The Heat Is on in Miami

Making It Happen in the Magic City

By Jordan Staggs and Hailey Bethke

Some cities just hit differently, and Miami is known for its unique point of view, blazing hot sense of style, and taste for the finer things in life. While its downtown districts have seen tremendous growth and revitalization over the past several years, Miami Beach has kept up its reputation as a go-to spot for great dining and entertainment. As the VIE team explored the Magic City during 2024 Miami Swim Week, we realized there was much more than fashion to take in during our stay.

A midday arrival brought us to the artsy Wynwood District, famous for its street-art adorned walls, fences, and storefronts. Vintage shops and high-end retailers coalesce here, where a casual stroll will take visitors past the Wynwood Marketplace, the Balloon Museum, numerous incredible eateries and clubs (see this guide’s dining section for more), and, of course, eye-catching artwork painted on nearly every exterior surface. Even the sidewalks are festooned with motivational phrases and doodles that’ll have your gaze drifting downward.

After a coffee break and some wandering, we ventured downtown. New life has been breathed into the area alongside Biscayne Bay, with views of the Atlantic beyond the bustling barrier islands. Numerous drivers and shop owners were excited to share that Downtown Miami has been on the up and up, with a plethora of high-end retailers, luxury accommodations, entertainment venues, and cultural centers marking it as the place to be for those who want to stay in the heart of the city. The Elser Hotel offers incredible 360-degree views and a uniquely local feel with apartment-style suites and studios. The hotel is a short walk from attractions such as the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, the Pérez Art Museum Miami, Kaseya Center Arena (home of the Miami Heat), Bayfront Park, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, HistoryMiami Museum, and so much more.

Miami is an epicenter of gastronomic creativity—an amalgamation of cultures, flavors, and unparalleled culinary repertoires

If it’s luxury shopping you crave, take a jaunt to the newly expanded Miami Design District, where global high-end brands meet Magic City artistic flair. Here, you’ll find everything fashion and style, from the brand-new Jimmy Choo store to Cult Gaia, Coach, Gucci, Prada, Golden Goose, Tory Burch, Bottega Veneta, Reformation, Zimmermann, Alice + Olivia, PatBO, AMI Paris, Dior, Christian Louboutin, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, and so much more. If you’re shopping for your home, they’ve got that covered too—showrooms include Armani/Casa, Holly Hunt, Jonathan Adler, Fendi Casa, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Bosch, and Thermador, to name a fair few. Jewelry abounds at Tiffany, Harry Winston, Rolex, TagHeuer, Van Cleef & Arpels, and many other designer shops. Did we mention the stores themselves are works of art? Each has been delicately crafted to reflect the brand’s aesthetic and the Miami Design District’s unmatched sense of style. A few of our favorites included the stunning Cult Gaia gallery, the light and airy PatBO boutique, and the beautiful new Veronica Beard.

Did we mention the stores themselves are works of art? Each has been delicately crafted to reflect the brand’s aesthetic and the Miami Design District’s unmatched sense of style

A hop, skip, and jump (okay, a short drive across the bridge) to Miami Beach will immerse visitors in that classic Miami look and feel, where art deco architecture meets Florida sunshine and pastel hues. You can’t pass up a walk along Ocean Drive. The Atlantic waves and colorful lifeguard towers will beckon you to South Beach or Lummus Park, but the city’s most iconic stops also await in this part of town. Marvel at the classic architecture of The Carlyle, the Fountainbleu, and the Park Central buildings for a look at the 1920s and ’30s grandeur. Take a tour past the Versace Mansion (now the The Villa Casa Casuarina boutique hotel) and see where the infamous murder of Gianni Versace occurred. A stroll down Lincoln Road brings yet more shopping opportunities. However, you might want to take a detour to experience the beautiful Miami Botanical Garden or even catch an outdoor movie at Soundscape Park. Dining in Miami Beach is not to be missed, which you’ll soon see in our lineup of must-try foodie hot spots.

Of course, any trip to Miami would be incomplete without time spent outdoors enjoying the incredible beaches, parks, and wildlife South Florida offers. A short drive south is worth it to visit Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a 1914 historic estate full of sculptures and elaborate interiors, surrounded by lush plant life. Zoo Miami offers a perfect outing for the whole family, along with the Miami Seaquarium—but if it’s natural Florida wildlife you’re after, a short trip outside the city brings tourists to the famous Everglades National Park. Boat or hike among the wetlands for the opportunity to encounter natives such as the American alligator, Florida panther, West Indian manatee, roseate spoonbill, and many more.

A more luxurious chance to embrace the great outdoors awaits courtesy of many local cruise charters, such as Residence Yacht Club, offering everything from three-hour party excursions to sunset dinners. Or, spend the day lounging by the water in style at beach clubs like the newly opened CASA NEOS on the Miami River, a refined architectural sanctuary boasting the MM Beach Club, a Mediterranean restaurant, a boutique hotel, and the NOORA Rooftop Lounge. When people talk about the lap of luxury, this is what they mean!

Dining in Style

Miami is an epicenter of gastronomic creativity—an amalgamation of cultures, flavors, and unparalleled culinary repertoires. We discovered (dare we say) some of the best restaurants in the city, ranging from Michelin star-studded venues to our favorite corner cafés serving organic açai bowls and iced coffees in true South Florida fashion. We’re dishing out our insider tips on what to order and the best-kept epicurean secrets. Add these restaurants to your itinerary during your next Miami getaway!

When people talk about the lap of luxury, this is what they mean!

MILA

MILA is the mood. Imagine an effortlessly chic, indoor-outdoor ambiance that looks like a classy restaurant in Ibiza or Mallorca, with sleek water features, Cycladic design elements, and thatched hanging lights. The kitchen is headed by twenty-six-time Michelin-awarded Chef Michaël Michaelidis and Corporate Chef Joshua Walls, who take guests on a culinary odyssey with captivating dishes izakaya style—meaning shared at the table in good company, with extravagant side table preparations. You simply can’t visit Miami without making a reservation at MILA. It’s a full-sensory experience of zest, beautifully plated Mediterranean and Japanese-inspired dishes, and impeccable service.

We started our meal with MILA’s twist on a paloma and delicious zero-proof cocktails before enjoying an incredible amuse-bouche of fresh tuna. Other highlights included freshly blended edamame hummus topped with wasabi peas, drool-worthy dumplings, grilled octopus, and roasted cauliflower with a heavenly tahini dressing. To complete the tasting extravaganza, we savored a Japanese strawberry cheesecake and orange blossom olive oil cake, which solidified that MILA’s pastries are just as top-tier as the rest of the menu.

Cecconi’s Miami

Sweetly situated in the ground floor courtyard of Soho Beach House, Cecconi’s Miami serves up authentic Italian dishes under the guidance of celebrated executive chef Sergio Sigala. Twinkling lights weave through the overhead arbor, creating a magical ambience that transports you to the romance of European summer nights. The restaurant concept originated in Venice and has since expanded to outposts in London, West Hollywood, Berlin, Barcelona, Istanbul, and Brooklyn. All dishes are Venetian-inspired and ideal for creating a shareable table spread. We recommend ordering the truffle, goat cheese, and zucchini blossom wood-oven pizza and the whipped ricotta with truffle honey. Plus, an insider tip for the ladies: the women’s powder room has the best full-length selfie mirror and blush vintage wallpaper!

PLANTA

This is not your average vegan restaurant. PLANTA is the “it” destination in South Beach to enjoy plant-based renditions of your favorite dishes, sure to satisfy even those weary of a menu without animal products. We were obsessed from the first bite. For sushi lovers, sample the dragon roll, which spotlights tempura broccoli, spinach, avocado, and spicy unagi sauce. The bao sliders were another immediate hit, starring chick’n fried mushrooms, hoisin, and pickled cucumber neatly tucked within the cloud-like steamed dough. We all shared the vodka pizza to conclude the meal, which was expertly topped with tomato cream, cashew mozzarella, basil pesto, and chili bomba. No crumbs were left behind. Each item is easily shareable, and the restaurant is steps from some of the best shopping and hotels in South Beach.

Fabel

Fabel is a dream—or should we say a fairy tale? This is the ultimate brunch destination, set in the Wynwood Art District on the rooftop of Wynwood Jungle. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world after entering through a whimsical walkway of lights and foliage and walking up the hand-painted staircase. Here, enchantment comes first. Modeling a high-energy experience similar to Scorpios Beach Club in Mykonos or Bagatelle in Saint-Tropez, Fabel invites you to dance your heart out and let your inner child run wild while enjoying world-class dishes that delight the taste buds. You must order the Mariposa Immersion cocktail, which is prepared tableside. Our server, Christopher, expertly spritzed the glass with aromatic lemongrass before mixing the butterfly pea tea into the grapefruit and rose Ketel One mix, turning the drink a vibrant shade of purple. Other favorites included the cobia crudo, hummus, and beet salad. We can’t wait to return and enjoy another chapter of the Fabel experience!

Pura Vida Miami

If Pura Vida Miami had a fan club, we would be part of it. We will shamelessly admit that we went to Pura Vida twice during our short three-day escapade to Miami, falling in love at first bite. Owned by husband-and-wife duo Omer and Jennifer Horev, Pura Vida is the wellness destination offering delectable breakfast and lunch offerings made from the highest-quality ingredients. Each café is bright and inviting, tastefully styled with fringed umbrellas and comfortable seating areas that exude coastal elegance. Order the raw açai bowls topped with your favorite tropical fruits and granolas, and explore the extensive lunch menu for satisfying bowls, salads, and wraps. (Don’t forget the coffee!) We love this option for families and groups of friends.

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