Chef Clay Conley is at the helm of Azul. His diverse cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean flavors with Asian influences. The rising star chef honed his culinary reputation at Todd English’s acclaimed Olives restaurant, where he served as executive chef and culinary director.

At the focus of Azul, a magnificent white marble open kitchen and raw bar vie for your attention with the floor to ceiling windows that showcase the picturesque bay views. Once the food arrives however, your attention is sure to be captured by the dishes themselves – like Grilled Chop and Loin of Colorado Lamb with Harrisa, Charred Eggplant, Braised Shank Bastila and Feta and “A Study in Tuna Roll,” Raw Tuna, Tempura Avocado, Asian Sauces with Ossetra Caviar.

Azul’s wine program, designed by sommelier Cynthia Betancourt, features more than 700 world-class wines. The award-winning wine list encompasses a mix of current releases, to classicvintages from the finest producers, with the latest boutique wineries worldwide.

The space itself is warm and openly inviting.  Rows of lampshade chandeliers hang over round tables and plush modern furniture.  The entire restaurant is centered around a staircase that divides the main dining room from the trendy Azul Bar.  An open kitchen sits in the front of the restaurant and adds to the bustling lively environment.  Rows on heatlamps hang over the counter and mini-tiled floors.

The best place to sit in the restaurant is the terrace that overlooks the river. This has to be one of the best views in the world for a dining experience because you see the glistening flowing water and glowing city-lights of the Miami skyline.  Light reflects on the blackened water and complements the mesmerizing amber city light colors.

Azul
@ the Mandarin Oriental
500 Brickell Key Dr
Miami, FL 33131-2605
(305) 913-8254

18 stories above the ocean, this adult-only tropical playground features a 110-foot long swimming pool on a 26,000 sq ft palm-tree fringed Brazilian Ipe deck, poolside lounges and cabanas and awe inspiring views.

The rooftop is frequented by Elite Miami Sophisticates and is regularly featured on Miami Social. Sit back, relax and sip on a mojito and bring back your summer tan.

The ocean views of and cloud formations will put you in the ultimate chill mode. You might want to pass on that chocolate cake the night before you come; the roof is definitely a scene–models, celebrities and the hottest people in Miami are there to see and be seen.

2377 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33140
(305) 604-1000

www.gansevoortsouth.com

Prime 112 is definitely one of the best most chic dining experiences in South Beach, Miami…and for good reason. Since its opening in 1995, restauranteur Myles Chefetz has upheld quality like no other.

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Located in the historic 9-suite Browns Hotel, Prime 112 has become a celebrity magnet. Besides the models that hang around the restaurant, it’s not surprising to see Carson Daly, Calvin Klein, the Kardashian sisters, and even Sting.

The space is chic and modern with rows of brick-lined pillars, contemporary white chairs and black tables. Waiters are dressed in signature cross-back suspenders and aprons while patrons feast on the must succulent steak in the city. The white ceiling is slightly vaulted with accents of black wooden beams. The environment is perfect for a romantic date or dinner before hitting the town.

Recommended items:

pan seared diver scallops with slow braised short ribs
Beefsteak Tomato & Onion with crumbled blue cheese
30 oz bone-in rib eye for 2
sesame crusted hawaiian big eye tuna with crispy ginger rice ball, wasabi sauce and sweet soy

Prime 112
112 Ocean Dr
Miami Beach, FL 33139-7213
(305) 532-8112

photography by David Christopher Lee

Located on trendy Lincoln Road, Meat Market brings a New York Cosmopolitan flare to the streets of South Beach. A sexier, more glamorous take on the traditional steak house, Meat Market is a dynamic offering of what’s great now; reflecting cuts of meat, delicate seafood and produce available and offered on a daily, weekly or seasonal basis under the eye of acclaimed Executive Chef Sean Brasel.

The stellar management and owners of Touch Restaurant bring patrons a fine dining destination which features a Crudo Bar serving fresh tiraditos and an adjacent bar that mixed unique handmade cocktails.

Outside, a combination of lounged and table serve offers different dining options. The sensual main dining room welcomes guests with luxurious finishes and an airy, light feeling-leaving behind the dated preconceptions of traditional steakhouses and embracing all that South Beach Epitomizes.

As patrons gaze tot he back of the space, rows of thin pink fiberglass hang from the ceiling leading the eye to a soothing colorful wine cellar display. Uniformity and perspective seem to be the words to describe this ultra-modern space.

Meat Market
915 Lincoln Rd
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 532-0088

All dishes are crafted with an amazing touch for sensuous, tropical textures and flavors. The pan roasted Crab and Rock Shrimp Cake are amazing. Try the Mango Slaw and Chipotle Aioli or the Pan Roasted Local Snapper with Sautéed Spinach and Sweet Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade.

“I like to keep the cuisine simple and fresh, yet provide a wide range of styles, ingredients and cooking techniques,” says Executive Chef Brian Cantrell. He pays extreme attention to deal to create pieces of beauty and flavor.

A Fish Called Avalon
700 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL

305.532.1727

photography and article by David C Lee

Imported Buffalo Mozzarella (Hydroponic Arugula, Casil Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, Balsamic Syrup

Bang Bang Shrimp (Citrus Mojo Marinade, Cucumber-Grapefruit-Prange Salad)

Steamed Mussels—Toasted Garlic, Fennel, White Wine-Tomato Sauce

Grilled NY Strip Steak

Grilled Local Mahi Mahi

Pan Roasted Local Snapper—Sauteed spinach, Sweet Roasted Pepper Romesco

Chocolate Marquis: Candied Hazelnuts, Raspberries, Raspberry Coulis

Tahitian Vanilla Beach Crème Brulee (Mango Chutney)

Ambiance: The main dining room of Santo is candle-lit and minimalist. Bubble chandeliers hang from the ceiling and 50s-inspired metal starbursts hang on the walls. The combinations of retro/modern make an interesting contrast.

The lounge portion features a giant abstract photograph that covers the wall. Giant round lamps hang from the ceilings while patrons sit on space-age chairs. The lounge houses the main bar.

Once midnight rolls around, the club portion opens which is located past the main lounge. It is comparable to paradise with lasers, fog and pulsating lights. The club portion is filled with a blast of energy that has party-goers having the time of their life.

Come for a late dinner around 11 pm and watch the beautiful crowd enter the room. As you dine on Spanish tapas, the club portion of Santo begins to populate. You will see exotic models from all over the world.

Crowd: John Legend, Brian McKnight, Wyclef, Keisha Cole and P. Diddy have all dined here. Expect to see many locals in the fashion and entertainment industry, especially beautiful models.

Tuesday: rock
Wednesday: hip hop
Thursday: Latin

Music switches from DJ to live music.

Food: Santo caters to those hard bodies who love to eat but watch what they eat. A model menu is available that features items that are all under 300 calories a plate.

The Duck Montaditos are spicy servings on a crispy tortilla.

The Mango Pineapple Ceviche is a delicious blend of ahi tuna, scallions, cilantro and jalapenos. It is so refreshing.

Seabass Tacos

Crab Cakes

Lamb Chops

Filet Mignon tips

Blackened Salmon Bites

Lamb

Desserts:

Cocktails: Santo has some big cocktails. They are sweet and exotic.

Santo
430 Lincoln Rd
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 532-2882

santorestaurant.com

photography by David C Lee

Tantra refers to the ancient Indian spiritual philosophy of conscious loving. We visited Tantra on a Monday night and were impressed by the energy and beautiful crowd. As you step inside the venue, you will notice a bed of grass, Indian decor and a cascading waterfall that covers the entire wall. The main entrance is filled with an abundance of natural elements. 

A giant white paper chandelier hangs in the center of the main dining room. For a more private experience, you can dine beneath a giant hammock where beautiful girls lay. Tantra offers an assortment of some of the most delicious cocktails you will ever taste. 

It is the perfect destination for a romantic candlelit escape to paradise. Feast on fine cuisine and stay for the late night club experience.

TANTRA Restaurant
1445 Pennsylvania Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida FL 33139

www.tantrarestaurant.com 

Dining at the Dilido Beach Club is an escape to paradise. Have a seat and relax to the sights and sounds of a beautiful ocean view. As the Girl from Ipanema plays in the background, have one of Dilido’s signature mojitos–an icy mix of mint and rum. Watermelon and peach sangrias are also popular concoctions. The Dilido Experience is relaxation at its finest.

The beach club is located on Ocean Drive in the magnificent Ritz Carlton. The large ovular bar is set beneath the pool of the hotel. It is surrounded by small green and blue tiles which go with Miami’s Art Deco theme. A lush garden of flowers and bushes surround the restaurant. Many of the items on the menu are grown in these gardens.

Patrons include international world travelers, hotel guests and even locals. It isn’t surprising that Dilido is such a popular lunch spot. Afterall, with the sun in your hair and a magnificent ocean view, it is the perfect location for a casual meal with friends.

Complimentary hookah lounges are available at no charge to customers. Bottle service isn’t even required. As the sun was setting, we smoked the hookahs and relaxed in one of Dilido’s plush cabanas. Live music is available from 4-8pm Thurs through Sunday. We were mesmerized by the classical guitar.

Chef Jeff McInnis created a “Sun Cuisine” which is inspired from his visits to beach towns along the Southern Mediterranean and North African Coasts. The style is casually elegant, simple and non-pretentious. The menu consists of many light appetizers and entrees which are meant to be shared. Try the Atlantic Fried Oysters–with housemade chorizo, spinach and saffron aioli. 

The scallop and melon ceviche was one of our favorites–complete with cilantro, citrus and a watermelon sorbet. The cucumber wrapped Tuna came with heirloom tomatoes and fresh garbanzo beans and basil seeds. The combination of all these ingredients was refreshing and went well with the scenic Ocean view. For entrees, we tried the local Florida Pompino with orange vinaigrette. The fish was so fresh, it was caught only a few days ago.

Dilido Beach Club
The Ritz Carlton, South Beach
One Lincoln Road 
Miami Beach, FL 33139

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/SouthBeach/Dining/TheDilidoBeachClub/Default.htm

When the weather is right, have a seat on the patio, the perfect location for people watching. You can keep yourself entertained by looking at the diverse couples that pass you on Lincoln Road. Loungy Samba/salsa music plays in the background as you dine on some of the finest sushi on the beach.

The decor of the main dining room is filled with warm orange and red hues. An abundance of shell-shaped chandeliers hang from the middle of the main dining room. The dimly lit room is perfect for a romantic date or fun night out on the town with friends.

For dessert, try the fruit caviar which is a mix of fruit slices, yogurt and berries.

The sea bass melts in your mouth.

A cocktail tree has the perfect flavor to satisfy your thirst.

Sushi Samba
600 Lincoln Rd
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-5337

The moment you enter Vix in Hotel Victor you will notice an environment filled with good energy and luxury. Round tables surround the ovular bar. Beaded drapes hang from the ceiling providing patrons a mysterious view of customers around them. Tiers of candles sit on the large round tables providing a tranquil ambient setting.

Start your evening with a few drinks at the bar. Our favorite was the pomegranate mojito. After a couple drinks, guests sit for dinner and then take a trip upstairs to the rooftop patio. There, you can watch projects on the wall of the hotel and enjoy a spectacular view of Ocean Drive.

crowd: International travelers and guests of the exclusive Hotel Victor come to Vix all the time. Don’t be surprised to see celebrities. P. Diddy, Cheryl Ladd and many other celebrities have been spotted here.

Food: Enjoy fabulous creations by Executive Chef Vincent Murano. Presentation and tastes are outstanding.

Local spiny lobster and champagne mango soup
Crisp plantain, avocado, caviar and citrus reduction

Kobe Beef Carpaccio and calamari salad
Marinated olives and jalapeno lemongrass vinaigrette

Foie gras “two ways”…pan seared and foie gras sundae
foie gras ice cream, candied mango, truffled biscotti and port sauce

Black truffle risotto with braised oxtail entree
coffee, rum and raisin braised oxtail and crisp parmesan
 

Duo of Ahi
Seared Ahi cake, tartare filled ginger flower

Japanese Wagyu filet of beef
Sicilian pepper crust, beef tartar, smoked scallion mash, soy butter sauce, sauteed snow peas and daikon, wasabi tobikko

heirloom tomatoes and marinated burrata cheese
Micro basil, basil oil, and olive oil crustinis

Grilled shrimp, asparagus and marinated shiitake mushroom salad
spicy red chili marinated shrimp, edamame and daikon sprouts

Basted scallops with cauliflower puree and curried apples
seared cauliflower florets and curry-apple vinaigrette

Peanut Butter and jelly Sandwich
This is not the sandwich you remember as a kid. Peanut butter ice cream is covered with a raspberry jam ganache and served with dark chocolate and cinnamon soup

Not quite apple pie
Cinnamon panna cotta, rehydrated apple slices with vanilla pate de fruit and apple sorbet

1144 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 428-1234