As Art Basel Miami Beach descends upon the city, curators, artists, and collectors arrive with a shared passion for art and fine living. Miami’s culinary scene thrives, offering everything from vegetable-forward dishes to fresh, locally sourced seafood. From elegant dinners to laid-back sunset moments in a hammock, Whitewaller highlights a selection of longtime dining staples for the week’s celebrations, like Joe’s Stone Crab, Carbone, and more.
Joe’s Stone Crab
South Beach
Courtesy of Joe’s Stone Crab.
Opened in 1913 as a small lunch counter on Miami Beach, Joe’s Stone Crab offered simple fish sandwiches and fries. A century later, it thrives as a full-fledged restaurant at South of Fifth, where warmth and familiarity bloom amid wood-accented white dining rooms and crisp linens.
Cuisine: American Seafood.
Chef: In house.
Atmosphere: Classic and traditional with an old-school charm and wood-accented interiors.
What we love: Joe’s Classic Meal includes Stone Crabs Claws, Cole Slaw, Hashed Brown Potatoes, Creamed Spinach, and Key Lime Pie.
Book your reservation HERE.
Nobu Miami
South Beach
Courtesy of Nobu Miami.
Like its global sister locations, Nobu Miami is celebrated for fresh Japanese-Peruvian dishes crafted by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Designed by David Rockwell, the space features warm wood, beige tones, rattan accents, and a ceiling reminiscent of sails in the wind, offering luxurious comfort for 433 guests.
Cuisine: Creative Japanese.
Chef: Thomas Buckley.
Atmosphere: Warm, romantic, and elegant.
What we love: Fall Tasting Menu.
Book your reservation HERE.
Stiltsville Fish Bar
South Beach
Courtesy of Stiltsville Fish Bar.
Created by culinary duo Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, Stiltsville Fish Bar pays homage to McInnis’ childhood in the Florida panhandle. Sourcing seafood locally, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy Key West–inspired drinks, modern seafood dishes, and sunset views from a hammock at the bar.
Cuisine: Contemporary American Seafood.
Chef: Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth
Atmosphere: Laid-back coastal charm, lively, and welcoming.
What we love: Stiltsville Scampi celebrates today’s catch.
Book your reservation HERE.
Stubborn Seed
South Beach
Photo by Grove Bay Hospitality, courtesy of Stubborn Seed.
Stubborn Seed is a sleek, sexy standout among South of Fifth’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Chef Jeremy Ford highlights local, seasonal ingredients, letting nature’s bounty shine, while the earth-toned, industrial-chic dining room offers both a refined tasting menu and thoughtfully curated à la carte options.
Cuisine: Contemporary American.
Chef: Jeremy Ford.
Atmosphere: Elegant and intimate, with a moody, refined edge.
What we love: The 9-course Chef’s Tasting Menu.
Book your reservation HERE.
MR CHOW
South Beach
Courtesy of MR CHOW.
Cuisine: Contemporary and Classical Chinese.
Chef: Ray Chan Kawai.
Atmosphere: Light-filled and contemporary with a sleek, airy elegance.
What we love: Beijing Duck.
Book your reservation HERE.
Zuma
Downtown Miami
Courtesy of Zuma Miami.
Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese.
Chef: Marco Cannata.
Atmosphere: Refined and lively, with a contemporary flair.
What we love: Grilled Chilean Seabass.
Book your reservation HERE.
Sweet Liberty
Miami Beach
Courtesy of Sweet Liberty. Photo by Seth Browarnik.
Cuisine: Contemporary American.
Chef: Michelle Bernstein.
Atmosphere: Casual and contemporary with an industrial, loft-like vibe.
What we love: Fresh Florida Fish.
Book your reservation HERE.
The Surf Club Restaurant
Surfside
Photo by Deborah Jones, courtesy of The Surf Club Restaurant.
Cuisine: Contemporary American.
Chef: Thomas Keller.
Atmosphere: Elegant and inviting, with airy daylight and rich, classic detailing.
What we love: Beef Wellington.
Book your reservation HERE.
Cecconi’s
Mid-Beach
Courtesy of Cecconi’s Miami.
Cuisine: Italian.
Chef: Sergio Sigala.
Atmosphere: Light-filled and rustic with a breezy, open-air feel.
What we love: Lamb chops scottadito.
Book your reservation HERE.
Gianni’s
South Beach
Courtesy of Gianni’s.
Cuisine: Italian Mediterranean.
Chef: Valter Mancini.
Atmosphere: Upscale and ornate, with tropical touches and rich detailing.
What we love: Lobster Spaghetti.
Book your reservation HERE.
Pao
South Beach
Courtesy of Pao by Paul Qui.
Cuisine: Contemporary Asian with Filipino roots.
Chef: Paul Qui.
Atmosphere: Polished and moody, with bold design touches and a refined edge.
What we love: Chef’s Tasting, a 9-course tasting menu.
Book your reservation HERE.
Carbone
South Beach
CARBONE Miami, courtesy of Major Food Group.
Cuisine: Italian.
Chef: Mario Carbone.
Atmosphere: Tropical elegance with midcentury charm.
What we love: Spicy Rigatoni in vodka sauce.
Book your reservation HERE.
