10 November, 2021
Despite its reputation as a hot spot for bachelorette parties and spring-break trips (which, don’t get us wrong—it is great for), Miami is brimming with art deco architecture, celebrity-chef restaurants, luxury and sustainable shopping, and plenty of modern art. Each of the city’s eight neighborhoods is essentially a microcosm of culture and interest. From uber-hip Wynwood to lavish South Beach, quaint Coral Gables to the newly booming Design District, we’ve covered everything to do in the world-acclaimed corners of Miami, plus a few only the locals know.
Stay
W South Beach
There’s no better view of South Beach than through the floor-to-ceiling windows of your room at the W South Beach. South Beach hotels tend to be a mixture of funky and luxe on the inside, a nod to the city’s historic art deco architecture, and the W is no exception. Each room is decked out with geometric patterns and sculpturesque light fixtures in muted, soothing colors. The Living Room Bar and art-deco-meets-the-’70s feast for the eyes is the best place to enjoy a SoBe Swizzle or Guava Fiz while sitting atop a Mongolian alpaca chair. You can also grab a bite at yet another upscale Miami Asian food favorite, Mr. Chow. Oh, and did we mention the enormous pool?
Eat + Drink
KYU
From the guys behind global Japanese-fusion hot spot Zuma, KYU is officially Miami’s hottest restaurant. You’d be hard-pressed to get a reservation less than a week out, because this spot is always teeming with Wynwood hipsters and South Beach gastronomes alike. Robata grilling is at the forefront of KYU’s Japanese-meets-Southern cuisine—take the wagyu beef brisket for example. Also, don’t miss out on small plates like the crowd-favorite pork-and-shiitake gyoza with smoked-truffle ponzu sauce or the steamed softshell crab buns.
Pubbelly
Asian fusion is decidedly Miami foodies’ favorite cuisine. If you can’t get in to KYU or Zuma, there’s a chance you can snag a table at one of Pubbelly’s four Miami locations. Our favorite is Pubbelly Noodle Bar in Sunset Harbor. Though it doesn’t boast quite the same hype as its sister restaurants, the atmosphere is much more relaxed (hello, elbow room), and the food is possibly even better. Menu must-haves are the short-rib-and-truffle dumplings, the bao con lechon, and the veal brain meuniere (no, seriously).
AD LIB
Formerly home to Coral Gables’ favorite Southern gastropub, Swine (RIP), the cozy hole in the wall is now a bright, mid-century-inspired dining space that serves upscale, globally influenced fare. It’s worth the 15-minute drive if you’re staying in South Beach—you won’t run into any clubgoers, and you might not even need a reservation. Make sure to order the tasting menu, because the chef definitely knows what he’s doing.
Shop
4510/SIX
Don’t worry, that’s not a math equation. 4510/SIX is your one-stop shop for Boy Smells and Eckhaus Latta, Moon Juice, and Sies Marjan. Garnished with trendy houseplants and mid-century modern furniture, 4510/SIX is what a department store would look like if it was designed by your favorite decor influencer. Just a 10-minute drive north of Wynwood and the Design District, 4510/SIX is a must-visit for lovers of all things quirky and luxurious (even if you’re only window shopping).
Simonett Showroom
If there’s one thing the world needs right now, it’s timelessly chic clothing brands with a commitment to sustainability. Simonett Pereira’s eponymous label is just that. Located in Wynwood—the Williamsburg of Miami—the Simonette showroom is the best spot in town for environmentally conscious, ethically made designer pieces without the luxury price tag. Make sure to pick up one of their drool-worthy jumpsuits, vegan leather dresses, or, if you dare, sheer pants.
Do
ICA
The Institute of Contemporary Art is the best place to see incredible pieces by artists you probably haven’t heard of yet, and some that you definitely have but maybe have never seen in person. The ICA opened its gorgeous art-deco-inspired space in December of 2017, and it’s been stealing the Perez Art Museum’s thunder ever since. We’d definitely recommend the ICA if Picasso is the only artist you can name—not only will the galleries introduce you to a plethora of new painters, sculpturists, and creators, but also, they have a few Picassos, too.
Top Photo: Courtesy of W Miami South Beach
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