27 Restaurant - The Freehand
This restaurant is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in Flordia, and in my top five in the United States. The main dining area is inside of a home, and you wouldn't even know it was a restaurant if you weren't looking for it. It's as cozy and hip as you could ever want. The outside area, where I ate, is a lush patio with string lights and plants EVERYWHERE. It boasts a pool and connects to the trendy outdoor lounge the Broken Shaker.
The plates are small and it meant to be shared, similar to a traditional tapas restuarant. While a bit on the pricey side, the dishes are creative and delicious. You will not leave disappointed.
- Food: 5/5
- Vibe: 5/5
- Good for: Date, girls night
- Price: $$$
- Overall Experience: 5/5
Taquiza
Taquiza has a few locations throughout Miami Beach, I visited the North Beach location on Ocean Drive.
A casual taco place with a good amount of patio seating. If you don't order anything else – order the Totopos (Chips) “original thick-pressed organic masa corn chips, hand-torn and fried to order, served with house-made salsa .” Absolutely delicious. The tacos were worth the visit as well. Taquiza also has a full bar, offering a delightful array of house margaritas.
- Food: 4/5
- Vibe: 4/5
- Good for: Casual, quick dinner
- Price: $$
- Overall Experience: 4/5
Dreamer Miami
A health-nut and Instagramers happy place, Dreamer Miami is a small space with a big personality. The cafe is filled with couches, plants, and decorative flamingos everywhere. The smoothies are fresh, and you feel like a reborn health nut with each sip. They offer typical cafe offerings such as lattes, baked goods, and light wraps as well.
- Food: 4/5
- Vibe: 4/5
- Good for: Casual, good for doing work
- Price: $$$
- Overall Experience: 3.5/5
Big Pink
This giant pink diner has a reputation for being a tourist spot – but I've heard quite a few locals make their way to this over-the-top grease spot.
Located in South Beach, the Big Pink sits back from Ocean Drive away from the mob of tourists. The portions here are huge and delicious. After a long day of beaching or exploring the city, Big Pink has comfort food and an extensive menu that will leave everyone in your party more than satisfied.
- Food: 4/5
- Vibe: 4/5
- Good for: Casual, diner
- Price: $
- Overall Experience: 4/5
Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine
This is technically in Miami proper (yes Miami Beach and Miami are two different cities) but if you're looking for some authentic Cuban food – this is the place. I was recommended Versailles time and time again by locals that I thought there was no way it could live up to the hype. Wrong. My travel companion, who IS Cuban, was blown away by the food. It's a welcoming restaurant near the heart of Little Havana – so make a whole day of it! The Cuban sandwich, the Cuban-Style Ham Croquettes, and tuna sandwiches were perfect. We walked two miles in 80 degrees to get these things – and it was worth every step.
There are a few other locations around Miami – including three in the Miami airport.
- Food: 5/5
- Vibe: 3.5/5
- Good for: Casual, family
- Price: $
- Overall Experience: 4.5/5
