tequila, Paradiso Bitter, Nonino Amaro, and lemon for $18; Crema Di Zucca with butternut squash soup, whipped ricotta, herbs oil, pumpkin seeds for $17; and, for the main course, Tacchino: roasted stuffed turkey breast, chestnuts, mashed sweet potatoes, and braised Brussels sprouts for $43.
(Courtesy of Hai Hospitality/Uchi Miami)
Uchi Lunch
Hai Hospitality is an award-winning restaurant group based in Austin, Texas. Hai Hospitality includes Uchi Miami, 305-995-0915, 252 NW 25th St., the Wynwood outpost of the acclaimed Japanese-contemporary brand founded in Austin by James Beard-winning chef Tyson Cole. Uchi is named for the little red house where Chef Tyson Cole introduced his non-traditional take on Japanese cuisine to Austin, Texas, in 2003.
"Uchi" is, fittingly, the Japanese word for “home.” The Wynwood location, which opened in 2021, features a welcoming, homey atmosphere, just what we're looking for to celebrate the fall holiday season. Doesn't everyone want to be home for the holidays?
In time for their new lunch service, the fall menu consists of hot and cool tastings, sushi and sashimi, makimono, yakimono, tempura and a changing omakase based on fall seasonal items. For something completely different, Uchi offers dishes with pumpkin: kabocha, a Japanese pumpkin tempura; and pork belly, a hot tasting with Japanese pumpkin, shallots and sweet pepper gastrique.
Uchi also has locations in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Scottdale, and West Hollywood. Each restaurant cultivates its own identity, while still being part of the bigger family that has a shared vision for food and service no matter where they call "home."
(Courtesy of V&E Hospitality Group/Salty Flame)
Salty Flame Korean Fried Chicken
Recently celebrating its one-year anniversary, Salty Flame, 305-563-8972, 1414 Brickell Ave., Miami, by the V&E Hospitality Group, has become a standout in Brickell. The steakhouse, with Asian-inspired flavors, offers sizzling prime cuts with bold tastes for those who are looking for something different.
V&E Hospitality Group is a pioneer in the culinary industry known for blending gastronomy, mixology, and entertainment. It has other foodies dining destinations in Miami and Las Vegas, including Barsecco, Paperfish, Oh! Mexico, and Havana 1957.
Salty Flame features the brand’s signature high-energy lifestyle concept, focused on creating a unique 360-degree ambiance — from music to decor. Dine indoors surrounded by stylish design elements, or enjoy the restaurant’s lush, greenery-filled patio for an al fresco dinner,
Take Sunday brunch to the next level with $50 bottomless Moët & Chandon, alongside a carefully selected menu that features classic eggs Benedict, crispy Korean fried chicken, and ube French toast. For an executive lunch, whether it's for closing a deal or celebrating the fall season, Salty Flame provides a curated three-course menu with options like Korean Fried Chicken, Faroe Island Salmon, and Bread Pudding. Enjoy their happy hour every day from 4-7 p.m. with $10 signature cocktails, $8 small bites, and $7 wine and beer. Sip on signature cocktail favorites like the Lily Pad, Wakimono, and Lychee Pop.
If you're celebrating the Mexican Day of the Dead, there’s no better place to honor the multi-day holiday than at the Miami restaurants below. In Mexico, celebrations may last for several weeks, with the main days being Nov. 1 and 2; Nov. 6 may be included, depending on the locality. Altars (ofrendas) are built featuring special dishes to honor the forebears of Mexican culture all month long.
(Courtesy of Grupo RosaNegra)
RosaNegra Lucifer Tomahawk Steak
Grupo RosaNegra, Mexico’s leading hospitality group, known for their high-energy ambiance and elevated cuisine, opened RosaNegra 786-668-2114, 1346 S. Miami Ave, Miami, almost a year ago. In just a few years it has expanded its brands to some of Mexico's and Spain’s top destinations.
RosaNegra has brought its creative concepts from Tulum to Dua Miami Autograph Collection Hotel (formerly SLS Brickell) a favorite of high-profile names like Eva Longoria and David Beckham. This opening marks the group’s expansion into the U.S., joining the brand’s locations in Mexico in Tulum, Polanco, Cancun, and Los Cabos.
RosaNegra Miami offers a Latin American menu with influences from Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil. Try appetizers such as burrata and mole, tuna tostadas, raw bar items, beef carpaccio, salmon tiradito and green ceviche with aguachile. Signature dishes include colossal octopus, orzo pasta with ribs, and Bronzino with pico de gallo and avocado. The menu features a premium beef selection, including ‘Lucifer’ Tomahawk on Fire, a flambeéd tomahawk steak served in a dramatic tableside presentation.
At night, beyond the restaurant’s main dining area, discover Amante, a speakeasy offering live instrument performances, a resident DJ, and expertly crafted signature cocktails such as the Amazonica, a refreshing blend of Brazilian cachaça, coconut liqueur, lemon juice and avocado.
(Courtesy of Tacombi)
Tacombi Ribeye Taco
Tacombi was born in the Yucatan and inspired by the beach in Playa del Carmen. It serves up authentic Mexico City-style tacos in two locations: the Miami Design District, 786-558-5607, 3930 NE 2nd Ave Suite #100, Miami, and Brickell, 786-698-3089, 69 SW 7th St. Miami.
Think laid-back vibes and tacos served with flavors and soul that transport you straight to the streets of Mexico. Whether you’re sneaking in a midweek break or turning your taco craving into a full-on fiesta, Tacombi’s taquerias offer the perfect spots.
Every Tuesday is a weekly celebration of Taco Club® day. Guests are automatically enrolled in this membership for BOGO tacos every Tuesday: Order one taco, and get another on the house.
The must-try taco list includes crispy chicken tinga taco — Free-range chicken tinga and crispy thigh served with escabeche, spicy habanero crema on two freshly pressed, red guajillo tortillas; the al pastor taco – Mexico City’s iconic street taco: juicy free-range pork marinated in chilies and spices and topped with cilantro, onions, and sweet pineapple. Pair them with one of Tacombi’s refreshing aguas frescas, an ice-cold cerveza, or a freshly shaken margarita, and you have the perfect feast.
(Courtesy of LIME Fresh Mexican Grill)
LIME Fresh's Apple Fritter Churro Bites
At LIME Fresh Mexican Grill, there’s always something fresh, flavorful, and full of Miami flair, and there are three Miami locations to visit 786-420-5463, 1439 Alton Rd., Miami Beach; 1440 NW N River Dr., Miami; and 9005 SW 72nd Pl., Miami. The same phone number works for all three locations.
Along with enjoying delicious fan favorites like the award-winning Mahi Mahi Tacos, Bim Bim Style Fajitas, and hearty Carne Asada Burrito, you can now indulge in a special seasonal treat: the Apple Fritter Churro Bites.
This limited-time treat puts a seasonal spin on their fall menu. Bite into this fall dessert through Nov. 30, at all LIME Fresh locations; Mini churro bites are tossed with baking spices, sugar, and caramel apple syrup, then paired with a rich dulce de leche dipping sauce. Think apple cider donuts, with a Miami twist. They’re the sweetest way to savor the season and the perfect dessert now that we’re into the fall season.
You can also order catering delivered online or by phone from any of the three Miami locations, for the gang watching the triple header of NFL games, from a chips and guac platter to a make-your-own-taco set-up.
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