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Cutting-edge décor, creative food, pedigreed chef, and see-and-be-seen ambience combined with A-list clientele gives these Best Trendy Tables the elusive “it” quality that has the in-crowd fighting for reservations.
Best Trendy Tables in....
Best Trendy Tables
Miami
Asia de Cuba Mondrian South Beach, 1100 West Ave., South Beach, 305-514-1940 chinagrillmgt.com
The Draw: Tan, taut types hang out at Marcel Wanders’ surreal setting at the Mondrian South Beach, which includes white-on-white columns and whimsical oversized bells housing chandeliers amid a spectacular backdrop of water, skyline, and sunset.
The Scene: Located on the quieter residential end of South Beach, Asia de Cuba is first and foremost a scene. The cuisine is Asian by way of Latin America. Think fat crab croquetas, tangy beef short ribs with chili orange mojo, Cuban barbecued chicken, and panko-crusted crispy plantains. Menu items are pricey, but portions are huge and offer plenty of opportunities for sharing. Hot Tip: End your evening with a caipirinha at the Sunset Lounge’s cachaça bar.
Scarpetta Fontainebleau Miami Beach, 4441 Collins Ave., Mid-Beach, 877-326-7412 fontainebleau.com
The Draw: With its wraparound verandas, black and white mosaic tiles, elegant nautical touches, and ocean views, you might expect Scarpetta, one of several high-end dining choices installed as part of the multi-billion dollar renovation of the new Fontainebleau, to be a tourist trap. Guess again. The Scene: Under Scott Conant’s direction, each dish is memorable, starting with a breadbasket loaded with crunchy delights. Taste, but don’t overindulge. From the simple (tomato and basil spaghetti) to the sublime (fennel-crusted lamb loin with peperonata, gaeta olives, and eggplant), Scarpetta captures the essence of fresh Italian cooking. Hot Tip: Make dining here part of a romantic evening. Start with the spaghetti, splurge on a fine Italian wine, and end with the molten chocolate cake.
Sra. Martinez 4000 NE Second Ave., Downtown Miami, 305-573-5474
The Draw: In the space of what was once a post office, Michelle Bernstein’s hip tapas bar in the cool Design District delivers on all counts: charming ambience both indoors and out; friendly, efficient service; and some of the best tapas this side of the Atlantic. The Scene: Foodies flocked here from
day one, and the crowds keep coming for the croquetas
with melting manchego, crispy pork belly with
fennel-orange marmalade, massive white beans with duck and foie
gras sausage, fried artichokes, and crispy eggplant
drizzled in honey, all of it accompanied by Spanish wines or ham-infused
bourbon. For dessert, dulce de leche–filled
donuts hit the spot. Hot Tip: Some aficionados have been known to put together a group and order the whole menu.
