Key Biscayne/Miami
 

Has anyone ever stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne? Did you like it?
Do you recommend any restaurants in Miami? I am looking for restaurants with a nice ambiance and great food. I loved Prime 112. I will be going over christmas week with my boyfriend. Would love suggestions of newer restaurants in Miami or restaurants we can't miss.
Thanks!

I didn't stay at the Ritz (I stayed with a fried who lives in Key Biscayne) but we went there for a spa day. I thought the hotel was lovely and told my husband we had to stay there one day (and we will retire in Key Biscayne if we can afford it!). There is an amazing sushi restaurant in Key Biscayne (I think it's called Origins). Go there for lunch...we at there twice in three days. Enjoy!

I should have proof read! "friend" not "fried"!!

My son and daughter in law stayed there for their anniversary on year, and despite using points and a special rate were treated very well when the staff found it was their anniversary.

Believe it or not, there are over 33 resturants in Key Biscayne. You will not find a Chili's or Olive Garden as there are no big chain restaurants, just independent owner- operated places with great food from freshly caught red snapper to Indian vegetarian currys. The Village is composed of small shopping malls without signs, so you have to "hunt" for restaurants-pick up a map at the concierge desk and they are all laid out for you. The whole Village is only 1.2 square miles - most places you can walk to and leave the car in the resort if you are mobil enough for a healthly, safe walk in what we call our "Island Paradise". The newest resturants you might enjoy is Puntino's, an Italian owned and operated gourmet restaurant featuring white truffles from Alba Italy this month and Novecento, a great Argentine place. Enjoy!

If you are in South Beach area, go to Joe's Stone Crab. This is an old seafood restaurant that has been in business for years. They do have a dress code. The stone crabs are terrific. You can google them for more info. IIRC, there is also a lunch counter take out version a couple of doors away, if you are not into dressing up.

I went to Joe's Stone Crab a few years ago. I had fond memories of the place from my childhood, but this time I was really not impressed. It was a crowded, rushed scene, a tourist trap really. The food was very expensive, and there was nothing special about the crab at all. I felt like I could have eaten just as well just picking up some food at the supermarket. However, I did stop at the take-away operation on the way out, where I bought a key lime pie that was outstanding. One of the best I've ever eaten. Whenever I next visit Miami Beach, I'm not going to leave until I've had another one of those pies.

You cant go wrong with any Ritz Carlton...and Key Biscayne is divine...totally away from the hustle and bustle of the city's hectic lifestyle yet still close to all major attractions. I recommend La Carreta in Key Biscayne for authentic Cuban breakfast (croquettas, pan tostada, and cafe cubano) and i also recommend the Batido de Mamey (fruit shake) for hot days. I also recommend Sushi Maki in Key Biscayne too. In regards to Joe Stone Crabs- i agree with Hawksbill- its such a tourist trap and the staff looks down on you if you're not dressed to their standards. I dont know about you, but when im on vacation the last thing i want to do is dress-up. Although their food is yummy- you're better off ordering crab legs to go and walk to the beach for a sunset dinner on the beach (with wine of course!). My HB and I do it all the time and its so peaceful and tranquil :) and you cant beat the view!

We have been going to the Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne for the last ten years or so. It is a wonderful property and I can recommend it highly. Excellent and caring service. Great location not far from Miami and South Beach but far enough to be away from the noise and crowds. The restaurant at the hotel, Atria, is very good.