American & Continental
Area 31 — 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami, 305.424.5234; area31restaurant.com. Chef Reidt’s amazing innovative offerings, like Cocoa Dusted Scallop and Pork Belly and Creamed Key West Pink Shrimp Ravioli. And in case you have trouble choosing, a five-course tasting menu is available for only $60.
Bourbon Steak— At Turnberry Isle Resort, 19999 W. Country Club Drive, Aventura; 786.279.6600. Michael Mina’s contemporary American steakhouse serving topnotch cuts of meat as well as delectable lobster pot pie, truffle mac and cheese and barbecue pork short ribs, along with outstanding desserts.
Big City Tavern — 609 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954.727.0307; bigtimerestaurants.com. Smack in the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Big City Tavern is one of those places where you love to hang out and watch the world—and people—go by while indulging in some really good food and drinks.
Cascata Grille — At Turnberry Isle Resort, 19999 West Country Club Drive, Aventura; 786.279.6800. Italian-American cuisine infusing fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables from the resort’s on-site chef’s garden into every dish including the signature braised short rib pappardelle. Enjoy picturesque views of a golf course and cascading waterfall from indoor or outdoor terrace seating. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Costa Grill at Acqualina — 17875 Collins Ave. Sunny Isles Beach, 305.918.8000; acqualinaresort.com Choose from an array of gourmet sandwiches, burgers, wraps and salads.
Houston’s — 17355 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami Beach, 305.947.2000; hillstone.com. Bustling, popular spot on the water that’s a favorite of the business crowd for lunch and families for dinner. Spinach dip, delicious burgers, and roast chicken are among the stars.
Kane Steakhouse — 431 Washington Ave., South Beach, 305.704.2900; kanesteakhouse.com. A chic, sophisticated decor and seductive menu. The premium cuts of steak include a bone-in 20 oz. rib eye, a Wagyu dry-rubbed skirt steak, center cut Chateaubriand for two, and a succulent classic porterhouse.
Meat Market Miami Beach — 1915 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305.532.0088; meatmarketmiami.com. Chic contemporary décor sets the scene for top cuts of meat fresh seafood (including delicious cedar-scented hamachi), exotic offerings like Wood-Roasted African Pheasant and creative sides. Don’t miss the pistachio crème brulee or the strawberry popover for dessert.
Mister Collins — ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa, 10295 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305.455.5460. Focus is on American classics like Prime New York strip, Pop’s Pork Chop, True Maryland Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, ahi tuna salad, and a big fat cheeseburger. Noteworthy starters include the basket of cheese biscuits and cornbread, guacamole with yuca chips and crispy baby artichokes.
Pilar — 20475 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305.937.2777; pilarrestaurant.com. Salads, pastas, seafood and beef dishes with an interesting twist, such as jumbo spinach and tofu ravioli and egg-battered tilapia fillet served with golden yucca salad and key lime coconut cream.
Sustain Restaurant + Bar — 3252 NE 1st Avenue, #107, Miami, 305.424.9079; sustainmiami.com. Amid a décor of recycled wood beams and rehabbed tables, the kitchen serves up cocktails and lunch, brunch and dinner items from a menu that changes with the seasons, including a wide array of choices such as local yellowtail, grass-fed strip steak, duck breast and fried chicken.
The Grill on the Alley — 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305.466.7195; thegrill.com. Stylish spot for brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner, with a menu that goes on for days. Soups, salads, steaks, chops, seafood, chicken, ribs, potpies and more are available, plus amazing cocktails like the Basil Drop Martini and The Grill Signature Margarita.
Tudor House restaurant — 1111 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305.534.8455; tudorhousemiami.com. Simple yet fantastic flavor profiles imbue everything from a side of Brussels sprouts with shaved apple and prosciutto to ricotta gnudi with heirloom beets, to sweet endings like housemade Oreos with coffee hazelnut milk and Johnnie Walker Black Label and a popcorn milkshake with salted brown butter and chocolate hazelnut crisps.
Wine & Spirits Cellar Lounge — 21055 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305.936.9433; winespiritscellar.com. An exclusive wines by the glass list designed to fit every pallette. Small tapas menu compliments each wine offering an alternative to the everyday routine of lunch and dinner.
iii Forks — 501 Silks Run, Suite 1130, The Village at Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach, 954.457.3920; iiiforks.com. Modern steakhouse with a stylish decor and lively bar and lounge. Beef, chops and seafood are the foundation of the menu, which also offers burgers and salads for lunch.