More Than 220 Restaurants Will Participate in Miami Spice
This two-month-long promo offers discounted three-course meals during Miami's hottest season
Miami Spice returns in August with prix-fixe discounts at some of the area's finest restaurants. Miami Spice, which runs August 1 through September 30, is back for its 22nd year.
Sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Miami Spice is actually designed with visitors in mind. The program is offered as an incentive for foodies around the world to visit Miami’s restaurants. It also provides a crucial revenue boost for restaurateurs during the summer months, when tourism is traditionally lower than in winter.
And, though Miami is undeniably hot during the summer, visiting the Magic City during August and September proves to be a great value: Hotel rates are lower, restaurant reservations are easier to snag, and nothing beats a midday nap on crisp hotel sheets during one of Miami’s traditional afternoon thundershowers.
And, more than ever, Miami is proving to be a culinary powerhouse. The Michelin Guide recently announced its second annual awards for three Florida cities (Miami, Tampa, and Orlando), and major restaurateurs like Gordon Ramsay, Thomas Keller, and Major Food Group having (or planning) presences here.
David Whitaker, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), agrees that Miami has proven itself as a destination for those seeking great meals. “Year after year, Greater Miami and Miami Beach continues to cement itself as a culinary epicenter with national recognition, award-winning restaurants, and a diverse selection of international and local cuisine.”
Over 220 restaurants through Miami’s various neighborhoods including Allapattah, Aventura, Bal Harbour, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, the Design District, Doral, Kendall, Key Biscayne, Little Havana, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, Pinecrest, South Miami, Sunny Isles Beach, and Wynwood, have signed up to participate in Miami Spice.
Participating restaurants offer prix fixe, three-course Miami Spice menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Lunch and brunch meals cost $30 or $35, and dinners cost $45 or $60, depending on the restaurant.
In addition, several restaurants will now offer “signature dining experiences” designed to deliver beyond a traditional three-course meal. There’s also a catering option for people planning house parties.
Of course, some deals are better than others as all restaurants are not created equal. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau lists participating restaurants and their Miami Spice menus on its website. Currently, not all restaurants are listed, but the site will be fully populated closer to the program’s August 1 start date.
To whet your appetite, here are some restaurants I highly recommend checking out during Miami Spice:
Cafe La Trova - This Little Havana restaurant combines the culinary chops of James beard-winning chef Michelle Bernstein with the mixology prowess of cantinero Julio Cabrera. But the food and drink are only part of the experience: Cafe La Trova is a full-on immersive experience, offering live music, shows, and a lively atmosphere that brings a taste of Cuba to Miami.
Cote Miami - Simon Kim’s Korean steakhouse, located in the tony Design District of Miami, has earned a Michelin star for its chic menu. While you’re there, start the meal with the perfect Vesper martini.
Joe’s Stone Crab - This iconic Miami restaurant is an institution. It’s also favored by chefs, politicians, and Miamians who celebrate the start of stone crab season each fall. Though you’ll miss fresh stone crabs (they’re not in season in the summer), Joe’s offers steaks, fresh seafood, and some of the best fried chicken you’ll experience. Whatever you do, leave room for Key Lime Pie.