Vogue’s Official Guide to Miami

@vogue
 on 2021.12.22
27 Places
@vogue
"We asked Vogue staffers to share their favorite haunts in Miami, from hotels to restaurants to nightlife. Below, our recommendations—and what to wear while you're visiting them." By Elise Taylor -- For the full list, visit the link below.

Faena Hotel Miami Beach

Hotel · Miami Beach

" When in Miami, I like to lean into its excessive, chaotic glamour—which means the Faena, a maximalist fever dream, is my hotel of choice. The bold red and turquoise color scheme in all the rooms? 100 percent yes. Animal print coaches with gilded chandeliers in the lobby? Here for it. Plus, it’s an art lover’s paradise: Damian Hirst’s “Gone but not Forgotten,” a gold leafed wooly mammoth skeleton, sits on its grounds, and during Art Basel, they always have an avant garde installation. (Last year? A carousel by Raúl de Nieves.)" -Elise Taylor, Living Writer"

Courtesy of The Faena

Palihouse Miami Beach

Hotel · Miami Beach

"The east coast’s first Palihouse manages to be both tucked-away and centrally located, just around the corner from the Faena in Mid-Beach. With most of its 71 rooms including kitchenettes, it’s designed to be a home away from home—if you lived in a restored Art Deco building with coral-colored walls and a perfect view of Indian Creek, that is. Like all Pali properties, this one is well-stocked with charming details, from an all-pink elevator to a tiny TV playing Ace Ventura in the lobby. During the day, take advantage of the hotel’s Beach Butler program, for which the staff will pack chairs, towels, and an umbrella along with a picnic, then shuttle you in a bespoke golf cart to whichever beach you choose. At night, order the bar’s “Falling Up” drink, which comes in an adorable puffer fish mug. (It’s meant for two, but when in Miami…)" -Ella Riley-Adams, Senior Living and Beauty Editor"

The Miami Beach EDITION

Hotel · Miami Beach

"When it comes to Miami hotels, understated elegance can be hard to come by. Though the razzle-dazzle of nearby properties is certainly fun, my all-time favorite hotel is the Edition. You’re smack dab in the middle of where you want to be (Collins Avenue and 29th Street) so you still feel very much a part of the Miami scene but inside, you’re miles away from it all. An all-white and blonde wood interiors scheme induces calm and that signature Edition smell that welcomes you upon arrival really transports you to vacation mode instantly. The views of the water are incredible and so too are the dining options like Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Matador Room." -Lilah Ramzi, Commerce Editor"

The Goodtime Hotel

Hotel · Miami Beach

"Ken Fulk swathed South Beach’s Goodtime Hotel in maximalist, Miami glamour: think a pool deck with baby pink cabanas, bars adorned with teal walls and art deco furniture, and greenery so dynamically dense that it feels like you’re in a jungle. (“Being in there is like being in a Wes Anderson film,” its co-owner, Pharrell Williams, previously told Vogue of his hospitality project. )" -Ian Malone, Experiences Editor"

"The Four Seasons recently took over Miami's famed beachside Surf Club. The rooms are as pristine as you'd expect, and then there's the hammam-themed spa with modern Morrocan tilework. Yes, the hotel is far away from Miami's more frequented attractions, but you'll want for nothing." -Lilah Ramzi, Commerce Editor"

EAST Miami

Hotel · Miami Riverwalk

"Who says you need a beach? Located in Miami’s booming Brickell neighborhood is East, the first U.S. outpost of Swire Hotels—the group behind the endlessly cool Middle House in Shanghai. Modern design is at the forefront for this downtown property: the glass prism exterior is meant to look like cascading water, and feng shui methods were used for all the interiors. Their rooftop bar, Sugar, with its teak bar and overflowing greenery, looks straight out of Bali—but its panoramic views of Biscayne Bay gives its true geographical location away." -Elise Taylor"

The Surf Club Restaurant

American restaurant · Surfside

"If the trends of Miami have you longing for another time, look no further than The Surf Club Restaurant. Thomas Keller’s first Florida joint will transport you to glitz and glamour of the 1950s. The meal begins with a thematically-appropriate selection of Champagne (I chose a vintage preferred by Winston Churchill, naturally). Lean into the restaurant’s pitch-perfect classics: deviled eggs, Caesar salad prepared tableside, steak au poivre. Finish it off with a hot fudge sundae, also prepared tableside—or a stiff martini. Either way, Don Draper would be proud." -Jessie Heyman, Executive Editor"

Byblos Miami

Mediterranean restaurant · Art Deco Historic District

"Byblos' airy and bright atmosphere sets the tone for the Mediterranean delights that await. This is the perfect spot for a happy hour drink (the "Marrakech Garden" delights), brunch (the manoushi never fails), or even a family feast (the "no hungry kids” menu comes in handy!)." -Ian Malone"

Casa Tua Restaurant

Italian restaurant · Miami Beach

"You'd be hard-pressed to find a more romantic spot in South Beach than Casa Tua (the lantern-lit trattoria practically screams engagement spot). The Northern Italian restaurant—which feels more Montepulciano than Miami—offers an impressive wine list and traditional Tuscan fare: stracciatella, truffle risotto, ragu bolognese. Just make sure you save room for the homemade pistachio gelato." -Jessie Heyman"

Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant

Seafood restaurant · Miami Beach

"There's always a line because Joe’s Stone Crab is a bonafide institution. Joe's founder Joe Weiss is actually said to have "discovered" stone crabs. He and his wife opened a lunch stand in Miami Beach in 1913. In 1921, a visiting ichthyologist from Harvard brought him a stack of the strange looking crustaceans. At first, Joe thought nobody would eat them, but after he boiled and chilled them, they were a huge hit. The signature claws are a must order. Fresh stone crabs are in season from October 15th to May 15th. But the huge menu means there are lots of other seafood options as well. (The restaurant does so much business it's actually the number two highest grossing restaurant in the United States. The number one spot goes to Tao Las Vegas.) And, after eating all of the claws you can, be sure to order the key lime pie—you won't regret it." -Alexandra Macon, Contributing Living Editor"

Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann

Argentinian restaurant · Miami Beach

"The best steak I ever had was at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann—the Argentinian celebrity chef is a true grillmaster. The ambience, with its cheetah print banquets, mood lighting, and outdoor terrace truly sets the mood for a special evening worth savoring." -Elise Taylor"

Taquiza

Permanently Closed

"This traditional Mexican taqueria is definitely a local’s spot. Specializing in authentic tacos and street fare, it's a casual place where you can eat good food al fresco. Blue masa is used to create their homemade gluten-free tortillas and chips, and to be honest, my trip to Miami was almost a year ago, and I still think about how good they were on a regular basis!" -Alexandra Macon"

1-800-Lucky

Asian restaurant · Midtown

"If you're wandering around Wynwood, 1-800-Lucky is the ultimate casual lunch spot that's not to be missed between gallery hopping and shopping. In an industrial setting with a ton of Asian food vendors (great if you're indecisive or with a group) is a bar, outdoor seating (and dancing), Instagram worthy decor, and last but not least, hip-hop music. It's quick, inexpensive, and true to the Art District's cool vibe." -Madeline Fass, Associate Market Editor"

Swan

Restaurant · Design District

"Singer, activist, and Renaissance man Pharrell teamed up with the ample-tressed French chef Jean Imbert to open the restaurant Swan. Located in the Design District, the 13,500-square-foot venue made such a splash that during even during Art Basel, hoards happily braved the fair's standstill traffic from Miami Beach just to get a table." -Lilah Ramzi"

Plant Miami

Permanently Closed

"Vegan, or just looking for a healthy detox after a late night in South Beach? Go to Plant Miami, a restaurant that serves up a plant-based menu (think jackfruit tacos and coconut ceviche) with ingredients from their own biodynamic farm. The outdoor patio has a plethora of palm trees and a serenity pool, making it an oasis of calm in the bustling Wynwood neighborhood. You can stay longer than lunch, too: Plant Miami is part of a larger wellness complex called The Sacred Space, which also offers yoga and cooking classes." -Elise Taylor"

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

Greek restaurant · Design District

"Mandolin is a true Mediterranean escape in the heart of Miami's Design District. If you're seeking a laid back, unpretentious environment with great seafood and wine, grab a table on their patio." -Madeline Fass"

Doya

Restaurant · Miami Fashion District

"Doya focuses on Mediterranean and mezze style offerings, all made over a charcoal grill or wood-fired oven. And when the team behind a restaurant is comprised of alums from Cecconi's, Claridge's, and Mandolin, you know it's going to be good." -Elise Taylor"

Ghee Indian Kitchen

Indian restaurant · South Miami

"The menu—Indian, much of it gluten-free and vegetarian—at Ghee changes daily depending on which ingredients have been freshly harvested from the restaurant-owned farm, Rancho Patel. Knowing that it’s all great, put your decision-making in the chef’s hands by going for the $55 tasting menu (and getting a glass of organically farmed wine on the side)." -Ella Riley-Adams"

Kiki on the River

Greek restaurant · Overtown

"With its deadly cocktails and delicious fare, Kiki on the River provides the perfect place to booze while savoring that unbeatable Floridian weather. The edenic interior, draped in leaves and lit by chandeliers, accentuates the beauty of the boats beyond. Open on weekends from 1 pm to midnight, the venue acts as the Southern answer to Montauk's Surf Lodge." -Ian Malone"

Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine

Cuban restaurant · West Flagler

"Best cafe con leche outside of Havana. Full confession: I’ve never had a thing to eat here—but every time I’m in Miami I make a pilgrimage to their to-go counter for their very high-octane but still mellow Cuban coffee. (Just don’t make the mistake I did on my first trip here when, due to some language issues, I accidentally ordered a colada and drank it all quite quickly. A colada, a Cuban friend explained to me, once I stopped thinking I was having a heart attack, is what you bring back for your entire extended family.)" -Corey Seymour, Senior Editor"

COTE Miami

Korean barbecue restaurant · Design District

"Right in the heart of the Design District is Cote, a Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse. As one would expect, ordering a cut of meat is the way to go here—you grill it right in the middle of your table—but the ceviche is also a must-order." -Elise Taylor"

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Museum · Northeast Coconut Grove

"It's a quick (30 minutes, give or take) drive from Miami Beach to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, but you'll feel worlds away. The property was once the home of James Deering, a man who took antiques just as seriously as he did growing his thriving businesses. From the outside, the sprawling waterfront estate (completed in 1923) is a pastiche of Mediterranean Revival and Italianate Villa elements. Inside, it brims with imported European art and decorative arts spanning the Renaissance to the Rococo and more. Then, there are the gardens, a composite of designs pulled from Italy and France's best examples. The pièce de résistance is really outside in the bay—a carved limestone barge that resembles a sunken ship. It's all delightfully over the top and luxurious—what could be more Miami?" -Lilah Ramzi"

Alamy

Pérez Art Museum Miami

Art museum · Downtown

"Steps from the glittering Intercoastal, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (or PAMM) offers a dazzling collection of contemporary art. The sprawling space, boasting over 2,000 works including pieces by Olafur Eliasson and Frank Stella, delights the connoisseur and art-novice alike." -Ian Malone"

de la Cruz Collection

Permanently Closed

"If you're craving a more personal experience than PAMM provides, head over to de la Cruz Collection. The formerly private collection of Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz offers the cultured visitor a chance to admire works by Salvadore Dalí, Alex Katz, Félix González-Torres, Rashid Johnson, and other contemporary masters." -Ian Malone"

The Webster Miami

Clothing store · Art Deco Historic District

"While The Webster now has multiple locations across the United States, its 20,000 square foot flagship is housed in a fabulous turquoise and pink Art Deco building on Collins Avenue. It’s a must-visit for any luxury lover or architecture aficionado." -Elise Taylor"

Tierra Santa Healing House

Spa · Miami Beach

"Tierra Santa Healing House at The Faena is incredible, and Tammy Fender’s holistic spa in West Palm is worth the drive from Miami. It’s her only standalone studio." -Celia Ellenberg, Beauty Director"

Miami Design District

Shopping mall · Design District

"Miami's Design District, in my opinion, has the best public art installations of any city in the country. There's "Conscious Actions" by GT2P (essentially a teal swing set), Virgil Abloh's "Dollar a Gallon," and Daniel Toole's “Jade Alley," just to name a few. Here's an official list—take an afternoon, grab an iced coffee, head over to Paseo Ponti, and wander around." -Elise Taylor"