By: Shayne Benowitz
Art Basel Miami Beach 2018 promises to be an action-packed, art-filled romp through Miami. With so many art fairs, parties and events pulling you in every direction, it’s smart to take a breather, get off your feet and refuel over a delicious meal. In Miami Beach, you can do this in style at one of the many fantastic restaurants near Art Basel. Here are some of our favorites—enjoy!
Chotto Matte
This new Peruvian stunner inside the 1111 Building at the western end of Lincoln Road promises to be a scene during Art Basel 2018. Chotto Matte is a London import with interiors by renowned landscape architect Raymond Jungles creating a wild, subtropical motif inside the sexy and spacious dining room. Delight in selections from their sushi bar and robata grill. Don’t skip the Chotto ceviche made with branzino, the black cod bacalao or the marinated lamb chop with Peruvian chili miso. If you’re not sure where to start, the tasting menu is always a good idea.
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill
New York City’s Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill has an outpost at the chic Plymouth Hotel just off Collins Park and The Bass Museum where Art Basel’s Public Sector is sited. Swing into the stylish boutique hotel and order the famed fried chicken (which has earned a cult following) and super fresh sushi and omakase selections. The sleek dining room boasts hardwood floors and tabletops with mellow blue and red upholstered banquettes, as well as an outdoor patio overlooking the courtyard swimming pool. The interior tiki bar lined with bamboo is a buzzy spot to indulge in specialty cocktails with your sushi.
Leynia at Delano
Delano is a perennial hotspot during Art Basel, so make reservations to dine at its newest restaurant, Leynia. This Argentinian grill fuses with Japanese culinary traditions for exciting dishes ranging from Hamachi tiradito to tender churrasco steak. The restaurant sits on the iconic steps of the hotel’s sweeping terrace overlooking the Alice in Wonderland-inspried pool for a perfect Miami dining scene. Afterwards, hit up the party that’s sure to be popping at Doheny Room just off the lobby.
Dolce at Gale South Beach
Located inside the chic Gale South Beach hotel on Collins Avenue and just a block from the Miami Beach Convention Center, Dolce is a dimly lit, intimate Italian restaurant with a subtle nautical motif. Whether it’s the spaghetti al pomodoro with meatballs or the ricotta cavatelli with Colorado lamb ragu and broccoli rabe, their housemade pastas are impeccable. You can’t go wrong with their selection of pizzas, like the San Daniele with prosciutto. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail prepared by some of the most talented mixologists in Miami or peruse the excellent wine list.
The Bazaar By Jose Andres at SLS South Beach
For an evening of avant-garde Spanish tapas beneath a whimsical seashell-encrusted chandelier designed by Philippe Starck, The Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS South Beach is the only destination. With a modern and playful take on traditional Spanish cuisine, favorite Spanish dishes include the patatas bravas, croquetas and the Catalan-style pa amb tomàquet (tomato bread) with manchego cheese. Andrés’ ode to Miami is his version of the Cuban sandwich prepared in a lighter-than-air pastry with Dijon mustard, Swiss cheese foam and Jamón Ibérico. The cocktails take a cue from molecular gastronomy with salt air margaritas and liquid nitrogen caipirinhas. With so much art in the meal and the design, it’s a natural stop during Art Basel 2018.
Lure Fishbar at Loews Miami Beach
Located inside the Loews hotel’s historic St Moritz Tower, Lure Fishbar’s nautical chic décor and modern approach to seafood makes it a must-visit during Art Basel 2018—or anytime of year! Sample creative appetizers, like the deviled eggs with caviar or crispy rice cakes with spicy tuna, as well as sushi rolls and salads. The bucatini pasta with butter-poached lobster is a sumptuous option and they have an award-winning burger for those not in a fishy mood. The cocktail menu consists of well-crafted selections with creative names like the Auxiliary Ship – made with gin, sake, St-Germain, lemon, cucumber, bitters and egg white.
The Café at Books & Books
Located on Lincoln Road within steps of the Miami Beach Convention Center and Art Basel 2018, The Café at Books & Books offers a peaceful sidewalk café experience in the heart of South Beach. Serving a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, wine and beer, it makes for the perfect lunch spot. They’ve even got a dedicated menu of vegan entrees that are delicious and filling. Best of all, browse the bookshelves of Miami’s beloved indie bookstore Books & Books after your meal.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
An upscale twist on down home Southern cooking, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar is located just a couple of blocks south of the convention center. The finger-licking good grub has made it a South Beach hotspot since the moment it opened its doors. Start with the fried green tomato BLT with house-smoked pork belly and pimento cheese, then move onto the chicken ‘n waffles with watermelon. Whether it’s lunch, brunch or suppertime, the shrimp and grits are always a good idea. For those who enjoy bourbon, they have a full cocktail menu highlighting the spirit.