Welcome to Miami
I moved to Miami Beach in November 2020 in search of a fresh start and a place to find inner peace. I know what you might be thinking—Miami is all about the party scene. But the Miami I’ve come to love is a wellness haven, filled with incredible shopping, delicious restaurants, and some of the best fitness studios in the country. It’s been a while since I last shared my Miami recommendations—a question I get asked often—so here’s my much-anticipated 2025 guide to the 305!
The latest in dining
My favorite restaurants by neighborhood:
1. South of Fifth
- Catch: Delicious sushi with an intimate rooftop
- Joe’s Stone Crab: This place is legendary in Miami beach and serves fresh stone crabs.
- Carbone: Celebrity loved italian spot known for it’s spicy rigatoni.
- Pura Vida: They have a few locations but this one is my favorite. It’s a great cafe for breakfast and lunch.
- Papi Steak: A high energy steakhouse, my sister and I are obsessed with their truffle corn!
- Estiatorio Milos: Healthy and delicious upscale greek cuisine.
- Prima Classe Italian Market & Cafe: The best place to grab a coffee or sand which, I also love buying my olive oil here.
The sushi at Catch Miami Beach is always delicious
2.South, Mid, and North Beach
- Watr: A stunning rooftop restaurant located at the 1 Hotel.
- Casa Tua: Elevated northern Italian cuisine housed in a charming Mediterranean-style villa.
- Cecconi’s: Located at soho beach house, this spot has great italian food in a court yard setting.
- Villa Azur : Chic French-Mediterranean haunt where a library & tropical patio invite romance & people-watching.
- BÂOLI Miami: Asian fine dining in a vibrant scene. It’s so fun!
- Mila: High-end Asian and Mediterranean restaurant in a rooftop atmosphere.
3.Brickell
- KOMODO: High-end restaurant and bar with excellent sushi.
- Delilah: Beautiful, old Hollywood looking decor. I love the live singer and piano player.
- Lafayette Steakhouse: A sophisticated setting offering live music every night.
- Edge Brasserie and Cocktail Bar: Located at the top of the four seasons, this spot offers french elegance.
- Gekkō: A fun and sexy Japanese steakhouse.
4. Wynwood
- Doya: A healthy Turkish restaurant serving delicious sharable plates.
- Maman : A bakery and cafe, I live for their avocado toast.
- Le Chick: An upscale pub with an intimate patio.
- KYU Miami: A stylish spot with wood fired, globally inspired dishes.
- Joe & the Juice: One of my favorite coffee spots. Also great for a quick breakfast.
How chic is the coffee at Dior Cafe?
5. Design District
- Mandolin Aegean Bistro: Greek restaurant with a chill vibe and great patio.
- Elastika: I love the contemporary architecture here and have heard their modern American dishes are fantastic.
- Swan: A collaboration between Pharrell Williams and David Grutman, Swan provides a chic dining atmosphere. I like this place for brunch.
- ZZ’s club: An exclusive venue known for its sophisticated ambiance and menu.
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Dior Cafe:A chic rooftop perfect for a mid-day coffee break.
- Fendi is also adding a cafe to their new store in the design district. Stay tuned!
- Casadonna: Fresh Italian fare in an impressive atmosphere.
- Sadelle’s: Located inside the Kith store, a great spot for brunch.
6. Bars
- Medium Cool: Hidden, underground cocktail lounge at the Gale Hotel featuring DJs and live music events.
- Gramps: Trendy hangout serving cocktails & craft beer amid live entertainment ranging from bands to comics.
- Dante’s HiFi: Cozy, vinyl listening bar serving beer, cocktails, and wine with regular live performances. Great for a date night!
Meet Me At The Beach
The best beach clubs
- Joia Beach: Nestled on Watson Island, I love this waterfront restaurant and beach club known for its relaxed ambiance, global cuisine, and stunning sunset views over Biscayne Bay.
- Baia Beach: Situated on Biscayne Bay at the Mondrian hotel, this spot provides a Mediterranean-inspired oasis with cozy loungers, a waterfront pool, and panoramic marina views.
- The Standard Hotel & Spa: I love booking a spa treatment here and then enjoying their pool which overlooks the bay.
- Nikki Beach: An iconic destination where you can lounge on the beach or at their restaurant, I love the laid-back vibes here.
- South Beach: Many hotels in South Beach offer beach chairs and food service on the beach even if you aren’t staying there. My favorite is the 3rd street beach area. I usually rent a lounger from Nikki Beach or the Sagamore.
I love a swing! I love hanging out at Joia Beach Club.
Shopping in Miami
My favorite sport
- Bal Harbour Shops: An iconic open-air luxury shopping destination in Bal Harbour, Miami, known for its high-end boutiques, lush tropical landscaping, and sophisticated ambiance. I love walking around here.
- Design District: a high-end shopping, dining, and cultural hub known for its cutting-edge fashion, world-class art, and innovative architecture. The stores are similar to Bal Harbour, only they also have places like Alo Yoga, Cult Gaia, and Sephora.
- Wynwood: Miami’s vibrant arts district, known for its street art, trendy boutiques, and eclectic shopping scene, featuring indie fashion brands, vintage shops, and unique concept stores alongside world-renowned galleries and the iconic Wynwood Walls.
- Lincoln Road: Open air shopping near hotels like SLS in South beach, I really enjoy their farmers market on Sunday’s.
- The Webster: Their flagship on Collins ave in South Beach is spectacular. I love the mix of designer finds here.
Feeling pink at Gucci
Make it a Great Day
Things to do and see
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Explore this Italian Renaissance-style villa and its lush gardens, reflecting Miami's rich history.
- Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): Discover contemporary art exhibitions in a modern architectural setting overlooking Biscayne Bay.
- Water Sports: Enjoy activities like jet skiing, paddle boarding, or renting a Jetcar and cruising in the water.
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: Located on Key Biscayne, this park offers serene beaches and a historic lighthouse.
- Little Havana: Experience Cuban culture through its lively atmosphere, authentic cuisine, and live music along Calle Ocho.
- Nightclubs: For a high-energy experience, consider popular spots like LIV Nightclub at the Fontainebleau Hotel or the iconic E11even.
Sweat it Out
The best fitness studios in Miami
- Mimi Yoga: best studio for a hot yoga or pilates class.
- Babe Hot Pilates: Perfect for a bachelorette party, the room is all pink.
- Fuze House: I love their hot sculpt classes.
- Reforming Pilates: My go-to for a pilates reformer class
- Rumble South Beach: For when you want to punch it out.
- Beach Yoga: Follow @aprilmayyoga on Instagram to learn about her donation-based beach yoga on Fridays.
Finding my "OM" at Mimi Yoga
Have a beautiful trip to Miami. If you need any more recommendations, feel free to DM us on instagram @shopmotonera.
XX Bri