Just as visitors had figured out where to eat, shop and play, Miami opens a new wave of restaurants, shopping districts and revamps older destinations. Check out what awaits you throughout Miami in 2017.
The Setai, Miami Beach
Defined by Asian culture, The Setai, Miami Beach introduced new dining concepts: Jaya, Chef's Kitchen and The Ocean Grill, to complement the debut of a new retractable roof of the property's courtyard. All three spots feature modern Asian fusion cuisine under the culinary direction of Food Network "Chopped" champion and executive chef Mathias Gervais. The recently renovated courtyard with a built-in retractable rooftop that fully expands allows diners to gaze at the stars and feel the cool ocean breeze as they enjoy either Sunday brunch at Jaya, an intimate and personalized dining experience in Chef's Kitchen or an al-fresco dinner at The Ocean Grill.
The Ritz-Carlton South Beach and Bal Harbour
After an extensive spa renovation, spa-goers to The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach will encounter a new experiential design and treatment concept called the Timeless Capsule. It includes private pod seating for express treatments, a Fusion+ Studio chair, a first-of-its-kind stationary massage chair with chromotherapy lighting, heat therapy and a meditative journey from Louie Schwartzberg, and a ZG Recliner, a zero gravity relaxation chair created exclusively for the hotel.
On the dining scene, after a wildly successful first year in Madrid, the Spanish eatery, TATEL by Abel Matutes Prats and Manuel Campos Guallar, partnered with international Spanish music star Enrique Iglesias and two of the most important athletes in Spain’s history–tennis legend Rafael Nadal and two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol—to bring the restaurant stateside to the Ritz-Carlton South Beach. But a few of the tasty finds on the menu include the traditional Spanish omelet, fresh milk croquettes and the signature thin veal steak, breaded and fried to golden brown, topped with a slow-cooked egg and fresh black truffles.
Yet another restaurant to open at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Haulover Cut, is Artisan Beach House, helmed by the culinary duo of executive chef Paula DaSilva and chef de cuisine Tony Coddington. It features a globally inspired menu with an eye to the season’s local produce, including fish, steaks, vegetables and tropical fruits.
Lincoln Road
Conceived by Carl Fischer in 1914 and converted into an open-air mall by famous hotel architect Morris Lapidus, Lincoln Road has been a main hub for eating, drinking and people-watching in Miami Beach. Running east to west between 16th and 17th streets and West and Washington avenues, the mall welcomed Tocaya Organica (920 Lincoln Road) for healthy Mexican cuisine. The 1930s art-deco Colony Theatre is making a comeback to cultural life with a slate of new offerings for the 2016-17 season, under new management by Miami New Drama. By the end of the month, Nike (1035 Lincoln Road) and Marshalls (723 North Lincoln Lane) will open flagship stores, and Capital One Café will be brewing not just Peet's coffee but a dose of banking information at 1029 Lincoln Road.
Downtown Doral
The fast-growing western suburb of Doral, home to the Dolphin Mall, U.S. Southern Command and Miami International Mall, experienced an explosion of development recently with the opening of The Shops at Downtown Doral and the coming soon CityPlace Doral.
Visitors to Downtown Doral will find a wide variety of only-in-Miami places including Bulla Gastrobar, serving Spanish tapas, and Pisco y Nazca for Peruvian food, as well as Dragonfly, a Japanese restaurant and fish market, and Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine.
In February, CityPlace Doral will become the latest shopping hotspot with chic shops like Ella Boutique, American Soul and Seta Apparel. And after spending the day shopping, unwind at any of the casual eateries including Angelo Elia Pizza Bar & Tapas, BurgerFi, Icebox Cafe, Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant or at the city's first The Fresh Market. When the sun sets, CityPlace Doral brings hours of entertainment at Kings America, a late-night modern venue with a bowling alley, billiards tables and a bar in a spacious retro-chic setting.
Miami Design District
As if the Miami Design District wasn't cool, hip and trendy enough, the vibrant shopping area has opened a slate of new retailers. Jewelry designer Orianne Collins, Palm Beach resident and wife of English pop singer/drummer Phil Collins, launched her new shop, OC Concept Store Miami (4218 NE 2nd Ave.), to feel more like a private home instead of a boutique. The boutique pairs established luxury houses with emerging brands, offering a variety of limited-edition pieces. Pick up a handbag by Silvia Toledano and Ximena Kavalekas, men's sneakers by Fabrice Tardieu, jewels from Carat Juice or Orianne Collins Jewellery or paper goods by Christian Lacroix Papier. There's a little bit of everything here. Plus, each season the shop will host a pop-up art exhibit and guest closet where celebrity pieces are available to browse and purchase. Also now open at the District are Alice+Olivia, Saint Laurent, OVOO Original Design, Theory and Tod's.
