Best Places to Dine in MDD This Summer
Summer in Miami may come with rising temperature, but the Miami Design District offers a refreshing escape, especially when it comes to dining. From al fresco dining to light, seasonal menus and thoughtfully designed spaces, these standout restaurants are the perfect place to enjoy the season.
Whether you’re planning a long lunch, a casual coffee, or a destination dinner, the Miami Design District serves up experiences that feel distinctly cool, even when the temperatures aren’t.
- Contessa Miami
- ZZ’s Club Miami
- Pura Vida Miami
- Mandolin Aegean Bistro
- Le Jardinier
- Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink
- Nami Nori
- El Turco
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
CONTESSA MIAMI
Inspired by the old world sophistication of Northern Italy’s villas and estates, this Major Food Group restaurant blends timeless tradition with modern touches in the Miami Design District. With high-gloss teak woodwork detailing that echoes traditional Italian Riva boat design, the two-story restaurant transports guests to Lake Como circa 1960. With marble floors, a grand staircase, and richly detailed interiors, the setting is as refined as the menu, which features house-made pastas, fine meats, signature pizzas, and an in-house gelato program. From lunch and Aperitivo to dinner, Contessa offers a distinctly elevated take on Northern Italian dining, whether enjoying alfresco dining on the patio or a cool indoor dining room, it’s a great spot for summer dining.
ZZ’S CLUB MIAMI
Spend summer lunch in the lush courtyard of ZZ’s Club Miami, Major Food Group’s private members club that features interior design from the renowned Ken Fulk and offers its exclusive community the pinnacle of luxury, a personalized style of hospitality, and the highest caliber of cuisine. From 12 PM to 3 PM, the club opens its doors to the public with a perfect summer dining menu featuring Chirashi Bowls, Bento Boxes, Wagyu Sandos, and more, all crafted for a relaxed yet elevated experience. This alfresco offering, paired with ZZ’s signature hospitality, bright interiors, and outdoor seating, makes it a glamorous destination for summer dining.
PURA VIDA MIAMI
Pura Vida Miami stands as South Florida’s premier wellness lifestyle brand and has been transforming the way people eat since its establishment in 2012 by Founder Omer Horev. In the heart of the Miami Design District, Pura Vida Miami has become a beacon of health-conscious living, offering a diverse menu of nutritious and delectable dishes. Omer and Jennifer Horev, the husband-wife duo behind the brand, have meticulously curated a menu that harmonizes nutritious and indulgent offerings. From acai bowls to superfood smoothies and clean chef-driven salads, each dish is a celebration of high-quality ingredients, perfect for refreshing, light summer dining.
MANDOLIN AEGEAN BISTRO
A MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022 Prize Winner, Mandolin Aegean Bistro is the place to enjoy simple, rustic, and authentic dishes inspired by the villages of Greece and Turkey. The menu features seasonal ingredients, freshly caught fish of the day, as well as plenty of vegetarian options. For a memorable dining experience, the garden terrace provides a serene and transportive setting, perfect for lingering over a long meal and enjoying the beauty of a summer meal with friends.
LE JARDINIER
Le Jardinier is a casually sophisticated, vegetable-forward restaurant created by longtime Joël Robuchon protégé, Alain Verzeroli, who serves as Culinary Director. The menu focuses on the use of the highest quality local vegetables, seasonal ingredients, and fresh herbs, some harvested from an on-site garden, complemented by wild and sustainable fish, meat, and poultry. With its light, seasonal menu and expansive open-air dining area, Le Jardinier is an ideal summer destination for fresh, elegant dining in the Miami Design District.
MICHAEL’S GENUINE FOOD & DRINK
A neighborhood institution and MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022 Prize winner, Michael’s Genuine is a restaurant that locals and visitors alike may even consider their home away from home—where they can share a beautiful meal with friends and enjoy seasonal foods and warm hospitality. Recently, the iconic Miami eatery underwent enhancements to elevate its decor, reinvent its kitchen space, and expand its indoor and outdoor dining room to face 40th Street. With a bright, modernized space, airy outdoor seating, and a welcoming atmosphere, Michael’s Genuine is a go-to spot for relaxed summer dining in the Design District.
NAMI NORI
Nami Nori is a Japanese restaurant specializing in open-style hand rolls. Inspired by modern beach houses and traditional Japanese residences, its bright and airy dining room and patio make it an ideal spot for light, refreshing summer dining. Chefs Sakaeda and Lee serve open-style temaki and Japanese-inspired snacks, perfect for a warm day in the Miami Design District. Upstairs, Matsuyoi offers a seasonally rotating, multi-course menu in an intimate setting, with luxurious ingredients, fresh wasabi, and a cocktail program highlighting Japanese spirits.
EL TURCO
A recent addition to the Miami Design District, El Turco is a Turkish restaurant celebrating time-honored recipes and warm hospitality. Founded by Nurdan and Gokhan Yuzbasioglu, this four-time Michelin-awarded spot brings the heart of Türkiye to the Magic City. Its menu is rooted in rich tradition, with dishes inspired by the flavors and culture of the Turkish table. Guests can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere and a culinary experience that honors heritage, connection, and authentic taste.
L’ATELIER DE JOËL ROBUCHON
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is a modern French restaurant located in the heart of the Miami Design District. Opened in August 2019, the two Michelin-starred restaurant features a 34-seat dining counter that faces an open kitchen, creating an interactive and immersive culinary experience. Led by Culinary Director Christophe Bellanca, a longtime protégé of Joël Robuchon, the menu showcases iconic L’Atelier dishes alongside seasonal creations that honor the legendary chef’s legacy while introducing fresh innovations. Guests can choose from à la carte options or several tasting menus, each crafted with precision and elegance.
