The sun hangs low, casting a golden sheen on the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay. Palm trees sway in the balmy breeze, whispering secrets of exotic adventures. In the distance, a symphony of horns and laughter spills from the heart of Miami, beckoning you to a nautical paradise. Aye, bucko, you’ve stumbled upon the Miami International Boat Show, the grandest galleon of seafaring dreams in the seven seas!

The Miami International Boat Show is casting anchor from February 14th to 18th, 2024, transforming Biscayne Bay into a dazzling ocean of gleaming vessels, swashbucklin’ adventures, and Miami’s infectious joie de vivre.

Whether you’re a seasoned skipper or a landlubber with a yearning for the open seas, this guide will be your compass through the show’s choppy waters. From anchoring at a pirate-worthy hotel to plundering the tastiest grub and unearthing hidden gems of Miami’s vibrant soul, prepare to chart a course for an unforgettable four-day escapade.

Where to Eat…

Miami’s New Restaurants

Kissaki, offering reimagined omakase sushi and kaiseki traditions, recently opened their first location in Miami serving up fresh dishes honoring Japanese cuisine.  

Mirabella, helmed by award-winning Chef Michael While and located in Fontainebleau Miami Beach, offers the freshest flavors of land and sea with its Italian coastal cuisine. 

Pastis, an iconic eatery offering French classics and a Parisian aesthetic to one of Miami’s booming neighborhoods, Wynwood.

SHINGO, located inside the historic La Palma building in Coral Gables, this intimate, 14-seat, omakase restaurant offers an 18-course dining experience featuring traditional Japanese nigiri, seasonal sashimi and Yakimono dishes with premium sake pairings.

Branja (Eater Miami’s Best New Restaurant), an imaginative Israeli restaurant and bar in Upper Buena Vista serving bold and creative globally-inspired cuisine from Masterchef Israel winner Tom Aviv

 

Tried and true restaurants to hit in the city 

Papi Steak, where Golder Era Hollywood swagger meets modern day Miami, serves elevated contemporary twists on classic chophouse dishes in partnership with David Grutman and David “Papi” Einhorn to great an over the top dining experience. 

Aba brings Mediterranean cuisine to Miami’s Bal Harbour shops. Paying homage to Chef  CJ Jacobson’s California roots with a Middle Eastern fusion, Aba offers fresh and light flavors.

Klaw introduces a new wave of luxe surf and turf, featuring internationally-sourced Norwegian shellfish and a multitude of shared plates with meat originating from Nebraska ranchers with seasonal dishes rounding out the menu.

Beauty & The Butcher showcases Chef Jeremy Fords’ Michelin-starred cuisine with an upscale seasonal menu which adds to this elevated dine experience in the Coral Gables.

Stubborn Seed features an inventive menu of rotating dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients. In Miami’s South of Fifth neighborhood, this Michelin-starred restaurant provides guests with a unique and unmatched experience.

Osaka Miami, Brickell’s hotspot, blends to perfection the millenary precision of Japanese techniques with the unique flavors of Peruvian cuisine.

Bakan Wynwood transports guests to Mexico with its earthy, artsy, modern space offering a wide variety of authentic dishes, expansive mezcal and tequila offerings, and handcrafted tortilla selection.

Santorini by Georgios, Located in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood at the Hilton Bentley South Beach, Santorini by Georgios prides itself on offering fresh and authentic Greek fare including seafood, grilled meats and hand crafted cocktails.

Koko by Bakan, a restaurant and bar located in the lush Coconut Grove, offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere to enjoy an authentic Mexican experience with its artistic design and an outdoor bar and terrace.

MOTEK brings the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean to Miami with a focus on freshness and thoughtful cuisine. With locations in Aventura, Coral Gables and a brand new location in Brickell, the restaurant offers convenience in a luxury setting. 

Hutong, located in the heart of Brickell, Hutong serves occasionally fiery Northern Chinese dishes in a chic space inspired by the vibrant Miami art scene 

WATR, located at 1 Hotel South Beach and sitting 18 stories in the sky, offers Japanese-influenced cuisine with a moody atmosphere for a day to night experience. 

 

Best Views of the Show… Waterfront Dining

Casadonna, a waterfront restaurant and bar from David Grutman’s Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality serving coastal Italian cuisine with day-to-night dock and dine access for any size vessel. To reserve a slip and arrive by boat, please contact Casadonna’s dock master at 786-869-0158 or marina@casadonnamiami.com.

The Rooftop By Klaw, on the 6th floor of the historic Miami Woman’s Club building lies Klaw’s mesmerizing and inviting outdoor rooftop oasis, the Rooftop by Klaw. Whether you’re in the mood for a luxe rooftop brunch, happy hour, a lively and elegant dinner scene or simply expansive breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and fresh air, the Rooftop by Klaw is the ultimate outdoor dining rooftop hotspot in the magic city. 

Tala Beach, the iconic beachfront venue at 1 Hotel South Beach offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes and handcrafted cocktails to enjoy surrounded by the swaying palms and beats from notable DJs. 

Bayshore Club, is one of Coconut Grove’s newest waterfront dining destination that offers sweeping views of Biscayne Bay accompanied by an extensive menu. With three levels of “stadium-style” seating, all guests can enjoy the best seat in the house while enjoying seafood fare like the iconic Island Conch Fritters and “Yankee Style” Lobster Roll. 

Rusty Pelican Miami has been boasting delicious contemporary American cuisine with locally sourced seafood, expertly crafted cocktails and incredible skyline and waterfront views since 1972. It is a beloved hotspot for locals and tourists alike.

 

Where to Stay…

  • Fontainebleau Miami Beach offers guests a one-of-a-kind stay with a blend of Golden Era glamour and modern luxury featuring lavish interiors, delicious restaurants, spectacular oceanfront views and a full day to night experience. 
  • 1 Hotel South Beach, located steps away from the ocean in the heart of South Beach, offers a nature inspired getaway with luxe amenities, unique dining experiences including seven food and beverage options with sustainability always top of mind.
  • Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach, originally designed in the 1950s by famed “Miami Modern” architect Morris Lapidus, the new South Beach oceanfront hotel is a faithful nod to the Golden Age of Miami’s mid-century oceanfront glamor
  • The Goodtime Hotel for good times day and night at Pharrell Williams and David Grutman’s buzzing South Beach boutique hotel, retail, and live music destination.
  • W Miami for an urban oasis in the heart of Brickel boasting panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami.

And where to play…

Swan Upstairs, Komodo Lounge, and David Grutman & Bad Bunny’s Gekkō Lounge for the ultimate socialite experience and intimate DJ performances. 

LIV has redefined nightlife on Miami Beach by fusing the appeal of an ultra exclusive lounge and a high-energy nightclub located in the Fontainebleau Miami Beach with notable performances every week by iconic DJs, rappers, and more. 

Joia Beach, the vibrant, day-to-night restaurant and beach club in a hidden enclave on Watson Island and the only private beachfront oasis in Miami where guests can dine with their toes in the sand. Arrivals by yacht must be booked at the time of reservation for assistance with tender arrangements. For reservations, contact 305-400-7280 or reservations@joiabeachclub.com

The Pool at Strawberry Moon at The Goodtime Hotel offers high-energy pool parties, live sets, and delicious Mediterranean-inspired bites and cocktails. 

Ball & Chain, the renowned live-music venue located in Miami’s iconic “Calle Ocho,” is a vibrant and lively destination where guests are invited to experience a variety of Cuban-inspired dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and daily live music and entertainment.