With Miami Swim Week 2022 on its way to make a splash this July 14-21, visitors and locals alike can enjoy lunch, happy hour, dinner and more at a handful of SoFlo spots in-between the fashionable festivities. Below we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to dine around the city during this year’s Miami Swim Week.
Chotto Matte
Global restaurant brand Chotto Matte celebrates the best of Nikkei cuisine through its electric and dynamic atmosphere. The Japanese-Peruivian destination is the perfect spot to continue the Swim Week excitement by dining from its a la carte menu and craft cocktail collection. Additionally, Chotto Matte is offering its new summer social hour this season, just in time for Swim Week. Every weekday from 4 – 7 p.m., the special menu features $14 crafted cocktails, wines by the glass for $10 and BOGO on the Tokyo to Lima cocktail list, as well as small bites for the entire table to share.
Address: 1666 Lenox Ave. #1664, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Villa Azur
Only a 15 minute walk from the Faena Forum, Miami Beach’s elegant European supper club Villa Azur whisks guests away to the French Riviera with its Mediterranean cuisine and exciting entertainment. This year, Miami Swim Week 2022 is taking place during Villa Azur’s exclusive weekly summer series L’ete en Or, meaning “The Golden Summer.” The traditional French experience takes place Wednesday through Sunday from 6:30 – 9 p.m, pairing Château Minutey rosé with oysters and Petrossian caviar as part of two exclusive dining options, FRESH & FLIRTY ($145 or $260) and LE SOMPTUEUX ($270 or $385). Live music will set the scene in the restaurant’s romantic dining room and lush courtyard, bringing the French Apéro to Miami Beach.
Address: 309 23rd St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Kosushi
Created by 5x Michelin Star Award-Winning Chef George Koshoji, Kosushi gives guests the chance to experience a modern twist on the authentic qualities of Japanese dishes by incorporating Brazilian flavors. Kosushi presents high-quality ingredients through its artfully designed menu, from cool and hot tastings featuring wagyu to king crab, to a cocktail selection created by the talented Brazilian mixologist Márcio Silva. The restaurant’s sushi bar centerpiece showcases Kosushi’s talented chefs preparing each order, providing another show to add to Miami Swim Week’s list.
Address: 801 South Pointe Dr Unit #105, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Fratelli La Bufala
Hungry Swim Week guests can hop on over to Miami’s first Neapolitan pizzeria and staple Fratelli La Bufala for authentic Italian pizzas, pastas and more. Each pizza pie is cooked with the authentic technique of using a wood-fired oven, giving every bite a taste of Naples right from Miami. While Fratelli does the classics justice — from the cheesy Burrata ($24) to the Margherita ($14) — Fratelli’s expansive menu includes gourmet pizzas topped with various cheeses, meats and vegetables, and signature risotto sure to melt in your mouth, including Porcini and Truffle Risotto ($28) or the Seafood Risotto ($30).
Address: 437 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Mehzcla at The Balfour Hotel
Mehzcla’s lush outdoor courtyard is the perfect place to stop and enjoy Latin-fusion Happy Hour specials while in Miami Beach, just a few minutes from the hottest swim week events. Mehzcla is known for its attention to detail, which is reflected in its immaculate presentation of dishes and cocktails to complement a fusion of flavors, making Mehzcla our top pick for Latin food in South Beach. Happy Hour spans from 4 – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and offers a wide range of discounted dishes and drinks to enjoy; $5 bites include Costillas, baby-back ribs with garlic-chili glaze, scallions and sesame, as well as Ahi Tuna mini tacos, with wonton, ginger-sesame, yuzu-crema and caviar. Additionally, the Happy Hour menu offers $4 American and craft brews; $6 wine and craft cocktails like classic sangria, rum runners and margaritas; and $7 signature Mehzcla cocktails like the Nitro Mule and Smoked Old Fashioned.
Address: 350 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
2 Korean Girls at Shelborne South Beach
Need a quick bite while running from event to event during Miami Swim Week? 2 Korean Girls is a to-go pop-up restaurant (at Shelborne Hotel South Beach) making it the perfect destination for a delicious meal – and craft cocktail – while hopping from one swim week event to the next. It serves modern Korean specialties and Bibimbap inspired bowls derived from generations-old family recipes and happens to be the very first restaurant of its kind in Miami. The menu alone will have your mouth watering, with some of the highlights including: 2KG Korean Fried Chicken Sammies, two crispy Korean fried chicken thighs served on a toasted potato bun topped with sweet and sour radish, cucumber kimchi and kewpie mayo; Korean Melon Salad, a refreshing mixture of kale and napa cabbage massaged with sesame dressing, topped with white onion, shredded carrots, Korean melon and toasted black sesame seeds; and of course, the signature Bibimbap bowl, the O.B.
Address: 1801 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139
MIAMI
EST.33 Thai Craft Brewery & Kitchen
Named the 2021 “Best Restaurant in Brickell” by the Miami New Times, EST.33 Thai Craft Brewery & Kitchen harmoniously blends distinctive Thai flavors with the culinary traditions of American barbeque, creating a warm and casual atmosphere to enjoy a meal during this year’s Swim Week. Dinner will find guests dining on dishes that combine Asian spices with hickory wood tastes, from Red Curry Crab Croquettes ($16) to Lobster Jungle Curry ($44). Signature craft beers brewed in-house at the restaurant’s on-site brewery include prized pints like the Legend Lager ($7) and 33 Pale Ale ($7).
Address: 701 S Miami Ave, Unit 412A Brickell City Centre, Miami, FL 33131
Negroni Midtown
Kick back and relax at Midtown Miami’s favorite local hotspot, Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar, to enjoy a diverse international comfort food menu amongst a Nekkei sushi bar, focusing on tastes from Japan to Peru. Coinciding with Miami Swim Week 2022 is Negroni’s brand new summer happy hour available every day from 4 – 7 p.m. The limited menu features an exclusive selection of signature food and drink priced at only $8, with craft beer at $6. For breakfast lovers, Negroni also offers daily brunch.
Address: 3201 Buena Vista Blvd, Miami, FL 33127
Uchi Miami
Away from the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach, the award-winning Uchi Miami is located in the heart of Wynwood to present a modern and non-traditional take on Japanese cuisine. Beyond classic sushi rolls and freshly caught sashimi, Uchi offers yasaimono, agemono, makimono, toyosu, one of a kind specials and a multi-course omakase selection. Happy hour takes place daily from 5 – 6:30 p.m., serving half-off all sparkling wine and champagne to spritz up each evening, perfect to indulge in before or after any Swim Week event. Reservations are encouraged on Uchi’s dine-in page or by calling (305) 995-0915.
Address: 252 NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33127
Rosie’s: The Backyard
Rosie’s: The Backyard is a must-visit if you’re in Miami for Swim Week. Helmed by culinary experts Chef Akino and Jamila West, Rosie’s: The Backyard features an array of Southern brunch classics with a subtle Italian twist. A few favorites from the menu include the Wild Mushroom Polenta ($19), a creamy blend of roasted mushrooms topped with a poached egg and garnished with charred kale, parmesan cheese and herb gremolata for a fresh kick; or if you’re in the mood for something sweet, try the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes ($15) topped with macerated berries, creamy ricotta and toasted pistachios for a crunch. Rosie’s: The Backyard recently opened their first brick and mortar location in Little River so you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit.
Address: 7127 NW 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33150
Verde at Pérez Art Museum Miami
Verde, located within the Pérez Art Museum, is as picture-perfect as the museum itself. The waterfront restaurant is known for having one of the best views in Miami accompanied by elevated Mediterranean-American bites and craft cocktails made with the freshest local ingredients, making it the perfect pit stop for your stay in Miami. Grab lunch from the garden-inspired menu and take in the sweeping views of Biscayne Bay before returning to the Swim Week festivities. Some of the most popular menu items we recommend include: The Miami Benedict ($22), mojo pork croquette, pickles, poached eggs and dijon fonduta accompanied by a side salad; The Aubergine ($14), a mediterranean-style pizza topped with roasted eggplant, lemon ricotta, oven roasted grape tomatoes and fresh oregano; The Piña Mojito ($16), a refreshing mix of fermented pineapple, mint, thai basil and bacardi superior rum; and end on a sweet note with the signature Butterscotch Budino ($12) dessert with blood orange, salted caramel and candied walnut dukkah.
Address: 1103 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33132
