To keep tabs on every Miami restaurant and bar opening is folly. But to keep tabs on the most worthy? Yeoman’s work, and we’re proud to do it. Thus we present Table Stakes, a monthly rundown of the five (or so) must-know spots that have swung wide their doors in the past thirty (or so). Let’s eat.
Miami’s dining scene is abuzz with new openings, from outposts of NYC staples to expansions of the pizza pop-up that the pandemic never saw coming. And we’re here to sample them all: From poolside Caribbean fare to a Juicy Lucy that would make Minnesota proud, these are the spots we recommend for the top of your to-do list.
Delirio
South Beach
You’re here because… wanderlust is in the air, and Fede Lavagna and Lucho González know how to make vagabonds feel at home. The pair founded hostel group Viajero after meeting while backpacking, and ever since, the Colombian hostel group has sought to craft spaces where travelers can meet and mingle. Delirio more than meets the criteria, taking over the space formerly occupied by the Stiles Hotel with a ’70s-inspired restaurant and bar complete with décor nodding to both South America and South Florida — think bespoke palm tree wallpaper and handcrafted Colombian furnishings. Outside, a colorful, retro pool deck is the perfect spot to enjoy craft cocktails and soak up the live music and capital-v-Vibes.
You’re dining on… Caribbean and Latin American flavors like jerk wings, coconut shrimp, and ceviche, all paired with craft cocktails including the signature El Viajero with rum, passion fruit, lime, and rosemary syrup.
Whitmans
South Beach
You’re here because… You’ve tried the Whitmans in New York, or you’re just gunning for the menu’s star: an inside-out cheeseburger that’s a beloved Minneapolis staple. Either way, this new location of the Big Apple star with a name inspired by Walt Whitman and a menu inspired by Americana is your new jam — whether at the bar, at one of the outdoor tables, or in the Dekar-designed dining room.
You’re dining on… Moreish, mostly hand-held fare like the East Villi cheesesteak or smoked gruyere grilled cheese. The Cuban melt marries Swiss cheese and a short rib patty; burgers run the gamut from the Spicy with a trio of habanero, jalapeño, and serrano peppers to the (in)famous Juicy Lucy stuffed with pimento cheese. For a lighter touch, the menu also offers hearty salads like classic kale with parmesan and lemon dressing or a blue cheese and avocado Cobb.
Shoma Bazaar
Doral
You’re here because… you’re your friend group’s designated restaurant chooser, and you need somewhere to suit everyone’s dietary needs and palates. Enter Shoma Bazaar, a new space uniting the very best of Miami’s chefs and mixologists under one roof to give you all the choice you need. This indoor-outdoor venue counts 15 different vendors as well as a 30-seat bar, a lounge area, and four mixology stations. It’s the ideal spot to stop for a meal or spend the whole afternoon.
You’re dining on… choices ranging from the Neapolitan pies from the husband-and-wife-run Ash Pizza to upscale burgers from BFF Burgers to InRamen’s hand-pulled noodles and award-winning dim sum. Miami-inspired flavors feature at Doce Provisions, known for ropa vieja, Cubanos, tostadas, and more, while Persian nuances are on the menu at Shahs of Kabob. Divide and conquer so everyone gets their favorite, or grab a few plates to share.
The Key Club
Coconut Grove
You’re here because… a new spin on American grill sounds like just the way to welcome spring, and this spot in the heart of Coconut Grove is delivering on the promise. Located on the ground floor of the renovated Cocowalk, Key Club offers bar, indoor, and outdoor seating with little flourishes like custom woven sofas and hand-painted tile tables inspired by mid-century Brazilian design. Jazz brunch never sounded so good.
You’re dining on… time-tested Americana like steak, burgers, fresh-caught fish and seafood, and more. Chips and caviar, fresh sushi, or a luscious lobster roll are the perfect options for a touch of luxury. Accompany your meal with one of the custom cocktails or a bottle from the 200-strong wine list.
Old Greg’s
Design District
You’re here because… you snagged some of Greg Tetzner’s pizzas during lockdown, back when he was borrowing the mailing address of his friend Matteson Kolche’s El Bagel for ingredient delivery and baking the pies out of his childhood home or at then-closed Kaido. After months of the pop-up’s site crashing (thanks to its unforeseen popularity), you’re thrilled to see you can finally enjoy these delicious pies at his new brick-and-mortar spot — no panic-ordering on Instagram required.
You’re dining on… pizza, of course! Tetzner’s been a staunch supporter of quality ingredients since the beginning, so expect organic tomatoes, Proper sausages, and French Farms cubanelle peppers, not to mention cheffy touches on some of the exquisite pies. The Shroomz, for instance, boasts two kinds of mushrooms as well as mushroom crema and wild ramp salsa verde. The bestseller is undoubtedly the O.G. Roni, with pepperoni and hot honey, but plant-based diners will also love the Vegan Supreme with vegan mozz’ and loads of veggies. And for non-pizza lovers (…who are you?) hoagies and chicken wings round out the menu nicely.
3620 NE 2nd Ave
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