As we close August and head into September, the weather remains hot and so does the Island Taste scene.
In this month’s “Island Taste Tidings,” we look at one hidden Miami Spice option Islanders should try before September ends and a new spot featuring tacos and … pastelitos? Plus some great staycation dining options for Labor Day.
LUMA
Have you tried LUMA, inside the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami for Miami Spice? In addition to offering an Italian tradition of elegance and fine dining, LUMA, which draws its name from the Italian word for brightness, is shining with their Miami Spice offering of their special prix-fixe $65 dinner menu, available Monday through Thursday and Sundays.
Luma’s Chef Patrizio La Gioia invites local Key Biscayne residents to try his restaurant during Miami Spice month.
“Miami Spice offers the perfect opportunity to showcase dishes that reflect the spirit of Luma, rooted in Italian tradition yet presented through a contemporary lens,” Chef La Gioia told Islander News this week.
When asked what the most popular Miami Spice dish was, Chef La Gioia was hard pressed to provide an answer.
“The entire menu highlights high-quality ingredients and handcrafted preparations, from our Crostone con Ricotta, featuring grilled Tuscan bread with whipped ricotta and pistachio butter, to our Agnolotti di Mais with Parmigiano Reggiano and black truffle,” he said.
The prix-fixe also offers other appetizer options, including an insalata di finocchio, shaved fennel with baby arugula, orange, almonds, pickled red onion and a light condimento bianco.
“The Filetto in Crosta adds a more indulgent touch while maintaining our focus on exceptional ingredients and classic Italian technique,” Chef La Gioia added; a hint on his favorite?
Luma is located inside the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, at 455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne. For reservations, call (305) 365-4156. Miami Spice runs through September 30th.
Boater’s Grill
The popular waterside spot overlooking No Name Harbor in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, known for its whole fresh fried snapper and lechón asado for the holidays and special occasion, has added a festive twist with their Lobster Fest, now in its second week.
The popular spot, for locals and visitors alike, is giving diners a chance to enjoy their lobster cooked to order in a variety of ways and at a price that is hard to resist.
“We had a load of fresh lobsters delivered and thought, what better way to enjoy this delicacy with its sweet, tender flavor of the meat with our friends and neighbors at a great price,” co-owner David Gonzalez told Islander News.
While supplies last – and they won’t be around forever – you can enjoy a one-pound lobster tail, cooked to order, for only $29. Hungry for more lobster freshness? A 1.5 lb lobster is only $39.
Boater’s Grill has their own take on how to prepare the lobster, but you can also order it any way you like, including broiled, grilled or baked, with of course, plenty of lemon and butter to dip.
Boater’s Grill is located at 1200 Crandon Blvd., inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. You can visit lighthouserestaurants.com or follow them on Instagram at @boatersgrill.
Kebo’s Corner
What’s new and newer? There’s a new hangout on the Island with an expanding menu built around one simple idea: refuel, recharge, reconnect. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between errands or settling in with friends, Kebo’s Corner menu offers a little – or a lot – for any taste of budget.
The menu leans into fresh and fast. Fruit-packed açaí bowls, protein-loaded power smoothies and cold-pressed juices sit alongside wraps, salads and toast options, giving regulars plenty of reasons to build a routine around the place.
Taco Tuesday, or any day? New on the menu are three tacos packed with bold flavor and served with salsa in three delicious options: smoked pulled pork, chicken alambre and shredded beef. Three flavors and 100% delicious, and at $14.99, it’s great on the wallet as well.
Beyond the food, it’s the vibe that keeps people, especially the after-school crowd, coming back. Kebo’s Corner is open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight, making it as much a late-night stop as a morning one. With good food and good vibes right around the corner, it’s shaping up to be exactly the kind of neighborhood spot Key Biscayne has been looking for.
Kebo’s Corner is in the Key Colony Plaza at 200 Crandon Blvd. You can order for pick up at (305) 365-1251 and follow them on Instagram @keboscorner.
Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami Aegean Seaside Dining
Planning to stay in town for the Labor Day weekend and want to do something extra special that will make you feel miles away? The Island’s premier luxury spot is offering a Aegean day or evening Seaside Dining Experience like no other.
This private cabana experience offers an intimate setting for elevated seaside dining, in a private cabana designed for two guests and adorned in soft Aegean hues. The price, $399 pp, includes an Aegean‑inspired menu as well as one bottle of prosecco per table.
The multi-course menu starts with a mezze platter featuring a choice of three spreads, think hummus, tzatziki and spanakopita. Starters include Izmir meatballs or ouzo-steamed mussels. The main course options range from a slow-braised lamb shank with butter mashed potatoes to a whole sea bass fillet with citrus sauce.
Paralia’s à la carte selections are available for an additional charge, offering the opportunity to further personalize your evening.
The Aegean Seaside Dining Experience is only available on Saturday, September 5, 2026. For information or reservations, call (305) 365-4500. The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is located at 455 Grand Bay Drive, on Key Biscayne.
For the last Taste of KB feature, click here.