Michael's Genuine

"Michael Schwartz’s cozy bistro in the Miami Design District stands out a go-to for American-style cuisine and hospitable service two decades into its run. Michael’s Genuine presents various options, from raw bar dishes to a chilled seafood platter, spiced lamb with charred eggplant, wood-roasted cauliflower, and the famous black truffle pizza. The weekday happy hour, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., offers a lively atmosphere and some of the best deals in town, and patrons can bask in the outdoor seating." - Juliana Accioly, Olee Fowler

"In the Design District, Michael’s Genuine serves its espresso martini with Casamigos Reposado tequila, Caffe Borghetti, and Panther Coffee Genuine Roast espresso, enhanced with house-made almond orgeat and a house-made bitters blend. The drink is dusted with ground espresso, cinnamon, and cocoa powder, while the bitters incorporate smoked chile bitters and xocolatl mole for a spicy kick." - Juliana Accioly

"Michael’s Genuine brings in at least 100 pounds of stone crabs weekly during the season. Chef Michael Schwartz serves them traditionally, with a house-made mustard sauce and a spicy green sambal. Available at lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, stone crabs are priced at market rate throughout the season." - Olee Fowler

"Michael’s Genuine was the first restaurant that made people want to eat in the Design District when it opened in 2006, and it’s still one of the neighborhood’s best spots. It’s a great place to sit outside for brunch on a nice day. They do a solid weekday Happy Hour from 4:30-7pm (only available at the bar). But we also like Michael’s for a proper sit-down lunch or dinner. It’s one of the few upscale options in the Design District that doesn’t feel designed for people with yacht brokers, and their mostly American menu includes some reliably good proteins. Seafood is usually the move here." - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo, mariana trabanino

"Michael’s Genuine is a Design District classic that’s been around since the neighborhood’s empty warehouse days, before it filled up with luxury boutiques and became a breeding ground for cringey sidewalk photoshoots. Today, it's one of the most reliable spots in Miami for a solid meal and a safe bet when you need a restaurant that’s nice but not overwhelmingly upscale. Micheal’s Genuine doesn’t try to compete with the colorful murals, luxury shops, or trendy restaurants where people go for big, blowout dinners. The dining room is simple and welcoming, with white walls, limewash chairs, and floating plants that hang from the ceiling. It’s accented by red water glasses and a dark red bar where folks gather for Happy Hour, eating deviled eggs and shrimp toast while waiting out traffic. The New American food here is safe for picky parents who get excited about roasted chicken but adventurous enough for folks who like kimchi with their pork belly or peaches with their bacon pizza. If you have an important occasion in mind, you can trust Michael’s Genuine. It won’t blow your mind, but it’s consistent. And it outshines much of the neighborhood’s competition because it’s more accessible. Make no mistake—you’ll still find seafood platters, caviar service, and $100 steaks on the menu. But you won’t be locked outside staring at a window display, pining for unattainable objects or access to tough reservations. At Michael’s, you can always count on a smooth Manhattan, friendly service, and a menu pretty much everyone can agree on. Food Rundown photo credit: The Infatuation Today’s Oysters A few times a year, Michael’s marks down their oysters to $1 each. But it’s unpredictable, sometimes happening in August or January. The Island Creek oysters are always light, refreshing, and a good way to start a meal here. But paying $1 for them feels even better than finding a $20 bill in a pair of old jeans. photo credit: Justin Namon Crispy Pork Belly The Korean dish is one of the last things you’d expect to order from a New American restaurant like this, but it’s a signature dish you’ll find on every table. The pork belly is crunchy, juicy, covered in a sweet sauce, and comes with spicy kimchi and crushed peanuts. And it should be the first thing you order. photo credit: Justin Namon Vito’s Stracciatella This creamy stracciatella is drizzled with olive oil and topped with flaky salt. It’s served with whatever produce is in season, like figs, peaches, or tomatoes. And it’s a great way to trick yourself into eating your daily serving of fruit. photo credit: The Infatuation Steak Au Poivre Michael’s knows how to cook a great steak. Their 12-oz. NY strip comes with creamy, rich au poivre sauce that coats every juicy bite of meat that’s cooked with more precision than an atomic clock. photo credit: The Infatuation Carrot Cake If a Basque cheesecake and carrot cake fell in love, Michael’s carrot cake would pop out of the oven nine months later. It’s burnt on top, and fluffy carrot cake is layered between the creamy cheese center. It’s not just the best dessert on the menu, it’s one of our favorite dishes and the best way to end a meal here." - Virginia Otazo