I'm looking for some suggestions on dining and drinking on Ocean Drive. I've never been there before so I really have no frame of reference. I'm staying in Coral Gables, so I am considering a car service for my wife and I to Miami for dinner and drinks.

We are not seafood eaters at all. Don't waste your breath railing against not eating seafood in Miami, but I won't be. I'd appreciate suggestions for steakhouses, Italian or Mexican on Ocean Drive.

Also, we'd love to listen to some jazz or just hang out in a piano bar after dinner. If there is a place that has a great view of the ocean, so much the better.

Finally, any suggestions for car services in Miami?

Thanks folks.

Do you have to be in Ocean Drive or can it be in the vicinity of South Beach.
Italian
Casa Tua
Talula
Latin (Gables area)
chispa (trendy and good)
Versailles (standby)
Havana Harry (very good)
Mundo
Normans is absolutely wonderful
Steak in Beach
Smith and Wollensky
Prime 112
Don't waste your time on Mexican here however we have great Cuban and Latin restaurants

Anywhere in South Beach is fine; I am not familiar with the area but was told by a friend that Ocean Drive is the place to be.

bump

Smith and Wollensky may be a chain but their South Beach restaurant has a spectacular location on the government cut (channel for cruise ships into port) and views of Fisher Island, Miami skyline, and all the cruise ships heading out to sea.

You can sit outside and have drinks and dinner or in the restaurant. S&W is classic steakhouse. It was my husband's favorite and I have to say, I love it too.

South Beach is more about a youthful "scene" and not so much the classic jazz bar you are looking for.

My rec for you would be drinks and dinner at Smith and Wollensky and perhaps the Delano for later in the evening. It is all about being chic and current.

Late night people watching is good at News Cafe. Just watch all the young and fabulous strut their stuff.

check out:
http://www.smithandwollensky.com/Miami.asp

and

http://www.delanohotelmiamibeach.com/

My next trip to Miami will include Casa Tua. Sounds just right to me. For you, I recommend Smith and Wollensky.


LMF

Mexican...?! In Miami?!

I suppose there must be such places, but wouldn't that be like looking for Ethiopian eateries in downtown Wichita?!

However, Italian in South Beach is doable. There are places associated with Ocean Drive hotels, but my favorites are on Lincoln Road. Just walk around and follow your nose (and the crowds).

Steakhouses? I guess S&W-- although I was somewhat underwhelmed. Then again, I don't go to South Beach for steak.

For off-the-chain food, my reco is always Wish, in The Hotel. For good Cuban, Lario's on Ocean is fine (but don't order the chicharrones de pollo), but Puerto Sagua on Collins is wonderful-- but you're eating in a dingy diner. For jazz-- is Jazid on Washington still open?