You have the day off… Now what? Holidays and vacations are a great time to recharge and check out those restaurants you’ve been putting off. Whenever you have some downtime, consider making your way to these great spots.
Amara at Paraiso
Day or night, Amara at Paraiso is the place to be. The waterfront setting is a magical backdrop, perfect for a solo dine on your day off. Their Latin-inspired dishes and the vibrant atmosphere make for a meal to remember.
Stop by for a glass of wine, empanadas, and chorizo-stuffed olives, or treat yourself to more substantial fare like the restaurant’s veal sweetbreads, skirt steak, or pork chop Milanesa. The extensive menu means repeat visits are a must.
Amara at Paraiso is located at 3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
Boulud Sud
For a truly special dinner on your day off, Boulud Sud brings culinary excellence to the heart of Downtown Miami. Their Mediterranean flavors and elegant ambiance are a match made in heaven: Make sure to indulge in favorites like the beets and burrata, beef carpaccio, pan-seared scallops, and honey-glazed duck breast. If you’re saving room for the other restaurants on this list, stop in for Boulud Sud’s generous happy hour for exquisite small bites.
Boulud Sud is located at 255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
Casa Vigil
If there’s one word to describe Casa Vigil, it’s wine. The Argentine-inspired eatery in Upper Buena Vista is home to hundreds of bottles, and the wine list just keeps going and going. You can just come here to drink and leave happy.
That said, you shouldn’t: The cuisine here is just as impressive. Braised ossobuco, duck magret, rib eye milanesa, rack of lamb… This is a place made for meat lovers. The chef’s tasting menu comes with a wine pairing, and we think it’s worth the cash; this is your day off—you deserve it.
Casa Vigil is located at 5020 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
CJ’s Crab Shack
For a more casual meal, check out CJ’s Crab Shack on Ocean Drive. The seafood joint’s star attractions are the crab dishes, but there’s way more to this place than the namesake protein. Other highlights include fried shrimp, fish and chips, steak and shrimp, fried calamari, and grouper sandwich. The menu is enormous, and that includes the drink list—don’t miss out on the Hurricane Molly.
Costa Med
For a lighter lunch or dinner, transport yourself to the shores of the Mediterranean at Costa Med in Key Biscayne. This neighborhood favorite focuses on fresh seafood, vibrant salads, and coastal cuisine; it’s a refreshing midday break in a beautiful side of town. While seafood is a star here, there’s no shortage of meat, pastas, and other delicious goodies. One more thing: Check out the wine list.
Cubata
Craving a meal with a show? Make your way to Little Havana! At Cubata, savor classic Spanish dishes, dance to the rhythm of live music, and soak in the neighborhood’s vibrant energy. The menu is enormous: There are small and large plates galore, including ceviche, croquettes, beef tenderloin, charcuterie boards, sandwiches, salad, and more.
One thing you need to order is the vichyssoise. You wouldn’t think to order that at a place like this, but it’s so damn good—trust us. And obviously, you can’t leave without trying a mojito here; it’s Little Havana, after all.
Ghee Indian Kitchen
Dadeland isn’t really a place you think of on your day off, but Ghee Indian Kitchen is worth the trek. Ghee offers a modern take on traditional Indian dishes: Think flavorful curries, naan and other classics done well and with a twist. Skip the guesswork and just do the chef’s tasting if your budget allows: It’s full of the greatest hits and then some. And it’s surprisingly affordable.
Ghee Indian Kitchen is located at 8965 SW 72nd Pl, Kendall, FL 33156. For more information, visit their official website.
Salty Flame
From the team behind Paperfish Sushi and Barsecco comes Salty Flame, an Asian steakhouse that should be on everybody’s radar. As you can probably guess, the focus is here on meat: Expect to find filet mignon, ribeye, wagyu striploin, and other flavorful cuts. The menu also features an abundance of non-steak options like rolls, sashimi, and noodle dishes. The place is worth visiting for the sights alone—the space is gorgeous. And just like its sister concepts, the restaurant boasts one of the best happy hours in the area.
Salty Flame is located at 1414 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
The Amalfi Llama
Venture into Aventura for a dining experience like no other. The Amalfi Llama seamlessly blends the flavors of Italy with the rustic charm of a live-fire Patagonian steakhouse. Their modern farmhouse ambiance and unique menu offer a delightful surprise for your day off. Short rib empanadas, Hamachi crudo, ora king salmon, and the wagyu tomahawk are all worthy of your attention—we love that the menu is so varied. There’s truly something for everyone.
The Amalfi Llama is located at 19505 Biscayne Blvd Building D, Suite 4150, Miami, FL 33180. For more information, visit their official website.
Toscana Divino
Step away from the bustle of Brickell and into the warmth of an Italian villa at Toscana Divino. Savor house-made pasta dishes, perfectly cooked meats, and an extensive wine list, all with the warmth of Tuscan hospitality. Toscana Divino has outlived most restaurants in Brickell, and for good reason: It’s consistent. Specialties here include mushroom risotto, truffle carbonara, and octopus puttanesa.
