traveldk.com

Haute-nouvelle-evolved fusion cuisine at its peak of foodie perfection. Norman has gained a much-deserved national and international reputation for his subtle inventiveness, and he’s published a number of books revealing some, but not all, of his secrets (see Norman’s).

Another connoisseur’s dream spot, just a block from the chicest beach in the US, at the Post-Modernized Hotel Nash. The setting is dreamy, to go with the artfully presented food (see Mark’s South Beach).

Lincoln Road’s answer to fusion sublimity. Freshness and inventiveness without limits are the keynotes here, taste-bud awakening combinations of Oriental and local ingredients that will have you marveling at the chef’s ingenuity (see Pacific Time).

As close to authentic Italian food as you’re likely to get outside of the peninsula itself. It’s more or less family style, so you’ll feel like one of the regulars in this unpretentious little place (see Escopazzo).

Colors and more colors greet the eye everywhere you look, most of it semi-religious imagery depicting various beneficent Voodoo gods and goddesses. Hearty, simple – and spicy – Haitian flavors stimulate the palate (see Tap Tap).

Everybody’s favorite Cuban restaurant is an essential stop on a visit to Little Havana – a busy, fairly rambunctious place. Cuban food tends to be a challenge to delicate digestive systems, but it’s authentic (see Calle Ocho, Little Havana & Versailles).

A SoBe institution and always packed, despite being vast. Located right on the beach, it’s always lots of fun and consistently excellent, although a bit too touristy for some (see Joe’s Stone Crab).

A friendly, engaging theme restaurant – real artists paint while you dine – that turns out light, nouvelle Floribbean food. Located in the Grove’s groovy downtown CocoWalk complex, it’s always bustling with goodlooking 20- and 30-somethings (see Café Tu Tu Tango).

Order a pile of peel-and-eat shrimp and a dollop or two of cocktail sauce, and seat yourself under a thatched breezeway while you shuck. Right on the water, near Coconut Grove’s parks, it’s one of the nicest places to have a casual meal (see Monty’s Stone Crab Seafood House and Raw Bar).

Exceptional Mexican cuisine at reasonable prices. This is the real thing, unpretentious and full of local color (see Cancun Grill).