The editors of Departures share their must-visit restaurants, spaces to take a deep breath, and where they prefer to rest their heads in Miami.
LessOur editors have waited in a line out the door to this gem of a bakery each and every time, and can assure it’s worth it. Their pastries, breads, and sandwiches are not only exceptional in their beauty, but in their taste too. Their flakey twice baked chocolate almond croissant is an absolute must for breakfast-on-the-go, and while you’re there, pick up a baguette for future snacking.
27 questions nearly everything we’ve been engrained to believe about hotel restaurants. From the moment you step inside, it feels like you're at an old friend’s place — the restaurant sits in a historic house with every nook and cranny covered in bohemian decor. We were seated and served by the most gracious and warm staff, and it was clear as guests filed in, that this is just as much of a locals’ spot as it is for out-of-towners. Our editors ordered too much food, but deeply enjoyed it all.
Taquiza is the only handmade, blue-corn taco shop we've ever visited, and it’s on our list each and every time we find ourselves in Miami. Their menu is simple, creative, and never ever disappoints. Think of this as your date night taco shop — with much more of a vibe than your traditional fast casual spot, and a spirits menu complimenting it all. Order the Totopos — hand pressed organic blue corn masa chips with salsa alongside your tacos.
When you think about Miami, you don’t necessarily think of pizza, but with a large majority of our team residing in New York, it feels like sin to blow past the only other Lucali location outside of Brooklyn without grabbing a pie. We keep it classic here with their signature plain pie and house salad. If you haven’t been, their menu is simple, yet legendary. Next time we won’t be stopped from ordering dessert — one nutella pie, please.
This Andalusian gin and Spanish tapas bar is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of South Beach, hidden in plain sight down Española Way in the Esmé hotel. We highly recommend this spot for hand-crafted cocktails and snacks, but if you’re hungry, their menu absolutely supports a full meal. We started with jamón ibérico and manchego, followed by a spanish tortilla and garlic shrimp, and finished it off with duck confit and chorizo paella.
We were almost deterred from coming here by the slightly-too-Instagram-worthiness of their aesthetic, but their cuisine was absolutely off the charts, and debunked all of our previous judgments. We started with babaganoush, hummus, and their “on special” cauliflower, followed by the Shwarma spiced Wagyu steak and Moroccan spiced local fish. For dessert we indulged in baklava with tahini gelato. Pair with wine poured by the glass or bottle, or from a short list of local and Isreali beers.
Bodega is the perfect pre-beach lunch spot with an array of tacos, burritos, bowls, and appetizers that are guaranteed to meet your heart's desire. Their seating is primarily outdoors (even their interior has massive garage doors that are kept open year round), so come prepared for the weather. Our favorites here are the short rib and al pastor tacos, homemade salsas, and elote “on a stick.”
We’ve tried a number of Cubano sandwiches in Miami, and this is hands down the best we’ve had. Sanguich, a family establishment dedicated to sharing their traditions with the greater Miami community, is buzzing with positive energy. Located in a very unassuming strip plaza in Little Havana, visit their walk up window (ventanita), or take a seat inside and watch the chefs at work in their open kitchen. Wash it all down with a milkshake while you’re here too, trust us.
Is this the holy grail of outdoor cocktail spots? Vibe-forward but unpretentious, this Miami Beach backyard is connected to the Freehand hostel and its lovely restaurant, 27, an easy boardwalk stroll from South Beach. The verdant space hits all the right notes for date night or a more casual hang. The drinks, refreshing as ever, earned the Broken Shaker multiple James Beard Award noms; if you can snag a chair by the pool, you’ll want to try the whole menu.
One of our writers has been doing hot yoga for nearly a decade, and while she loves her home studio, it is always nice to feel welcomed when you’re traveling elsewhere. Move and stretch alongside locals at Modo Yoga with ease, and set the tone for an indulging, yet relaxing getaway. The studio offers rental mats for $5, but no towels, so bring your own, and take it all in.