Azul
Located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Azul's floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of Biscayne Bay. The only thing that could possibly rival the view is the exquisite food by Chef Clay Conley. Fusing Mediterranean and Asian influences, Chef Conley has put together a menu that is playful, classic and altogether delicious.
Fresh seafood is lovingly prepared, as are the lamb and beef. Freshly caught swordfish in yogurt is a specialty of the house. Save room for a decadent dessert, like the chocolate trio. Reservations strongly recommended.
Azul
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
500 Brickell Key Dr.
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 913-8228
www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/dining/azul
The Restaurant---Setai
In the lobby of the upscale and gorgeous Setai Hotel in South Beach is, simply, The Restaurant. Exotic Asian spices lovingly season the freshest ingredients. The Waygu strip is its specialty, but there are plenty of seafood options and even a dim sum menu, perfect for sharing.
The Restaurant is staged in golds and bronzes, overlooking the Setai's spectacular courtyard. Prices are steep, so be prepared for sticker shock to accompany your fabulous meal.
The Restaurant
Setai Hotel
2001 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 520-6400
www.setai.com/dining/thegrill
Le Palme d'Or
Le Palme d'Or has long been the "go-to" restaurant in Miami for anniversaries, birthdays and celebrations. Stunningly opulent, the restaurant's food surpasses even the decor. Awarded many accolades, including Florida Trend's Golden Spoon award, this classic restaurant serves up world-class French cuisine in an elegant setting. Classic dishes such as Dover Sole and Beef Tenderloin are done to perfection. Reservations recommended.
Le Palme d'Or
Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 445-8066
www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/palme.php
Casa Tua
No signs outside point the way to Casa Tua, located on the quiet corner of James and 17th in South Beach. Open the gate and enter a fairytale setting of lanterns, orchids and romance. Located inside a Mediterranean-style villa, Casa Tua serves Italian and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. Try the homemade gnocci as a pasta course before enjoying a seared steak or branzino with black olives and artichokes.
Reserve a table or show up without one and eat at the 18-seat communal chef's table.
Casa Tua
1700 James Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-1010
www.casatualifestyle.com/
Nobu
The Miami outpost of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's empire, Nobu attracts celebrities, models and power brokers who see and are seen behind Nobu's white curtains. The restaurant decibel is off the charts and you might not hear the person you're dining with, but it won't matter when the food comes. The freshest fish is handcrafted into delicious sushi with hints of Latin American influence.
Nobu
The Shore Club Hotel
1901 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 695-3232
www.shoreclub.com/default.aspx#/explore/?id=nobu
