Bagels & Co.

11064 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33161-7477 305-892-2435

Description: NORTH MIAMI. Whether you want to grab a bagel and cup of coffee on the run or linger over a more substantial meal, Bagels & Co. is a top choice. The fresh bagels come in numerous flavors and can be topped with any of several tasty toppings. Bagel sandwiches are a great start to your day, stuffed with combinations of sausage, eggs and cheese. Sunday brunch is always popular, with breakfast favorites like biscuits, eggs, bacon and toast served by a friendly staff.
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Bamboo Garden

13195 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181 305-899-9902

Description: NORTH MIAMI. This traditional Chinese restaurant focuses on Cantonese favorites, from stir-fries to spicy chicken dishes to seafood-studded fried rice. When you get the craving for good Chinese, come in for lunch or dinner, or take advantage of the popular and prompt takeout service. In the evening, the fixed price offering is a steal, with soup, egg roll, entree, fried rice and dessert for one low price. Friendly service and a low-key, neighborhood atmosphere.
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Bella Luna

19575 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura Mall, Aventura, FL 33180 305-792-9330

Description: AVENTURA. Housed in Aventura mall, this Italian dining room provides a convenient break for shoppers, but is also worthy of an evening out. Dinner specials might include lobster Fradiavlo (mussels, clams, and shrimp) with pasta and marinara sauce, or grilled lamb chops with porcini and Barolo wine sauce. You may also choose among several pizzas, baked in a wood-burning oven, and over 15 tempting pastas. If the weather allows, enjoy your meal on the patio.
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Blue Door

1685 Collins Ave, Delano Hotel, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-674-6400

Description: SOUTH BEACH. This hyper-modern restaurant, with its sleek, chic interior, is considered command central for Miami's fabulous scene-makers. Housed inside the stylish Delano Hotel, the Blue Door boast an outdoor dining area that is in particular demand. Or diners can opt for space at the large communal table in the lobby of the hotel, a great vantage point for watching the who's-who traipse by ­ Madonna, Calvin Klein, and the like. If you aren't preoccupied by the scene, you'll enjoy great brunch dishes like Belgian malted waffles, salmon Benedict on toasted brioche or Blue Door Benedict on a toasted English muffin, served with Hollandaise and truffle carpaccio. Breakfast served daily. Reservations recommended.
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Café Ragazzi

9500 Harding Ave, Surfside, FL 33154-2502 305-866-4495

Description: SURFSIDE. Friendly confines and first-rate service are the trademarks of this unpretentious Italian eatery, located north of Miami Beach. Start off your meal with one of their irresistible appetizers: from steamed mussels to carpaccio, you can't choose unwisely. Then titillate your taste buds with the likes of breaded veal scallopine, grilled salmon with radicchio and rosemary, garlicky penne putanesca, and what many regard as the area's top osso bucco. Of course, you'd be remiss not to save room for one of their homemade desserts ... besides, is it really ever a good idea to pass on tiramisu? Since the secret is out on this family-owned restaurant, you can expect to wait for a table, especially on weekends. Reservations suggested for a party of 3 or more.
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Casa Tua

1700 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-673-1010

Description: SOUTH BEACH. Located in an Italian-style villa, this restaurant's distinguishable only by an open gate and diners seated at elegant outdoor tables. Start off with bay scallops with fresh herbs and olive oil or red wine-marinated beef carpaccio before progressing to an adventurous selection of pastas such as pumpkin and hazelnut ravioli or lobster and artichoke lasagna. Tantalizing main dish offerings include veal marinated in lime juice, seared beef tenderloin with foie gras, and scaloppine with wild mushrooms. After dinner, cleanse your palate with frozen champagne soup and fresh fruit salad.
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Cheesecake Factory - Biscayne Blvd

19501 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura Mall, Aventura, FL 33180-2342 305-792-9696

Description: AVENTURA. This popular chain's New American menu features a broad array of dishes, from avocado egg rolls and Mexican chicken pizza to Jamaican shrimp and shepherd's pie. However, desserts really steal the show, and it's easy to see why once you've taken a gander at Linda's Fudge Cake, White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake, and Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Cheesecake. An attractive garden patio offers the perfect setting for a late-afternoon respite, accompanied by gourmet coffee, good conversation, and, of course, one of 40 delectable cheesecakes.
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Gourmet Diner

13951 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181-1627 305-947-2255

Description: NORTH MIAMI. The name sums up the offerings quite nicely ­ the atmosphere is pure diner, but the cuisine is pure gourmet. The French favorites are skillfully prepared but low-priced, including classic dishes such as buttery escargot, châteaubriand, loin of lamb in herb crust, and creamy seafood au gratin. At lunchtime, the vinaigrette-topped salads are a customer favorite, and the special listed on the blackboard is sure to please. Whether you're by yourself or with a crowd, you'll enjoy the atmosphere, which recreates a dining car from the 1950s. Excellent wines and desserts like the custard fruit tart make this a first-class dining experience without the high prices.
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Heelsha

1550 NE 164th St, North Miami Beach, FL 305-919-8393

Description: NORTH MIAMI BEACH. Intimate dining room features appealing decor and authentic Indian cuisine.
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Here Comes the Sun

2188 NE 123rd St, North Miami, FL 33181 305-893-5711

Description: NORTH MIAMI. Shirk the chains, with their standard, artery-clogging fare and try this restaurant for unique, healthy meals. Health food can now be found everywhere, but this longstanding favorite was one of the first in the Miami area. The diner atmosphere is appealing in its simplicity, and the menu features a rotating selection of entrees, soups, and salads. You'll find plenty of options for vegetarians, including veggie-stuffed wraps and the miso burger, but chicken and fish dishes are available as well. Whatever you choose, you'll want to top it with the famous Sun Sauce, a tangy topping that is a closely guarded recipe.
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Houston's ­ North Miami Beach

17355 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami Beach, FL 33179 305-947-2000

Description: NORTH MIAMI BEACH. Across the United States, this popular chain tempts thousands upon thousands of taste buds. The inviting interior features dark wood paneling and booth seating, and the extensive menu offers something for everyone, from mouthwatering veggie burgers to juicy, oak-fired steaks. If you're too hungry to wait for your main course, try Houston's famous spinach dip ­ so good you may have to place a second order! During after-work hours, Houston's bar attracts quite a crowd, so be sure to arrive early if you hope to score a seat. Business casual attire. Reservations not accepted.
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Little Havana Restaurant

12727 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181 305-899-9069

Description: NORTH MIAMI. While the rather mundane decor probably doesn't earn this neighborhood treasure a second glance from most tourists, locals know that the kitchen at Little Havana serves up some of the most delicious and reasonably priced eats around. Traditional Cuban fare is the specialty, and menu favorites include the likes of fried pork chunks, lamb, chicken croquettes, and lobster ­ all of them served with healthy portions of black beans and rice, plantains, and yucca on the side. Of course, a perfect accompaniment to any meal here is their potently famous sangria, which can always put you in that Havana frame of mind. Reservations are not accepted, so it's best to arrive early if you don't want to wait for a table.
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Mario the Baker

13695 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami, FL 33161-3829 305-891-7641

Description: NORTH MIAMI. Mario's has been around for a while, and it has the kind of ambience that can only result from years of steady business ­ worn booths, simple decor, old-fashioned posters and a friendly staff that knows the regular patrons by name. The pizza here is also made the old-fashioned way, with hand-tossed thin crusts and plenty of great toppings that add up to an incredibly tasty New York-style pie. Other menu options include Italian classics like lasagna and baked ziti. While you wait for your pizza to emerge from the oven, you'll be distracted by a basket full of Miami's best garlic rolls. Popular among people of all ages and all walks of life.
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Michael's Genuine Food & Drink

130 NE 40th St, Atlas Plaza, Miami, FL 33137 305-573-5550

Description: DESIGN DISTRICT. Fresh produce enhances the fine fare served at this contemporary restaurant, and varied serving sizes, ranging from small to extra-large ensure that you get just enough to satisfy your appetite. The only problem here is that you might have too many creative choices, from wood roasted sweet onion filled with ground lamb and apricots to crispy beef cheek with whipped celeriac, celery salad and chocolate reduction. A comfortable bar, offering wine by the glass, beer and cocktails, is an additional draw. Valet parking available Wed-Sun after 6pm, $12.
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P.F. Chang's China Bistro North Miami

17455 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami Beach, FL 33160 305-957-1966

Description: NORTH MIAMI BEACH. This fashionable Chinese bistro gets high marks with North Miami's trendier diners, who adore the contemporary interior and eclectic menu. Start off with do-it-yourself lettuce wraps ­ these alone are worth the trip. Afterwards, go any route you like, from Szechwan or Hunan to Cantonese or Shanghai. Chang's daily specials are always worth considering as well ­ keep your fingers crossed that Szechwan shrimp or pan-fried noodles are available when you drop by.
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Pilar Restaurant

20475 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33180 305-937-2777

Description: AVENTURA. Local chef Scott Fredel has opted for a relaxed atmosphere at stylish, upscale Pilar. Hardwood floors, comfortable seating and original art give the restaurant a modern bistro feel that completely belies its strip-mall location. Floribbean seafood is the specialty, prepared with a deft hand and perky island flavors. Try seared mahi mahi, sautéed yellowtail snapper or fried conch with hearts of palm slaw, and wrap things up with moist chocolate chip banana cake. Affordable wines are a great boon, as is early-bird dining from 5pm to 6pm.
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Sara's Kosher Restaurant

2214 NE 123rd St, Miami, FL 33181 305-891-3312

Description: NORTH MIAMI. This is the place to go for authentic Middle Eastern and Jewish food. Everything at this friendly kosher deli is homemade with the finest and freshest ingredients available. Try Sara's Special Breakfast, which features the works: scrambled eggs, French toast, home fries, chalee roll and baygels (that's how they spell it), juice and coffee. Satisfy your a.m. sweet tooth with fabulous mini-Danishes, challah or traditional rugelach, an authentic kosher pastry. Or go with classic baygels spread with cream cheese and hand-sliced Norwegian salmon. The casual environment and quirky sense of humor have made this a local favorite.
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Talula

210 23rd St, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-672-0778

Description: SOUTH BEACH. Dark woods, brick walls, the glint of mirrors and rich, warm colors soothe diners at well-received Talula. The brainchild of Andrea Curto-Randazzo and Frank Randazzo, married chefs who have gained much recognition individually and together, the restaurant benefits from perfect ingredients and careful attention to detail. This quality is seen in grilled foie gras with caramelized mission figs, black grouper with preserved lemons and thyme, barbecued spiced duck breast, and yellowtail snapper with sweet potato-wild mushroom risotto. Desserts also benefit from the chefs' culinary expertise, and a lovely garden patio is sublime when the weather's mild.
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Tamara

1677 Collins Ave, The National Hotel, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-532-2311

Description: SOUTH BEACH. Experience the color and flavor of France at Tamara. The menu takes traditional Continental cooking and applies a decidedly modern spin. Menu highlights include blackened grouper with tagliolini pasta, scallop and salmon dua and croissant chicken pot pie. Soak up the evocative Art Deco-style interior and enjoy a cocktail, particularly during happy hour, when Cosmopolitans are two for the price of one. At the adjoining cabaret bar, the D'Lounge, you'll find plush couches and live music. Valet parking: $12-$30.
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Tamarind Thai Restaurant

946 Normandy Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33141 305-861-6222

Description: MIAMI BEACH. Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine in this classy dining room, simply adorned with white linens and colorful framed artwork. Flavorul bites of chicken satay with peanut sauce or hot and sour shrimp and lemongrass soup whet the appetite for more of Tamarind's exquisite Asian eats. Indulge in one of the covetous dinner specials such as fried whole snapper with chili sauce or vegetarian yellow curry with tofu, potatoes, carrots, onions and coconut milk.
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