Where to go for lunch or a light bite near the Art Basel Miami fairs ? The challenge at Art Basel week is to find a place that’s not too crowded, so there’s not a long wait. That means lesser known restaurants and eateries with a few exceptions. I didn’t write about high end restaurants, since those choices tend to be for dinner, and often get booked in advance. If you have any specific restaurant questions, go to the top bar of the blog that’s in turquoise, and click on Ask Karen. I’ll see your question and try to answer you within the day. That being said, here’s the list of my “go to” places. I’ve been to all of them except where indicated.

Lincoln Road Area (Art Basel and Design Miami)

Interested in a quick bite and a lot of variety? Time Out Market food hall is a good choice. 1601 Drexel Avenue. Note it opens at 4 pm weekdays and Noon weekends.

A few blocks from LIncoln Road is Harry’s Pizzeria, though go in an off hour as it’s small and sure to be packed. 1680 Meridian Avenue.

Lincoln Road Mall of course has plenty of eateries. I’ve heard good things from a friend in the know about Pizzette which is French style pizza with a thin crust. It also prides itself on its wine selection.  Crave some tacos and guac and lots of choices for a beer? There’s La Cerveceria de Barrio which is a branch of a chain from Mexico.

Guests from out of town and want to impress them? Juvia’s rooftop terrace always impresses with its fabulous views. 1111 Lincoln Road. There’s also Watr in the 1 Hotel South Beach that has the ocean and beach views.2341 Collins Avenue (note, both of these places might be packed, so go at an off hour and better yet, reserve).

Grab a cortadito and a Cuban sandwich at popular spot Cortadito Coffee House. 1656 Meridian AvenueNote: there are only a few tables so expect to stand at the bar.

Want to stay nearby and escape the crowds? Venture a little farther afield,  where there are solid bets Via Emilia 9 serving Italian food from Emilia-Romagna (1120 15th Street) and French gastrobar Semilla. (1330 Alton Road).

The best pizza in town? Roman style is the thing at  Block’s (1447 Washington Ave). Note: it has a few tables but not a place to linger. (my review)

Benh Mi on Espanola Way has super tasty Vietnamese food.1436 Washington Avenue (my review)

Scope and Untitled

A recent find is Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant Kalamata on 4^th and Washington Avenue. The hummus and tzatziki are delicious, and ditto the lentil soup great for a light bite.

Visitors want to have Cuban food? Mr. W swears by Puerto Sagua. (700 Collins Avenue)

Looking for some of the “scene”? Serena in the Moxy Hotel has delicious traditional Mexican food and a fun, attractive ambiance. (915 Washington Avenue) (my review)

Art Miami and Context

Not a lot of good choices very close to the Fair. The closest one is Verde at the Perez Art Museum Miami which comes with a serious view. You can always grab the metromover and head over to Brickell City Center or explore the restaurants in downtown Miami like  CVI.CHE 105 (105 NE 3rd Avenue)  or how about Serbian and Balkan food at Rakija Grill at (139 N.E. 3rd Avenue) (both of these also have outposts on the beach)? There’s also Mimi’s in Edgewater which I just reviewed, but it’s a good walk (about 10 blocks) or drive.

Spectrum and Red Dot at Mana Wynwood

Favorites in Wynwood are:

Bakan for Mexican food including a top guac and blue corn tortillas. 2801 NW 2nd Avenue (my review)

DOYA , Turkish and Greek mezze (small plates) 347 NW 24th St.

Doma, Italian 35 NE 26th Street  (my review) Note: open for lun ch Friday and Saturday; dinner only other days and closed Sunday,.

Wayku, South American and Med cuisine. 73 NW 26th street (my review)

Crudos Fusion and Art, Japanese in an original urban art setting. 250 NW 24th street (my review)

Buya Izakaya + Yakitori, Japanese street food. 250 NW 24th Street (my review)

Oasis outdoor food court 2335 N Miami Avenue

Design District

Mia Market, the food hall on the second floor of the area with the dome. In particular I like Jaffa that specializes in Middle Eastern food. 140 NE 39th Street, suite 241

Baccarat BBar and lounge for ambiance that’s serious eye candy along with snacks and sandwiches, coffee and pastry. 140 NE 39th Street, space 210.

If you want to avoid the crowds, go south to Midtown. Solid bets are Via Emilia Garden for Italian food (3500 North Miami Avenue), Sugarcane (3252 NE 1st Avenue), and Little Nell for brunch. Or go north to Buena Vista and Palat Italian food (4702 NE 2nd Avenue) or el Turco for Turkish breakfast all day, 184 NE 50th Terrace (my review).

In case you missed it, here’s a link to my blogpost on top things to do and see during Art Basel Week.

Art Basel Miami 2021, New Adventures + Classic Art Fairs