A Fish Called Avalon (Avalon Hotel) 700 Ocean Dr. (305) 532-1727 Seafood An array of fresh fish and seafood prepared by talented chef Gerry Quinn is served in a lovely lounge and sidewalk café, with soft background music. The seafood platter, shrimp Bang Bang and the Chilean sea bass are not to be missed. $$$ Abbey Dining Room (Abbey Hotel) 300 21st St. (305) 672-1663 Mediterranean A recent restoration of the Abbey Hotel has resulted in the new 75-seat Abbey Dining Room offering Mediterranean specialties like Lebanese tabouli, Moroccan lentils, Greek horitiki salad and chicken tajine. $$ Astor Place Bar & Grill 956 Washington Ave. (305) 672-7217 American/Caribbean A South Beach hot spot in a stunning art deco atrium setting. Chef Johnny Vinczencz serves wild mushroom pancakes with balsamic syrup, blue corn-crusted leg of duck confit, a spectacular sushi salad, and sophisticated entrées, like lemon-basil yellowtail with cannellini purée and tiny clams or mustard-herb crusted rack of lamb with mild salsa. Desserts are sweet and fun-filled. $$$$ Balans 1022 Lincoln Rd (305) 534-9191 Global You’ll think you’re in London (without the weather) in the nicest block of Lincoln Road. Beautiful tourists and locals flock in for the hefty sandwiches and burgers, and also for the Thai salad, tuna niçoise and herb-crusted Chilean bass with sauteed potatoes. For desserts, choose baked Alaska, sticky date pudding or white chocolate cheesecake. $ Big Pink 157 Collins Ave. (305) 532-4700 International One of SoFi’s best casual spots. Great finger foods (the spinach dip is popular). Indulge your voyeuristic side as you watch South Beach go by through the big picture windows. $ Blue Door (Delano Hotel) 1685 Collins Ave. (305) 674-6400 Contemporary It’s located in the most celebrity-studded hotel on the Beach, so it’s no surprise that the decor, ambiance and food are as beautiful as the clientele. The menu, refurbished by Claude Troisgros, features pan-seared foie gras with jicama, kumquats, starfruit and caperberries in sweet-sour sauce, big ravioli with white truffle oil, roasted duck breast maracuja with achiote, passion fruit and braised endives. For dessert: Tatin of apple, mango and banana. $$$$ Breez 1501 Collins Avenue, South Beach. Modern Asian Seafood The elegant yet unassuming dining room and bar with bright touches resembles someone’s home. Exec VP and chef Ephraim Kadish has reinvented sushi with a platter of ingredients ready to be rolled by you! An assortment of strikingly beautiful stuffed & folded delicacies include lobster in a sack with Maine lobster, asparagus, and lemongrass in a sweet egg crêpe purse. Non-sushi offerings are equally tantalizing like the lobster fettuccine.$$$ Cafe Mosaic (National Hotel) 1677 Collins Ave, (305) 423-7260 Contemporary American New executive chef Greg McDaniel has revamped the menu to include fine traditional Cuban cuisine that pairs well with the tropical elegance of the hotel’s atmosphere, and the Old Havana Nights at the National, the Cuban-themed piano-bar. $$$ Caffé Sambucca 1233 Lincoln Rd. (305) 532-2800 Italian Fine contemporary Italian and world cuisine, splendid pastas, crab-filled ravioli, black seafood linguini, a fork-tender ossobuco and a killer chocolate soufflé. $$ Cafe Thai Bistro 1533 Washington Ave. (305) 531-4181 Thai Conveniently located in the heart of South Beach action, this excellent Thai restaurant serves first-rate noodle dishes and fragrant curries. $ Caffe Milano 850 Ocean Dr, (305) 532-0707 Italian One of the best and most authentic Italian restaurants in South Beach, serving superb Italian fare in a casually elegant SoBe atmosphere. A varied menu and great people watching at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Catering is also available. $$ Carnevale 607 Lincoln Rd, (305) 672-3333 Venetian This sibling of Mezzanotte sports Venetian masks on the walls and hanging Murano lamps. The menu features wood-burning oven pizzas, focaccia ripiena, and an array of interesting carpaccios. Homemade mozzarella Siciliana, and gamberi marechiare in tomato and white wine sauce, precede a lengthy list of freshly-made pastas to meat, fish and poultry dishes. $$ Casa Salso 524 Ocean Dr (305) 604-5959 Puerto Rican Authentic Puerto Rican selections such as pork tenderloin in cumin sauce with sweet potato gratin and Classic Criollo like pastelitos de bacalao, Yautia or Yarrowroot soup, entrees like Mofongo-stuffed Cornish hens in guayaba salsa and plantain-crusted shrimp in garlic sauce. Music and dancing on weekends after 11p.m. $$$ China Grill 404 Washington Ave. (305) 534-2211 Pan-Asian This glamorous, celebrity-studded restaurant is the perfect South Beach venue to see and be seen. But it’s also the place to enjoy some of the most imaginative and artfully presented dishes anywhere. Portions are generous and meant to be shared. Sensational sides include wasabi mashed potatoes and crispy spinach. $$$$ Dab Haus 852 Alton Rd. (305) 534-9557 German Do yourself a favor — start with the honey garlic brie. The familiar entrées are excellent, especially the schnitzels and the knodels (bread dumplings) — and the mashed potatoes are the best around. Homey, welcoming ambiance. $$$ David’s cafe II 1654 Meridian Ave. (305) 672-8707 Cuban Casual Cuban fare with an extensive menu that includes everybody’s favorites like Pechuga de pollo a la plancha, medio pollo asado, and bistec de palomilla. Daily specials have generous portions and are well-priced. $ Epicure Market 1658 Alton Rd, (305) 672-1861 Gourmet Market This market has earned its stripes with one of the finest wine and champagne selections in the city, its stock of cheeses from all over the world, and its fresh and exotic fruit and vegetable section. The bakery offers an impressive selection of homemade breads and pastries. Stocked with aged prime meats, imported delicacies, frozen, canned, and refrigerated foods. Escopazzo 1311 Washington Ave., (305) 674-9450 Italian This establishment has all the elements of the consummate Italian ristorante — inventive nouveau offerings such as guinea breast and veal in white wine and sage sauce, classic old-country fare including authentic risottos and hand-rolled pastas, plus an intimate, famiglia atmosphere created by the attentive owner. $$$ Fico Key West Seafood 1248 Washington Ave. (305) 534-0065 Seafood A new bright spot on the Avenue minus the attitude. Fresh, local fish are all stand outs on the menu, served a myriad of ways. The reasonably priced menu is extensive and available for take-out. Don’t miss the Hawaiian plantain appetizer. Live entertainment on weekends. $ Front Porch Café (Penguin Hotel) 1418 Ocean Dr. (305) 531-8300 American Established in 1990, truly a neighborhood treasure. Best breakfast on the beach, like granola pancakes & beach breakfast bonanza. Dinner specials to consider are stuffed chicken breast with herbed goat cheese and sesame chicken. Finish your meal with a blond brownie. Quaint and always fresh food. $ The Gaucho Room (st. moritz at the loews) 1601 Collins Ave. (305) 604-5467 South American Grill Set in an architect’s funky fantasy of a hacienda with comfy couches and oversized banquettes dressed in faux cowhide, Chef Frank Randazzo’s equally exotic South American grill includes traditions with a twist such as a grilled provolone brick served with earthy peppers with crostini, and entrees like Argentine filet mignon and a Colorado lamb loin. $$$ Grillfish 1444 Collins Ave (305) 538-9908 Seafood As its name indicates, grilled fish is what they do best, and save for sauteed fish or seafood pasta, they do not veer from that course. $$ Il Sole 626 Lincoln Rd (305) 673-1858 Italian At the lovely outdoor terrace or at the romantic tented giant patio order tuna tartare, or bresaola with mixed mushrooms and truffle oil for starters. Yellowtail snapper with shrimp and clam sauce, breast of chickens stuffed with prosciutto and fontina, and fork tender flavorful ossobuco are not to be missed. For desserts: pistachio crème brulee and panna cotta with banana caramello. Extensive wine list. $$ Joe’s Stone Crab 11 Washington Ave (305) 673-0365 Seafood The wait is always worth it, especially when it’s stone crab season (mid-Oct. through mid-May). The fresh, sweet crustaceons accompanied by creative sides (especially the creamed spinach, hash browns, and fried sweet potatoes) are simply mouth watering. This Miami institution is open year-round with a full menu of other seafood and non-seafood delectables. $$$$ La Terrasse 639 Lincoln Rd (305) 695-9191 French Bistro Devotees of French food will find authentic bistro food to feast on, at bistro prices! The steak frites with delicious French fries is hard to pass up, as are the steamed mussels in wine. Try the warm goat cheese on toast with a walnut salad, and the beef bourguignon in red wine sauce and onions. For desserts, have both tarte tatin and creme brulee. $$ Macaluso's 1747 Alton Rd, (305) 604-1811 Italian Italian phrases like, “Molto buono,” may spill from your mouth after you’ve been sated with aglio e olio over spinach or simple but delightful spaghetti and meatballs. If you’re in the mood for thin-crust pizza, you’ll be equally satisfied. $ Macarena 1334 Washington Ave (305) 531-3440 Spanish Enjoy the ambiance of this tavern and restaurant with its authentic Spanish cuisine, exquisite tapas, and famous paella. $$$ Maiko 1255 Washington Ave (305) 531-6369 Japanese, sushi-bar You’ll be in sushi heaven after sampling any of the original makimono (sushi rolls), not to mention the generous portions of sashimi. Equally delicious entrees include eel filet sautéed and served over rice, katsu (fried) chicken breast and soba noodles. $

Mark's On South Beach (Nash Hotel) 1120 Collins Ave, (305) 604-9050 Contemporary American Exciting creations pour from the open kitchen: amuses gueules, fascinating appetizers like 3 dimensional foie gras change often. Fun and intelligent entrées: basil-fed snail tarts, a glorified surf-n-turf, and fillet of yellowtail with seafood are rich and intense. Desserts are spectacular. $$$$ Mezzaluna 834 Ocean Dr. (305) 674-1330 Italian Buon giorno and welcome to Mezzaluna where your dining experience will begin and end with a pleasant sigh. From primi piatti to la griglia to napolitano pizzas, you will surely leave this place with a smile on your face. $$$ Monty’s 360 Alton Rd. (305) 673-3444 Seafood A mainstay of the Miami restaurant scene, Monty’s offers creative daily specials featuring the freshest fish in town, a raw bar and a picturesque seaside view. Thirsty boaters and beachcombers head here for happy hour prices on drinks and the abundant raw bar. $$$ Nemo Restaurant 100 Collins Ave. (305) 532-4550 New American/Seafood Well-designed, imaginative setting with great fish dishes and some of the most creative cuisine (like the polenta fries) you’ll encounter. Great desserts. Informal. Colorful, mixed SoBe crowd. $$$ News Café 800 Ocean Dr. (305) 538-6397 American & Mediterranean See and be seen (everybody else seems to be doing it!) — or hide behind a magazine from the hip newsstand — and enjoy a tasty nosh or creative salad. $$ Nirvana 630 6th St. (305) 534-3700 Indian Nirvana, as its name indicates! Delicate and well-seasoned curries and Indian specialties. $$ Pacific Time 915 Lincoln Rd. (305) 534-5979 New World Trendy and trendsetting, Pacific Time is synonymous with excellence. Original Pacific Rim dishes (such as Peking duck pancakes) beautifully presented earn both restaurant and ultra-innovative chef Jonathan Eismann international acclaim and a devoted following. $$$ Paninoteca 809 Lincoln Rd. (305) 538-0058 European sandwiches Casual and friendly ambiance where you can relish the best gourmet panini sandwiches with flavorful javas and shaved ices. $$ Pearl Restaurant and Lounge 1 Ocean Dr. (305) 673-1575 Contemporary American Pearl is all about style, from its glam lounge music (no headbanging techno on the menu) to the futuristic champagne bar where you might rub elbows with J Lo or Sammy Sosa. But the real stars are the food. Seafood appetizers and entrees are fabulous, especially the lobster bisque and miso-marinated Chilean sea bass. Fun-sounding Duck, Duck, Goose is seriously good. Desserts are very good and huge. $$$ Puerto Sagua 700 Collins Ave. (305) 673-1115 Cuban A noisy, friendly place that feels like Havana on Collins. The food (big portions; ridiculously low prices) is terrific. Picadillo and chicken and rice just like Abuela makes. $ Red Square 411 Washington Ave. (305) 672-0200 Continental/Russian Russian themed, “see and be seen” restaurant and lounge features an incredible caviar bar, an extensive variety of vodkas and a great menu. $$$$ Rosinella 525 Lincoln Rd. (305) 672-8777 Italian A charming, unassuming Italian restaurant under the same family ownership as the popular Sports Café. They bake their own bread, knead their own pasta and serve mamma Rosinella’s handmade gnocchi. $$ Salza Grill 524 Ocean Dr. (305) 535-0090 Nuevo Latino Whether you're sitting at the oceanfront terrace, or indoor, after sinking you teeth into chef Dario Olivera's delightful variety of Latin fusion dishes - fresh seafood ceviche served in a coconut shell, or an exotic Napoleon of tostones - you'll want to merengue your way downstairs to Club Q. There, spicy atmosphere, lots of energy, and great music: Latin house, Brazilian, and reggae, will make you feel the heat of Latin Hip. $$ Spiga 1228 Collins Ave. (305) 534-0079 Italian Beautiful in a low-key way, Spiga’s draws a devoted following for its Northern Italian specialties, fabulous pasta, pleasant ambiance and excellent service, reminding you of a Florentine trattoria. A great value. $$ South Beach Stone Crab 723 Lincoln Rd (305) 538-5888 Contemporary When the line at the “other” stone crab restaurant on South Beach snakes around the block — make this plan B. This lovely Lincoln Road outdoor cafe boasts no wait, slightly lower prices than the aforementioned restaurant, and a diverse menu that will satisfy seafarers and landlubbers alike. $$$ Shoji Sushi 100 Collins Ave. Japanese Michael Schwartz, chef/owner of Big Pink and Nemo expands his culinary realm once again by coming up with an inventive twist on traditional sushi and serving it in a modern, Asian setting. $$ Sushi Rock Café 1351 Collins Ave. (305) 532-2133 Japanese You can’t get through a meal without bumping into someone you know, so say the regulars at this popular twentysomething hangout. The draw could be the rock ‘n roll-themed atmosphere, from the music to the album covers on the wall. More than likely it’s the enormous and delicious selection of makimoto from which to choose, as well as a generous vegetarian menu. $$ Sushi Doraku 1104 Lincoln Rd. (305) 695-8383 Japanese Sushi Doraku — “Joy of Sushi” in Japanese —combines sushi, ambiance and convenience in an exciting aquatic-theme interior. Diners can choose sushi from a “kaiten” or conveyor system. Sushi combinations are served on color-coded plates that designate the price. $ Tantra 1445 Pennsylvania Ave. (305) 672-4765 International Cuisine Designed to awaken the senses as you step onto a carpet of fresh cut grass, order from an aphrodisiac menu and experience sensual belly dancing on Wednesday. Caribbean bouillabaisse and lobster bisque are special. $$$$ Tap Tap 819 5th St. (305) 672-2898 Haitian Sample well-prepared Haitian specialties in a brightly painted Caribbean atmosphere. If you’re adventurous, try the goat. Otherwise, the coconut shrimp is highly recommended. $$ Toni’s Sushi Bar 1208 Washington Ave. (305) 673-9368 Japanese Toni’s has had an unusually long, successful run, and you’ll understand why when you visit. In addition to sushi, they offers a wide selection of exceptionally good vegetarian and noodle dishes. $$ Tuscan Steak 431 Washington Ave. (305) 534-2233 Contemporary Italian A casually sophisticated ambiance that’s beyond simple pasta and chianti. Hearty antipasti like white truffle garlic bread, sambuca cured salmon carpaccio and stuffed mussels Elba. The signature beef is grilled Florentine T-bone steak for two and is marinated in olive oil, basil and garlic. A sensual experience. $$$$ Tutti’s Café 635 Collins Ave. (305) 538-0012 Italian Lightly fried calamari, refreshing gazpacho, a variety of salads, sandwiches, pastas and pizzas. Yummy fruit shakes in a beautifully casual European decor. $$ The Van Dyke Café 846 Lincoln Rd. (305) 534-3600 American The indoor-outdoor News Cafe’s sibling is an attractive, likable and popular Lincoln Road café. The extensive menu features tasty selections to please nearly every palate. Good food, good action. Upstairs, nightly cool jazz. $$ Wish (The Hotel) 801 Collins Ave. (305) 674-9474 American Fusion Deliciously creative cuisine outside in Wish’s beautiful garden patio. Cascabel-coated quail with sweet potato agnolotti and blue oyster mushroom, pan-seared black grouper with mussels, jasmine rice and andouille sausage, are tops. Stimulating desserts to try are the warm chocolate cake or the hazelnut/calabaza tamale with vanilla swirl and frangelico sauce. $$$ World Resources 719 Lincoln Rd. (305) 535-8987 Asian A mellow sidewalk spot for Thai food and sushi, specializing in organic and vegetarian fare. Indoors is an exotic store offering oriental wares. There’s music most nights. $$ Yuca 501 Lincoln Rd. (305) 532-9822 New Cuban This fine nuevo Cuban restaurant with its glam setting and hot entertainment make this upscale establishment a stopper on The Road. $$$$