18 Unique Things To Do in Miami This Summer

© MACAYA Gallery

MACAYA Gallery is a distinctive modern art gallery within Miami's vibrant Wynwood Art District, known as an incubator for emerging to mid-career artists working in a wide variety of mediums. The 4,600-square-foot gallery showcases a gorgeous open floor plan filled with ample natural lighting and open-loft industrial spaces. Artists represented at the gallery throughout the year include Anirays Camino, Dominik Sokolowski, Natalya Kochak, WhIsBe, and O'KHAEN. The gallery also serves as a collaborative space for curators and collectors, striving to push the boundaries of fine art and spark critical social dialogue with its exhibits. The gallery is open to the public Tuesdays through Fridays throughout the afternoon hours.

145 NW 36th St, Miami, FL 33127, Phone: 786-577-0322

© ABRA Gallery

ABRA Gallery was originally opened in 2002 in Los Angeles and was relocated to North Miami beach in 2015. The gallery, whose acronym stands for Art by Renowned Artists, showcases eclectic works in a variety of media throughout the year, ranging from oil and acrylic painting to contemporary sculpture and bronzework. Established and emerging talents from around Miami and the world highlighted at the gallery include Hessam Abrishami, Goli Mahallati, Behrooz Valiani, Star Mortezavi, and Ariel Ortega. Figurative, realistic, abstract, traditional, and contemporary art is highlighted in exhibitions, including solo and group shows. The gallery is open Monday through Friday throughout the morning and afternoon hours or by appointment.

2014 NE 155th St, North Miami Beach, FL 33162, Phone: 305-705-2166

© Stiltsville Fish Bar

Stiltsville Fish Bar was opened in 2017 by married duo Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth, known for their work at popular dining spot The Sarsaparilla Club. The restaurant, which is located within the heart of Miami's Sunset Harbor neighborhood, is known for its seafood-focused entrees and Caribbean-style cocktails, housed within a bi-level dining space with maritime theming. Elegant Southern-inspired plates include shrimp and grits, bayleaf and citrus-crusted fried chicken, and chargrilled churrasco steak with green mango slaw. Diners can also enjoy raw bar selections like oysters on the half shell or local snapper ceviche. Shareable plates include blue crab cakes with horseradish remoulade sauce, sweet corn spoonbread, and smoked local fish dip prepared on white oak wood.

1787 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Phone: 786-353-0477

© Laundromat Art Space

Laundromat Art Space was founded in 2015 by a collective of alumni from Wynwood Arts District sites such as the Bakehouse Art Complex and the Art Center South Florida. The artist-run studio focuses on the development of regional and local contemporary artists, located in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood. Artists showcased on the gallery's roster include Andres Martinez, Donna Ruff, Erin Parish, Juan Henriquez, and Marina Gonella. Solo and group exhibitions are showcased throughout the year, along with a variety of cultural and artistic programming for the Miami community. The gallery is open to the public Mondays through Fridays throughout the afternoon hours or by special appointment.

5900 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137, Phone: 305-766-6635

© Phuc Yea

Phuc Yea was originally opened in 2011 as downtown Miami's first pop-up concept dining destination, showcasing unique Cajun-Vietnamese fusion fare by restaurateur Ani Meinhold and executive chef Cesar Zapata. Despite its tongue-in-cheek name, the restaurant is actually named for a Vietnamese word meaning "blessings and prosperity." House specialties include beef pho osso buco, Viet-style lomo saltado, banh cuon rice noodles, and wok-tossed Gulf prawns with Cajun butter and Andouille sausage. Diners can also enjoy a full menu of sushi rolls and bao buns, including vegan-friendly crispy broccoli bao. At brunch, diners can select from unique takes like sweet and sour wings and waffles, Cajun crab cake Benedict, belly egg and cheese banh mis, and Vietnamese coffee banana pancakes.

7100 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138, Phone: 305-602-3710

© Boulud Sud

Boulud Sud takes its inspiration from beloved coastal Mediterranean culinary scenes, ranging from the classic flavors of Spain, Italy, and France's Côte d’Azur region to the vibrant culinary traditions of Morocco, Lebanon, and Israel. The restaurant, which was opened in 2018 by executive chef Clark Bowen, serves up lunch and dinner throughout the week in a relaxing bar and lounge space within Miami's beautiful JW Marriott Marquis. A delicious menu of land and sea fare includes favorites like harissa-spiced lamb loin, Moroccan summer chicken tagine, and Catalan grilled skirt steak, paired with pasta options like lemon saffron linguine and acquerello lobster risotto. Each Tuesday evening, a Tapas Tuesday dining event highlights favorites like classic baba ghanoush, Moroccan shakshuka, and patatas bravas.

255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131, Phone: 305-421-8800

© R House Wynwood

R House Wynwood has been named as Wynwood's best restaurant by the Miami New Times, helmed by married duo Owen Bale and executive chef Rocco Carulli. The restaurant, which opened in 2014, is known for its chef-driven global artisanal fare and high-quality margaritas, served up in a restaurant space that also showcases an art gallery. Diners can enjoy excellent large plates like Brazilian moqueca, grilled sweet chili skirt steak, braised coffee-chili rub short ribs, and sweet pea falafel with feta cheese and yogurt sauce. Shareable plates include scallop and crab sea cakes, margherita flatbreads, jalapeno arancini, and brisket and short rib meatballs. A carefully-curated mixology program showcases house-infused vodkas and bourbons prepared in classic drinks like martinis, old fashioneds, and margaritas.

2727 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127, Phone: 305-576-0201

© Mignonette Downtown

Mignonette Downtown was opened in 2014 by executive chef Daniel Serfer, known for his work at Blue Collar, and popular Miami-based food blogger Ryan Roman. The restaurant, which is housed within a renovated 1930s gas station building in Edgewater, serves up raw bar oyster selections from its gorgeous marble bar, including oyster flights showcasing East Coast, West Coast, Rockefeller, and Frank selections. Dinner menus are a seafood lover's paradise, showcasing elegant sea entrees like fried corvina with potato crawfish hash, warm and cold lobster rolls, and South African lobster tail bouillabaisse. Popcorn clam, conch, and shrimp platters are also served up, along with daily chowder, crudo, and whole fish selections.

210 NE 18th St, Miami, FL 33132

© Bagatelle Miami

Bagatelle Miami is a chic South Beach restaurant opened in 2015 by restaurateurs Aymeric Clemente and Remi Laba, the latest in a chain that also offers locations in Los Angeles, New York City, Sao Paulo, and St. Tropez. The restaurant, which is housed within the Villa Bagatelle Hotel, is known for its excellent modern French menus from executive chef Matthieu Godard, housed within a gorgeous Euro-chic dining room featuring rotating pop art selections from Opera Gallery. House specialties include whole truffled chicken with caramelized cipollini onions, gnocchi truffles a la Parisienne, and Moroccan-spiced braised lamb shanks with apricot and couscous. Diners can also share Châteaubriand, côte de boeuf, or imperial seafood platters, along with appetizer selections like escargot en persillade, French ham coquillettes, and truffle flatbread pizzas.

220 21st St, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Phone: 305-704-3900

© Zuuk Mediterranean Kitchen

Zuuk Mediterranean Kitchen is a unique build-your-own Mediterranean concept restaurant, founded in 2016 by executive chef Sam Gorenstein and restaurateur Roger Duarte. The popular Brickell spot, which is the sister restaurant to My Ceviche, features butcher block-styled communal tables and industrial-chic decor. Diners can build their own fire-baked pita rolls, hearty bowls, or health-conscious salads, stuffed with choice of bases like power greens, basmati rice, lenits, or kale. Up to three dips or spreads can be selected, including tzatziki, roasted red pepper hummus, baba ghanoush, or feta mint and lemon spread. Protein selections include slow-roasted beef, lamb kofta, oregano and lemon chicken, or falafel. Local kombuchas are complemented by a selection of housemade juices, including mango-coriander soda.

1250 S Miami Ave #105, Miami, FL 33130, Phone: 305-200-3145

© iLov305 Steakhouse and Nightlife

iLov305 Steakhouse and Nightlife was opened in 2018 by Grammy Award-winning singer Pitbull, in cooperation with the global brand Sugar Factory. The American-style brasserie and nightlife complex serves up tropical-infused comfort fare, including artisanal Cuban sandwiches, family-style seafood paellas, classic ropa vieja, and signature 305 Burgers topped with grilled shrimp, bacon, plantains, and chimichurri sauce. Desserts are curated by Sugar Factory pastry chef Max Santiago, including unique concoctions like guava bread pudding with queso blanco and honey. Four bars, three VIP rooms, and a private lounge complete the nightlife experience, highlighting Havana-style decor and lively music performances.

1060 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Phone: 305-535-9773

© Bakan

Bakan is the latest offering from the Jaguar Hospitality Group, opened in December of 2018. The Mexican-style restaurant and bar features earthy, modern decor and a cacti-infused outdoor terrace, along with an open-view kitchen space within its 180 seat dining room. Diners can enjoy excellent taco selections includes with pork-pressed carnitas, crispy chicken, Chilean sea bass, and Alaskan king crab, as well as creative quesadilla takes such as the Flor de Calabaza, infused with zucchini flower, poblano peppers, corn, and Asadero cheese. Handcrafted tortillas are pressed to order for sopes infused with ingredients like king crab or Yucatan-style roasted pork. Diners can also enjoy inventive mole dishes, hearty enchiladas, and more than 500 mezcal and tequila selections.

2801 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127, Phone: 305-396-7080

© The World Famous House of Mac

The World Famous House of Mac is the physical location of the famed Wynwood Yard food truck, opened in 2018. The restaurant is known for its gourmet macaroni and cheese concoctions, including its famed five-cheese truffle mac, which is topped with breadcrumbs and cheddar jack and baked to golden-brown perfection. Creative mac and cheese offerings include Jerk chicken mac, Philly cheesesteak-style mac, and surf-and-turf mac, paired with seafood-infused selections like lobster or lump crab mac. Vegan mac and cheese is also served up, along with Jerk salmon, shrimp, and chicken penne and comforting entrees like buttermilk-fried chicken and waffles.

2055 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127, Phone: 786-636-6967

© Sagrado Cafe

Sagrado Cafe is a vibrant Brazilian-style cafe on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami's downtown district, opened in 2018 by Taciana Kalili. The cafe pays homage to the vibrant flavors, scents, and colors of Brazil's various regions, serving up artisanal baked pies, tapioca crepes, and house exclusive coffees at brunch and throughout the day. Diners can enjoy selections such as Picanha burgers, empada chicken pot pies, and gourmet deli sandwiches on ciabatta bread or brioche buns, filled with toppings such as herb mayo tuna spread, cottage cheese, and tomato confit. At breakfast, diners can select from signature Sagrado waffles, create-your-own omelettes, and Chocotone toast with dulce de leche and fresh berries. A dog-friendly cafe features full table service and bossa nova music.

900 Biscayne Blvd r102, Miami, FL 33132, Phone: 786-671-7434

© Earthy Chic Boutique

Earthy Chic Boutique was founded in 2015 by best friends Priscilla Reyes and Eileen Perez-Carrion, as an extension of the duo's popular boutique website, which opened five years prior. The boutique, which is located within Miami's Design District, sells affordable, stylish apparel and accessories curated from top brands and artisans around the world. Works by local designers and artists such as Cuffed Designs, Provider Lifestyle, and Big.Bold.Fierce are showcased, along with pieces by international favorites such as Quay Sunglasses, Line & Dot, and Wilde Heart. The duo's own Made With Love collection is also sold, crafted with a variety of fine metals and stones.

4300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137, Phone: 786-223-4779

© kishivan/stock.adobe.com

The Cabaret South Beach is Miami Beach's favorite cabaret and piano bar, first opened in 2013 and moved to the current location in 2019. The hip live music venue showcases diverse performances by multiple performers each evening, including rotating singers and pianists. Music selections range from standards by classic artists such as Etta James, Ray Charles, and Tina Turner to modern hits by pop and indie crooners like Halsey. Sing-alongs are highly encouraged, with performers and servers engaging the audience on a regular basis throughout shows. All shows are family-friendly, welcoming young and old audience members alike. Live music is presented on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, complemented by a wide range of food and beverages provided by the adjacent Cafetin Cuban Cafe.

1801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Phone: 305-504-7500

© Rido/stock.adobe.com

Eména Spa is Miami's premiere day and med spa, located within the beautiful Miami Design District. The spa is named for the Greek word for "me," emphasizing its commitment to personalized VIP services for all clients at all times. Five ultra-luxurious treatment rooms are offered, along with an upscale nail and hair salon offering a full slate of services. A variety of massage techniques from around the world can be booked, along with organic and detoxifying facials, manicures and pedicures, reflexology treatments, body scrubs, and unique chocolate truffle body wrap sessions. Medical-grade procedures are also offered, including laser and filler treatments.

4100 NE 2nd Ave #301, Miami, FL 33137, Phone: 305-363-7358

© Sushi Maki

Sushi Maki was the United States' first sushi chain to earn certification from the Marine Stewardship Council, ensuring sustainable fishing practices and sourcing all of its seafood products from certified sustainable fisheries. The restaurant chain, which was opened in 2000 by Abe Ng, offers 18 locations throughout Broward and Miami-Dade counties, including a location on Bayshore Drive. Diners can enjoy gourmet poke bowls with ingredients such as salmon, avocado, and edamame or selection from a variety of sashimi and nigiri platters highlighting fine sushi selections. Main course selections include wok-fried rice and udon bowls, grilled teriyaki platters, and red Thai curry with spicy coconut sauce.

2550 S Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33133, Phone: 786-433-6922