From the days of Wolfie’s Diner in the 1980s to today’s well known restaurants like Yardbird, The Dutch, Khong River House, Serafina, the Bazaar and Bianca, Miami Beach has fully evolved into a bona fide foodie paradise, offering sophisticated “Epicurean Experiences” for those in search of talented chefs, great culinary experiences and an international ambience.
The popular Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival as well as great restaurants, celebrity chefs and global, well-traveled foodies with high standards have transformed Miami Beach into a top-tier epicurean destination.
“Miami Beach, with its diverse population and vibrant lifestyle is one of the most exotic destinations for visitors from around the globe – a short trip from many cities in North and South America,” says Jeff Lehman, Chair, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “Add that to our expansive culinary offerings, food festivals and A-list chefs, and you’ll see why Miami Beach has become a destination for any serious epicurean.”
Local foodies are taking notice of Miami Beach’s maturing food scene too. “I’m really impressed by the range of restaurant and culinary offerings available in Miami Beach. From a beach town with very few food options to today’s city with a growing, rich and varied food culture and fun, stylish and chic eateries, Miami Beach has really become one of the best global cities to eat in,” says avid foodie and amateur chef Irene Dakota. “I think Miami Beach is becoming more and more like London, Paris, Rome, New York and Chicago with their incredible gastronomic choices.”
Now in its 12th year, the Food Network’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival has helped to shape Miami Beach’s burgeoning culinary scene. Celebrity Chefs and notable industry names are drawn to Miami Beach’s eclectic population, laid back lifestyle and a mature tourism infrastructure, attracting visitors from around the globe. The Festival is a national, star-studded, four-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned chefs and culinary personalities. The festival takes place at various locations throughout Miami Beach, February 21-24, 2013.
Following are some of the international restaurants (with at least one other location in a major city) that have recently put down roots in Miami Beach.
The Dutch, brainchild of James Beard Award winner Andrew Carmellini, opened an outpost of the popular New York City restaurant in Miami Beach’s WHotel in November of 2011. In December of 2012, popular New York City pizzeria Serafina opened at the Dream South Beach Hotel.
Milos Greek Taverna with locations in Montreal, Athens, New York and Las Vegas most recently opened an outpost in Miami Beach’s Sofi neighborhood; and Hakkasan, with eateries in London and New York has had a successful reign at the Fontainebleau Hotel. In just the last few weeks, the EMM Group has launched outposts of CATCH and SL inside the new James Royal Palm Hotel in South Beach. CATCH Miami is the first outpost of EMM’s New York City flagship, CATCH, helmed by Executive Chef Hung Huynh.
Spanish franchise, 100 Montaditos boasts a network of more than 250 restaurants across the globe, now including a location in Miami Beach.
