|
|
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
SOUTH BEACH. After a hard night of clubbing or bar-hopping, nothing's better than a hefty sandwich from this walk-up counter right off Collins Avenue. Crusty French bread is piled high with your choice of meats (from turkey and prosciutto to pâté and smoked salmon), cheeses and condiments. If you need a veggie fix, opt for a salad – all are generous, fresh and tasty. Smoothies and frozen yogurt satisfy sweet-tooth urgings, and prices are more than affordable. Expect a line, though, because the place attracts a crowd all day long.
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
LITTLE HAVANA. Considered to be one of the best Cuban/Spanish eateries, this is Little Havana's most prestigious restaurant, and certainly one of the most romantic. Enjoy live entertainment, provided by strolling musicians, while you feast on exotic specialties. The menu is lengthy and impressive, featuring some of the most succulent pork dishes to be found anywhere. The mixed seafood grill is also a top-notch choice, and the international wine list is among the best in Miami. Linger over strong, fresh-brewed coffee and the sinfully delicious crema Catalana dessert. Reservations recommended.
|
3. Spris
721 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139 · 305-673-2020
|
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
SOUTH BEACH. Bask in the sun and scope out the foot traffic as you lounge al fresco at casual, affordable Spris. Impossibly thin-crusted pizzas baked in a wood-burning oven are the draw, topped with broccoli, capers, marinated eggplant, calamari, artichoke hearts, prosciutto, mozzarella and sausage. Calzones and panini are reliably hearty as well. Although creative salads appeal to vigilant figure-watchers, the tiramisu is worthy of a little diet digression.
|
4. Balans
1022 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139 · 305-534-9191
|
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
SOUTH BEACH. This cafe features a colorful, whimsical interior, but the outdoor tables are considered the place to be. A concrete canopy shields the sun, assisted by colorful umbrellas at each table, creating an appealing courtyard setting that is shady enough to temper the heat. The original Balans was located in London's Soho, and the hip, cosmopolitan vibe is evident at the Miami Beach outpost. Area executives and moguls often have lunch here, enjoying light favorites such as Thai salad with an excellent homemade peanut dressing or creamy sweet potato soufflé with leeks and garlic. A light entree is a wise choice, as it leaves more room for dessert – a primary attraction here. Try the white chocolate cheesecake or the apple tart with sour cream ice cream.
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
DOWNTOWN. This popular gathering place is a favorite among local professionals, who flock here for quick lunches and upscale dinners. The deli selection is particularly popular at midday, when tasty sandwiches composed of the finest meats and cheeses from around the world are offered. At dinnertime, it's a pleasure to linger in the screened-in dining room, which was constructed with parts of an old barn. The rustic, lived-in decor creates a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying Italian and American favorites like Caesar salad, ravioli, mahi mahi on a bed of fresh greens or eggplant Parmesan. Creamy gelato is a decadent finish. The menu features an impressive assortment of upscale Italian fare, including linguini with sautéed jumbo shrimp and fresh asparagus.
|
6. Big Fish
55 SW Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130 · 305-373-1770
|
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
DOWNTOWN. Big Fish is located in the dockside warehouses, and you never know who you might run into here, as the diverse clientele ranges from buttoned-down professional types to the older weathered characters who can spin a great yarn about their days at sea. The menu is limited, focusing on – you guessed it – fantastic fresh fish. The owner is friendly and accommodating and will make sure you walk away happy. The decor is full of personality, with a tin roof and tables of different sizes, shapes and styles. Most of the seating is on the sprawling outdoor deck, making this an ideal spot for a unique lunch on a sunny day. Casual to business casual attire.
|
7. Le Provencal
382 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134-5820 · 305-448-8984
|
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
CORAL GABLES. For a pleasing midday meal with all-out French flair, this pleasant bistro fits the bill. Meet friends or business associates for the fixed price lunch, which offers three fabulous courses for one reasonable price. The authentic French soups are a specialty, and fresh seafood is frequently featured as a special. Look for the fresh catch prepared with leeks, tomato, and garlic-infused olive oil. Nice wines and a romantic dining room sweep you away to the Champs-Elysees. Business casual attire.
|
8. Big Pink
157 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 · 305-532-4700
|
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
SOUTH BEACH. This style-conscious American diner offers upscale interpretations of classic comfort foods, including salads, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, and pizzas. The dining room is all imagination and whimsy, with colorful diner decor, an open kitchen and communal tables. The Big Pink TV Dinner is a nostalgic must, served on a six-compartment stainless steel plate. This is not your average Hungry Man dinner! It may include gourmet selections of fried chicken, meatloaf, or teriyaki salmon. Or try the Thanksgiving on a Roll, with turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and gravy on a Kaiser roll – excellent year-round. Casual attire. Free delivery.
User Rating: (Rate It!)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
SOUTH MIAMI. This charming little cafe is a tranquil, fun stop for lunch, whether you are part of a crowd or dining alone. The dining room is reminiscent of a classic diner, though it is a slightly more sophisticated version of that American classic. On a warm day, sit outside on the lovely stretch of sidewalk and enjoy everything from tasty salads and soups, to hearty sandwiches and fresh-baked pizzas. Friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere and a menu of classic American favorites have made this a local favorite. Also popular for breakfast.
User Rating:
(Rate It)
My Suitcase: (Add to My Suitcase)
DOWNTOWN. An important cornerstone in downtown Miami for many years, this restaurant is famous for vegetarian, fat-free and low-fat fare, along with interesting daily specials. Try the soup of the day – always a winner – or an omelet and a smoothie. Although red meat is not on the menu, even dedicated carnivores are sure to be satisfied with chicken, seafood, vegetable, or pasta dishes served in imaginative ways. Low prices and a relaxed, upbeat environment make this eatery a lunchtime favorite, particularly with the executive set.
Looking for light and tasty dishes with a quick turn-around time? Or perhaps a power lunch to close the deal? Here, you’ll find the right setting for either! An assortment of decors from casual and sporty to sophisticated and businesslike. You may also find the option of ordering take-out food.
|
Print this Page
Email this Page
Click here to share it »
