Miami has long been the American getaway destination, and 2021 saw more people than ever head south – Forbes even described it as the “workspace capital,” when talking about one neighborhood in particular. Located just south of Downtown, Miami’s Brickell has seen an influx of professionals looking for warmer climes in which to #WFH.
This is just one of the reasons why the Brickell neighborhood has seen the fastest growth: new cultural destinations, high-end hotels and top restaurants are opening constantly. Back in the day Downtown Miami wasn’t known for its food scene, however, with new and notable spots popping up, these days it’s a feat just to get a reservation. Where should you start, you ask?
These are our favorite spots.
Pilo’s Tacos
Pilo’s Street Tacos is a low-key spot just a few minutes away from the W Miami. Not only do they serve up authentic flavours and traditional dishes, but they are also centered around the brand’s mission to support people with special needs. The team partnered with Our Pride Academy, GiGi's Play House, Easter Seals, and Best Buddies to assist with staffing their locations, making sure to offer training and jobs to people with disabilities.
Komodo
Komodo is one of the undeniably cool and contemporary restaurants to open in the neighborhood. The Southeast Asian spot regularly plays host to celebrities, athletes, and stylish Brickell locals, but it’s the fine fare we care most about: make sure to order the lobster and prawn dumplings.
B Bistro Bakery
Brunch. Breakfast. B Bistro does it best in this neighborhood. Head here for freshly made morning pastries, including Danish, brioche, and a variety of flaky croissants. The signature desserts, such as macaroons, petit gateaux and tarts also do not disappoint.
Dr. Smood
This cute and casual juice bar has locations in both New York and Miami, and the Brickell outpost offers healthy bites in a sleek setting. The brand set out to offer clean, nutritious and flavorful everyday essentials to the world, and believes that eating well is the simplest and most effective way to improve one’s health, wellbeing and mood. Can’t argue with that.
Baby Jane Cocktail House & Noodle Bar
There aren’t many things more comforting than a big bowl of noodles and broth. Enter Baby Jane, the loud, neon-lit Brickell bar. But unlike its contemporaries, they serve great Japanese-inspired food, like ramen and fried chicken until 1am.
The Shops at Brickell City Centre
This is where you’ll discover three levels of open-air shopping, entertainment in the form of a dine-in theater (CMX), and a food hall filled with all things Italian. Coveteur, the insider platform for style and culture, called it back in 2018: “Brickell City Centre is the new Miami destination”. It’s also home to EAST Miami, the cutting-edge lifestyle hotel, a Uruguayan eatery, Quinto La Huella, as well as the rooftop lounge, Sugar. Hence why the Centre is now the city's latest landmark, and first-of-its-kind retail destination.
PAMM
The Pérez Art Museum Miami – a.k.a. PAMM – is certainly worth an afternoon of your time when in town. You can even have a post-exhibit cocktail on the outdoor patio. It’s here, in Miami’s flagship art destination, that you can immerse yourself in Miami’s diverse community and pivotal geographic location at the crossroads of the Americas.
True Baristas
Described as a total ‘mood’, this vintage-inspired coffee truck blasts out the oldies and serves up freshly baked pastries alongside your cup of joe. It makes for a great stop on a morning weekend stroll.