Nestled in the sun-drenched paradise of South Florida, a vibrant culinary landscape awaits, where the flavours are as diverse as the people and the experiences as rich as the history. In this exclusive feature, we embark on a gastronomic journey to uncover the crème de la crème of South Florida’s dining scene, a vibrant tableau where luxury meets a fusion of tastes.
From the glimmering shores of Miami Beach to the unexpected fine dining restaurants of Orlando, South Florida’s restaurant scene is an eclectic mix of refined elegance and bold innovation. Here, award-winning chefs and visionary restaurateurs weave their magic, creating unique dining experiences.
Café Boulud
Best for: Dining like a movie star
Café Boulud at the Brazilian Court Hotel introduces an exquisite afternoon tea service, offering guests a unique blend of traditional elegance and contemporary culinary artistry. Set in the hotel’s beautifully appointed dining room or its serene courtyard, the experience is curated by Executive Pastry Chef Julie Franceschini. The menu features a selection of visually appealing and delicious specialty teas, mini madeleines, and freshly-baked scones, alongside an assortment of savoury and sweet delights. Notable are the delicate concombre, saumon fumé, and jambon beurre sandwiches, which complement the array of sumptuous pastries like the lemon-infused tarte au citron with fresh raspberry, the layered opéra cake with coffee buttercream and chocolate ganache, and the silky panna cotta served with a seasonal fruit coulis.
Adding to the allure of the afternoon tea at Café Boulud is the option to enhance the experience with a glass of sparkling wine, selected from a diverse range of choices. This touch of extravagance perfectly complements the decadent spread, making the tea service not just a culinary delight but a moment of true luxury. The blend of the setting’s charm, Chef Franceschini’s culinary expertise, and the option for an added sparkle, creates an afternoon tea experience that is both memorable and distinctively refined.
Read more about Café Boulud here.
Café Tu Tu Tango
Best for: Casual dining
Café Tu Tu Tango, located a mere half mile from the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, offers a unique dining experience that stimulates the creative senses. Inspired by an artist’s loft in Barcelona, this vibrant establishment is perpetually alive with a festive atmosphere. Guests are treated to an array of spontaneous entertainment, from belly and flamenco dancers to salsa and merengue performances, alongside live artists creating new works. The menu is a chef’s canvas, featuring an all-appetiser-style selection that draws flavours from across the globe. Ideal for sharing, these dishes pair exquisitely with Café Tu Tu Tango’s selection of specialty craft beers, limited production wines, and their signature mojitos and sangrias.
Café Tu Tu Tango stands out not only for its eclectic menu but also as an ideal venue for various events. With over 30 years of history, it has become a staple in Orlando’s dining scene, particularly popular among business travellers looking to add a touch of fun to their trips. The restaurant caters to all types of private events, from intimate gatherings to large corporate events, accommodating up to 400 guests with flexible seating and format options. A dedicated event coordinator ensures each event is customised and stress-free. The restaurant’s unique blend of art, entertainment, and global cuisine makes it a memorable destination for both locals and visitors, offering an experience that goes beyond the conventional dining outing.
Find out more about Café Tu Tu Tango here.
Ocean Social
Best for: Social dining with a view
In the vibrant heart of Miami Beach, Ocean Social, spearheaded by the culinary expertise of Chef Tristen Epps, offers a unique dining experience at the Eden Roc Hotel. This restaurant stands out not only for its stunning oceanfront views but also for its commitment to elevated coastal cuisine. Chef Epps, an acclaimed culinary figure, infuses his menu with a mix of local seafood and global influences, reflecting his impressive career which includes working with notable chefs and recognition from prestigious culinary bodies. Ocean Social is more than a dining venue; it’s a gastronomic journey where guests can enjoy everything from leisurely lunches to upscale dinners, all in a setting that combines Miami’s vibrant atmosphere with the tranquility of the ocean.
The recently revamped space of Ocean Social complements its culinary offerings. It features versatile seating arrangements from open-air to covered patio settings, enhanced by a retractable roof that adapts to the changing moods of Miami’s weather. The interior design, with its light wood and neutral tones, creates a serene ambiance, allowing the ocean views to take centre stage. The menu is a testament to Chef Epps’ innovation, featuring dishes that are both visually and gastronomically appealing, like the intricately prepared white gazpacho and the tangy ceviche. Specialising in seafood, the restaurant presents inventive dishes that appeal to both locals and visitors, showcasing the unique blend of flavours that Miami is known for. Ocean Social by Tristen Epps is a destination where each visit becomes a memorable experience, blending exquisite flavours with breathtaking views.
Learn more about Ocean Social in our dedicated review here.
Sushi By Scratch
Best for: A unique dining experience
‘Sushi By Scratch’ Miami elevates the omakase experience to new heights in the historic and cozy confines of a secret location on Coconut Grove. Offering an unconventional 17-course meal, the establishment breaks the mould with innovative dishes. Owned by Chefs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee, the eatery blends intimate seating, a lively atmosphere, and a culinary ethos of experimentation and quality, sourcing rare fish and unique ingredients for a truly unique dining experience.
The concept of Sushi by Scratch is not just about exquisite dining but also about an immersive, interactive experience. As the latest addition to the Michelin-starred concept with locations spread across the U.S., the Miami spot delights guests with its creative approach to traditional sushi. The décor, service, and especially the food, like smoked peppers on white fish or bone marrow with eel, are all part of an orchestrated performance of culinary artistry, making each visit not just a meal, but a memorable event in itself.
Read our full review of Sushi By Scratch here.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Best for: Premium steak and seafood
Eddie V’s Orlando offers an enchanting blend of luxury and culinary finesse, promising an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. From the striking Art-Deco inspired façade to the richly flavored seafood and prime steaks, every detail is designed to impress. The menu, an artful mix of classic and contemporary with a hint of Asian and Latin flair, along with the signature cocktails like the Smoked Old Fashioned, ensures a dining experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious. Coupled with the warm, impeccable service and the vibrant ambiance of live jazz, Eddie V’s stands as a beacon of gastronomic excellence in the heart of Florida.
Read about our experience at Eddie V’s here.
ADRIFT Mare
Best For: Elevated dining in the sky
In the bustling heart of Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, celebrated “Gypsy Chef” David Myers has opened a new restaurant, elevating the culinary landscape on the 25th floor of the luxurious Hotel AKA Brickell. This establishment has quickly become a landmark, offering a unique fusion of Mediterranean flavours and an ambiance that encapsulates the spirit of Chef Myers’ global travels. With its breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay, the restaurant provides a dining experience that goes beyond the plate, immersing guests in a journey through the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of the Mediterranean coast.
The menu, curated by Chef Myers, features an exquisite array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, delicate pastas, and expertly prepared vegetables. Accompanied by a meticulously selected wine list and a world-class cocktail program crafted by renowned mixologists Moe Aljaff and Juliette Larrouy, the dining experience is both sophisticated and transformative. The restaurant’s design, conceived by Michael Gabellini of Gabellini Sheppard Associates, complements the culinary offerings with a chic, contemporary ambiance, making it not just a meal, but a destination for those seeking an exceptional gastronomic adventure in Miami.
Read our feature for ADRIFT Mare here.