Bizcaya was a buzzy Coconut Grove hotspot under founding chef Willis
Sure, Little Havana's Versailles may be better known,
but this spot in South Beach is a local favorite. Along with the fantastic cafecito (that toxically
sweet, caffeine-charged Cuban pick-me-up), David's serves perfectly pressed,
meaty Cuban sandwiches with extra-crunchy pickles, and fresh-squeezed tropical
juices. Aside from the always-busy takeout window (a snapshot of South Beach
society day and night, with buff boys jostling with beach workers and the
occasional curious tourist), there are a few stools at the Formica counter
here if you want to linger. For a full meal, trot over to the satellite branch
a few blocks away, where fancier staples like ropa vieja are offered in a
white-tablecloth dining room. � ME
This ramshackle family-run market-cum-caf� near the old docks serves the freshest fish anywhere in town �
little wonder, as the Garcias handle much of the fishing themselves. Either pull up a stool at the front,
or � better yet � wait for a table on the rear patio, with its haphazard wooden picnic tables, big umbrellas,
and spectacular view across the water. The wait, especially at lunchtime,
can be stomach-emptyingly long, but it's always worth it: From the creamy dip,
made from little more than fish scraps and mayo and served with crackers,
to the snapper fried in peanut oil, this is local seafood at its absolute best. � ME
Until recently, the only downside to living in one of the hyper-designed
bayfront condos that have cropped up in downtown's Brickell district was
the area's dearth of interesting eateries. That finally changed with
the opening of the upscale Spanish-Catalan Mosaico. The restaurant is
housed in an historic Mediterranean Revival building that was once a
firehouse; ask for a table on the large, airy second-floor patio.
Try the tangy seared tuna appetizer with fennel and Manchego cheese, or a thick, rich risottolike lobster arroz caldoso.
Be sure to save room for the offbeat petits fours, such as bite-sized ice cream lollipops,
that arrive with your coffee. � ME
Chef Jonathan Eismann was one of the pioneers in Lincoln Road's early '90s
revival, but while other hot spots from the area's heyday have either cooled
off or closed, Pacific Time is as popular and impressive as ever. The reason
is simple: terrific service and Eismann's hands-on attention in the kitchen.
The ambitious menu visits every country in the Pacific Rim, from Thailand and
China to Fiji; dishes like tender clams steamed in sake, Szechuan grilled
fish, and duck with ginger and scallion pancakes show off Eismann's deft way
with flavor. The simple loftlike space, with antiqued walls and a ceiling
painted a dazzling bright blue, keeps the attention on the food. � ME>
Hands down the hottest table in town right now, this clubby steakhouse is housed in a Miami Beach hotel that dates back to 1915. Despite the crowd of slick-haired expense-accounters and dressed-up scenesters, waiters in butcher's aprons, dark wood walls, and a Sinatra-heavy soundtrack give the place an old-school feel. The menu is equally traditional, featuring dry-aged prime beef in all its cuts and a vast raw bar. Owner Myles Chefetz claims to turn away 400 customers every Saturday, so be prepared to be waitlisted. If you do get in, try to snag one of the handful of spots on the patio out front to avoid the crowded dining room. � ME