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.
Buya
If your day off is packed with errands and other personal activities, Buya in Wynwood is the ideal spot for a quick bite. Three words perfectly describe this place: fast, affordable, and delicious. Can’t figure out what to order? The wagyu tataki, karaage chicken, tempura beech mushroom, and crispy duck ramen are always a good time.
Buya is located at 250 NW 24th Street, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
Casa Isola
Calories don’t count on your day off, so grab a table at Miami Beach’s Casa Isola. The popular Italian eatery is known for its stellar pasta dishes and giant portions. Everything is tasty, but we recommend the arancini, burrata, octopus, linguini and clams, and tiramisu. The specials are always worth a look, too. Whatever you order, wash it down with an Aperol spritz.
Casa Isola is located at 1418 20th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139. 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.
CJ’s Crab Shack is located at 600 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
Grails
Are you the sports bar type? Don’t settle for a run-of-the-mill dive—check out Grails Wynwood instead. The eatery elevates traditional bar fare; you’ll find items like cheeseburger dumplings, loaded yuca fries, poke nachos, and beer-brine wings. There’s also a big focus on cocktails and their presentation: It’s one of the few places you can drink out of a shoe (not a real one, of course) or a Gatorade-inspired squeeze bottle.
Grails is located at 2800 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
La Placita
On your day off, you want to relax. And few things are as relaxing as a meal at La Placita. You’ll feel right at home with the laidback vibes and casual fare at this Puerto Rican spot. You can just get a few beers and light bites like cod fritters, chicken croquettes, and watermelon and tomato salad, or enjoy an entire chicken milanese, whole fried snapper, and beef stew. Regardless, you’ll never want to leave.
La Placita is located at 6789 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, visit their official website.
Pubbelly Sushi
When it comes to sushi, Pubbelly Sushi pulls out all the stops. This beloved Japanese- and Latin-inspired concept has locations throughout the city, so you’re never too far away from tasty rolls and other delights. Find a friend to go with you, as this menu is enormous and meant for sharing. Some recommendations: French onion miso soup, rock shrimp tempura, Japanese eggplant, butter krab roll, and crispy yellowtail.
Pubbelly Sushi has locations in Aventura, Brickell, Dadeland, and Miami Beach. For more information, visit their official website.
Riviera Focacceria
Midtown’s Riviera Focacceria is a hidden gem. The Italian eatery tends to fly under the radar, but those “in the know” flock to the place for some incredible cuisine. No matter what you order, the focaccia with formaggio is a must—it’s so addicting that it comes with a warning. After that, you can’t go wrong with dishes like the short ribs au jus, the lasagna, the snapper, and the veal chop.
Riviera Focacceria is located at 3252 Buena Vista Boulevard, #110, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
Thatch
When you think of recharging and taking care of yourself, Thatch should be top of mind. The Midtown restaurant is all about health and wellness. Expect to find an assortment of amazing juices and plant-based cuisine for the taking. Crispy cauliflower, margherita pizza, banana almond pancakes, and the Thatch McMuffin are just a few of the mind-blowing selections on the menu. Did we mention there’s a full bar?
Thatch is located at 3255 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
The Wagyu Bar
You work hard, so why not treat yourself? Enter The Wagyu Bar, a casual steakhouse on Coral Way. While this place is more laidback than your usual steakhouse, it’s all business when it comes to the steaks. You’ll find the usual suspects like filet mignon and ribeye along with more uncommon items like Denver steak. Don’t worry: There are plenty of non-steak selections, too. Vegetarian or vegan? Go elsewhere.
The Wagyu Bar is located at 2257 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145. For more information, visit their official website.
Wabi Sabi
If you’re in the mood for sushi, Wabi Sabi has you covered. The NE 79th street spot is home to an extensive menu of maki, nigiri, sashimi, and more—emphasis on extensive. You could order items like the spicy tuna roll and sea bream handroll a la carte, but we suggest getting the omakase if budget allows—there’s just so much to choose from. Wabi Sabi also serves bowls with proteins like yellowfin tuna and Atlantic salmon if that’s more your style.
Wabi Sabi is located at851 NE 79th Street, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, visit their official website.
