It’s been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic turned our lives upside down. During this time, everybody’s travel plans have taken a hit—especially when it comes to traveling overseas.
Although things are turning around, international travel is still not recommended. Until we reach a new normal, restaurants have been stepping up to satisfy our wanderlust. Here are five restaurants that are helping us stay sane:
Costa Med
If you’ve been itching for a taste of the Mediterranean, you’re not alone. Head over to Key Biscayne’s Costa Med for the next best thing. The charming bistro’s menu is packed with tasty European dishes to transport you to the Med – all without the hefty price tag.
Steak tartare, beef carpaccio, squid ink risotto, Greek-style branzino … the offerings are varied and can cater to the most particular of palates. Just as impressive is Costa Med’s wine selection, which boasts a number of rare finds that are surprisingly affordable. This is one restaurant that checks all the boxes.
Costa Med is located at 260 Crandon Boulevard, #46, Key Biscayne, FL 33149. For more information, visit their official website.
Kosushi
Sushi lovers will find heaven on a plate at the South of Fifth hotspot Kosushi. This Japanese restaurant with Brazilian roots provides guests with an extensive list of Asian favorites such as king crab truffle, Miso sea bass, wagyu gyoza, and crispy rice tuna.
Joining the tasty hot and cold dishes is a mouthwatering selection of sushi and sashimi. Octopus, salmon, scallop, shrimp … if you can think of a protein, it’s likely on the menu here. Because there’s so much to eat, Kosushi is best enjoyed in a group or on multiple visits. You may not be able to travel safely right now, but this SoFi eatery does a great job of filling the void.
Kosushi is located at 801 South Pointe Drive #105, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
Little Brazil
When you think of Brazilian cuisine, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Odds are you’re thinking about steak. At Little Brazil, meat eaters will find plenty to like; beef is one of the main stars here with succulent cuts like picanha and skirt steak up for grabs. Other delicious options include sauteed shrimp, Brazilian pork sausage, salt cod croquettes, and feijoada (a black bean stew with beef, pork loin, and the kitchen sink). Little Brazil offers a big taste of the country’s finest cuisine – no passport required.
Little Brazil is located at 6984 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33141. For more information, visit their official website.
Ornos Estiatorio
An escape to Greece is just a short drive away in Aventura. At this luxurious eatery, award-winning chef Michael Mina has developed an exquisite menu of Greek delights to tantalize the senses.
Bring a friend or two (or five) to Ornos to make the most of the shareable menu. Items like dips, crispy calamari, grilled octopus, salmon tartare, sea bass ceviche, and spanakopita make up just a small part of the large menu, which also features a fish market (and there’s even a fish sommelier on-site!). Pro tip: Visit during happy hour—available daily—to get the most bang for your buck.
Ornos Estiatorio is located at 19565 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 946, Aventura, FL 33180. For more information, visit their official website.
Riviera Focacceria Italiana
In Midtown Miami, Riviera Foccaceria Italiana has been delighting customers for years with its authentic Italian cuisine. While its pastas and mains are all worthy of praise, it’s Riviera’s focaccia con formaggio that we can’t get enough of.
The Lingurian dish is comprised of two thin layers of homemade dough with stracchino cheese. It comes with a warning on the menu: “After you try it, your world will never be the same.” You might think Riviera is joking, but it is not a joke. Order one for the table; get some bucatini, orecchiette or gnocchi; throw in a bottle (or two) of wine, and you’ll quickly forget your wanderlust.
Riviera Foccaceria is located at 3252 Buena Vista Boulevard, Suite 110. For more information, visit their official website.
