By Jennifer Agress
Late summer in Miami means afternoons spent on the beach, sunsets sipping craft cocktails, and for anyone with a penchant for fine dining, the return of Miami’s highly anticipated “Miami Spice.”
Running now through September 30th, 2017, Miami Spice is that wonderful period where Miami’s leading restaurants offer three-course, prix-fixe menus for $23 and $39 per person for lunch and dinner, respectively. This time around there are 239 participating restaurants, including 40+ first-time Miami Spice eateries, and new on the menu, a three-course brunch for just $23.
Including Il Mulino NY at Acqualina, here are five of our recommendations for Miami Spice 2017:
Il Mulino New York
For a taste of Abruzzi, Italy, come experience Miami Spice at Acqualina’s very own Il Mulino New York. This classic Italian favorite comes straight to Sunny Isles from The Big Apple, fusing Northern Italian fare with five-star service, exquisite wines, and handcrafted cocktails. From now until the end of September, its lunch and dinner Miami Spice menus will feature some of Executive Chef Michele Mazza’s finest creations. Think: Baked Burrata with herbs and spinach, Mussels Posillipo covered in a spicy red marinara sauce, braised veal Rigatoni alla Bolognese, Risotto al Funghi with black truffle, a 10-ounce Filetto di Manzo alla Fiorentina with shallots and sage, Tiramisu paired with coffee-liqueur-infused lady fingers, Chocolate Panna Cotta, and more.
Il Mulino New York is located at 17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160. Its Miami Spice lunch menu is available everyday of the week, and Miami Spice dinner menu is available every night except Saturday. Hotel valet is available for parking.
Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis
Started by acclaimed chef Costas Spiliadis, this Mediterranean gem is famous for its sophisticated take on seafood. Known by locals as “Milos,” it sits on South of Fifth’s dazzling “restaurant row” and cooks up an authentic Mediterranean feast served family-style with 150+ Greek and international wines. It also has one of the largest menus to choose from during Miami Spice. Go any day of the week for lunch, dinner, or both, and try everything from Greek Salad, Calamari, and sushi-quality Charcoal Grilled Octopus to Faroe Islands Organic Salmon, a Grilled Vegetable Plate with Greek mint yogurt and halloumi cheese, and desserts like Baklava and “The Real Greek Yogurt.”
Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis is located at 730 1st Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Its Miami Spice lunch and dinner menus are available every day of the week. Guests can park streetside or in public parking lots. Valet is also available.
Photo: Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis
Red, the Steakhouse
Perched in an unassuming building on the quiet side of Washington Avenue, in South of Fifth, this contemporary steakhouse looks like a mahogany-covered gentlemen’s club with a modern twist; think white stonework mixed with red and black shades, hardwood floors, thick glass dividers, and a sparkling-black bar with tall chairs to match. Better yet, thanks to Chef Peter Vauthy, the food is as impressive as the restaurant itself. Unlike a typical steakhouse, the extensive regular menu has everything from freshly caught seafood, Meatball Bucatini, and from-scratch sauces to Miyazaki Japanese Kobe, Kansas City Strip Rack of Lamb, Tuna Tataki, or Dry-Aged Prime Tomahawk. During Miami Spice, savor its weekly-changing menu of plates like Bigeye Tuna Crudo, Steak Tartar, Italian Burette, Surf and Turf, Flounder Stuffed with Crab, Nutella Cheesecake, and more.
Red, the Steakhouse is located at 119 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Its Miami Spice dinner menu is available every night of the week, starting at 5:30 p.m. Guests can park streetside or in public parking lots. Valet is also available.
Photo: Red, the Steakhouse
Fogo de Chão
If you’re looking for that traditional South American steakhouse experience, head to the world-renowned Brazilian “churrascaria” Fogo de Chão in Miami Beach’s sparkling South of Fifth neighborhood. Guests are greeted by tens of swirling waiters serving 15+ towers of different fire-roasted meats, offering as much or as little as you want for one set price. During Miami Spice, try the Picanha, Alcatra, and bacon-wrapped Fraldinha, or Linguiça, Bisteca de Porco, and desserts like Key Lime Pie and New York Cheesecake.
Fogo de Chão is located at 836 1st Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Its Miami Spice dinner menu is available every night of the week. Guests can park streetside or in public parking lots. Valet is also available.
Photo: Fogo de Chão
Lobster Bar Sea Grille Miami Beach
Nestled in the heart of Miami Beach’s dazzling South of Fifth neighborhood, Lobster Bar Sea Grille is hard to miss. The first South Florida venture of the award-winning Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, which has roots in Atlanta, this seafood-centric “restaurant to the stars” promises a dining experience that’s as refined as the food. There’s a Thassos marble display showcasing the fresh catch of the day—flown in daily from all over the world—white herringbone-tiled walls, arched ceilings, custom crystal lighting, and a “Live Lobster Experience” with Canadian hardshell lobsters coming straight from the icy waters of Nova Scotia. Head to this A-list favorite for Miami Spice plates like its famous Pristine Whole European Fish, Whole “Lobster Stuffed Lobster,” Faroe Islands Salmon with Colossal Lump Crab, a Surf & Turf with a Lightly Fried Nova Scotia Lobster Tail and Petite Filet Mignon, and Twin Beef Tenderloin Medallions.
Lobster Bar Sea Grille Miami Beach is located at 404 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Its Miami Spice dinner menu is available Sunday through Thursday, from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Guests can park streetside or in public parking lots.
Photo: Lobster Bar Sea Grille Miami Beach
Featured Photo: Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis
About the Contributor
Jennifer Agress is a freelance writer covering food, drink, and culture. When she’s not combing the streets of Miami for a bagel and a latte, she’s likely covering luxury travel and dining for Dining Out Magazine, Private Air Luxury Homes Magazine, Haute Living Miami, Upscale Living Magazine, and Epicurean Charlotte.