Perhaps the only thing better than the artwork and artists at Miami Art Week and Art Basel (Dec 1-7) is dining.
Greater Miami & Miami Beach pairs world-class art with a culinary scene that is just as inspiring. With 16 Michelin-starred restaurants, including Green Star honorees such as Michael Beltrán’s Ariete and Jeremy Ford’s Stubborn Seed, the destination blends local ingredients with global influences.
Recent openings in Miami and Miami Beach add even more flavor, from innovative no-menu concepts such as 3190 and San Lorenzo to Tyson Cole’s Uchiko, José Andrés’ Aguasal, and creative pop-ups such as Double Luck Chinese from the team behind Tâm Tâm.
Here’s a primer on three of my favorite Miami Beach dining experiences for Miami Art Week, Art Basel and beyond.
Uchiko Miami Beach
Uchiko, meaning “child of Uchi,” is the brainchild of Chef Tyson Cole, a James Beard Award winner renowned for his nontraditional interpretation of Japanese cuisine at his signature restaurant, Uchi. While rooted in Uchi’s ethos, Uchiko takes a fiery turn into fresh territory, elevating smoke and char alongside the fresh, clean flavors that define Uchi. The menu asserts a robust “from the hearth” section, where the yakitori grill takes center stage and chefs employ various smoking and curing techniques for both hot and cold preparations. A tasting menu displays the nuances and complexity of beef from Japan, Australia and the U.S., complemented by a daily selection of freshly flown-in fish. Central to the Uchiko dining experience is the spirit of sharing, where guests can delve into a variety of imaginative modern Japanese small plates, nigiri offerings and daily specials. For those seeking a more substantial culinary experience, options include larger presentations of whole branzino, beef ribs and tomahawk steak. Balancing the food is Uchiko’s beverage menu, featuring a notable selection of Japanese whiskies, sake, spirits, beer, wine and a rotation of crafted seasonal cocktails.
Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill
Open to hotel guests and the public, Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club is one of the few beachfront restaurants in Miami Beach and the perfect spot for a midday pick-me-up with a menu of fresh juices, coffee, and a raw bar with light bites. In the evening, an extensive selection of rosés, wines and cocktails is available for guests looking to unwind with their feet in the sand.
Divebar
Divebar, a retro-chic standout located within Hotel Continental, offers a modern take on cocktail culture in the heart of Miami Beach’s Mid-Beach district. With four custom cocktail taps, Divebar invites guests to craft their drinks from a self-pour beverage wall inspired by RFID technology. Guests can sample select wines, craft beers and batch cocktails by the ounce, creating an interactive experience.
Feature Photo: Uchiko Miami Beach
Photos Courtesy of The Dana Agency