In addition to some of the world’s greatest and most eclectic art on display Nov. 29-Dec. 4 during Miami Art Week and Art Basel, the Magic City is replondent with outstanding dining opportunities.
Here’s a look at three of my favorites to visit during Art Week or any time you are visiting South Florida.
CONTESSA: Located in the Miami Design District, Contessa is Major Food Group’s latest culinary masterpiece. The eatery nods to centuries of Italian tradition and cuisine. Contessa, and is in a two-story building at the intersection of NE 41st Street and NE 1st Avenue. Authentic to Northern Italian fare, the menu offers the finest meats, antipasti, signature pizzas and an extensive in-house gelato program.
THE DREXEL: A Coastal Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Miami Beach. Located on the corner of Miami’s historic Española Way and Drexel Avenue, The Drexel is quickly becoming on of Miami Beach’s “new destination’’ restaurants, offering a chic European atmosphere with elevated yet uncomplicated classic Mediterranean flavors from an open grill and wood oven.
The Drexel is the brainchild of husband-wife teams Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis of Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Mrs.Mandolin, and Mr.Mandolin; alongside Chef Nano Crespo, formerly of Quinto La Huella, and his wife Tamara Magalhaes, formerly of Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Soho House, and Thompson Hospitality.
PURE VIDA: Miami-based health-focused restaurant, Pura Vida is opening its newest restaurant in Doha, Qatar to coincide with the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Situated on Al Maha Island, marking the brand’s very first restaurant outside of Florida. Pura Vida currently has 12 other locations across South Florida with several others in the works
Feature Photo: The Contessa (Gnazzo Group)