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The Ultimate Guide Mami Beach

Palm Trees Beach View

In Miami Beach, the charms of the past, pulse of the present, and marvels of the future commingle in a city that is full of surprises. While its image may be iconic and widespread, its reputation is often a misnomer of dated clichés. Thus, if you are seeking a more nuanced, accurate, and astute portrait of life here, look no further. It would be our pleasure to guide you forward. Indeed, the Miami Beach of today is unapologetic, fizzing with new creative frisson, and entirely yours to discover.

  • 08Arts & Culture

  • 16Dining

  • 24Nightlife

  • 32Shopping

  • 40Wellness

  • 48Outdoors

  • 56The City’s Change Agents

  • 90Culture Trip

  • 94Design Stars

  • 100Tunnel Vision

  • 104Miami Beach Rises Above

  • 110Miami Beach’s Hidden Gems

  • 112Quality of Life Index

  • 118Mayor Dan Gelber In Conversation

From visionaries

Consider this your definitive dossier on the best Miami Beach has to offer.

Wondering who makes the best caviar risotto in town? Where to dance until dawn? And where to recover the  next day? Look no further. 

who call

Mami Beach

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Consider this your definitive dossier

on the best Miami Beach has to offer

From visionaries

Consider this your definitive dossier

on the best Miami Beach has to offer

who call

From dining, to taking in the great outdoors, and shopping galore, here’s everything you need to know (and precisely where to go) to get the very best out of your time here and ensure you’ll never want to leave

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAD TORCHIA

Mami Beach

home.

Arts & Culture

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ART DECO HISTORIC DISTRICT

Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern styles harmonize in this pastel paradise. Like a peacock fanning out its whimsical feathers, there are over 800 buildings to explore across the area. It dates back to the 1920s, so we’d recommend a tour led by the Miami Design Preservation League to soak up all the history. 1001 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL

South Florida has one of the highest populations of Holocaust survivors in the US, many of them residing in Miami. The evocative Holocaust Memorial was designed by architect Kenneth Treister, who described it as “a series of outdoor spaces in which the visitor is led through a procession of visual,

historical, and emotional experiences.” Set in a lush garden, the memorial also includes a looming granite wall etched with the names of those who were lost, but never forgotten. 1933 - 1945 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-538-1663

MIAMI BEACH BOTANICAL GARDEN

This three-acre oasis is perfect for those seeking for some peace and quiet away from the hustle of South Beach. It’s also host to regular yoga classes, art workshops, and flea markets. Whether you’re looking to relax in downward dog or simply enjoy a shady stroll, “Miami Beach’s backyard” is just the spot. 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-673-7256

THE BASS CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM

This small but mighty museum houses contemporary art of all stripes: design, fashion, architecture, you name it. Just take the 40 foot tower of neon boulders (designed by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone) across the museum’s entrance—it makes the property rather difficult to miss. The Bass   showcases works from all over the globe, capturing the international spirit of Miami. 2100 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-673-7530

THE FILLMORE MIAMI BEACH

Rock and Roll meets zigzagging Art Deco in this grand 1950s concert space. As Miami Beach’s go-to for live music, it attracts classics like Madonnaand Lenny Kravitz, and currents like BANKS, Rap Caviar, and Rex Orange County (to name a few). In the early days, Frank Sinatra often

attend performances, setting the venue abuzz. 1700 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-673-7300.

ARTS & CULTURE

THE COLONY THEATRE

If you were heading to the movies in 1935, you’d find yourself at this impressive Art Deco institution. Today, the vintage space is managed by Miami New Drama, a not-for-profit theatre troupe presenting conversation-sparking performances designed for “audiences as diverse as the city itself.” 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-674-104

O CINEMA SOUTH BEACH

If you’re looking to fête the art of film, this intimate 50-seat theatre is just the ticket. This cinema- meets-gallery-meets-bookstore-meets-café is inside the former City Hall, dating back to 1927. With a historical edge, O Cinema South Beach also hosts art exhibitions, live performances, and smaller- scale film festivals. 1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 786-471-3269

THE VILLA CASA CASUARINA

This isn’t your average boutique hotel: it’s Gianni Versace’s former mansion, decadently designed to suit his extravagant tastes (vis-à-vis: 24-karat gold tiles trimming the pool and hand-painted murals adorning the walls). Though the villa is not open to the public for tours, they welcome guests to dine at their aptly titled restaurant, “Gianni’s.” 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 786-485-2200

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NEW WORLD CENTER

Frank Gehry lent his architectural genius to The New World Center, home to the prestigious New World Symphony music school. The sunlight-filled six-story structure is also a concert hall and flexible event space, overlooking the iconic Art Deco skyline. If you can’t snag a ticket to the symphony, you can catch the live stream at the neighboring SoundScape Park. 500 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-673-3330

MIAMI CITY BALLET

You don’t have to like the ballet to like the Miami City Ballet. As one of the most diverse classical ballet companies in the country, this corps boasts a robust cast of international dancers, many hailing from Latin America. The energetic artistic direction of Lourdes Lopez has been applauded, compelling the New York Times to remark that “the dancing of Miami City Ballet flies straight to the heart.” 2200 Liberty Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-929-7010 COLONY THEATRE ARTS & CULTURE

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THE WOLFSONIAN

What was once a 1930s South Beach warehouse is now The Wolfsonian,

a one-of-a-kind museum, library, and research center. Inside the mes-

merizing Mediterranean Revival structure, one will learn of the social,

political, and technological changes that have transformed society. As a

collector of curiosities, Founder Micky Wolfson established the museum

to explore “what it means to be modern.” 1001 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-531-1001

THE CONVENTION CENTER

Art Basel itself trusts the Miami Beach Convention Center to showcase

its high-caliber international artists in a sleek and modern atmosphere.

The space was recently reimagined, reducing its ecological footprint

and opening its state-of-the-art doors to host events of all stripes.

1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 786-276-2600

ART DECO MUSEUM

Miami Beach and Art Deco are practically synonymous. Established by

the Miami Design Preservation League, this museum is a key educational

tool if you’re keen to learn more about the three major historic design

styles in Miami Beach: Miami Modern (MiMo), Mediterranean Revival,

and of course, Art Deco. 1001 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-672-2014

CARDOZO HOTEL

One of Ocean Drive’s crown jewels, the Cardozo was built in 1939 in the name of Benjamin Cardozo, one of the first Jewish jurors to be appointed

to the Supreme Court. Current owner Gloria Estefan fell in love with the hotel as a child, and grew up to make her dream of running it a reality.

With its historic exterior and contemporary interior, it’s been featured in a handful of films—catch the Cardozo in the 1997 flick There’s Something

About Mary. 1300 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 786-577-7600.

THE COMMUNITY CHURCH

As the self-proclaimed “soul of the city,” this nearly 100-year-old church was designed in the Spanish Revival style by lauded architect Walter

DeGarmo. Nestled in South Beach, this historic coral stone structure is elegantly understated in a neighborhood of neon. Church service is at

10:30 a.m. on Sundays, with an LGBTQ+ friendly congregation that welcomes outside visitors. 1620 Drexel Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-538-4511.

Miami Fact
NO1

The city’s name

comes from the

Native American

word Mayaimi for

“big water”

Dining

P L A N TA

Sustainability meets innovative cuisine. Chef David Lee marries a completely plant-based menu with an elegant dining atmosphere, serving dishes like vegan Maki rolls, steamed dumplings, bianca pizza, and the Planta Burger. With a sister restaurant in Toronto, it’s a little taste of home for the Canadians in the crowd. 850 Commerce Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-397-8513.

ESTIATORIA MILOS

The perennial favorite first opened its South Beach doors in 2012, long before the area’s culinary scene was flourishing. Nowadays, Miamians still flock to Milos for the freshest seafood and Mediterranean plates in town. Choose between the sleek main dining room or the private dining space, complete with a wine cellar and library. Not sure what to try first? Martha Stewart raves about the “Milos Special,” a delicately fried tower of eggplant and zucchini. 730 1st Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-604 6800

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UPLAND

The cuisine at the Miami outpost of Upland is SoCal meets SOBE. Chef Justin Smillie is California-born, with an affinity for the rugged, wild ingredients of the great outdoors. Take a seat on their emerald green banquettes and pair a fresh plate with one of their worldly bottles of wine.

49 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-602-9998

AZABU

Traditional Edomae sushi, a constellation of sakes, over 40 whiskies, and did we mention a Michelin star? Nestled in the posh Stanton Hotel, Azabu features a full-service dining room, a well-stocked cocktail bar, and a secret sushi counter. With a keen eye for detail, this distinctive South of Fifth spot truly embodies omotenashi , the spirit of Japanese hospitality. Stanton Hotel, 161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 786-2760520

JUVIA

Beyond the sweeping views from its penthouse perch, this hotspot dishes up the freshest plates from French, Peruvian, and Japanese cuisines. Make no mistake—this isn’t a case of trying to execute too many styles at once. Three award-winning, international chefs share the flavors of the cultures in which they were trained. Particularly noteworthy is Chef Gilles Epié, awarded a Michelin star when he was

just 22 years of age. 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-763-8272

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THE SURF CLUB RESTAURANT

Inviting guests to “celebrate decades of leisure time and continental cuisine,” venerable chef Thomas

Keller’s The Surf Club Restaurant harkens back to a history of lavish parties and grand old times with

dishes like Lobster Thermidor and Coconut Cake. With a dining room that’s dreamy, sun-soaked, and

beachside, one could easily mistake it for a Raoul Dufy watercolor.

9011 Collins Avenue, Surfside, FL 33154 | 305-768-9440

BODEGA

Embodying the neon spirit of South Beach, this tacos and tequila joint is run out of an indoor food truck. For addictive Mexican street food, booming music, and snappy service, look no further. Be careful

when looking for the loo, though—it may not lead where you think. Behind the porta potty door lies a 2400 square-foot speakeasy cocktail lounge

LOS FUEGOS BY FRANCIS MALLMANN

Award-winning Argentine grill master Francis Mallmann resurrects the ancient South American art of live-fire cooking at this grand Faena Hotel cantina. Local ingredients (like Atlantic seafood) meet rustic recipes (such as Octopus ‘A La Plancha’) that Mallmann infuses with sophisticated, contemporary style. Buen provecho! Faena Hotel, 3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140 | 786-655-5600

CASA TUA

f you’re in the mood for Italian, the choice is easy: Casa Tua. A long time favorite of Miami Beach locals for its simply delicious dishes and Mediterranean villa setting, the name translates to “your home.” Between the cozy study, the lantern-lit garden or the festive chef’s table, there’s plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy quality food. The risotto laced with caviar is a must-try. 1700 James Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305 673-1010

JOE’S STONE CRAB

Joe knows a thing or two about stone crab: he’s been serving it to hungry diners since 1913. A tourist attraction in its own right, this South Beach institution is always bustling. But rather than selling out, the original family (now fourth-generation) ensures the grand space maintains the old school character that made it famous in the first place. 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-673-0365 BODEGA DINING

BLUE RIBBON SUSHI

With locations throughout New York and Los Angeles, the Miami outpost

specializes in melt-in-your-mouth sushi and sashimi. The concept behind

Blue Ribbon is simple: brothers Bruce and Eric Bromberg (trained at

Le Cordon Bleu in Paris) established the original restaurant in 1992, a

welcoming spot where they “Served what they like to eat—an eclectic

range of foods—in a room they wanted to be in.” Plymouth Hotel, 336 21st Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-800-0404

TRUE LOAF BAKERY

Indulge in a flaky bite of La Belle France at this Sunset Harbour spot.

Though the smell of fresh pastries wafting through the air might make it

hard to leave, this is a true European style bakery—no seats, just a stretch of counter filled with simply delicious goodies. Pop by early on a Friday to snag a loaf of challah for Shabbat dinner. 1894 Bay Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 786-216-7207

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LUCALI

Brooklyn-bred, Lucali knows good pizza. A charming no-frills establishment, it doesn’t shy away from letting diners in on the action: the brick oven is in plain view, along with kitchen staff efficiently using wine bottles to roll out dough. Simple, fresh, perfect pizza pies every time—now that’s amore

.

1930 Bay Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-695-4441

PAPI STEAK

The story starts with a kosher prime steak named Papi, flown in regularly from New York. It was such a menu staple at Groot Hospitality’s Komodo restaurant (in Miami’s Brickell District), that owner David Grutman decided it deserved its own home. The likes of rappers Drake and French Montana are already fans of Papi Steak, so you can count on kibbutz-

ing with A-listers. 736 1st Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-800-7274

SCA R P E T TA

For AAA Four Diamond Italian fare, Scarpetta is the spot. Set against breathtaking ocean views and groovy nautical architecture, one can enjoy sophisticated cucina rustica flavors flanked by libations from Sorso, a bespoke cocktail lab and infusion bar. Located in the outsize Fontainebleau Hotel, a must-visit in its own right. Fontainebleau Hotel, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140 305-674-4660

Miami Fact
NO2

Miami Beach is

one of the few

man-made islands in

the United States. It

was once a desolate

coconut grove.

Nightlife

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LIV

If you’re coming to Miami for the nightlife, chances are you’ve already heard of this imposing spot. Located at the upscale Fontainebleau Hotel, club-goers dressed to the nines dance well into the morning at the iconic club. Catch chart-topping artists performing regularly, and VIP services that are second to none. Fontainebleau Hotel, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140 | 305-674-4680

WALL LOUNGE

An elegantly dark, rich interior lends itself to absorbing the beats of highly-anticipated international DJs at this W South Beach club. The crowd is just as cool: frequented by models and stars, this is where the glitterati of Miami Beach can be found after-hours. W South Beach Hotel, 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-938-3130

JUVIA

For optimum enjoyment of the sparkling night skyline, Juvia knows how to set the scene. Creative drinks, imaginative bites (they borrow flavors from Peru, France, and Japan) and a sophisticated DJ mix harmoniously on this rooftop restaurant and bar. There’s no dress code per se, but don your finest to keep up with fellow revellers. 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-763-827

TREEHOUSE

The vibes are good, the house is deep. Deep house, that is (for those new to the club scene, it’s a genre of electronic music). With vines hanging from the ceiling and wooden panels lining the walls, Treehouse could be mistaken for a yoga studio by day. By night, however, it’s host to a roster of sought-after DJs and night owls who love to dance. With no dress code, it has a decidedly more laid-back feel than its counterparts. 323 23rd Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 786-318-1908

ABBEY BREWING COMPANY

In a sea of beach clubs and fruity cocktails, there’s no substitute for a crisp, cold beer on a hot day. As Miami’s oldest and only craft brew-pub, it boasts “great people, great beer, great spirits.” Find it all housed in a charming, European-influenced hole-in-the-wall just off Alton Road. 1115 16th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-538-8110

STORY

Established by Miami nightlife mogul David Grutman (also responsible for LIV), STORY is a circus-inspired venue. And it certainly puts on a show: an in-house production and design team tweaks the space nightly (no two soirées are the same), the sprawling setup is equipped with state of the art lighting and sound, and the DJ booth projects across 18,000 feet of lounge and dance floor. 136 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-479-4426

BASEMENT

Just about every Miami nightclub is stacked with musical guests, but Basement also features a bowling alley and ice-skating rink: now that’s a lucky strike. It’s all hypnotically neon-lit, thanks to lighting designer to-

the-stars Patrick Woodroffe (the wizard behind stage sets for the likes of Beyoncé and the Rolling Stones). 2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-988-5036

LIDO LOUNGE

If you’d rather turn into a pumpkin at midnight than dive into the South Beach club scene, try the Lido Bar and Lounge at The Standard Hotel. Snuggle into a cozy mid-century atmosphere and enjoy a happy hour

you’d be hard-pressed to beat (try $7 prosecco and $4 Peroni). It’s near South Beach but not right in it, so you’ll feel safely tucked away in your ivory tower.The Standard Hotel, 40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 786-245-0880

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THE SOCIAL CLUB AT THE SURFCOMBER

Housed in the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, this chilled-out venue with an open terrace seeps sexy design. Generous sharing plates are a menu staple, making the Social Club ideal for an intimate night out with your crew. One more bonus: it overlooks the famed Collins Avenue. Did somebody say people watching? Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, 1717 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach FL, 33139 | 800-994-6103

SOHO HOUSE

If you’re part of the in-crowd (members and guests only), the Soho House has several swanky options

to quench your thirst. Whether it’s the outdoor beach bar, the indoor Havana-inspired watering hole, or

Ocho, the eighth-floor terrace, luxuriously chic surroundings and an international jet-setting crowd are

guaranteed. Strike up a conversation and delight in an expertly crafted libation.

4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140 | 786-507-7900

NIGHTLIFE

THE BAR AT UPLAND | PHOTO BY ANDREW HEKTOR

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FAENA HOTEL

Seeing as the hotel grounds feature a gilded woolly mammoth skeleton, you can expect the nightlife at Faena to be just as whimsical. If live music and theatre tickle your fancy, head to The Living Room. Otherwise, seek out the sultry and glamorous Saxony Bar, where you’ll enjoy delightful potions while late night entertainment unfolds. Across the street, check out the new Rem Koolhaas-designed Faena Forum event space, another audacious delight. 3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140 | 305-534-8800

WATR AT THE 1 HOTEL ROOFTOP

Eighteen floors up and entirely encircled by ocean and skyline views, Watr is your choice destination to unwind and get back to nature—with a drink in hand, naturally. Cull from their impressive selection of organic wines and craft cocktails while lounging on a plush chaise. 1 Hotel South Beach, 2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-604-1000

MYNT

Before you read on: ensure you’ve packed your finest. The dress code is strict at this club, which has been an emblem of Miami nightlife for over 20 years. Dancers (called the “Mynt Dolls”) keep the energy high while the diverse crowd grooves to a medley of rock, reggaeton, house, and techno.

1921 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-532-0727

SWEET LIBERTY

Cocktail hounds, rejoice. Gastro pub by day and dance floor by night, Sweet Liberty serves up intelligent concoctions at all hours—even their kitchen is open till 4 a.m. The bartenders (framed by kitschy-cool tiki bar décor) are just the type of jovial connoisseurs who will shake you up something personalized. 237 20th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | 305-763-8217

THE FORGE

A family-owned bar and steakhouse at the heart of Miami Beach, The Forge is “not your grandfather’s steakhouse—though it once was.” Over the years it’s been frequented by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, offering special service in their wine cellar and deluxe private room. Be sure to stop by on a Friday or Saturday: Veuve is on special. 432 41st Street, Miami Beach, FL 33140 | 305-538-8533

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