Miami Beach: Gastronomic transformation of gourmet proportions

Miami Beach has long been known as a nightlife hotspot, but over the past 10 years, the city has witnessed a gastronomic transformation of gourmet proportions.

Miami Beach has long been known as a nightlife hotspot, but over the past 10 years, the city has witnessed a gastronomic transformation of gourmet proportions. From the arrival of James Beard Award winning chefs to vibrant food tours, Miami Beach is now an international hub for epicurean experiences.

“Miami Beach has truly become a foodie’s paradise,” says Peggy Benua, Chair of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). “Guests can expect nothing short of spectacular culinary adventures when visiting Miami Beach by trying one of our new restaurants or partaking in the famous South Beach Food Tour, the options are endless.”


Whether guests have an appetite for the Southern classic, fried chicken and waffles or a superfood aรงai bowl with a Tofurky burger after beach yoga, the Miami Beach food scene has something for everyone and for residents and visitors, the options keep growing. In the last few months, over 8 new highly-anticipated restaurants have opened, ranging from all-day sushi bars to acclaimed New York City cocktail bars.

“Miami Beach is like no other place in the world,” says Grisette Roque, Executive Director of the MBVCA. “We continue to attract award-winning chefs and diners from across the world, demonstrating that Miami Beach has truly evolved into a culinary capitol.”

This month is a special time for foodies in Miami Beach as more than 60,000 chefs, restaurant connoisseurs and food enthusiasts will flock for the annual the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFFยฎ). The festival is a five-day culinary extravaganza, widely recognized as one of the biggest epicurean celebrations in the hospitality industry.

Top MUST DO Gastronomic Experiences

FOOD NETWORK & COOKING CHANNEL SOUTH BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL (SOBEWFFยฎ)

The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a national, star-studded, five-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. All proceeds from the Festival benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University. To date, the Festival has raised more than $24 million for the school.

SOUTH BEACH FOOD & ART DECO TOUR

With tours offered for both lunch and dinner daily, guests have the opportunity to experience the best of the best in Miami Beach cuisine with the South Beach Food Tour. From 5-star gourmet restaurants to hole-in-the-wall local eats, the tour takes visitors on a robust culinary adventure. The tour even fully caters to those with vegetarian, gluten or dairy-free diets, ensuring everyone’s hunger is satisfied.

YARDBIRD SOUTHERN TABLE & BAR

Located on Lenox Avenue, Yardbird is the epitome of Southern comfort food. A James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant and Best Chef in 2012, Yardbird is consistently featured in publications like Thrillist, CNN and Delish for being one of the top restaurants in all of Miami. With mouthwatering fried chicken and better-than-your-grandma’s mac and cheese, Yardbird is an absolute must for any food fanatic.

EMPLOYEES ONLY

Coming from New York City and known as one of the original craft cocktail bars in the world, Employees Only has finally opened in Miami Beach inside the Washington Park Hotel. Offering signature cocktails, such as the Billionaire Cocktail and Lazy Lover, and their famous end-of-night soup, guests can sit back and relish in the glitzy art deco vibes while sipping on their drink of choice.

BLUE RIBBON SUSHI BAR & GRILL

With popular outposts already in New York City, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, chef brothers Bruce and Eric Bromberg host their all-day sushi bar concept in Miami Beach at the Plymouth Hotel. Along with the freshest sushi and sashimi, the menu offers Blue Ribbon’s signature fried chicken, grilled ribeye and oxtail fried rice.

PURA VIDA

For a laidback beach vibe with vegan eats, look no further than Pura Vida. With the belief that health is the main ingredient to happiness, they serve only the best ingredients to fuel guest’s bodies. From raw organic bowls, healthy sandwiches, soups, smoothies and juices, Pura Vida is perfect for a quick pick-me-up and proves healthy doesn’t have to compromise delicious.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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