Amanda & Matthew
Amanda & Matthew
Things to Do
Miracle Mile and Historic Coral Gables
Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Coral Gables is a high-end neighborhood in Miami that is known for its Mediterranean and Spanish-style colonial architecture. Miracle Mile, known as the downtown area of Coral Gables, is a premiere destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Some of our favorite restaurants are Doc B's Restaurant, Motek, and Hillstone. Given the popularity of this area, please make reservations well in advance.
Giralda Plaza, blocks away from Miracle Mile, is a pedestrian walkway lined on each side with numerous high-quality restaurants and bars. Among our favorite breakfast spots here are Graziano's Mercado and Threefold Cafe.
Just a 5-minute drive from Miracle Mile is the University of Miami (where Matt attended law school), which has a beautiful lakefront campus that is walkable. Also within a 5-minute drive is the famous Biltmore Hotel.
Also a short drive from Miracle Mile are the Shops at Merrick Park, which is a beautiful outdoor shopping mall with fine-dining. If you like steak, Perry's Steakhouse & Grille is a can't miss. Matt and Amanda also had their first date at Sawa Restaurant & Lounge, which offers mediterranean cuisine.
Coconut Grove
3015 Grand Avenue, Miami, FL 33133
Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest neighborhood, known for lush trees, roaming peacocks, and its prime location on the Biscayne Bay shoreline. Known as “The Grove” by locals, this neighborhood boasts numerous dining options, trendy bars, artisanal coffee shops, and picturesque parks.
CocoWalk is a tropical garden-inspired urban village, full of bustling shops and restaurants. Within CocoWalk is Sushi Garage (great happy hour) and Mister 01 (artisanal pizza). Any trip to CocoWalk requires a stop at Salt & Straw for some ice cream.
Walking the streets of the Grove you will pass many shops and bars. Some of our favorites are Barracuda's and Bodega. If you are staying in the Grove, or are in the mood for breakfast, I encourage you to try Green Street Cafe, Panther Coffee, or Chug's Diner.
But this is just the heart of the Grove (which is easily walkable)...
You simply cannot visit Coconut Grove without visiting Monty's (on the water), which is a Miami must! Monty's is known for its cocktails, seafood, and live music by the water.
For happy hour and a "night out," Regatta Grove is an open-air, waterfront venue featuring tropical drinks, curated food, and music that offers a relaxed, yet elevated experience. Next door is Bayshore Club, which offers almost the same experience, but also has restaurant seating and fire-pits.
Downtown Brickell
901 S Miami Ave, Miami FL 33130
Brickell is a young and trendy neighborhood that has become the heart of Miami. The highlight is Brickell City Center, which is a five-story indoor/outdoor mall containing restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Mary Brickell Village is also a popular spot for happy hour cocktails and restaurants.
Bars & Restaurants
Design District
140 NE 39th Street, Miami, FL 33137
The Design District is the home of luxury shopping and Michelin star restaurants. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is the only Michelin 2-star-honoree in the state of Florida. Le Jardinier and Cote are Michelin 1-star-honorees. Cote is the only Michelin-starred Korean Steakhouse in the United States (and happens to be one of Matt's favorites). Please be advised to make reservations for any of these restaurants months in advance.
Wynwood
Wynwood is known for its art and local brewery district. The Wynwood Walls is a renowned street art museum that displays modern art. For those of you traveling from out of town, please understand that graffiti is part of Wynwood's identity. Wynwood is the perfect spot for a bar crawls whether you hire a tour company or do it yourself.
Amanda is not a beer drinker...but luckily, Matt is! Matt's favorite brewery is Veza Sur Brewing Company. Matt also likes J Wakefield Brewing and Cerveceria La Tropical. If you are not a beer drinker, like Amanda, there is no need to worry! Oasis Wynwood and Racket will have you covered.
Please note that if you are not a drinker or into art, your time may be best spent exploring other destinations in Miami.