It seems like everyone I know is heading to Miami right now—which, along with the fact that NYC weather has been more than chilly—is exactly why I (also) planned a weekend trip with my friends and brother to Florida’s most visited city. After several days of incredible meals, cocktails, and pool hangs, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite spots. Without further ado, here are some places, definitely worth adding to your Miami itinerary.
Uchi Miami, created by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, is located in Wynwood—about a 30-minute Uber from South Beach, making it a no-brainer if you’re looking to venture beyond the area. It’s a sleek, modern Japanese restaurant that takes sushi and Japanese cuisine to another level. The menu covers everything from nigiri and sashimi to vegetable sides like bok choy and heartier options like pork belly. If you’re looking for more of an experience, the chef’s tasting menu (omakase) is the way to go—but even just ordering a few rolls and small plates is a win (just don’t forget to order the fried milk for dessert).
If you’re looking for a high-energy spot with a moody atmosphere, Komodo is the place to go. Located in Brickell, this upscale restaurant serves everything from raw salmon tacos to melt-in-your-mouth short rib and crab lo mein. The space itself is a whole vibe—dimly lit, buzzy, and perfect for a night out. It also has a large bar area and a lounge, so you can easily keep the night going after dinner, or grab a cocktail beforehand.
Photo by Nea Arentzen
We started with the raw salmon tacos (a must, I could’ve eaten ten), shishito peppers, and wagyu beef dumplings, which all disappeared in minutes. For mains, we ordered garlic king crab lo mein and two short ribs (which come with lettuce leaves, pickled red cabbage, and a miso dipping sauce for making lettuce cups). The short rib is not cheap ($110), but it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, packed with deep, savory flavor, and large enough to have leftovers (which I happily delivered to my jetlagged brother). My only regret? Not swapping one of the duplicate orders for something new.
While drinking on the beach and splurging on rich food all day is great, sometimes you just need something fresh. Enter SunLife Organics, a juice and smoothie spot known for its high-quality, organic ingredients—and former employee at their LA location, Bella Hadid.
I wasn’t sure if we’d make it there, but after an unintentionally lengthy walk, we finally got our hands on a Bliss Bowl and a peanut butter chocolate protein smoothie. While both were great, I also had my eye on the S’mores Smoothie—made with coconut sorbet, vanilla plant protein, coconut cream, chocolate spread, and hemp granola. Next time.
Esme is a cozy, chic boutique hotel just a five-minute walk from the beach, and it more than lives up to the images on its website. While we didn’t stay at the Spanish-Mediterranean-style hotel, we did venture up to their rooftop cocktail lounge at sunset for pre-dinner drinks. It was the perfect way to start the evening—great energy, fun music, and a setting that just begs for a photo op (which, of course, I took full advantage of).
Usually a tequila girl, I’ve been surprisingly into vodka lately so I immediately ordered the My Lemon Martini. I don’t normally love martinis, but this one was more of a balanced cocktail despite its stronger vodka pour. If you’re into gin, the Clover Club 18—made with gin, lime, and raspberry—was also a hit.
If you’re reading this, Joe’s Stone Crab is likely already on your radar. It’s one of the highest-earning restaurants in the country, pulling in around $50 million a year—and when you walk in, you can see why. The place is massive, yet every corner feels full of life. You’re greeted by a lively bar packed with guests in beach-formal attire while servers—in black-and-red tuxedos, adorned with diamond crab pins—navigate the space with effortless precision. As you make your way to your table, it feels like the restaurant just keeps going—one room opening into another, each packed with diners cracking into giant claws.
Photo by Nea Arentzen
Our server, Sebastian, greeted us with a quick rundown of Joe’s history and his top recommendations (always appreciated). We kicked things off with a round of appetizers—mussels, spinach artichoke dip, and coconut shrimp, all immediate hits. For mains, we obviously went all in on the crab, which arrived with classic sides: creamy spinach, buttery hashbrowns, and—you guessed it—more butter. In a moment of impulse, we also ordered fried chicken and fries because, well, why not?
Before the food arrived, we (very) eagerly accepted the offer of bibs—some might pass, but it’s part of the experience. If you’re planning to go, book early and keep an eye out on the reservations as it fills up quickly.
Whether you’re staying there or just stopping by for the day, the Fontainebleau is worth checking out if you’re after a dreamy poolside scene. Picture endless lounge chairs, multiple pools, a Mediterranean-style outdoor restaurant and bar, and plenty of cabanas to post up at. If you want a classic Miami pool day, this is it.
