Cafe Tu Tu Tango

3015 Grand Ave, Coconut Grove, FL 33133-5144 305-529-2222

Description: CORAL GABLES/COCO GROVE/BISCAYNE. This upbeat hangout is located on the Coco Walk complex and draws a diverse crowd with its artistic interior and its creative tapas-style dishes. Fun for crowds, the lunch menu offers an extensive mix of smaller appetizer-sized plates to share. Great crab cakes, Thai spring rolls, salads, and individual pizzas. Relax on the terrace and watch the busy street below as you enjoy flavorful cuisine and a glass of the famous house sangria.
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Chef Allen's

19088 NE 29th Ave, Aventura, FL 33180 305-935-2900

Description: AVENTURA. This local hotspot has a reputation for serving some of South Florida's finest meals, thanks to Chef Allen Susser's creativity. The seasonal menu borrows from the classic American repertoire and adds exotic Caribbean flair. Seafood is a specialty, as seen in pan-roasted diver scallops with couscous and saffron tomato broth, pistachio-crusted black grouper, and Meyer lemon-roasted Florida shrimp. Colorful decor and solicitous service also contribute to an out-of-this-world dining experience.
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Mark's South Beach

1120 Collins Ave, Hotel Nash, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-604-9050

Description: SOUTH BEACH. Luxurious Mark's greets guests with rich mahogany furnishings, linen wallpaper and finely upholstered seating. Then they're treated to chef Mark Militello's New World fusion cuisine, which capitalizes on South Florida's excellent seafood and tosses in a dash of Caribbean spice. His creations range from Chilean sea bass with fresh white sardines to yellowtail snapper with couscous and shellfish. Perfect for an intimate rendezvous or a business dinner. Great bar, too.
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Ortanique on the Mile

278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134 305-446-7710

Description: CORAL GABLES. An ortanique is the luscious hybrid of an orange and a tangerine, and just as the name suggests, this restaurant vividly combines ingredients in innovative ways. Tropical colors dominate the garden-like dining room, and memorable menu options include a signature pumpkin bisque, spicy calamari salad and boldly spiced jerk pork loin. If ever there was a time to save room for dessert, this is it ­ the drunken banana fritters are pure bliss, as is crème brûlée studded with coconut, vanilla bean flecks and ortanique zest. Reservations are required.
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Pilar Restaurant

20475 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33180 305-937-2777

Description: AVENTURA. Local chef Scott Fredel has opted for a relaxed atmosphere at stylish, upscale Pilar. Hardwood floors, comfortable seating and original art give the restaurant a modern bistro feel that completely belies its strip-mall location. Floribbean seafood is the specialty, prepared with a deft hand and perky island flavors. Try seared mahi mahi, sautéed yellowtail snapper or fried conch with hearts of palm slaw, and wrap things up with moist chocolate chip banana cake. Affordable wines are a great boon, as is early-bird dining from 5pm to 6pm.
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Tap Tap Haitian Restaurant

819 5th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-672-2898

Description: SOUTH BEACH. In the frenzy that is South Beach, this relaxed, down-to-earth retreat serves as a welcome respite. Favored by local artists and musicians, Tap Tap celebrates Haitian culture, from food to visual arts. Cheerful dining rooms are enlivened by original paintings, and the convivial atmosphere puts diners immediately at ease. Tasty, unusual dishes are nothing if not authentic. Standouts include marinated conch salad, pumpkin soup, grilled goat and griyo (marinated, fried pork).
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