See, Eat, Do: Miami

Written By Alexander Bassitt

Miami: A 72-Hour Escape to the Magic City

Miami, a vibrant metropolis where Latin American flair meets Art Deco elegance, offers a sun-drenched escape for travelers seeking a mix of culture, cuisine, and nightlife. With just three days, you can experience the best of what this dynamic city has to offer.

See:

  • Wynwood Walls: Immerse yourself in the world's largest outdoor street art museum, showcasing vibrant murals and graffiti from renowned artists. Explore the surrounding Wynwood Arts District for galleries, boutiques, and trendy restaurants. (https://thewynwoodwalls.com/)

  • Art Deco Historic District: Stroll along Ocean Drive and admire the pastel-colored Art Deco buildings, a testament to Miami Beach's glamorous past.

  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Step into a European-inspired villa and explore its lavish interiors and lush gardens. Take a stroll through the formal gardens, overlooking Biscayne Bay. (https://vizcaya.org/)

  • Little Havana: Experience the vibrant Cuban culture of Miami in this lively neighborhood. Sip cafecito at a local ventanita, savor authentic Cuban cuisine, and watch locals play dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park.

  • South Beach: Soak up the sun on the iconic sandy shores, people-watch from a sidewalk café, or stroll along the lively Ocean Drive promenade.

Eat:

  • Joe's Stone Crab: Indulge in the quintessential Miami dining experience with a plate of their world-famous stone crabs, served with their signature mustard sauce. Order the key lime pie for dessert. (https://www.joesstonecrab.com/)

  • Sanguich: This Little Havana gem serves up authentic Cuban sandwiches and traditional dishes in a vibrant, casual setting. (https://www.sanguich.com/)

  • The Salty Donut: A beloved artisanal donut shop known for its unique flavors, handcrafted with high-quality ingredients, and a commitment to sustainability. (https://saltydonut.com/)

  • Carbone: This upscale Italian-American restaurant, originally from New York, brings its classic red sauce dishes and lively atmosphere to Miami Beach. (https://carbonemiami.com/)

  • Cote: This upscale Korean steakhouse offers a unique dining experience with premium cuts of meat cooked on tabletop grills and an extensive wine list. (https://cotemiami.com/)

  • Zak the Baker: A Wynwood bakery known for its artisanal breads, pastries, and sandwiches, made with fresh, local ingredients. (https://zakthebaker.com/)

  • Mandolin Aegean Bistro: A charming bistro in the Design District serving fresh and flavorful Greek and Turkish cuisine in a beautiful garden setting. (https://mandolinmiami.com/)

  • Komodo: A lively Brickell hotspot offering modern Southeast Asian cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere, with its iconic "bird's nest" seating. (https://www.komodomiami.com/)

  • Makoto: Located in Bal Harbour Shops, this upscale Japanese restaurant serves sushi, robata grill dishes, and a variety of sake in an elegant setting. (https://www.makoto-restaurant.com/)

  • The Surf Club Restaurant: A luxurious dining experience at the Four Seasons Surf Club, serving Mediterranean cuisine with ocean views. (https://www.surfclubrestaurant.com/)

  • Café La Trova: Café La Trova, a vibrant Little Havana establishment co-founded by award-winning bartender Julio Cabrera, offers a festive celebration of Cuban culture through its theatrical cantinero-style cocktails, live music, and authentic cuisine by James Beard-winning chef Michelle Bernstein. (https://www.cafelatrova.com)

  • Ariete: A Coconut Grove gem serving innovative New American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and wood-fired cooking. (https://arietecoconutgrove.com)

  • Macchialina: A rustic Italian taverna in South Beach, serving fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and a curated selection of Italian wines. (https://macchialina.com/)

  • Ghee Indian Kitchen: This Indian restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine, using local and seasonal ingredients. (https://gheemiami.com/)

  • Miami Slice Pizzeria: A trendy pizzeria serving up classic and creative pizza slices, as well as other Italian-American favorites. (https://www.miamislicepizza.com)

  • KYU Miami: Savor Asian-inspired wood-fired cuisine in a sleek and modern setting. Their Korean fried chicken and wagyu brisket are must-try dishes. (https://www.kyumiami.com/)

  • Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine: Experience the authentic flavors of Cuba at this Little Havana institution, known for its traditional dishes like ropa vieja and lechon asado. (https://versaillesrestaurant.com/)
    Jaguar Sun: Intimate downtown bar serving natural wines and creative cocktails alongside a menu of fresh pasta and seafood dishes. (https://jaguarsunmia.com/)

  • Tam Tam: Tam Tam is a vibrant Vietnamese restaurant in Downtown Miami serving bold, funky, and fun flavors in a casual setting, with dishes meant for sharing. (https://www.tam-tam-mia.com)

  • Maty's: At Maty's, Chef Valerie Chang creates a vibrant and personal culinary experience, showcasing fresh seafood and Peruvian flavors in a comfortable Midtown setting. (https://www.matysmiami.com)

  • Boia De: A cozy Italian restaurant in Little Haiti garnering acclaim for its creative pasta dishes and intimate ambiance. (https://www.boiaderestaurant.com/)

  • Contessa: Contessa is a glamorous two-story restaurant in Miami offering a Lake Como-inspired dining experience with classic cocktails, fine wines, and a menu showcasing the best of Northern Italian cuisine. (https://contessaristorante.com/miami/)

  • Seaspice: A waterfront dining destination on the Miami River, offering globally-inspired cuisine in a sophisticated setting accessible by land or sea.(https://www.seaspice.com)

  • Kiki on the River: A waterfront Greek restaurant offering a dual experience of romantic dining on weekdays and lively Mykonos-inspired weekend parties with DJ sets and dancing. (https://kikiontheriver.com)

Do:

  • Take a Boat Tour: Cruise through Biscayne Bay and admire the Miami skyline from the water.

  • Visit the Everglades: Explore this unique subtropical wilderness on an airboat tour or nature walk. Spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. (https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm)

  • Explore the Design District: Discover high-end fashion boutiques, art galleries, and design showrooms in this stylish neighborhood. (https://www.miamidesigndistrict.com)

  • Hit the Clubs: Dance the night away at LIV, E11even, or Club Space. Three of Miami's most iconic nightclubs. (https://livnightclub.com/; https://www.11miami.com; https://www.clubspace.com)

  • Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Explore the calm waters of Biscayne Bay or the Miami River at your own pace.

  • Sip Cocktails at these Bars:

This 72-hour guide is just a starting point for your Miami adventure. With its diverse neighborhoods, vibrant culture, and endless sunshine, Miami offers something for every traveler. So pack your bags, put on your sunglasses, and get ready to experience the magic of this iconic city.

Alexander Bassitt
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