Florida
In recent years, I’ve spent time in Miami, Naples, and Delray Beach. Below you’ll find a few of my restaurant and bakery recommendations from each area!
Miami:
Forte Dei Marmi (150 Ocean Drive)
Forte Dei Marmi is an upscale Italian restaurant in Miami Beach with Tuscan influence. This is a great restaurant for an intimate special occasion dinner, as it is pricey, and there is a strict dress-code. I recommend the Truffle Cacio e Pepe served in a pecorino cheese wheel.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro (4312 NE 2nd Ave)
Mandolin is a classic, and it’s not all due to their gorgeous outdoor patio seating. This husband-and-wife owned restaurant offers a Greek/Turkish inspired menu with mezes, fresh salads, fish, kebabs, and more. I recommend the Turkish Sampler, Greek Village Salad, Grilled Halloumi, Chicken Kebab, and Honey Pie for dessert.
Miami Slice (1335 NE Miami Ct)
For a more casual, and child-friendly dinner option, you could check out Miami’s hottest slice shop, Miami Slice. The slices here are crispy and flavorful with elevated toppings and will satisfy even the pickiest of New Yorkers. The lines are long, so be prepared to wait 1+ hour. Seating is also limited.
Casa Tua (1700 James Ave)
Casa Tua is a romantic spot for an upscale Italian meal with homemade pastas and great people watching. It’s on the pricey side, and is a great spot to celebrate a special occasion at. You can’t go wrong with whatever you order, but I recommend ordering a pasta or two to share with the table.
Jaguar Sun (230 NE 4th St.)
Jaguar Sun is a fun, moody restaurant with great food and cocktails in Downtown Miami. I’d recommend this for a date night, or special occasion group dinner. We loved the Hokkaido Scallop, Parker House Rolls, and Bucatini Cacio e Pepe.
Miss Crispy Rice (2335 N Miami Ave)
Miss Crispy Rice is a small handroll bar inside Oasis Wynwood that offers a crispy rice-centric omakase menu! I love a good piece of crispy rice dish, and have rarely seen it offered with anything but tuna or salmon. This was a fun lunch experience that I’d recommend for solid sushi and a unique experience.
Naples:
Bicyclette Cookshop (819 Vanderbilt Beach Road)
Bicyclette Cookshop, helmed by chef Kayla Pfeiffer, is an American restaurant with New York energy offering traditional dishes with a twist. Highlights were the Homemade Crumpets, Tuna Crudo, Parmesan Salad, Chicken Schnitzel, and Fancy Soft Serve.
Mikkelsen's Pastry Shop (1068 Business Ln #2)
Mikkelsen’s Pastry Shop is a 23-year-old bakery serving fresh breads, pastries, cookies, cakes, and more! I recommend their Key Lime Pie, Sticky Pecan Buns, and Blueberry Scones.
Delray:
Campi (233 NE 2nd Ave)
CAMPI is an upscale Italian restaurant inspired by the Upper East Side’s Campagnola. They’re serving old-school Italian favorites, and homemade pastas that give NYC a run for its money. My favorite dish here was the Lasagna Rotolo with a rich bolognese sauce and ricotta cheese, that closely resembles Don Angie’s signature dish. Other highlights were the Spaghetti Pomodoro, Chicken Parmesan, and Salted Caramel Budino.