By Jan Engoren and Yours Truly

 

With the opening of  The Miami Worldcenter, there’s a growing number of interesting, reasonably priced restaurants, trendy bars, shopping, and of course Miami icons for culture and the performing and visual arts. Here’s a guide to what to do in downtown Miami,  some of my favorites – new finds and the tried and true. For the listings for the arts and entertainment, you can find current and upcoming exhibits and shows highlighted. Want to know more about the restaurants? There’s a link  to the places I’ve written about .  This is number four in my series of A Day In. Enjoy, and go check some of them out!

 

Where It Is

Downtown Miami is the urban city center, divided by the Miami River and bordered by Midtown Miami‘s Edgewater, Wynwood to the north, Biscayne Bay to the east, the Health District and Overtown to the west and Coconut Grove to the south.

Within Downtown Miami, Brickell Avenue and Biscayne Boulevard are the main north–south roads and Flagler Street is the main east–west road.

 

A great place to spend an afternoon walking around is the Miami World Center with restaurants such as hot spot Maple & Ash and Earl’s, Rihanna’s lingerie shop and others, the Museum of Ice Cream and it’s studded with public art. For a complete overview, check out my post, click here.

What to do in downtown Miami: Restaurants

 

 

Bali Café

You know the Indonesian food here is the real deal when you see the Asians there. The place is a favorite of the crew from cruise ships. Easy to miss when you’re trying to find it, this Downtown Miami spot will be hard to forget, once found. A cash-only, hole-in-the-wall Indonesian eatery with no more than 30 seats, the Bali Café offers an extensive sushi menu and traditional Indonesian classics.  Sample their chicken dumplings with sweet soy sauce or coriander-spiced beef rendang. The signature dishes are signature for a reason; the Lontong Cap Go Meh, a mix of chicken curry, beef, rendang, steamed vegetables, steamed rice patties and crackers, are delicious.

Bali Café is located at 109 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33132.  Tel:  (305) 358-5751.   It’s open from Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays, it’s open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

 

Niu Kitchen

This casual, Spanish restaurant, NIU Kitchen (“Niu” means nest in Catalan) serves up an artful take on the country’s native cuisine.  Think Branzino tartare with white garlic cold soup, hearty paellas, and other seafood-forward dishes.

Created by Barcelona native Chef Deme Lomas, the restaurant specializes in Catalonian-style shared plates such as oysters, steak or branzino tartare and charbroiled prawns.

Down the street, visit their quaint, laidback Spanish-style wine bar which prides itself on the pairing of natural wines with small plates of oysters, charcuterie or deep fried brie that introduce the same reimagining of traditional Catalan flavors and creativity as the Kitchen.

Niu Kitchen is located at 104 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132.  Tel:  (786) 717-6711.

 

 

 

 

Jrk!

“Real Food Done Betta,” Jrk!, is the brainchild of executive chef Wayne Sharpe and co-founders Kavan Burke and Harrison Bernstein.  The fast-casual Jamaican cuisine, uses high quality, locally sourced ingredients, and has an environment to match,.

Their menu marries classic Caribbean cuisine with healthy Jamaican staples. Known for their signature bowls such as Jamrock Pepper Steak, Jerk BBQ or Jerk Shrimp, you can customize your bowl with a base of rice and peas, jerk fried rice, or spring mix.  Add a protein and top with peppers and onions, chili roasted broccoli, pineapple plantains, jerk corn, or pineapple mango salsa.

As they say in Jamaica – “Delicious!”

Jrk! Is located at 95 NW 1st St.
Miami FL 33128

Dumplings Mi Amor

Dumplings, Dumplings and more Dumplings!

While dumplings are the main attraction at this fast casual Asian eatery, – think Pork and Shrimp dumplings, Chili Beef Shumai or Lobster and Shrimp Shumai, they also offer rice and noodle plates such as a Pork or Chicken Katsu ($16.95), a Beef Curry and white rice plate ($15.95) or Omurito with Fried Rice and Mushroom Red Wine Demi ($15.95).

A selection of small plates and salads is also available.  Try their Crispy Pork Belly and Pickled Watermelon Rind ($16.95), the Cabbage Salad with Green Papaya, Toasted Peanuts, Mint, Thai Basil, Tomatoes and Crispy Shallots ($8.95) or their Blue Crab Rangoon with Kimchee Lime Butter ($16.95).

Also high on my list of must-trys:  The Scallion Pancakes with Black Mustard Seed, the Salt & Pepper Calamari and the ramen.

The restaurant offers a small selection of wine, beer and of course, sake – including Fucucho Moon on the Water Sake at $75/bottle.

Dumplings Mi Amor is located at 119 SE 1st Ave,, Miami, Fl 33131.  Tel:  (305) 733-1583.

 

 

Fratelli Milano 

 

My picky Italian friend gives this place high marks! The aptly-named, family-owned and operated restaurant is a labor of love for the Bearzi family and twin chefs, Roberto and Emanuele, who bring recipes and memories from their childhood home in northern Italy.

Best bets: Their Pollo Caprese ($27) Penne Tre Funghi ($25) and Fettucine allo Scoglio made with shrimp, scallops, calamari and mussels, ($30.

Indulge in one of their fresh, handmade pastas, such as the Fettuccine al Gusto, Gnocchetti, handmade potato dumplings in alfredo sauce ($23) or their Tagliatelle Verdi al Ragu, ($23).

Wine, starting at $8/glass and beer, including Peroni, are available, starting at $6/bottle.

Save room for dessert – there are more than 13 Italian classic dulci to tempt you, including their signature dessert, the Bombolone, a Nutella or cream-filled Italian doughnut only found in Milan.

Fratelli Milano is located at 213 SE 1st St., Miami, FL 33131-1901.  Tel:  (305) 373-2300.

Tam Tam

Styled after the quán nhậu, Vietnamese pubs that are a staple of Saigon social life, it’s a place for friends to gather, spend time drinking, eating and socializaing, this quán nhậu is no exception.

The 36-seat eatery with a counter has a friendly, lively vibe that you’d find in a neighborhood restaurant. Service is professional and warm.

There’s an extensive wine list, but a limited list of wines by the glass (starting at $13) and bottles. There’s also sake, beer, spiked Viet iced coffee and a passion daiquiri in the cocktail department.

Two of the dishes made my best of the year – the chicken wings and the steamed whole fish. Another standout was the lamb wrap situation. You use the lettuce leaf as a wrap with a lamb patty, noodles, cucumber, pineapple, peanuts, scallion oil, bean curd and herbs. It was a perfect combo of sweet and savory.

For dessert, try the chocolate espresso pie with salted crust, and whipped cream ($11) or the Thai Tea Tres Leches ($10).

For my review, click here.

Tam Tam is located at 97 NW 1st Street  in Downtown Miami across from the Courthouse. It’s open from Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., For more information, visit here. 

 

Julia & Henry’s

Named in honor of those two esteemed Miami figures – Julia Tuttle and Henry Flagler – Julia & Henry’s is adding to the downtown buzz.

The five-story building is  home to a market-style eatery with numerous restaurants,  bars, and a flea market.  The basement is rumored to have originally been home to Al Capone’s speakeasy during the Prohibition era.

Julia & Henry’s is located at the iconic 1936 Walgreens Art Deco building at 200 East Flagler Street, Miami 33131. Tel:  (786) 703-2126.

 

Parking garage nearby at Miami Dade College and valet parking at 235 SE 2st St, about a 2-minute walking distance from J&H. 

 

 

 

 

Bunbury

Chef/owner Paula Costa has created a modern Argentine restaurant with a menu that is divided into main courses, Argentinian style (meats), home-made pastas, sides and salads, empanadas and cold cuts.

The décor is warm and cozy, with high ceilings giving a sense of spaciousness, rich wood and low lights, floor-to-ceiling bookcases alternating with bottles of wine.

You can’t go to an Argentine restaurant and not have meat. Of the several choices, we opted for the 10-oz. prime vacio — flap steak. They’re proud of their duck confit and rightfully so. It was flavorful, tender, and served with yummy mashed sweet potatoes, caramelized shallots and mushrooms ($34). Their crepe dessert scored as one of my best desserts of 2023.

The wine list is solid, with 130 choices and reasonable in price: wine cocktails starting at $14 (6 ounce pour) and bottles starting at $45. They also have a selection of wine, Paula’s favorites, most priced from $45 to the eighties.  Cocktails range from $17 – $19.

For my review, click here.

Bunbury Miami is located at 55 NE 14^th Street, Miami 33132.  Tel:  (305) 333-6929.  Also open for lunch Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Street parking available or third party valet services located at Square Station Apartments, 1420 NE Miami Place for $10 for the entire stay with validation.

 

What to Do in Downtown Miami: Bars

 

 

 

Lost Boy Dry Goods

Cross a good English pub with the feel of an old Captain’s tavern in a Colorado miner’s saloon and voilà – you get the Lost Boy Dry Goods.  This straightforward, no-nonsense neighborhood bar and dry goods store boasts everything from vinyl records, coffee table books, old telephones and cowboy boots, to locally-grown, Miami-made hot sauce, unexpected vintage goods, denim and men and women’s clothing with labels you’ll recognize.

Walk in, and be transported to the early days of Miami. The shop is located in the 1939 Alfred I. duPont Building, with its handcrafted brick walls, marble floors and concrete columns and ambiance created with Texan deer antlers, Tennessee barn wood, Colorado mining lamps and family heirlooms.

The downhome menu offers Sloppy Joes, Hot Dogs, and selection of sandwiches and salads ranging from ($10 – 15).

 

 

 

 

Night Swim

Not just Bryce McGuire’s new film, but a new, trendy Rooftop Bar by FREEHOLD Hospitality, Night Swim is located on the 11th floor of the citizenM Miami Worldcenter Hotel serving a poolside menu of modern Miami classics accompanied by local beer, innovative wines and creative cocktails.

With a panoramic view of Miami and its skyline, guests can indulge in daily Happy Hours from 4-7pm, nighttime DJ performances, and  weekday ‘Local Pool Pass’ promotions, catering to those working remotely or savoring a leisurely day off.

Culinary highlights include Black Truffle Tequenos – truffled queso-filled breadsticks served with spicy green goddess sauce; ($12) Skinny Dips – a trio of hummus, tzatziki, and French onion dips accompanied by vegetable crudités and plantain chips; ($16) and Tuna Tartare Tacos featuring Bluefin tuna, avocado, and a chili-soy vinaigrette ($21).

Signature cocktails like the Jack Knife, made with Grey Goose vodka, freshly blended watermelon, and lime, ($14) as well as the Carajillo Espresso Martini, made with Cayeya Tequila, Licor 43, and Panther Coffee Nitro Espresso, ($14) take center stage.

Wine by the glass for $12 and local craft beers, including the popular Tripping Animals Night Swim Sour at $8.

Night Swim’s beverage menu also features a so-called Shallow End – low-alcohol cocktails, and zero-proof alcohol cocktails, for those who want to indulge without the consequences.

Night Swim is located on the 11th-floor rooftop of citizenM Miami Worldcenter located at 700 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida. Night Swim is open 7 days-a-week from 12pm-12am. For more information visit nightswimrooftop.com.

 

 

What to Do in Downtown Miami: Art and Culture

 

The Pérez Art Museum (PAMM)

 

What’s more enriching than a day perusing the world-class museums in Miami?  Make the Pérez Art Museum (PAMM) your first stop.  With its waterfront views and expansive outdoor terrace, you can enjoy both the art and a quick lunch before your next destination.

 

Don’t miss the sculpture garden and their outdoor interactive installations. Terrific shop too.

The Pérez Art Museum is located at 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132.  Tel:  (786) 345-5697.

 

 

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

 

The perfect spot for a family day.  Located in Downtown Miami’s waterfront Maurice A. Ferré Park, the Museum boasts a Planetarium as well as an Aquarium and exhibits exploring the solar system, the universe, the physics of flight, light and lasers and the biology of the human body.

 

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is located at 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132  Tel:  305-434-9600.

 

 

 

HistoryMiami Museum

 

HistoryMiami Museum is a repository of Miami stories. Unlock the stories of Miami’s communities, individuals, places and events.

 

For families, check out their free family day, “Mythical Creatures, All About Dragons,” and a free demonstration of Panamanian devils in Panamanian folklore with artist-in-residence Ballet Folklórico Aires Panameños.

 

HistoryMiami is located at 101 West Flagler Street Miami, FL 33130. 

Parking available at the Miami-Dade Cultural Center Garage, 50 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33130.

 

 

What to Do in Downtown Miami: Entertainment:

 

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

 

Miami’s performing arts center brings year-round programming to the region and is home to the Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet and New World Symphony.  Known for their Signature Series of classical and jazz music, touring Broadway musicals direct from New York, an annual Flamenco Festival, local theater and more.

 

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132.  Tel:  (305) 949-6722.  

 

 

 

James L. Knight Center

 

Named after famed newspaper publisher, The James L. Knight Center is a world-class multipurpose entertainment, meeting and convention complex located in Miami’s business, commercial, and financial district.

 

For tickets, visit https://tickets-center.com/

The James L. Knight Center is located at 400 SE 2nd Avenue, Central Business District, Miami, Florida 33131.  Tel:  305-416-5970.

 

 

 

Kaseya Center

 

The international venue, home to the Miami Heat, is set on the waterfront in downtown Miami with views of Biscayne Bay.  With more than 80 non-basketball events each year, the venue hosts concerts, family shows, sporting events, national conferences and more.

 

Best travel options for visiting the Kaseya Center include The MetroRail, MetroMover and MetroBus, all a short walk from the Kaseya Center entrance.

 

Visit www.kaseyacenter.com

The Kaseya Center is located at 601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132.  Tel: 

(786) 777-1000.

 

 

E11EVEN

 

Miami’s award-winning ultra-club, open 24 hours Wednesday to Monday, is a 20,000-aq.-ft. high-energy social playground and landmark destination with world-class service and entertainment. An immersive adventure encompassing the luxury and sophistication of a one-of-kind experience, E11EVEN MIAMI is entertainment reimagined.

 

The club features live entertainment by big-name entertainers such as Usher, Drake, Nicki Minaj and Big Sean.

Other entertainment includes aerialists, acrobats and contortionists (think Cirque du Soleil on steroids).

 

To accompany the entertainment, the venue offers food, premium bottle service, full-service bars, private VIP rooms and a 30-ft. LED screen for visuals and sporting events.

 

Visit www.11miami.com.

E11EVEN is located at 29 NE 11th Street, Miami, FL 33132.  Tel:  (305) 829-2911.

 

 

 

What to Do in Downtown Miami: Shopping

 

 

Bayside Marketplace

 

In addition to more than 20 restaurants and eateries, Bayside Marketplace offers more than 60 shopping venues – popular priced specialty and gift shops, children’s apparel and accessories, footwear, jewelry, health and beauty, toys and hobbies and sporting goods and apparel,

 

Tired of shopping?  Take a break and jump on the Water Taxi for a short tour of the Harbor or jump on/jump off at Bayside Marketplace, Miami River and Miami Beach.

 

 

Bayside Marketplace is located at 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida.  Tel:  (305) 577-3344.

Visit by bus, rail or train or visit the website for detailed parking instructions.

 

Seybold Jewelry Building

 

Located in the heart of downtown Miami, this 166,000- sq.-ft. historic building is the second largest diamond and jewelry center in the U.S. Officially on the National Register of Historic Places, this vertical shopping center houses over 300 jewelers on ten floors, specializing in one-of-a-kind, one stop shopping. And NEW is Motek restaurant, their latest outpost featuring Israeli Mediterranean cuisine.

 

High-end brands include Bulgari, Chopard, Baume & Mercier, TagHeuer, Mont Blanc and Lalique, to name a few.

 

Featuring a broad range of retail and wholesale jewelry and watch businesses, you can peruse, or buy and sell any type of jewelry, including watches, necklaces, engagement rings, earrings, diamonds or gold.

 

 

Seybold Jewelry Building is located at 36 NE 1st St, Miami, FL 33132.  Tel:  (305) 374-7922.

 

For more “A Day in”, click on the links:

A Day in Allapattah

An Afternoon at the Miami World Center

A Day in Little Havana

A Day in Little River