There’s never a bad time to be in Miami, but Art week, when the city is teeming with dozens of art fairs and exhibitions, is by far my favorite time to visit. Miami is never more electric as thousands of artists, aficionados, press and collectors descend for several days to celebrate contemporary art.
As we were unable to get together for the events of last year, I am delighted to come back this year and visit some of my favorite places. Miami is home to an exciting drink and cocktail scene, with stylish bars and imaginative mixology – often with stunning ocean views.
Below, I’ve shared some of my favorite places to meet, mingle, and be merry when fairs take place – places where art and innovation are presented in liquid form.
Cipriani
465 Brickell Ave, Miami, Florida 33131
Cipriani is home to one of my favorite downtown spots, Socialist salon. The glamorous members’ club combines decadent European and Cuban influences and offers an exceptional list of authentic Caribbean rums. I particularly like its live musical evenings and its aperitifs at the end of the evening on the tropical terrace. (Website; instructions)
1 South Beach Hotel
2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
At the top of 1 Hotel South Beach, Watr offers splendid views. . . © Alex Tarajano
. . . alongside Peruvian-inspired Japanese dishes such as charred octopus
After the tour The bass museum, I usually go to the bar and restaurant on the roof of hotel 1, Water, to enjoy the panoramic views. The ocean provides a superb backdrop for Peruvian and Japanese inspired drinks and snacks, like Florida grouper ceviche, charred octopus, and delicious, hand-made sushi. The eco-responsible design of Meyer Davis, who also designed the Tasting room in San Miguel de Allende, showcases Miami’s natural beauty and makes it an exceptional place to add to your rotation. (Website; instructions)
Casa Tua
1700 James Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Casa Tua takes its name seriously and always makes me feel right at home, which is exactly the philosophy that its owners Miky and Leticia Grendene seek to evoke. The historic villa’s friendly lantern-lit garden is one of my favorite places to dine and soak up. Their cocktail with the cheeky name Mi Casa Es Tu Casa is excellent and includes Casa Dragones blanco, plum liqueur, watermelon juice and jalapeño. (Website; instructions)
Soho Beach House
4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140
While Basel Art, Soho House feels like an extension of the art fair itself. But it’s more than a South Beach place for energetic lunches and networking. I usually stay there and actually my base in Miami. After a day of rest and relaxation by the pool, I like to stop in Cecconi, the restaurant in its courtyard on the ground floor, for an early evening aperitif before going out for a late dinner. (Website; instructions)
González Nieves likes to hang out by the pool at Soho Beach House © Tato Gomez
The Lido restaurant at the Four Seasons at the Surf Club
Four seasons at the Surf Club
9011 COLLINS AVENUE, SURFSIDE, FL 33154
The bars and restaurants at the Four Seasons are known for serving well-crafted cocktails. The Surf Club, the Florida-based business of Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller, is always lively and welcoming – you’ll feel like a regular even if you’ve never been there before. It is decorated with beautiful hand painted murals by Gary Myatt and old photos by Donald Robertson.
At the hotel Lido Restaurant, head bartender and mixologist Valentino longo creates complex but easy-to-drink aperitif cocktails in its beautiful emerald bar. And the chic Champagne bar offers the largest selection of champagnes in Miami. (Website; instructions)
Los Fuegos at Hotel Faena
3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140
The energy at Faena is contagious from the moment you walk in, as you walk through the hall of the red carpet and stunning eight. Murals by Juan Gatti On the way to Los Fuegos restaurant. The dining room, enhanced with a leopard print decor, evokes that exaggerated and quintessential Miami atmosphere. The Argentinian steakhouse’s extensive wine list showcases some stellar South American producers. (Website; instructions)
One of eight murals by Argentinian artist Juan Gatti at Hotel Faena
The Jaya restaurant at The Setai hotel hosts a must-see jazz brunch on Sundays
Setai Beach in Miami
2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
The famous Sunday Jazz Brunch at Jaya, the restaurant located in the courtyard of the Setai Hotel, is a must-see for any visitor to Miami. Sit back and enjoy the live jazz band with an excellent cocktail or unlimited champagne, before delving into Southeast and North Asian cuisine from talented Executive Chef Vijayudu Veena, who knows how to make people shine. local ingredients. (Website; instructions)
Carbon
49 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
To get a reservation at Carbone, you have to plan ahead, well in advance. The new Miami outpost of the famous NYC joint is notoriously hard to find a table. But it’s worth it for its signature on Italian-American dishes, like octopus pizzaiolo, rigatoni alla vodka, and linguine vongole. Carefully crafted classic cocktails offer something to drink for everyone. (Website; instructions)
Getting a reservation at Carbone can be tricky, but it’s worth it for the delicious Italian-American restaurant versions of classics like linguine vongole.
Cote’s Miami outpost in New York is housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco building in the Design District © Josh Aronson
Rating
3900 NE SECOND AVENUE, MIAMI, FL 33137
The Michelin-starred New York-born Korean steakhouse opened its Miami branch earlier this year. Restaurateur Simon Kim and his team have restored a magnificent Art Deco building in the heart of the Design District that resembles both the coast and Miami. The food here is some of the best in Miami, but it’s also one of my favorite places to drink wine. Every Monday – “Magnum Mondays” – the restaurant opens a rare vintage magnum to offer by the glass. (Website; instructions)
Bertha González Nieves, co-founder and CEO of Casa Dragones Tequila
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