Where To Eat When You're Visiting Miami - Miami - The Infatuation

"Mandolin is in every conversation about where to eat in Miami—particularly if it is a time of year when the weather doesn’t suck. It’s the reservation every tourist fleeing winter battles for, but they have to fight locals too, who also love to celebrate special occasions in what’s possibly the greatest outdoor restaurant in town. So maybe try this Mediterranean spot for lunch, when it’s easier to get in. Mandolin’s backyard is an old house that’s been converted into an absolute postcard of a patio—and there’s enough shade and fans to make it tolerable at 2pm in August. The simple Mediterranean food is always consistently great, but you’re coming here for the atmosphere. Lunch is way easier to book than dinner. Whether or not Mandolin is slammed depends on the weather. If it's gorgeous out, you should have made that reservation three weeks ago. If it's not peak snowbird season, it's easier. They accept walk-ins, although walk-ins are usually seated inside. Luckily, all people with reservations are guaranteed an outdoor table." - ryan pfeffer