With the holiday season in full swing, odds are you’re already getting gifts from family and other loved ones. If you’ve come into some holiday cash recently, consider treating yourself at one of these Miami hotspots.
Costa Med
Key Biscayne’s Costa Med is a hidden gem. You really have to look for it, as it’s pretty far down in Key Biscayne. But great food is always worth the journey, and Costa Med is no different. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant boasts a flavorful array of options for lunch and dinner, including burrata and prosciutto, octopus carpaccio, lobster ravioli, lamb chops, veal, and much more. While you’re at it, make sure to take a peek at the wine list, as there are some hard-to-find offerings up for grabs.
Klaw
First things first: Klaw is expensive. But if you’re going to blow a big chunk of your holiday money, this is the place to do it. The menu at this flashy restaurant and rooftop bar is big on seafood. Chilled prawns, grouper crudo, lobster aquachile, king crab… If it sounds pricey, it’s probably on the menu. That said, you absolutely get what you pay for here; the quality of the cuisine warrants the price tag. It’s an experience like no other in Miami, and it’s definitely one you’ll be telling all your friends about. You can also just visit the rooftop portion of the restaurant if you don’t want to drop some serious cash—the view is gorgeous.
Klaw is located at 1737 North Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website.
La Fresa Francesa
When you think of good food in Miami, Hialeah is probably not an area that comes to mind. But the City of Progress is home to one of the best French restaurants in Miami: La Fresa Francesa. The intimate restaurant boasts a wealth of French staples like escargot, eggs en cocotte, croque madame, and chicken vol-au-vent. Don’t fill up too fast on savory options here, as the dessert menu is equally appetizing. The salted butter crepe is one of the best desserts we’ve ever had—that is not hyperbole. Next door, the restaurant has a shop where you can stock up on wine and other French goodies on your way in or out. Because of the restaurant’s size, reservations are strongly recommended.
La Fresa Francesa is located at 59 West 3rd Street, Hialeah, FL 33010. For more information, visit their official website.
RED South Beach
Few experiences are as decadent as a steak dinner at RED South Beach, one of Miami’s premier steakhouses. It is meat heaven here with a plethora of cuts to choose from—you’ll find Certified Angus Beef all over this menu. The choices can be overwhelming, but rest assured there are no wrong decisions here—everything is great, from the C.A.B. prime bone-in porterhouse and prime ribeye to the Kansas City bone-in strip and prime filet mignon.
Although steak is the restaurant’s claim to fame, other options abound such as raw bar offerings pastas, salads, and chops. And if you’re considering a drink even just a little, the wine list will blow you away—it’s huge.
Riviera Focacceria
If you feel like there’s a new Italian restaurant opening in Miami every week, you’re not alone: It really does seem like there’s a new shiny spot popping up every other day. Only a few will stand the test of time, though. Instead of fawning over the latest newness, stick to the tried and true: Riviera Focacceria.
The Midtown eatery has built a solid reputation over the years for stellar pastas, and your holiday cash will go a long way with the restaurant’s affordable pricing. You know what we’re going to say already: You NEED to try Riviera’s signature focaccia—no ifs, and or buts. After that, we leave the decision making to you, but know that whatever you choose will be delicious. Just in case, here are our recommendations: the classic lasagna, seafood linguine, and beef short ribs.
Update: Riviera Focacceria Italiana is permanently closed.
Toscana Divino
Another Italian eatery that has impressed guests for years is Toscana Divino, located at the heart of Mary Brickell Village. This long-standing establishment is without question THE place for all things Italian cuisine. Tenants of the Brickell mall have come and gone, but Toscana has stood firm thanks to its high-quality food and service. The menu here changes regularly, and there is always programming going on so every experience has some novelty to it. We can gush about the pastas for days, but you’re better off just trying them for yourself. Just one bite, and you’ll be hooked. And if you like wine, you have hundreds of bottles to choose from—cheers!
