south beach dining
 

Will be in SOBE for 4 nights. Looking for good food at nice places, understand that prices are over the top, but not overly touristy, no glitz required, we love ethnic, will not have car so not toooo far from Lummus Park, Suggestions?? Thanks

Here's one that has <b>excellent</b> food, is inexpensive, untouristy, and ethnic. Go - you will be SO glad you did. Seven blocks from the south end of Lummus Park.

http://www.taptaprestaurant.com/

I'm not sure about "dining" and I'm sure there will be a mixture of tourists and locals.

Lincoln Road is about 5 blocks from the north end of Lummus Park.

The restaurants are door-to-door and most have outdoor seating so you can people watch. Then again, they can watch you too.

we always enjoy China Grill.. food is decent,family style, and its a fun place... a bit clubby but go early to avoid crowds...

On west side of Miami Beach you will find restaurants that are a little less touristy - or maybe I should say frequented by locals as well as tourists...
You will need to take a cab.
Burger & Beer Joint - deliciousness - we go there often and love it! Im dont eat burgers but get their tuna "burger" pair that with the fried green beans and a draft!!! Yummy!!
http://bnbjoint.com/
Joe Allen - classically great good
http://joeallenrestaurant.com/Joe_Al...n_welcome.html

On Ocean Drive - I adore Front Porch Cafe for breakfast..pancakes are amazing - there will be a wait - its worth it!
http://www.frontporchoceandrive.com/

Lincoln Road - havent been yet - but Shake Shack is all the rage.

And if you want a classic Miami Beach experience - Joe's- its pricey - you will wait - but its great!! There is Joes take Away next door if you dont want to wait - you can make it a Joe's picnic!
http://www.joesstonecrab.com/

Many new and hot restaurants are opening in the Design District and Wynwood area which is over the bridge in Miami - I have a list of my favs there as well if you are interested...

Than you all,
Momma, I was not intending to rent a car for our visit, is it much of a cab to Design District or Wynwood?

Oliver - its probably about a $20 - $25 cab ride each way, its over the bridge from south beach and north. Depending on when you are visiting you may find it worth it to check out Art Walk (once a month on a Sat night) or some other type of gallery event.
Check these sites for more info...

http://www.miamidesigndistrict.net/events.php

http://www.artcircuits.com/c_ww.html

Puerto Sagua at 700 Collins.

This one flies under most visitors' radar because it is a locals-only type place-- no atmosphere to speak of, home-style Cuban food. Speaking Spanish is helpful, but they're nice to everybody. The food itself is super. And cheap.

Front Porch Café is a South Beach institution (Ocean between 14th and 15th), as is the News Café (Ocean at 8th). I like hitting the former for Sunday brunch, as the clubgoers nurse hangovers and still try to Look Pretty. Fun fun fun!

Sardinia, on the bay side, is really excellent and popular with locals. Cuisine is basically Italian, but some authentic Sardinian dishes.
For great steak skip Prime 112 and go BLT at the Betsy. This is on Ocean Drive at Lummus Park.
If you take a cab to the design district, about $14 each way, try Sugarcane. Excellent tapas style place with very wide range of cuisines.
For classic Italian-American try Macaluso's, another place that is frequented by locals.
For a lot of fun and dancing try Opa! on Ocean Drive. Good, authentic Greek food with belly-dancers on the table. Loud dance music blares, and everyone ends up dancing on the tables too.
Casa Tua is well regarded northern Italian, but very expensive.
Front Porch Cafe, which has moved to Z hotel, has good breakfast, but Puerta Sagua has the best breakfast deals in town, and good cuban food.
On Lincoln Road there are tourist traps everywhere. One exception is the very good pizza at Spris.