3 Favorite Casual-Chic Restaurants in Miami | Staycation

A very common question I get from tons of people, from Miami or not, is what are top restaurants to eat at. I’ve come to the conclusion that these three are always in my top three. I consider them to be the most consistent in taste and service when it come to Miami.

All three restaurants are perfect for lunch and dinner!

What to Wear

I have categorized all these restaurants as Miami’s “casual chic,” a.k.a. they do not have a strict dress code. You can walk in and see someone in a cocktail dress and platform heels, and another person dressed in boyfriend jeans, a white tee and sneakers. So, when it comes to deciding what to wear, I base it off of the occasion and the venue.

Below you will see three cute ideas for each restaurant that you you can wear to all three locations!

I bolded what I order without a doubt the items I get every time!

Makoto

Cuisine: Japanese (Sushi & Robata)

There are so many yummy dishes, that I have gone twice in one day and had two different yet delicious meals.

How to Order: Family Style

View Menu

What I Order
  • Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
  • Spicy Edamame
  • Makoto House Salad
  • Dynamite Handroll (Cut in Half)
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Negitoro Roll
  • Writing this I realize that just everything is good.. I order everything it just depends what I am craving
  • Short Rib Yaki Noodles*  
  • Toban Yaki

Simply click on the item you want to shop!

Mandolin

Cuisine: Greek & Turkish (Mediteranean)

Walking through Mandolin’s little blue doors instantaneously transports you to Greece. The quality of the food is delicious! I love to go for a date night or brunch with the girls! There is a reason it is almost always fully booked! The only downside, is that the majority of the restaurant is outdoors which can be a bit brutal in Miami’s heat, however they do have a small indoor seating area so just double check the weather!

How to Order: Family Style or Family Style Appetizers and Individual Entrees

What to Order

View Menu

  • Greek & Turkish Sampler
    • I personally prefer the Greek because I love the Tzaziki but if you want to mix up certain dips
  • Mussels with White Wine
  • Maroulosalata
  • Watermelon Slada
  • Manti Dumplings
  • House Cut Fries with Garlic Greek Yogurt ?
  • Chicken Gyro or Chicken Kebab
    • The gyro usually isn’t on the menu, but they will make it if you ask for it!
  • Baklava & Turkish Coffee for Dessert
    • I always grab some Baklava to go for my dad because it is his favorite!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BosSfdSgAVB/

Simply click on the item you want to shop!

Hillstone

Cuisine: American Fusion

There is a reason that this restaurant is the most copied restaurant model in the U.S. The food is delicious and the service is worth more than 20% tip. It is so consistent and I love the menu!

There’s actually three of these restaurants throughout Miami: one in Bal Harbour (Hillstone), North Miami Beach (Houston’s), and Coral Gables (Hillstone). My personal favorite is Hillstone in Bal Harbour because you can make reservations for more than 4 people and I love the space during the day. However, they all pretty much have the same menu, so do not feel like you are missing out!

How to Order: Family Style or Family Style Appetizers and Individual Entrees

What to Order

View Menu

  • SPINACH DIP! No other dip compares. I sometimes go just for the dip.
  • Grilled Artichoke (Unfortunately, they are seasonal but so good!)
  • Classic Cesar
  • Seared Ahi-Tuna Salad
  • Cheeseburger
  • French Dip Au Jus
  • Crispy Chicken Salad
  • Tres Leches

Simply click on the item you want to shop!

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