Luis R. Rigual Luis R. Rigual | April 22, 2021 | Food & Drink, Guide,
From Israeli to Italian, these eateries have global flavors covered.
Avocado toast from Ambersweet
1. Abba Telavivian Kitchen
A joint effort between Sam Gorenstein and Pura Vida founder Omer Horev, this South of Fifth entry combines the flavors and spices of the Middle East (with particular focus on Israel) with Mediterranean cuisine. The 50-seat cafe offers from-the-stone-fire-oven specialties such as sumac chicken shashlik with laffa, and roasted branzino. 864 Commerce St., Miami Beach, 305.902.3477, abbatlv.com
2. Ambersweet
Led by executive chef Armando Diaz, this retro-inspired eatery’s menu combines the tastes of modern American cuisine with the diverse flavors of the international cultures found in Miami. Dinner standouts include mushroom Bolognese and lobster ravioli. A well-rounded wine list completes the experience. The Confidante, 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305.424.1234, ambersweetmiami.com
Salad and sandwich from Abba Telavivian Kitchen
3. Botanico Gin & Cookhouse
Miami’s first gin-centric eatery is the brainchild of partners Ricardo Ordoñez and chef Gerardo B. De Negri. The menu here draws on De Negri’s French training and focuses on modern American cuisine with categories that include finger food, ceviches, tartares, salads, sandwiches and entrees. True to its name, the eatery offers 15 variations of the gin and tonic, including cucumber jelly and lime twist, and green apple and thyme. CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, botanicomiami.com
4. Bubusan
From Plan Do See America, the company behind Azabu and Lolo’s Surf Cantina, this laid-back eatery offers Japanese cuisine touched by modern creativity. For proof, order the salmon magic pizza with spicy aioli, lemon and scallions on a thin crispy dough, and let your taste buds decide. Stanton South Beach, 161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 786.672.0535, eatlikebubu.com
A classic gin and tonic from Botanico Gin & Cookhouse
5. Casa Isola
Five-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee Jose Mendin is at it again with this Italian osteria concept inside his former Pubbelly space. In charge of the menu is chef Santo Agnello whose dishes (from pane al prosciutto to veal chop Parmesan) encapsulate the small family-style nuances that elevate Italian cuisine’s classic simplicity. 1418 20th St., Miami Beach, 786.558.5787, casaisolamiami.com
6. Cerveceria La Tropical
At this massive brewery, chef Cindy Hutson dishes out selections such as Cuban sandwich empanadas, curry jerk chicken wings and flatbread topped with succulent pulled pork. 42 NE 25th St., Miami, 305.741.6991, cervecerialatropical.com
7. Kura Sushi
Savory and authentic Japanese dishes and ingredients with no additives or artificial preservatives are all part of the dining experience at this eatery, which boasts a revolving sushi bar belt, ordering touch panels and made-to-order requests. 18707 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 561.462.3555, kurasushi.com
Truffle dumplings from Salvaje
8. Salvaje
Acclaimed chef Fermin Azkue helms the kitchen at this new Japanese restaurant, which focuses on high-quality ingredients. In addition to seasonally changing sushi menus, signature dishes here include glazed lamb shank with teriyaki sauce, crispy wonton and salsa kimchi, and lobster dumplings in a lobster bisque base with micro mint. Hyde Midtown Miami, 101 NE 34th St., Miami, 786.622.9911, miami.salvaje.world/cocina
9. Seasy
The mix of Mediterranean fare and traditional Italian dishes at Seasy are all the work of executive chef Paula Garviño, a Malaga, Spain, transplant committed to quality ingredients and approachable selections. Among her standouts are local snapper al guazzetto and taglioni alla nerano. 136 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 786.703.5143, seasycoralgables.com
Local snapper al guazzetto with capers, olives and cherry tomatoes from Seasy
10. Serena
This rooftop eatery, led by beloved local chef Scott Linquist, offers an inspired Mexican menu with selections such as squash blossom quesadillas and chorizo huaraches. Traditional ceviches and tacos are also served. Moxy Hotel, 915 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305.306.0776, serenamiami.com
Photography by: PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESTAURANTS