Miami and South Beach are always exciting destinations. Even more so during Art Week Miami, which takes place the first days of December. We have put together a guide, by neighborhood, of dining hot spots with exceptional drinks as well as cuisine.
Sofia – Design District
Sofia is a glamorous, bold, and exceptionally fashion-forward experience with a seductive flamingo pink palette, high-end European glam design by the award-winning design collective, Studio Munge. Adorned by sleek mirrored columns, dazzling chandeliers, and pink leather upholstered walls, portraits of Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, and Marilyn Monroe elevate the room with their iconic allure and charisma. Expect a premier culinary experience that ignites of all the senses while exploring Sofia’s luxurious main dining – all the way through her livened outdoor Palm courtyard, imagined as a playful secret garden.
Sofia’s cocktail program is a refreshing medley of signature drinks with an Italian twist. Expertly crafted cocktails are enhanced by regionally sourced herbs and flavor-focused ingredients, with anotable emphasis on execution and elegant presentation. With names like Nights of Cabiria, Sorrentino, and Amarcord, the cocktails are tributes to Italy’s vast geography and pop culture history. Aside from the delectable cocktail menu, Sofia’s extensive wine selection features many vintages and an ample range of authentic Italian wines rare to the local dining scene.
Their fine Italian cuisine is curated by the talented Executive Chef Daniel Roy, whose menu leads with a selection of antipasti including, Polpo (Grilled Octopus), Stracciatella, Fiori di Zucca (Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini),and a robust collection of Crudo. Fresh, handmade pasta dishes headline the menu’s main section, with dishes like Cacio e Pepe al Tartufo, Rigatoni alla Vodka, and Ravioli di Ricotta e Noci. If you have room, we recommend mains from the ‘Pesce’ selection, such as feature Branzino or Orata (Sea Bream Fish).
Sofia – Design District
140 NE 39th Street, Suite133, Miami
sofiamiamidd.com; @sofiamiamidd
Klaw Miami – Edgewater
Congrats if you find the only rooftop restaurant and lounge in the high rise-clustered Edgewater ‘hood. Klaw is located on the North Bayshore Drive by the Margaret Pace Park, in a building at the end of a parking lot that once housed the Miami Women’s Club. Take the elevator up to this new and hidden hotspot, and head to their beautiful bar or a table on the outdoor terrace with views of the yacht-filled bay.
For cocktails, we recommend:
Mother Of Miami -this Klaw fav is mixed with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Illegal Mezcal and Snow Pea; then dusted with Shishito and garnished with an edible Geranium.
Rosita -don’t be deceived by its delicate look, this cocktail is shaken with Ketel One vodka, Mancino sakura vermouth, Pakistani rose syrup and lime.
Mignonette Martini -served up and stirred with Tanqueray 10 Gin, Mignonette Vermouth, Lemon Zest -ordered with a Dressed Oyster Sidecar – from the East Coast, and dressed with herb oil, aromatic vinaigrette and grated pink peppercorn.
Start the evening with the delectable Bluefin Tuna Tartare -topped with pink trout roe, red miso, avocado, spicy kewpie mayo; and served with seeded crackers. For main, we recommend the Slow-Grilled Picanha – or, sirloin cap, this popular Brazilian cut of beef is cooked to a tender medium; and served with fresh herb chimichurri and grilled lime.
Klaw Miami – Edgewater
1737 North Bayshore Drive, Miami
klawrestaurant.com ; @klawrestaurant
Mazeh – Downtown
Mazeh radiates with the warmth of hospitality, as Miami’s newest Middle Eastern culinary gem. The service style at Mazeh breaks the mold of a traditional dining experience and invites guests to pace the meal as they wish, ordering small dishes throughout the night, while enjoying an evening out.
The drinks at Mazeh are crafted to further enhance the experience and elevate the flavors of the tapas. Cocktails include the You Oughta Know, a mix of vodka, Lillet Rouge, grapefruit, dill and honey; Doo Wop, made with silver rum, kaffir lime, passion fruit, lemongrass and lavender; and the Hypnotize, a vodka-based drink mixed with bergamot, smoked pineapple and grapefruit.
Signature dishes include Arayes, ground lamb or fish grilled inside fresh pita and topped with amba; Falafel Cigars wrapped in brick pastry and served with tahini; Skewers: grilled octopus with labneh and za’atar; grilled steak in a smoked tomato sauce and bone marrow olive vinaigrette; grilled cabbage with green tahini and herb gremolata; and of course Mazeh’s specialty Tiffin Box which holds an assortment of seasonal Middle Eastern dips and spreads served with fresh pita.
Mazeh – Downtown
227 NE 2nd Street (in the Yotel), Miami
mazehmiami.com/; @mazehmiami
Pubbelly Sushi – Brickell City Centre
Chaotic yet cohesive, urban with Asiatic influence, street art combined with sleek design, perfectly describes this Brickell City Centre located Miami Japanese Latin hot spot. This year Pubbelly Sushi, is partnering with Miami-based Latin Grammy award winning artist Pedro Fajardo for the local 20th year anniversary of Art Basel. Originally from Venezuela, Digital Artist Fajardo is internationally acclaimed for mixing a variety of compositions and techniques to tell a story through his signature collage art.
Pubbelly will be featuring a brand-new menu item: The Wagyu Basel Sushi Temari. The gold dusted, sphere-shaped surf and turf style sushi will be made with wagyu beef, lobster mix, furikake, and fresh truffle. The Art Basel special can be ordered to be served on Fajardo’s custom-made boards, which guests can purchase to take home.
We recommend to pair with Pubbelly’s Watermelon Basil Margarita -shaken with Jose Cuervo Tequila, Basil, Watermelon and Citrus.
Pubbelly Sushi – Brickell City Centre
701 S Miami Avenue, Suite 421, (on the 4th floor next to CMX Cinemas), Miami
pubbellyglobal.com/brickell-city-centre ; @pubbellyglobal
Fabel Miami – Wynwood
Located in the heart of Wynwood in Miami, Fabel is an exclusive outdoor speakeasy/ supper club which has newly opened during Art Week Miami. Here, old glamour mixes with nightlife for a cabaret-like experience.
The menu at Fabel draws from the Levantine inspired food found in the modern states of Cyprus, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Syria, and the Middle East. Chef Ian Fleischmann provides boundary pushing cuisine with modern techniques rooted in ancient flavors, so guests can discover new combinations each time they visit.
The creative menu continues with a cocktail program by BarLab that pushes the boundaries of presentation and flavor while the wine program by Master Sommelier, Christopher Miller, offers some of the most rare and exquisite wines.
Fabel Miami – Wynwood
50 NW 23rd Street, Miami
fabelmiami.com ; @fabelmiami
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