The hip space within the Eau Palm Beach is sleek, dim and urban—not exactly classic Palm Beach, but it will strike a chord with those accustomed to progressive dining establishments in major metropolitan markets in the U.S. and Europe. The “communal” table in the center of the room encourages socializing with your fellow diners—if you’re into that sort of thing. Local fish, such as red snapper, are the stars of the menu, but adventurous palates are tickled with such gems as octopus confit and braised sweetbread ravioli.

Ideal for after-dinner drinks, the outdoor Bar Centro caters to the swanky yet sophisticated Miami set, with upscale touches like an overhead art installation and a thoughtful cocktail menu, curated by none other than José Andrés himself. He puts his magic touch on the small food menu, with innovative bites like a frozen blue cheese sandwich, served alongside a mysterious but delicious air margarita.

The original Bice opened in Milan in 1926. The Palm Beach outlet brings traditional Italian cuisine to an American beach setting. Diners can sample Northern Italian classics like veal cutlet and calamari from the comfort of the outdoor terrace or in the romantic dining room.

One of Miami's top spots for Italian-ish cuisine, Michelin-starred Boia De promises exceptional food in a fun-loving, intimate setting. The name comes from a Tuscan slang for “oh my god!”—which explains the exclamation-point motif seen in the pink neon sign above the entrance and on the forest-green wallpaper inside. It also might anticipate what you say after tasting some of the dishes on the menus (created by co-owners/chefs Alex Meyer and Luciana Giangrandi).

Highlights during a recent visit included roasted cauliflower served on top taleggio and anchovy sauce, zucchini-stuffed pasta with squash blossoms, and a saffron tagliatelle served pomodoro-style.

The restaurant draws a relaxed crowd of foodies who may or may not feel the need to dress up for a Michelin dining experience. People are here—which by the way, means a strip mall in Buena Vista—for the excellent, inventive food and drinks, not for the "see and be seen" vibes typical of a Miami hot spot.

Chef Clay Conley serves creative American cuisine in the form of rich and flavorful small plates at this dimly lit, copper tabled restaurant on South Country Road. Revolutionizing the Palm Beach dining scene, Buccan buzzes with a chic crowd of culinary intellectuals who love the open kitchen and nightlife aficionados who sip creative cocktails by the bar. On weekend nights, an in-house DJ brings some to their feet for dancing while others mingle in the micro-lounge at the front of the restaurant. Advance reservations are a must during the high season.

Byblos gives Mediterranean food a modern makeover in a lively, soaring space in South Beach. Aside from a few large format plates and basmati pilafs, most everything on the menu is sized for a meze-style meal. The culinary reach spans from Northern Africa and Greece to the Middle East, and it’s hard to go wrong when ordering: roasted red beets rolled in pistachios, bulgur shells stuffed with duck confit, figs, tahini and date molasses, wood-fired breads, eggplant with zucchini flowers and chickpea batter, fluke baked with yoghurt and walnuts. Desserts are equally light and floral.

The two-story space is open and airy, with light walls and whitewashed oak acting as a backdrop for colorful artwork and tables set with mismatched ceramic platters. Go for dinner, pluck a chilled cocktail from the spiked tea trolley when it rolls up tableside, and soak in the spirited atmosphere for a fresh night out on South Beach.

The A-list comes to Daniel Boulud’s Florida outpost to relax by the courtyard and sample refined dishes. Boulud himself is not often here, but his chef de cuisine is quite talented and turns out consistently good fare.

The elegant atmosphere of this Palm Beach institution attracts two types of patrons: those desiring a leisurely evening of haute cuisine and those in search of an animated bar scene with live music and flowing Champagne. The restaurant is famous for its edited caviar menu. Proprietor/chef Norbert Göldner, who hails from Germany, has gained a loyal following for his outstanding Wiener schnitzel.

Hidden amidst Worth Avenue's high-end boutiques is this casual dining option perfect for grabbing a bite between shopping excursions. Located down Via Flora, nestled in a small courtyard populated by shops and sculptures, this quaint café is ideal for a quick stop.

Call three weeks ahead for a weekend table at Casa Tua, one of the hardest reservations to land in this restaurant-besotted city. Here diners relish delicate Italian dishes (try the gnocchi in a burrata, cream and tomato sauce) while seated in a candlelit room that showcases rotating art exhibitions, including photography by Albert Watson.

The original Asian dining option on the island, Echo serves a Chinese menu with tastes from Thailand, Japan and Vietnam. With space for large and semi-private parties, gluten-free options, and a varied menu, Echo is a staple that provides a lively dining experience.

At Miami’s Baz Luhrmann–designed Faena Hotel, James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Qui has created an über-exclusive omakase (chef's tasting) experience, welcoming just six guests for two seatings (at 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.), on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only. Ingredients are flown in daily from Japan—with such highlights as sea urchin from Hokkaido and Sanuki Olive Wagyu from Kagawa. Expect Tokyo-style sushi and Kyoto-style kaiseki alongside internationally-influenced dishes.

At Miami’s Baz Luhrmann–designed Faena Hotel, the Faena Theater is a captivating cultural hub renowned for its immersive and avant-garde entertainment experiences. With its opulent decor and intimate setting, the theater offers a range of mesmerizing performances, from cabaret, jazz and live music to dance and theater productions. Guests come for the theater's unique blend of artistry, world-class talent, and cutting-edge technology, resulting in unforgettable evenings that transcend traditional entertainment. Whether seeking a night of glamour, artistic innovation, or simply a remarkable time, the Faena Theater promises an enchanting escape that appeals to both local patrons and global visitors alike. The theater is open Thursday through Saturday evenings (Thursday from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. to midnight). Light bites like caviar service and crudos, cheeses and sliders are served alongside Champagne and martinis—as well as a few larger dishes including a burger, a salad and pasta. 

Located in the heart of Wynwood, this bakery serves delicious homemade pies in a colorful storefront. Stop here after exploring the nearby Wynwood Walls to indulge in one of the most popular pies, including the addictive chocolate peanut butter pie or the coconut custard cream. Fireman Derek’s also offers healthier fare like breakfast bowls and sandwiches.

This Breakers outpost in the golf and tennis clubhouse across the main road from The Breakers Hotel is the supreme choice for hand-cut, aged prime steak. While the original was focused entirely on red meat, the restaurant has since broadened its offerings with a rounder, more extensive menu for those seeking seafood options and a chicer, warmer dining room for an elegant culinary experience.

Since 1938, Green’s has been both a locals’ favorite luncheonette and an actual pharmacy. Expect diner classics for breakfast and lunch, including more than a dozen egg options and standards like Reubens and turkey melts.

One of the only reasons to set foot in the massive Fontainebleau resort (the other being Italian restaurant Scarpetta), Hakkasan serves authentic Chinese food in a chic setting. Don’t miss the Dim Sum weekend lunches. You will understand how Alan Yau became a legend with this food at his London outpost.

Named for South Florida developer Henry Morrison Flagler, HMF offers an airy, grand bar and lounge designed by Adam Tihany that is reminiscent of old-world Palm Beach. Guests of the Breakers and locals, old and young, congregate here to sip on inspired cocktails and enjoy modern shared plates with global influences. The bar lightly buzzes at night with a sceney, but welcoming, atmosphere.

The success of Buccan encouraged the opening of Clay Conley's intimate restaurant Imoto next-door, which translates to 'little sister'. With a small, sleek and more contemporary dining room than is usually found in town, Imoto contributes well to the revival of Palm Beach dining. Expect an after-work crowd in the evening, sampling martinis and bites of sashimi, and make a reservation for dinner. Fresh fish, bright colors, and locally sourced produce create unique and delectable interpretations of traditional Asian favorites. Whether it's the day's catch of yellowtail flown in from Tokyo, unique dumplings, or wood-fired fare, Imoto never ceases to satisfy.

The Italian Restaurant at the Breakers is a great place to eat with children. Regulars love the relaxed atmosphere and playground, basketball court, arcade, video games and even arts and crafts.

This Miami Beach staple was founded in 1913 as a lunch counter and has since grown into a world-famous destination. Still family-run by Joe’s descendants, the restaurant is old Miami and the dark-wood paneled interior and devoted staff reinforces this feeling. Order the Alaskan king crab or stone crab and hash browns to enjoy the full experience. Open from mid-October through mid-May.

The line at landmark Joe’s Stone Crab restaurant isn’t nearly as long for lunch as it is for dinner, when devotees without connections have been known to wait for two-plus hours for a table. But if you don’t mind forgoing service, head to the takeout shop next door to pick up crab claws with mustard sauce, cole slaw and creamed spinach, and eat it right there. Open from mid-October through mid-May.