Sous chef Christopher Suarez, general manager and pastry chef Katherine Mederos and executive chef Pedro Mederos at Kojin 2.0 in Coral Gables.

Sous chef Christopher Suarez, general manager and pastry chef Katherine Mederos and executive chef Pedro Mederos at Kojin 2.0 in Coral Gables.

Carl Juste

cjuste@miamiherald.com

Miami Spice is back. Do you know where you’re eating?

The annual dining promotion from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau runs from Aug. 1-Sept. 30, and it’s always a welcome chance for diners to try new restaurants without running up the credit card bills.

Unless you order the caviar add-ons. Then you’re on your own.

The menus generally offer fixed-price brunch, lunch and dinner options. Prices have risen a bit, with brunch and lunch menus at $40 instead of $35, while dinner menus range from $50-$65 instead of $45-$60. There’s a Spice Reserve dinner level at $95 and several “signature” experiences, like the Chef’s Experience Lunch at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, which offers a three-course lunch on Fridays and Saturdays at Miami’s only two-star Michelin restaurant.

So where to begin? Here are reviews of the Miami Spice meals we tried. As always, menus are subject to change throughout the two months of the promotion.

For a complete list of participating restaurants, visit www.miamiandbeaches.com/deals/spice-restaurant-months

Amal

Who should go: Fans of Mediterranean and Lebanese food. Grove locals.

What to order: To start, you can’t go wrong with ordering the hummus or the dip platter ($5 extra, but includes two more dips) but the star of the mezze options was the Truffle Rakakat ($10 extra during dinner). They are crispy fried cheese rolls infused with truffle, wrapped in a thin pastry and garnished with pistachios; the honey drizzle added the best salty/sweet balance. For the entree, we recommend the pistachio kebab made with beef, lamb and pistachio. The desserts were both winners: a traditional baklava or the mastika ice cream, topped with cotton candy pieces and pistachio. They also have two cocktails on the Miami Spice menu for $18 each. The Phoenician Connection, their take on a spicy margarita, was delicious.

When is it offered: Lunch Monday-Friday; dinner daily ($50).

Parking: Street parking or nearby lots

Location: 3480 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove

– Ana Claudia Chacin

Amalia Restaurant

Who should go: Anyone looking for a quiet, upscale meal in South Beach.

What to order: August is infernal in Miami, so we were excited to dig into Amalia’s beet salad as an appetizer. After a day under the sun, beets dressed with spinach, pickled onions, cucumbers and raspberries on a cool bed of yogurt couldn’t have hit better. If you’re on the hungrier side, consider the pomegranate-speckled Brussels sprouts – which are gently charred and served atop avocado – or the octopus. As a main, the branzino, bathed in a lemon-orange sauce and complemented by asparagus gratinée, was peerless and paired well with the beet salad. That said, the pistachio-encrusted lamb chops and their friends, the purple potatoes, gave it a run for its money. But Amalia’s deserts were the coup de grâce. You really can’t go wrong with any of them, though our favorites were the fruity chocolate mousse and the dulce de leche soufflé, in that order.

When is it offered: Lunch and dinner daily.

Parking Valet ($16) and street parking.

Location 1900 Collins Ave., inside Lennox Hotel, Miami Beach.

– Max Klaver

Amara at Paraiso

Who should go: Diners looking for big portions of savory food with one of Miami’s best bay views.

What to order: Spice cocktail is the Fairchild (the iconic garden supplies the mangoes) rum with basil, mango, ancho chile and lime. A rich shrimp toast on a crunchy baguette slice features a shrimp mousse with pickled onions cilantro and aji amarillo aioli, and you can taste all the components. Amara’s part of Michael Schwartz’s empire, but the chef is Maite Zarrabeitia, an Argentine who has a way with empanadas. Her braised beef shank and bone marrow handheld with a verdant parsley sauce is sublime. For entrees, a giant filet of pounded-thin pork Milanese is crisp, greaseless and deeply flavorful, served with a salad of arugula, fennel celery and manchego cheese. Go Brazilian with moqueca, a fish stew with a giant prawn, mahi mahi, octopus and farofa that you spoon over white rice. Mango mousse or chocolate terrine for dessert.

When is it offered: Lunch Monday-Saturday; dinner ($65) daily.

Parking: Street parking or valet.

Location: 3101 NE Seventh Ave., Miami.

– Kendall Hamersly

Amazónico

Who should go: Rainforest enthusiasts, lovers of the “clubstaurant,” Brickell boys with a company card.

What to order: Inspired by Latin American flavors, Amazónico is a restaurant that offers more than food — it has top-notch service, live music, multiple floors with DJs, rooftop champagne bars and fun, extravagant decor that pays homage to the Amazon. From faux foliage on the ceiling to animal sounds playing softly in the bathroom stalls, the whole experience feels as if the Rainforest Cafe was rebranded for adults with deep pockets. The meal starts with a hamachi “bocadito” with yellowtail tartare and aji amarillo — a tasty Peruvian sauce — atop crispy rice. For starters, opt for the tiradito de salmon, a raw dish or the brocheta de chorizo, a simple skewer of grilled pork sausage and roasted vegetables pileed on top of sourdough bread and dipped into chimichurri ( a $10 add-on). It’s worth the upgrade. For entrees, the asado de costilla (48-hour braised short rib with mushroom fried rice) was the big winner. The highlight of the meal was dessert, specifically the crema de choclo, a corn creme brulee with coconut sponge cake that had us licking the plate it was served in.

When is it offered: Dinner ($65) Monday-Thursday, Sunday.

Parking: valet for $30 or street parking.

Location: 800 Brickell Ave, Miami.

– Lauren Costantino

Aviv The salatim at Miami Beach’s Aviv is an optional add-on ($21 for the table) with seven ramekins with different spreads and mezzes. The salatim at Miami Beach’s Aviv is an optional add-on ($21 for the table) with seven ramekins with different spreads and mezzes. Michael Persico, courtesy of Aviv

Who should go: Fans of flavorful Middle Eastern food with lots of surprises.

What to order: At Aviv, every Spice meal starts with hummus, and that’s a good thing, especially if you opt for the Pitrvot, a creamy spread studded with sauteed shiitake and maitake mushrooms. Although, the regular hummus, served with a blob of whipped herb tehina, is great, too. Both come with homemade Saluf, a Yemenite flatbread. Salatim is an optional add-on, and it’s intriguing enough to be worth the extra $21 for the table. Seven ramekins come on a platter bearing beets with tehina, a puree of greens called olesh, cannellini beans and corn, cabbage with sumac onions, eggplant, Yemenite pickles and chershi, a butternut squash spread. Entrees include a crunchy, greaseless chicken schnitzel with tehina, pickles and herbs, soft roasted eggplant with carob molasses, slow-braised short rib with caramelized onions, tender potatoes and a passionfruit glaze (yes, it works). Beef Shashlik is a skewer bearing six grilled chunks of hanger steak flavored with black garlic and served with cabbage. The kid in all of us will enjoy classic vanilla soft-serve ice cream, but the guava-flavored version is even better..

When is it offered: Dinner ($65) Sunday-Thursday.

Parking: Street parking or valet.

Location: One Hotel South Beach, 2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach.

– Kendall Hamersly

Bella

Who should go: Anyone looking for a reasonably priced outdoor dinner date spot in Miami Beach.

What to order: Bella, the latest Miami venture from Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani, prides itself on its “brilliant basics,” seasoning with salt and pepper and letting the ingredients themselves do the rest of the talking. The branzino – buttery, substantial and just the right amount of briny – is the most tangible, tasty expression of the theory. Don’t miss it. Same goes for the starter “Bella’s Little Treats,” a striking showcase of the restaurant’s fresh veggies. We also tried two of the highest-recommended pastas: the lamb ragu and the vegetarian-friendly “9 tubes of pasta and not one more.” The tubes are just what you’re looking for if you’re a vegetarian in the mood for al dente pasta. The ragu is more summery and spicy than most, nor is it the belly-buster you’ve come to expect from the dish – great flavor, and it surprisingly left us with room to tackle dessert. Speaking of, get the tiramisu. It’s the perfect balance of rich and light. You’ll notice the olive oil, which elevates the dish.

When is it offered?: Dinner only; Wednesday-Sunday.

Parking: $20 parking at the Miami Beach Convention Center or try your luck at street parking.

Location: 236 21st St, Miami Beach.

– Austin Horn

Belly Fish Coral Gables Tuna Tostadas at Belly Fish feature a crunchy corn wafer was weighed down with a bold chipotle aioli, soy-lime marinated yellowfin tuna, avocado, cilantro and crispy leeks. Tuna Tostadas at Belly Fish feature a crunchy corn wafer was weighed down with a bold chipotle aioli, soy-lime marinated yellowfin tuna, avocado, cilantro and crispy leeks. Courtesy of Belly Fish

Who should go: University of Miami students who want gourmet sushi near campus. Anyone looking for a healthy lunch or satisfying weeknight dinner.

What to order: Tostadas are a hit with salmon or tuna: our crunchy corn wafer was weighed down with a bold chipotle aioli, soy-lime marinated yellowfin tuna, avocado, cilantro and crispy leeks. A bright and tart Spice-only appetizer, shrimp aguachile, featured at least half a dozen large shrimp, plus avocado and cucumber with pickled red onion. A quartet of crispy rice bites included spicy salmon, spicy tuna, spicy crab and spicy hamachi atop crisp rice balls. Broiled Faroe Islands salmon includes either a salad with many add-ons or rice bowl with charred broccoli, plus a choice of sauces. Ask the server to build you a generous sushi combo, with hand rolls, nigiri and salmon belly roll, as one entree option. Passion fruit creme brulee is a sensational dessert, along with creative ice cream offerings.

When is it offered: Lunch and dinner ($50) daily.

Parking: Street parking or nearby parking garages.

Location: 3060 SW 37th Ave. Suite 104, Coconut Grove.

– Kendall Hamersly

Bouchon Bistro Steak frites at Bouchon Bistro. Steak frites at Bouchon Bistro. Courtesy of Bouchon Bistro

Who should go: Everyone who has forgotten just how good a Thomas Keller restaurant can be

What to order: Bouchon isn’t afraid to put its biggest hits on the Spice menu. Start with the escargot, which pack a wonderful buttery, garlicky punch, each bite topped with a perfect, tiny puff pastry. Share it, then share a simple salad of greens, warm goat cheese and croutons with a red wine vinaigrette for a nice contrast. The obvious choice for an entrée is Bouchon’s famous steak frites, a tender filet served with a mound of hot and crunchy fries. But the gnocchi with summer vegetables is another simple yet thoughtful dish, with pasta lighter than you’d expect. Bouchons au chocolat will satisfy the chocolate fiends when it’s time for dessert, but the crème caramel will leave no palate unsatisfied.

When is it offered: Lunch Friday-Sunday; dinner ($65) Wednesday-Sunday; Bouchon also has a $135 Reserve menu with steak au poivre and Dover sole.

Parking: Street parking or nearby garages

Location: 2101 Galiano St., Coral Gables

– Connie Ogle

Cho Asian Bistro

Who should go: Fans of Asian street food who enjoy dining in a visually stimulating atmosphere

What to order: Cho’s supremely satisfying Spice dinners cost only $50 and are served in a cool, neon-infused space that’s an Instagrammer’s dream while still offering warm and friendly service (which isn’t always a given on the Beach). Start with the duck bao buns — no, don’t argue you want the scallop crudo, though that’s good too. The duck is smoky, the bao buns are spongy in the best possible way and you won’t be sorry. Chicken satay with a restrained peanut sauce is a solid choice, too. Among the entrees, the shrimp nasi goreng is the standout, and it’s even better if you ask your server for the restaurant’s homemade hot sauce, which delivers flavor and spice without shutting down your tastebuds. For dessert, the chocolate-and-coconut pani puri are a must. The South Asian street food is usually savory, but Cho has transformed it into a sweet treat with hazelnut praline and dark chocolate milk. You won’t want to share, but you should.

When is it offered: Dinner daily ($50).

Parking: Street parking around Sunset Harbour, if you’re lucky, or valet.

Location: 1209 17th St., Miami Beach.

– Connie Ogle

Da Angelino Cucina Italiana Carpaccio di carne at Da Angelino Cucina Italiana. Carpaccio di carne at Da Angelino Cucina Italiana. Courtesy of Da Angelino Cucina Italiana

Who should go: Fans of Italian food looking for an elevated, fancy meal. Perfect for a date night or a nice dinner with friends

What to order: Da Angelino opened its doors just after Spice season in 2025, so this is its first Miami Spice menu. It did not disappoint. Start your dinner with the Carpaccio di Carne, a thinly sliced wagyu beef carpaccio with a mustard lemon dressing generously topped with big chunks of Parmiggiano Reggiano. If you’re a fan of tuna tartare, try Chef Fabrizio Carro’s Tartare di Tonno, deliciously fresh and with a fun purple potato chips topper. For the entree, we suggest you take a risk and try the Ravioli Fichi e Gorgonzola, a fig filled ravioli with a gorgonzola sauce and crispy prosciutto. If you’re feeling like beef, for an additional $8 you can get the melt-in-your mouth Brasato – braised short ribs paired with mashed potatoes. For dessert, the tiramisu is a never-miss classic and the pistacchio mille feuille de (only available for dinner) was a really fun, flavorful treat.

When is it offered: Lunch Monday-Friday; dinner daily ($50).

Parking: Cocowalk lot or street parking.

Location: 3015 Grand Ave #120, Coconut Grove

– Ana Claudia Chacin

Daniel’s Miami Daniel’s Miami’s Wagyu short rib entree. Daniel’s Miami’s Wagyu short rib entree. Courtesy of Gioia Hospitality Group

Who should go: Meat lovers and their friends (because the pasta and fish is good, too).

What to order: As usual, this wildly popular steakhouse is offering a variety of options: brunch, lunch, dinner and a special upscale signature experience (check times below to see when each is available). Because we are not fools, we opted for the signature dinner experience, which includes the heavenly bread service – Sullivan Bakery sourdough with ricotta, honey and thyme – truly one of the highlights of a meal at Daniel’s. Otherwise, it was a surf and turf night, starting with the best oysters Rockefeller I’ve ever had, complete with spinach and watercress, and wagyu carpaccio with tonnato, caper powder and Parmigiano. We stuck with that plan for the entrees, with a grits-encrusted grouper served with spicy tomato, chickpeas and okra and the star of the show, a wagyu beef short rib with potato fondata and mushrooms. Dessert is a simple but satisfying vanilla or chocolate soft serve (or a swirl). Daniel’s is also offering Spice specials on some cocktails and wines by the glass, and if you don’t want to spring for the signature dinner, don’t fret: The regular Spice dinner menu includes some real gems, like the wagyu empanadas, an addictive French dip sandwich and the restaurant’s delicious Heritage Burger.

When is it offered: Brunch Sundays; lunch Tuesday-Friday; Friday-Saturday dinner on the patio or in the bar ($65); $95 signature dinner experience in main dining room Sunday-Thursday.

Parking: Street parking or valet.

Location: 1500 San Ignacio Ave., Coral Gables.

– Connie Ogle

Double Knot

Who should go: Lovers of Asian tapas and the Wynwood vibe.

What to order: This sister restaurant of a Philadelphia institution has a sprawling menu with something for everybody, and the Spice plan reflects that. Dishes are served family style, which means you’ve got to forge an agreement on what everyone’s going to have. It won’t be hard. Start with cold appetizers: Tuna tartare is luscious, with tasty cubes of blood-red tuna tossed in a sesame dressing and chili oil with avocado. Skewers from the vast robatayaki menu include beautifully tender scallops and rich Kobe beef. The “crispy” list features just three options; be sure to get Karage, boneless Japanese fried chicken, hot and salty and just right. Tacos featuring fried shrimp with radish, avocado and chili are a winner, as well. Dumplings are a revelation here, including a pillowy one with truffle edamame puree, pea shoots and sake broth and a “Wagyu soup” one with bits of beef and broth. For the main course, choose from among beef, poultry, seafood and vegetarian options. Our beef tenderloin was tender indeed, served with boniato – Japanese sweet potato – and miso butter. A generous filet of branzino with ginger and scallion and braised shiitakes was outstanding, as well. A choice of side dishes includes black cod-studded fried rice with edamame and miso, plus cauliflower with yuzu aioli and cashews. Trendy soft-serve is a key dessert option; ours was a vanilla/chocolate swirl.

When is it offered: Dinner ($65) daily.

Parking: Primarily street parking.

Location: 2550 NW Second Ave.

– Kendall Hamersly

Ezio’s The dining room at Ezio’s in North Beach. The dining room at Ezio’s in North Beach. Brandon Harman

Who should go: Serious steak lovers. Anyone who wants a fabulous deal.

What to order: From the team behind New York City’s beloved Roberta’s, a Bib Gourmand–recognized pizzeria, Ezio’s is a new addition to the North Beach neighborhood serving steak, seafood and Italian-inspired cuisine in an upscale but still very vibey space. The Spice menu offers one of the best deals we’ve seen, so here’s how to take advantage of it: Get the mango and prosciutto appetizer to start. Topped with macadamia nuts and basil and swimming in stracciatella goodness, this dish is a fun, Florida take on the traditional Italian starter. For entrees, order The Zabuton, a 16-ounce melt-in-your-mouth tender steak sourced from a wagyu cattle farm in Idaho, which comes with fries. The buttery steak, served for no additional up charge, happens to be the fourth most tender of all beef cuts, a fact you will learn from the staff who are all knowledgeable about the different dry-aged beef cuts and American farms they hail from. For dessert, we loved the vanilla soft serve, made in house and topped with good quality olive oil, and the pecan pie.

When it is offered: Dinner ($65), Thursday through Sunday.

Parking: Street or public parking garage in building.

Location: On the ground floor of 72 Park Condos, 580 72nd St., Miami Beach.

– Lauren Costantino

Grand Public Grand Public’s veal and beef meatballs with mini rigatoni. Grand Public’s veal and beef meatballs with mini rigatoni. Javier Hurtado

Who should go: Sports fans and those who enjoy creative, elevated bar food.

What to order: Settle in front of your TV of choice to watch the big game with a crowd. But this is no wings-and-nachos joint. Food is creative and generally healthful, with plenty of veggie-forward options and lots of flavor. Start with a bright Greek village salad, featuring cucumbers and tomatoes and feta and a creamy ricotta dressing. An ahi tuna and avocado “stack” is papered with cucumber slices and served with a citrus ponzu sauce and crunchy chips for dipping. Elegant slices of beef get tarted up with capers, arugula, garlic confit and aioli for a refreshing carpaccio. For entrees, crispy-skin grilled salmon comes with a tasty tabbouleh-studded quinoa and lots of broccolini seated in a puddle of spicy rocoto chile puree. Veal and beef meatballs pair nicely with a smoky pomodoro sauce and mini rigatoni. A half grilled chicken gets a lemon-herb marinade, served with lemon sauce, fingerling potatoes and broccolini. To finish, there’s a dark and dense triple chocolate cake with dulce de leche and vanilla gelato. And classic cheesecake benefits from orange marmalade and candied pistachio crumbles.

When is it offered: Lunch and dinner ($50) seven days, brunch on Sundays.

Parking: Street parking or nearby parking garages and lots.

Location: 3015 Grand Ave., Cocowalk second floor, Coconut Grove.

– Kendall Hamersly

Hutong Hutong is decorated with a 70-foot-long wall of hand-carved Chinese wood paneling and doors. Hutong is decorated with a 70-foot-long wall of hand-carved Chinese wood paneling and doors. Jessica Serrano

Who should go: Big-appetite fans of decadent Chinese food, including a tableside Peking Duck show.

What to order: Prawn and black truffle dumplings are a joy, the shimmering black casings colored with charcoal powder and stuffed with toothsome shrimp. A pair of crisp spring roll options, one with vegetables and one with prawn, both hit the mark. The Spice lineup includes an appetizer, a side dish, an entree and a serving of juicy Peking duck, carved tableside by the chef and served with sauces and rice-paper pancakes. Aggressive spiciness throughout, most notably in our favorite entree, Ma La Chile Prawns, stir fried with Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger and julienned Chinese celery. Mapo tofu is billed as “Granny’s Tofu Stew,” and it’s homey indeed. Kung Po Iberico Pork gets sweetness from the apple but still brandishes that spice. On the lighter side, steamed Chilean sea bass is subtle and festooned with hot pepper slices in a ginger-vinegar broth. To finish, the server will build a tableside Hong Kong Milk Tea Tiramisu, with milk tea mascarpone Chantilly cream and lady fingers, served with a cup of subtle Hong Kong milk tea.

When is it offered: Lunch Monday-Friday, dinner ($65) daily.

Parking: Street parking or nearby parking garages.

Location: 600 Brickell Ave, Suite 125, Miami

– Kendall Hamersly

Kojin Chicharrones at Kojin Chicharrones at Kojin Courtesy of Kojin

Who should go: Everyone

What to order: Kojin’s Spice menu happily shows off the skill and creativity of owner and chef Pedro Mederos (who runs the restaurant with his wife and pastry chef Katherine). You’ll be tempted to start with the chicharrones, served with a ranch spice blend and Kyoto onion dip, and it’s hard to blame you. But two other standouts demand your attention: the summer salad, an heirloom tomato topped with stracciatella, ramps and pluots (a plum/apricot hybrid) that redefines what a salad should be, or the chawanmushi, a Japanese egg custard fragrant with caramelized onions and Fontina foam (a $10 upcharge). Both are the best bites I’ve experienced this Spice season. For dinner, choose the hamachi kama with kimchi rice, another jaw-dropper and far from the usual earnest branzino you’ll see on these menus. But there are no bad choices here, and that includes the outstanding carrot cake from Katherine Mederos with Greek yogurt cremeux and sea salt caramel. This menu is easily intriguing enough to lure food lovers back for chef Mederos’ tasting menu.

When is it offered: Brunch Saturday; dinner Wednesday-Saturday ($65)

Parking: Street parking

Location: 804 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables

– Connie Ogle

KYU

Who should go: Longtime fans who keep forgetting to come back for their favorites (and excellent cocktails)

What to order: When it comes to KYU, there are two items you can’t leave the restaurant without eating. I don’t make the rules. This is just how it is. They are: the short rib bao buns and the Korean fried chicken. Happily both are on this year’s Spice menu. The bao buns come as an appetizer in a pair, so they’re easy to split (a second entree could be the scallop truffle toast, which miraculously doesn’t overdo the truffle). The Korean fried chicken, an entree, includes a thigh and a leg, and you’re just going to have to fight it out (or each get your own order). The simple miso seabass entree is also a winner, and you can make it less simple by adding caviar (an ounce for $40, so choose wisely). For dessert, there’s a delicious coconut cake or, for the chocolate lovers, a fancy sort of s’mores cake. KYU has also created a cocktail that will only be available during Spice months: the Watermelon Weather Spritz ($16), made up of watermelon-infused Pegasus Vodka, guava and Aperol. It’s refreshing and not too sweet, one of the best cocktails we’ve had in awhile.

When is it offered: Dinner ($65).

Parking: Street parking or Wynwood Garage.

Location: 251 NW 25th St., Miami.

– Connie Ogle

Le Jardinier The hanger steak at Le Jardinier is one of the entree options for this year’s Miami Spice menu. The hanger steak at Le Jardinier is one of the entree options for this year’s Miami Spice menu. Courtesy of The Bastion Collection

Who should go: Devotees of Michelin-star restaurants.

What to order: Select your spot in the colorful dining room or the lush garden out front and munch on warm mini French bread loaves with soft, salty butter while you peruse the menu. Sea bass crudo is a refreshing start, the succulent slices of fish interspersed with fresh mango and bits of teardrop pepper. Ditto the aptly named little gem salad, with beautifully crunchy lettuces, stone fruit (apricot and cherry on our visit), fruit leather, a textural add-in made from dried fruit skins; and swirls of pesto and a lemon dressing, enjoyed separately or together. Must-order side dishes include authentic, crisp and skinny French fries, redolent of truffle, and giant slices of roasted Brussels sprouts. Entrees include a lush hanger steak, served with a savory ratatouille tart and Kalamata olives. The fish entree (it can be steelhead trout or salmon, depending on the mood) bathes in a lusty Basque pil-pil sauce, with wilted bok choy and other greens alongside crisp baby potatoes. Those seeking a traditional dessert will love the strawberry eclair, served with strawberry cream and creme fraiche, but the unique choice is a trio of homemade vegan ice creams and sorbets. Pick your flavors; we opted for pistachio, coffee and passionfruit, a nice finishing touch.

When is it offered: Lunch and dinner ($65), Tuesday-Sunday.

Parking: Street parking or nearby garages.

Location: 151 NE 41st St., Miami.

– Kendall Hamersly

Maple & Ash Sundae Service at Maple & Ash in downtown Miami. Sundae Service at Maple & Ash in downtown Miami. haasandhaas.com Courtesy of Maple & Ash

Who should go: Diners who are curious about this luxury steakhouse but have been wary of the regular price

What to order: This glitzy steakhouse in Miami Worldcenter is offering a Spice menu for the first time. The three appetizers we tried were all good, but Maple & Ash changed its menu after we tried them so you’ll have to muddle through with solid choices like a Caesar salad, a wedge salad, tenderloin or bluefin tuna tartare.You can also add a seafood tower for $12. For an entree, opt for the filet mignon medallions topped with cipollini onion and served with potato puree if you’re in the mood for meat — this is a steakhouse, after all — but surprisingly the standout here a crispy branzino with preserved lemon, capers, olives and smoked tomato. Dessert is chocolate cake or strawberry tres leches or coconut cream pie. But you can avoid regret by spending $6 more for the nostalgic blast of the delightful sundae tower, which comes with vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream and more toppings than you can imagine, including chocolate sauce, peanut butter sauce, whipped cream, chocolate covered pretzels, coconut, gummies, candied hazelnuts, candied cherries and sprinkles.

When is it offered: Dinner ($65) or Signature Dinner ($95) Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Parking: Street parking or nearby parking garages at Miami Worldcenter.

Location: 699 NE First Ave., second floor, Miami.

– Connie Ogle

The Mexican The Mexican in Brickell Key. The Mexican in Brickell Key. Ruben Cabrera

Who should go: Fans of elevated Mexican fare who enjoy a beautiful riverfront setting

What to order: Visiting this elegant waterfront restaurant, participating in Spice for the first time, is a must. You’ll start with some highly elevated chips and five different types of salsa that range from citrusy to truffle to spicy). The ancho chili Caesar salad is a terrific appetizer to share, as are both types of shrimp aguachile verde. The expected choice is one with cilantro and avocado, but we chose the more unusual and outstanding black aguachile with soy and Worcestershire sauce, which packs a rich flavor. The chicken enchiladas with salsa verde cremosa were good, but the Black Angus tacos, served on corn tortillas darkened with squid ink, are the highlight here. If everyone in your party ordered these tacos, no one would be sorry. The same goes for dessert. Chocolate fiends will be drawn to the dark chocolate and pepita cake, but the cuatro leches with elderflower-drenched berries and Licor 43 cream is a work of art.

When is it offered: Lunch ($45) and dinner ($65) Tuesday-Friday

Parking: Skip the insanely priced valet ($15 an hour) and use the nearby garage

Location: 601 Brickell Key Dr., suite 100, Brickell Key

– Connie Ogle

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink

Who should go: Diners looking to sample the cuisine of Michael Schwartz, Miami’s flagship farm-to-table chef.

What to order: Start with Mango Gang (pandan infused rum, mango, lime, elote liqueur and Greek yogurt), the signature Spice drink and homage to the local chefs who first put Miami on the culinary map. Michael’s Spice menu changes often, but you’re likely to see a few favorites repeat. Watermelon salad with feta, olives, cucumber, red onion and the Middle Eastern spice blend za’atar is welcome freshness in this heat. They’re big on roasting vegetables here, as evidenced by a wood roasted zucchini starter served with sweet peppers, grilled red onions, Calabrian chile, herbs, smoked tonnato and breadcrumbs, and a wood roasted oyster mushroom lunch entree, lushly seasoned with shawarma spices (think cumin, primarily), plus fresh dill, caramelized onion tahini and chile oil. Local red snapper is roasted, as well, served with rice, a green curry sauce, bok choy, littleneck clams and a Thai basil salad. To finish, warm caramel butter cake brings the richness and buttery depth, and chocolate flan the delicacy.

When is it offered: Lunch Monday-Friday, dinner ($50) seven days.

Parking: Street parking, valet or nearby parking garages.

Location: 130 NE 40th St., Miami.

– Kendall Hamersly

Naked Tomato Naked Tomato’s smooth and creamy hummus is a great way to start off the meal. Naked Tomato’s smooth and creamy hummus is a great way to start off the meal. Max Flatow Courtesy of Nake Tomato

Who should go: Anyone looking for an intimate meal centered around tearing, dipping and sharing or vegans looking for more than a salad.

What to order: Start with the hummus that’s silky-smooth from hand-peeled chickpeas that soaked two days before blending. The magic is the schug (a vibrant blend of spicy Italian long peppers, garlic and herbs) and tomato seeds that add an acidic kick. Swirl it into the hummus, then scoop it up with the fluffy pita that comes straight from the open-fire grill you can see from your seat. For the main course, the lamb kabab slid straight off the skewer, charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. But the vegetables are the real stars. The platter comes with a table-full of colorful salads and dips, including pickles and olives imported from Israel. The perfect bite: Scoop up some lamb with the pita, add some “Middle Eastern coleslaw” (aka cabbage mixed in olive oil) and drizzle it with tahini. The dishes use simple seasoning like thick Atlantic Salt, olive oil and lemon to enhance instead of masking the ingredients. Finish with the Malabi, a traditional Middle Eastern summertime dessert made from chilled coconut milk and cornstarch, flavored with a pool of rosewater and sweet strawberry compote, and sprinkled with crushed pistachios.

When is it offered: Dinner ($50) Sunday to Thursday.

Parking: Street parking available on a Friday evening.Parking lot across from the Moxy.

Location: 921 Washington Ave., inside the Moxy South Beach, Miami Beach.

– Ashley Miznazi

Papi Steak

Who should go: Bottle-popping clubgoers who know they should eat dinner first; amateur food photographers

What to order: Let’s start with the obvious: Papi Steak is a steakhouse, so a steak is what you should order. Accepting this upfront, we landed on the 6-ounce filet mignon – cooked medium-rare as requested, topped with a sprig of rosemary and paired with a healthy serving of buttery whipped potatoes – then worked backwards. It was a soupy summer evening, so we figured the Hamachi Crudo – thinly sliced raw yellowtail bathed in ponzu and chaperoned by a blood orange – would be a refreshing but not-too-filling start. We were right. Our waiter, Juan, was – as all servers at Papi Steak are – quick to illuminate the kaleidoscopic dish with a pocket flashlight, apparently for documentary purposes. The winning appetizer, though, was the aesthetically humble but nonetheless delicious jumbo lump crab cake, a mustardy affair crowned with pickled radish. Bent on a surf-and-turf, we gambled our second entrée on the branzino, trusting in the wisdom of waiter Juan, who encouraged us with the maybe adage: “You can always get a good fish at a steakhouse, but you can’t always get a good steak at a fishhouse.” Listen to Juan. The closing act was Papi’s Chocolate Cake, a moist, 10-layer tower of cocoa and cream that we definitely shouldn’t have finished but couldn’t possibly leave behind. But it’s the creme brulee, Juan tells us, that reigns supreme. Next time.

When is it offered: Dinner Sunday-Thursday ($65)

Parking: Valet ($25) and limited nearby street parking

Location: 736 First St., Miami Beach

– Max Klaver

Seia Vitello tonnato at Seia features paper-thin slices of veal decorated with a creamy tuna sauce, capers, pickled red onions and croutons. Vitello tonnato at Seia features paper-thin slices of veal decorated with a creamy tuna sauce, capers, pickled red onions and croutons. Courtesy of The Bastion Collection

Who should go: Diners seeking a luxury experience at Miami Spice prices. Fans of spectacular views 54 stories in the sky.

What to order: The signature appetizer here is Carciofo alla Brace, charcoal-grilled artichoke with lemon and herb oil, and it’s a winner. Vitello tonnato is artwork on a plate – two symmetrical, paper-thin slices of veal decorated with a creamy tuna sauce, capers, pickled red onions and croutons. Insalata di Pomodori is simple but brought to greatness by super-sweet heirloom tomatoes, served with pecorino sardo and kalamata olives. Pan seared salmon is lush with a creamy radish sauce and pine nuts. Tortelloni alla Napoletana features five spools of pasta filled with a rich short rib puree, with fresh sage butter. More artwork with the Delizia al Limona, sponge cake soaked in limoncello with lemon cream and a whisper-thin, bright yellow lemon fondant. A big bowl of refreshing tiramisu will please the traditionalists.

When is it offered: Lunch Monday-Friday, dinner ($65) Sunday-Thursday.

Parking: Street parking, valet or nearby parking garages.

Location: 830 Brickell Plaza, 54th floor, Miami

– Kendall Hamersly

Zaytinya The interior of Chef José Andrés’ restaurant Zaytinya at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. The interior of Chef José Andrés’ restaurant Zaytinya at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. Salar Abduaziz

Who should go?: Fans of upscale Mediterranean fare and anyone who wants to check out a José Andrés restaurant for affordable prices.

What to order: The pita bread is memorable — it’s warm, fluffy, and perfect for dipping into flavorful hummus and baba ghanoush spreads. For the second course, go with the cumin-spiced meatballs in tomato sauce if you’re a meat lover; otherwise pick the crispy eggplant with garlic yogurt. There’s a clear standout in the third course: the crispy brussels sprouts, also served with garlic yogurt. The tender lamb kebab and grilled chicken skewers are also great options. For dessert, the Greek yogurt with wine-soaked mango and pistachio powder is uniquely delicious, while the baklava Greek cheesecake with honey ice cream, caramelized filo, pistachios and walnuts is also an excellent choice.

When is it offered?: Lunch or dinner ($65), Sunday to Thursday.

Parking: Find street parking if you can. The valet is $27, even with validation from the restaurant, and it can take a while to get your car after dinner.

Location: 1 Lincoln Road, inside the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

– Aaron Leibowitz

Connie Ogle loves wine, books and the Miami Heat. Please don’t make her eat a mango.