From Miami all the way up the coast to Jacksonville, Florida’s food scene is on fire. There’s always a new restaurant to check out, and we’ve listed some of our favorite picks for hot tables. Winter also brings the legendary South Beach Wine & Food Festival, as well as more recent events like Seed Food & Wine Week. Farmer’s markets are at their seasonal peak, too. Eating well is definitely in the plans for 2023.
Runway 84
Forty-year-old landmark Anthony’s Runway 84 unveils its $4-million makeover in late January. The Rat Pack-inspired, retro supper club, whose additions range from a glam cocktail bar to a chandelier-lit, live music lounge with a grand piano, also sports a new shortened name—Runway 84. Slide into an emerald green velvet banquette for wagyu carpaccio, tableside Caesar salad and chicken parm.
runway-84.com
Fort Lauderdale, the Venice of America, is a boater’s and beachgoer’s paradise. But it’s also home to a burgeoning art scene that spills over into art-centric neighborhoods and annual events. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Lauderdale by the Sea | Lighthouse Point
Blackbird Modern Asian
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit at Blackbird Modern Asian’s Lunar New Year dj party with lion dancers on January 21. Chef partner Tim Nickey’s menu elevates classics (sweet and sour pork’s pork belly and dragon fruit) and covers all the crowd pleasers: dim sum (brisket bao bun), “old school” Chinese (spring rolls) and emperor’s selection (Peking duck).
blackbirdmodernasian.com
Jupiter’s bike trails, Loxahatchee River, Jonathan Dickinson State Park and Riverbend Park appeal to nature lovers who also have access to upscale restaurants and shops. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
North Palm Beach | Tequesta
Oaxaca Club
The restaurateur behind local coffee café chain Southern Grounds & Co. crosses the border for his next venture. Authentic Mexican eatery Oaxaca Club is slated to open soon in Jacksonville Beach. Besides bringing back a much-missed cuisine to the area with from-scratch salsas, moles and seafood dishes including wood-fired oysters, its patio overlooking Latham Park should score big points.
theoaxacaclub.com
Jacksonville, the largest city geographically in the contiguous U.S., boasts an incredible variety of green spaces and beaches, as well as prime waterfront from the Atlantic Ocean to St. Johns River with its iconic bridges. The city’s vast network of neighborhoods and islands further invites nonstop adventure. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Jacksonville
Beauty & the Butcher
Chef Jeremy Ford of Michelin-starred Stubborn Seed strikes again with Beauty & the Butcher. Start with charcuterie for two and move on to more gourmet nibbles from caviar to a winter tart of foie gras and truffles with green apple gelee. If you make it to his mains, there are chops and a Florida snapper that’s the real deal.
beautyandthebutchermiami.com
From Mediterranean-Revival architecture to the iconic Biltmore Hotel to lush greenery, the historic Coral Gables neighborhood has so much to offer. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Coral Gables | Cocoplum | Gables Estates
Vero Beach Bites
Heaton’s hosts The Prisoner wine dinner on February 1. Executive chef Matt Lange prepares five courses, while sommelier Erin O’Keefe and the winery select and pour six complementary wines. Locals also look forward to Seaside Grill’s next chapter due shortly. The Jaycee Park institution’s new owners renovated the kitchen and décor with a blue and white palette.
heatonsverobeach.com | covb.org
Vero Beach has blossomed beyond the beach and golf course. Its vibrant lifestyle beckons with fitness, family-friendly events, hip breweries and more. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Vero Beach
Amal
Toronto-based Ink Entertainment Group continues its Miami takeover with Amal. Its Lebanese cuisine heavy on mezze, kebabs and fresh-baked pita bread is near and dear to the hospitality empire founding partner Charles Khabouth’s homeland. Despite the delicious food, many diners are drawn by the drop-dead gorgeous setting with Level 6 by Amal rooftop lounge to boot.
amalmiami.com
One of Miami’s most historic neighborhoods with bohemian and Bahamian roots, Coconut Grove continues its evolution as a walkable, tree-shaded destination for the work/live/play lifestyle. An exciting tenant turnover and new development and upgrades are drawing fresh faces. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Coconut Grove