While we were busy catching up with all of Miami’s best restaurants, a whole new slew of excellent dining destinations started popping up to further complicate our reservation schedules.
Most of your favorite spots are still around, but in a city where everything is constantly evolving or changing, there are also several new places to hit up if you’re visiting soon. Read on to discover some of the latest restaurants, bars, attractions, and hotels worth visiting this year in Miami.
Amalia
Set to open early 2022, Amalia is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located inside Miami Beach luxury boutique hotel, The Lennox Hotel. At the helm is Executive Chef Hernan Griccini, an Argentina native with nearly two decades of culinary experience. At Amalia, the chef will focus on a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu that melds Mediterranean cuisine with the flavors of Latin America. Inventive libations and an extensive wine menu will complement the fare. The Lennox Hotel is located at 1900 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.
Ogawa
Art dealer & restaurateur Alvaro Perez Miranda is getting ready to open the newest addition to his growing portfolio of Japanese restaurants, Ogawa, in January 2022 in the Little River community. Ogawa, which translates to Little River, will be rooted in the exquisite simplicity of authentic and traditional Japanese Omakase. Designed by Alvaro in collaboration with Design Core Studios, Ogawa promises to be Miami’s newest, highly coveted dining experience. The 12-seat intimate restaurant will offer a unique epicurean experience meticulously crafted by Master Chef Masayuki Komatsu, Ogawa will use the finest seasonal ingredients direct from Japan accompanied by Suntory’s finest whiskeys, and for the first time on the east coast, Suntory’s Premium Malts beer. The specialty Suntory menu will be complemented by a boutique sake and wine list curated by Partner/Sommelier Luis Martinez. Ogawa will also house a private Japanese garden designed by Akiko Iwata, which will feature one-of-a-kind Nihonga art pieces by Ryota Unno and a Kakejiku scroll by calligraphy artist Keika Ogawa. Ogawa will be located at 7223 NW 2nd Avenue in Little River. www.instagram.com/ogawamiami/
King Patty’s at Time Out Market Miami
From croquetas and Cubanos to arepas and tacos, Miami’s landscape of on-the-go eats is vast and varied, but few could top the flavors and convenience of a Jamaican patty. King Patty’s takes the iconic street food to new heights with a range of fillings you won’t find anywhere else. Beyond the signature spicy beef, there’s jerk chicken, curry shrimp and curry chicken—far less traditional but still decidedly Caribbean fillings. King Patty’s serves its creations with an optional coco bread side, which doubles as a pillowy bun for a tasty, carb-loaded patty sandwich.Time Out Market Miami is located at 1601 Drexel Avenue on Miami Beach. Telephone: (786)753-5388; https://www.timeoutmarket.com/
Korner 67
Starting off the new year on a new corner is Korner 67 (K67). Recently opened in the heart of Miami Lakes, K67 could be described as Aventura’s Reunion Ktchn Bar’s hip new sister, carrying on some traditions and delivering new delights uniquely her own. Husband-and-wife team Cesar Olivo and Adriana Perez Benatar, along with brother-in-law Samuel Perez Benatar, made it possible for locals to find great internationally-inspired fare and masterfully-executed craft cocktails. What diners and imbibers can expect: a multitudinous world-spanning menu of tapas-offerings, exquisite craft cocktails, polished service and a chic décor and ambiance. Executed by Chef Adriana Cisneros the varied menu features cuisine from around the globe. The bar program, helmed by Head Bartender Luis Cubas, features a robust selection of handcrafted libations. The 2,303-square-foot space offers ample indoor and outdoor seating; K67 also has a private dining room for up to 10 guests. Korner 67 is located at 6769 Main Street in Miami Lakes. www.korner67.com.
Tacocraft
With the New Year, 2022 will welcome growth, change and the continued evolution of the Broward dining scene, beginning with the expansion of South Florida’s beloved Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar. Come February 2022, Handcrafted Hospitality will open the fourth installment of its wildly-successful Mexican concept, signaling a game-changing addition to West Broward at Plantation Walk, the city’s recently reconstructed luxury development for dining, shopping and socializing. With established locations in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale by the Sea and South Miami, the opening of the fourth location will mark another victory for seasoned restauranter and Handcrafted Hospitality founder Marc Falsetto and partners Anthony Bruno, Pat Marzano, Dan Marino and Paul Castronova. Sure to become a go-to destination for locals and neighboring cities with its notorious energetic ambience, the 4,000-square-foot space will be the largest location for the concept and the first to have both indoor and outdoor bars, as well as two patios. With abundant seating, the lively atmosphere beckons guests to indulge in the eatery’s vibrant menu of guacamoles, tacos, raw bar, snacks and entrées, as well as its handcrafted margaritas and cocktails, and extensive collection of over 200 tequilas. Tacocraft will be located at 321 North University Drive in the new Plantation Walk. www.tacocraft.com/
“The Woodstock of Eating”: Smorgasburg Debuts in Wynwood
Smorgasburg, the largest open air food market in America with locations in New York and Los Angeles, is launching in Miami in the heart of Wynwood at 2612 NW Second Avenue in March 2022. A play on the Swedish “smorgasbord” meaning a wide array of foods, and the location for the market’s debut in Williamsburg in 2011, Smorgasburg instantly became a popular destination for New Yorkers regularly drawing upwards of 10,000 weekend visitors in search of a great afternoon of eating, drinking and meeting up with friends. Smorgasburg Miami will be open on Saturdays from 11AM to 6PM and will occupy prime real estate in the epicenter of Wynwood — adjacent to the Wynwood Walls, the 50,000 square-foot park-like setting will ultimately host 60 food vendors and about 10 interesting retail vendors. Staying true to the brand’s fundamental views, the market will be “By Miami, For Miami,” the bulk of the vendors will be local with a smattering of some beloved concepts that were hatched in Brooklyn and L.A. Some of the confirmed vendors visitors can expect to see include, Ted’s Burgers; Drinking Pig BBQ; Sandwiches from Eleventh Street Pizza; The Sister Yard; El Diner Latino by the team behind La Natural; The Maiz Project; and Bona Bona Ice Cream from New York. For more information, visit https://www.smorgasburgmiami.
Ogawa
Art dealer & restaurateur Alvaro Perez Miranda is getting ready to open the newest addition to his growing portfolio of Japanese restaurants, Ogawa, in January 2022 in the Little River community. Ogawa, which translates to Little River, will be rooted in the exquisite simplicity of authentic and traditional Japanese Omakase. Designed by Alvaro in collaboration with Design Core Studios, Ogawa promises to be Miami’s newest, highly coveted dining experience. The 12-seat intimate restaurant will offer a unique epicurean experience meticulously crafted by Master Chef Masayuki Komatsu, Ogawa will use the finest seasonal ingredients direct from Japan accompanied by Suntory’s finest whiskeys, and for the first time on the east coast, Suntory’s Premium Malts beer. The specialty Suntory menu will be complemented by a boutique sake and wine list curated by Partner/Sommelier Luis Martinez. Ogawa will also house a private Japanese garden designed by Akiko Iwata, which will feature one-of-a-kind Nihonga art pieces by Ryota Unno and a Kakejiku scroll by calligraphy artist Keika Ogawa. Reservations will be available on exploretock.com
Sexy Fish
Sexy Fish is opening its first U.S. outpost in Brickell this fall. The restaurant plans to serve a Japanese-influenced menu created by chef Bjoern Weissgerber, who helped lead the kitchen at Zuma Miami when it first opened in 2010. The restaurant will feature plenty of its popular dishes from its original location such as duck salad, vegetarian sushi, smoked tuna belly, black cod, King crab, and cheesecake. For updates and more information, visit sexyfishmiami.com
F1 Miami Grand Prix
Organizers of the Formula 1® Miami Grand Prix have confirmed that their first event will be held on May 6-8, 2022. As with all rounds of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship TM, the action will be split across all three days, with Practice on Friday, Qualifying on Saturday, and the Grand Prix on Sunday, together with a host of other action and entertainment throughout the weekend. For tickets and more information, visit f1miamigp.com
CitzenM Miami Worldcenter
CitzenM Miami Worldcenter opens this Spring 2022. The new citizen Miami World Center hotel is superbly located in Miami’s newest and most exciting development, the Miami World Center. CitizenM opens this spring with its ‘affordable luxury’ approach to hotel stays – where all the hospitality cliches are gone, and what remains is the very best of its kind. Soon, all 351 app-controlled bedrooms, a rooftop bar and fitness center, and a designer living room will be open for booking. For reservations and more information visit, citizen.com
NEW MENUS
Cervecería La Tropical Launches Friday Lunch
The popular Wynwood brewery has debuted lunch service on Fridays beginning at 12PM. Guests will now be able to kick off the weekend early and enjoy Chef Cindy Hutson’s Latin-Caribbean favorites and La Tropical’s growing list of crafted brews. Not-to-be-missed menu staples include Skin Roasted Maduros ($9) with chipotle glaze with an optional addition of pulled pork for $9 more; Cuban Sandwich Empanadas ($12) with yellow mustard aioli; La Original Ambar Lager Steamed Mussels ($24) with shallots, peppers and chorizo; Latin Lovers Flatbread ($15) with pulled pork, chorizo, churrasco and citrus onions; and Certified Angus Beef Trifecta Burger ($16) with ground brisket, chuck, short rib and tamarind BBQ ketchup on a brioche bun. Cervecería La Tropical is located at 42 NE 25th Street in Wynwood. www.cervecerialatropical.com
Macchialina
Nestled on the fray of South Beach’s north-south artery, Alton Road, Macchialina reigns as one of Miami’s most approachable, Chef-driven eateries serving up ambitious, Italian fare. The popular neighborhood gem is shaking things up in the new year with the unveiling of a new cocktail list slated to launch in January 2022. Spearheading the award-winning bar program at the rustic Italian hotspot is bar maven and Italian-wine devotee, Managing Partner, Jacqueline Pirolo and the newest addition of the Macchialina team, Head Bartender and libation mastermind, Eric Vincent – formerly of Sparrow at the Dalmar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, a high-end cocktail concept conceptualized by the minds behind the New York City institution, Death & Co. Eric’s approach focuses on simplicity and was designed to compliment Macchialina’s ever changing, seasonal menu. The new list is an inventive take on classic Italian cocktails that are elevated through balance and precise execution, all while celebrating Italy’s native spirits. Naturally, there is an emphasis on Aperitivo-style cocktails as they provide a refreshing addition to a meal at Macchialina. Italian staples like Negronis, Spritzes, Americanos, and Sbagliatos can also be found in new form on the revamped list. In addition to aperitivi upgrades, the new Martini list will showcase the numerous iterations of the cocktail through Eric’s lens with Italy always in mind. Highlights include but are certainly not limited to Green Gold – Grey Goose Vodka, Italicus Bergamot Liqueur, Pistachio Orgeat, Lemon Juice, Sparkling Water; Care’s Away – Caraway-infused Cocchi Americano, Bombay Sapphire, Rittenhouse Rye, Heirloom Pineapple Amaro; and Medicina Della Madre – Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Lemon Juice, Ginger Syrup, Giffard Banane, Galliano L’Autentico. Macchialina is located at 820 Alton Road on Miami Beach. Dinner is served Monday through Friday at 6PM, 5PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Telephone: (305) 534-2124; www.macchialina.com
Phuc Yea
Phuc Yea, the critically acclaimed, modern-Vietnamese mainstay from executive chef/co-owner Cesar Zapata and co-owner Aniece Meinhold are ringing in the new year with stellar new offerings, reminding everyone why dinner time at their restaurant continues to be one of the hottest reservations in town. The refreshed dinner menu is as colorful, lively, vibrant and funky as Phuc Yea’s environs and soundtrack, with the duo’s tastes and ethnicities evident throughout. Highlights include Millionaire Fried Rice – black truffle, black pepper, chives, quail egg; Wagyu Churrasco – truffled lemongrass ponzu, Petrosian paddlefish caviar, Malden Sea salt; and Char Siu Roasted Black Cod – house-made BBQ sauce, honey, nuoc cham, soy, lemongrass, citrus. New to the cocktail list are several inventive concoctions perfect for the season. Highlights include Pass the Diesel (Espresso Martini) – Grey Goose Vodka, Cardamaro liqueur, espresso cordial, dulce de leche; An Old Man Named Gio – Havana Club Anejo, mint, basil, lime, Alta Vista Rose Brut, Angostura bitters; 90 Miles – Havana Club Anejo, Fernet Branca, minted cola reduction, quinine, house carbonated; Bird of Paradise – Plantation & Smith + Cross Rum Blend, strawberry Campari, pineapple, allspice, lime; and Mezcalita – Amaras Espadin Mezcal, passionfruit, red bell pepper, Thai bird chili, lime, dulce de leche. Phuc Yea is located at 7100 Biscayne Boulevard in Miami. Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday, Sunday brunch is served Noon to 3PM. Telephone: (305) 602-3710; www.phucyea.com.
Rusty Pelican
Key Biscayne’s landmark dining destination, The Rusty Pelican, is celebrating the arrival of 2022 with delicious and new dishes launching this year. The menu changes encompass all meal periods with the majority of new options found on the expansive dinner menu. For raw bar aficionados, new on the restaurant’s already-impressive raw bar menu – Nikkei Salmon Tartare. Brunch is also benefiting from some menu upgrades including two new raw bar options – Medium Florida Stone Crabs with mustard celery salt and aji amarillo and freshly-shucked Pink Moon Oysters. A top tier temptation is the Pink Brick – Wagyu carpaccio served with black truffle butter and smoky chimichurri; prepared tableside on a brick of pink Himalayan salt. Other new starters include Crab Cake with roasted garlic and mustard aioli, and Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Thai chili. Heartier plates include the Roasted Chicken served with honey roasted root vegetables and sweet potato puree; and The Progressive featuring four standout cuts of beef grilled to perfection (Filet Mignon, Ribeye, Prime Skirt Steak and Mishima Wagyu Hanger Steak); Board for Two, featuring a Whole Fried Snapper, Lobster and Shrimp Risotto, Certified Angus Beef NY Strip and smoked sweet plantain mash. For those looking for a vegan entree, the Honey Roasted Root Vegetables with sweet potato puree, almondine and preserved lemon, can be a vegetarian main plate or the perfect accompaniment to fresh fish or steak entrées. Also debuting on the “sides” list, a flavor-packed Loaded Twice-Baked Potato with truffle mashed potato, Bowfin caviar, vodka crème fraiche – add freshly shaved truffle for additional $12.
Oscar Amaya, Rusty Pelican’s Beverage Director has concocted a new list of tableside cocktails that are sure to wow. The three delicious and Instagram-worthy options include: Belle: Ketel One Grapefruit & Rose Botanical, St. Germain Elderflower, clarified lemon juice, essence of rose and plumeria; Maracuya: Passion Fruit Vodka, passion fruit, purple basil, tarragon, Szechuan flower; and Up In Smoke: Ilegal Joven Mezcal, Pedro Ximenez, Gonzalez Byass, Old Fashioned syrup, dehydrated blood orange, caramelized fig, smoked eucalyptus oak. Rusty Pelican is located at 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne. Lunch and Dinner are served daily; Brunch available on Saturday and Sunday. Happy Hour takes place Monday to Thursday, 4PM to 6:30PM. Telephone: (305) 361-3818; www.therustypelican.com.
EXCITING NEW PROMOTIONS & PROGRAMMING
Cervecería La Tropical Salsa Competition
To kick off 2022, Cervecería La Tropical will be introducing a Salsa Night with a competition component taking place the last Wednesday of the month from January through March. Dancers from all over South Florida are invited to take part in the Salsa Competition for a chance to win a noteworthy Grand Prize valued at $5,000. The prize will include a 3-night, 4-day stay at The Cliff, an exclusive boutique luxury property on the western most point of Jamaica; round trip airfare for two from Miami to Montego Bay; round trip transportation from Sangster International Airport to the hotel; welcome drinks; breakfast; and 25% off food and beverage. Salsa Night will begin on Wednesday, January 26 at 8PM with a one-hour salsa class by Miami Salsa Events. Guests will then be given an hour to social dance and practice before the competition at 10PM. The audience will select the top eight (8) couples who will proceed to the second round, taking place on Wednesday, February 23. The third and final round will conclude the competition with the top four (4) couples competing on Wednesday, March 30 for the grand prize. There will be an entry fee of $50 per couple, which includes two (2) beers and an appetizer on the first night of the competition. Couples may enter the competition in advance or day-of at the brewery. Guests who want to partake in the festivities without competing are welcome to join by purchasing a $10 general admission ticket, which includes a complimentary beer valued at $7. Tickets for general entry can be purchased at the door. Cervecería La Tropical is located at 42 NE 25th Street in Wynwood. www.cervecerialatropical.com
Crafted by Corsair Beer Dinner Series
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is kicking off the New Year by bringing back Crafted by Corsair, the popular monthly Beer Dinner Series at CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar. For craft beer enthusiasts and gourmands alike, this monthly event promises unparalleled culinary delights paired with quaffs from South Florida’s most acclaimed microbreweries in a relaxed, sophisticated environment. The first dinner will take place on Thursday, January 27 at 7:30PM featuring select pours from Wynwood Brewing, the first craft production brewery in Wynwood located in the heart of Miami’s Arts District. Brews will be paired with a 4-course menu meticulously crafted by Corsair Kitchen & Bar’s Executive Chef Gordon Maybury and Chef de Cuisine Derrick Connor. The first three breweries to be featured in the 2022 monthly series include: Wynwood Brewing (January 27), Cervecería La Tropical (February 17) and J. Wakefield Brewing (Thursday, March 24). Crafted by Corsair dinners will begin at 7:30PM and are priced at $58 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Seating is limited; reservations are required and can be made by calling (786) 279-6800. CORSAIR Kitchen + Bar is located in the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa at 19999 W Country Club Drive in Aventura. www.jwturnberry.com
InterAct @ InterContinental Miami
Miami’s iconic downtown hotel InterContinental Miami is kicking off 2022 with a lineup of exciting InterAct @ InterCon programming for guests and locals at the property to enjoy throughout the week and weekend. On Wednesdays at 5PM, beginning January 12, treat your pooch to a tail waggin’ good time at Paws Patio on the Bayside Terrace. The open-air activation is free to attend and will feature water bowls and puppy play dates as well as a cash bar offering ‘Pup-tails’ including Dirty Dog Martini’s and Mutt Mules for the dog parents. Put on your dancing shoes and dance the night away on Thursdays at 6:30PM as the hotel hosts Salsa Night in the Brickell Ballroom. Enjoy an evening of live entertainment including a DJ spinning Salsa and Merengue classics, small bites and drink specials, hand-rolled cigars and complimentary salsa lessons. Admission to attend is free; drinks and cigars will be priced a la carte. Travel to the lobby level for Happy Hour at Toro Toro to enjoy $5 beers, $6 select wines by the glass, and $8 select cocktails, Tuesday to Saturday from 4PM to 7PM. On Sundays from 12PM to 4PM, indulge in Toro Toro’s Pan-Latin flavors at its unlimited brunch buffet. For more information on InterAct @ InterCon programming, visit www.icmiamihotel.com/play. InterContinental Miami is located at 100 Chopin Plaza in downtown Miami. Telephone: (305) 577-1000
