While August and September are the slowest months in Miami, locals embrace the moment to enjoy no traffic, easy parking and delectable discounted eats during Miami Spice. Each summer, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau hosts this two-month-long dining promotion, featuring the best restaurants throughout the 305. Participants present their gourmet three-course menus for lunch ($28) and dinner ($42), and nearly 150 restaurants are confirmed for 2021. Now, in its twentieth year, Miami Spice has become an essential part of Miami’s social calendar. The promotion runs through September 30, and we suggest visiting their website to see the full details as some restaurants are only doing lunch or dinner, and only during certain days. We’ve curated a few of our favorites.
LE JARDINIER
Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli has brought his garden-inspired concept to Miami’s Design District for a one-of-a-kind culinary and sensory experience. Miami Spice is the perfect time to sample this sophisticated French restaurant and its vegetable-driven menu. Standout seasonal dishes include Chilled Corn Velouté, Watermelon & Grilled Peaches, Roasted Heritage Chicken Breast, Grilled Branzino and White Chocolate Cheesecake.
151 NE 41st St., Design District, 305-402-9060, 🔗www.lejardinier-miami.com
LOS FUEGOS
A modern Argentinian steakhouse created by grillmaster Francis Mallmann, Los Fuegos is a carnivore’s dream. Situated in the luxe Faena Hotel on Miami Beach, meat is cooked over an open fire in front of guests. It’s Miami Spice lunch and dinner menus include fiery dishes such as Charred Heirloom Tomato, Beef Empanada, Local Snapper A La Plancha, Wood Fired Chicken Liver Tartine and Dulce De Leche Napoleon. At dinner, guests can also enjoy the famous Parrillada (mixed grill of skirt steak, short rib, chorizo and snapper) for $35 extra per person (minimum two people).
3201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-655-5610, 🔗www.faena.com/miami-beach/dining/los-fuegos-by-francis-mallmann
NOVIKOV
Chinese and Japanese cuisine meet at this Downtown stunner. Known for its power lunch scene, socialites and real estate moguls perch in the elegant dining room for the highest quality sushi, seafood and dim sum, washed down with handcrafted cocktails. During Miami Spice (only available for lunch), guests can sample Shrimp & Cilantro Dim Sum, Brussels Sprouts & Crispy Pork, Branzino Cilantro Pesto, Vegetarian Singapore Noodle, Crispy Peking Duck and the Chef’s Ice Cream & Sorbet selection.
300 S. Biscayne Blvd., Downtown Miami, 305-489-1000, 🔗www.novikovmiami.com
MELINDA'S
This charming neighborhood eatery is a local’s paradise, especially the outdoor courtyard with its beautiful orchid garden. Executive Chef Bradley Spaulding’s menu features wood fired oven specialties and a raw bar. Their Miami Spice offerings include a cocktail in lieu of an appetizer—choose from Pepino Picante El Tinieblo, Mint Smokey Margarita, White Wine, Red Wine or Beer. When you’re hungry, order Melinda’s Ceviche, Kale Caesar Salad, Hand-Cut Angus Ribeye, Miso Butter-Basted Branzino and New York Style Cheesecake.
1306 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 305-377-2277
RED ROOSTER
All of Miami is buzzing about Marcus Samuelsson’s new Red Rooster. Located in Overtown, this homage to the historic neighborhood celebrates the local spirit and African American cuisine. Miami Spice highlights include “Chicken Fried” Green Tomatoes, Greens & Grains Salad, Grilled Coastal Fish, Fried Yard Bird and Viking Of The Keys (for dessert).
920 NW Second Ave., Overtown, 305-640-9880, 🔗www.redroosterovertown.com
KOMODO
Pan-Asian cuisine and a scene! David Grutman’s over-the-top restaurant is a three-story marvel, perfect for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and other joyous occasions. Serving Miami Spice for dinner, you can chow down on new classics like Cereal Rock Shrimp, Duck Lettuce Wraps, Wagyu Beef Dumplings, Spicy Yellowtail Roll, Korean Fried Chicken, Wild Mushroom Lo Mein and Five Spice Chocolate Lava Cake.
801 Brickell Ave., Downtown Miami, 305-534-2211, 🔗www.komodomiami.com/
SWAN
Owned by Pharrell Williams (yes, the music mogul) and David Grutman, this Design District gem is where the Ladies Who Lunch set gravitates to after a full day of shopping at nearby Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Prada. Serving Miami Spice for both lunch and dinner, options span Chilled King Crab Corn Soup, Burrata, Tuna Sashimi, Grilled Tiger Prawns, Pistachio Pizza, Chicken Cobb Salad, Blackened Fish Tacos and Milk Chocolate Panna Cotta.
90 NE 39th St., Design District, 305-704-0994, 🔗https://swanmiami.com/
JAGUAR
Renowned for its Latin American cuisine, Jaguar is at the top of the list for Miami locals. Ceviche is the star at this Coconut Grove favorite, plus grilled fish and steak. Miami Spice is offered for both lunch and dinner, with selections like Ceviche Black Market, Mexican Lasagna, Nuevo Shrimp Ceviche, Lomo Saltado and Flan De Queso.
3067 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, 305-444-0216, 🔗www.jaguarrestaurant.com
IL MULINO
Searching for old world Italian cuisine? Look no further than Il Mulino, one of the most romantic restaurants in Miami. Don’t fill up on the complimentary starters though, including huge chunks of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Miami Spice is served for both lunch and dinner with signature dishes like Rucola Salad, Burrata Caprese, Rigatoni Alla Bolognese, Scampi Alla Francese, Pollo Alla Milanese, Passion Fruit Panna Cotta and Torta Alla Ricotta.
17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach, 305-466-9191, 🔗www.ilmulino.com/miami
HAKKASAN
Serving elevated Chinese cuisine, Hakkasan is a stunning spot for dinner. Part of the Fontainebleau Hotel’s incredible dining scene, this is a splurge-worthy experience at Miami Spice prices. Start with the Dim Sum Basket or Crispy Almond Prawn, followed by Stir-Fried Snapper with Sanpei Sauce or Black Pepper Beef Tenderloin with Celery. Side dishes are included too, including Hakka Noodles with Mushrooms or Chicken Fried Rice with corn. For dessert, don’t miss the Mango Custard.
4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 877-326-7412, 🔗www.fontainebleau.com/dining/hakkasan/miami-beach-chinese-restaurants
