1 Lincoln Rd, Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139 786-276-4033

Description: SOUTH BEACH. As polished and gracious as is the Ritz, so is Americana. Dressed in sleek mid-century style and peppered with stainless steel, the restaurant is a beauty. Its menu is just as well composed, if not a little more bold in approach. Classic comfort foods are the kitchen's realm, but they're taken to new heights of invention. As a result, you'll find phyllo fried chicken, lamb cassoulet, braised veal ravioli and Dover sole presented in four different preparations. Steaks with lush sauces of truffles and cognac can also be had, and desserts are similarly delicious. In addition, Sunday brunch is an extensive, spectacular event.
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11064 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33161-7477 305-892-2435

Description: NORTH MIAMI. Whether you want to grab a bagel and cup of coffee on the run or linger over a more substantial meal, Bagels & Co. is a top choice. The fresh bagels come in numerous flavors and can be topped with any of several tasty toppings. Bagel sandwiches are a great start to your day, stuffed with combinations of sausage, eggs and cheese. Sunday brunch is always popular, with breakfast favorites like biscuits, eggs, bacon and toast served by a friendly staff.
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1022 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-534-9191

Description: SOUTH BEACH. This cafe features a colorful, whimsical interior, but the outdoor tables are considered the place to be. A concrete canopy shields the sun, assisted by colorful umbrellas at each table, creating an appealing courtyard setting that is shady enough to temper the heat. The original Balans was located in London's Soho, and the hip, cosmopolitan vibe is evident at the Miami Beach outpost. Area executives and moguls often have lunch here, enjoying light favorites such as Thai salad with an excellent homemade peanut dressing or creamy sweet potato soufflé with leeks and garlic. A light entree is a wise choice, as it leaves more room for dessert ­ a primary attraction here. Try the white chocolate cheesecake or the apple tart with sour cream ice cream.
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444 Ocean Dr, Ocean Five Hotel, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-532-5511

Description: SOUTH BEACH. Adjoining Ocean Five Hotel, this chic restaurant features outdoor dining and an attractive cocktail bar. A delectable calamari trio of buttermilk fried calamari, grilled squid and baby octopus cocktail kicks provides a satisfying introduction to Barolo's cuisine. When it comes to the main course, diners have their pick of homemade pastas, tender steak and chops or a delicate seafood dish. Try the goat cheese gnocchi with sweet garlic, forest mushrooms, baby broccoli and roasted tomatoes, or the pan seared grouper wrapped in prosciutto with green pea risotto and roasted red peppers.
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157 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-532-4700

Description: SOUTH BEACH. This style-conscious American diner offers upscale interpretations of classic comfort foods, and breakfast is served all day. The dining room is all imagination and whimsy, with colorful diner decor, an open kitchen and communal tables. Try the hot malted waffles or the filling and tasty Big Pink breakfast burrito ­ both are as popular in the evening as they are in the morning. Sit at a nostalgic booth in the industrial-style dining room or enjoy an outside table facing busy Collins Avenue. Free delivery.
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1685 Collins Ave, Delano Hotel, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-674-6400

Description: SOUTH BEACH. This hyper-modern restaurant, with its sleek, chic interior, is considered command central for Miami's fabulous scene-makers. Housed inside the stylish Delano Hotel, the Blue Door boast an outdoor dining area that is in particular demand. Or diners can opt for space at the large communal table in the lobby of the hotel, a great vantage point for watching the who's-who traipse by ­ Madonna, Calvin Klein, and the like. If you aren't preoccupied by the scene, you'll enjoy great brunch dishes like Belgian malted waffles, salmon Benedict on toasted brioche or Blue Door Benedict on a toasted English muffin, served with Hollandaise and truffle carpaccio. Breakfast served daily. Reservations recommended.
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500 Brickell Key Dr, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Miami, FL 33131 305-913-8251

Description: DOWNTOWN. Prepare to be taken a-back by this laid-back eatery's immaculate decor. Decorative accents, from terrazzo floors to a miniature pool, adorn the interior; views of Biscayne may be enjoyed from the dining room or adjoining patio. Awesome contemporary dishes, including grouper seviche, braised beef short ribs and pad thai line the menu. There's a sake and sushi bar, too!
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1654 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-672-8707

Description: SOUTH BEACH. The simple ambience at David's ranges from the minimal yet colorful dining room to the bright, cheerful cafeteria counter, which draws throngs of hungry folks at lunchtime. Area business people and Cuban-native regulars sit side-by-side enjoying bracing cafe Cubano and plenty of delicious, spicy-fresh cuisine. Try the chicken in garlic sauce with white wine and herbs, or the fabulous Cuban sandwich, dubbed by regulars as the Cuban Big Mac, which features pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. Croquettes are a popular choice at lunch ­ one bite of the thick sandwiches, pressed between slabs of flaky Cuban bread, and you'll know why. No reservations.
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1065 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139-5017 305-534-6373

Description: SOUTH BEACH. If you're in search of the best diner in town, your search is over. This SoBe fave is open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday, so you can get your motor running and stop and refill all day long. The menu has enough variety to satisfy many tastes, and Eleventh Street is especially well-known for its award-winning fried chicken. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and the staff will make sure you leave happy and content.
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186 NE 29th St, Miami, FL 305-573-4681

Description: DOWNTOWN. Open for breakfast and lunch, this Cuban cafeteria keeps the Design District well fed on everything from bacon and eggs (along with café Cubano, of course) to handmade sandwiches.
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1418 Ocean Dr, The Penguin Hotel, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-531-8300

Description: SOUTH BEACH. This serene waterfront restaurant offers a magnificent view. The atmosphere is laid-back and casual, with the menu offering healthy, homecooked food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you crave an omelet, they can whip up a masterpiece for you, and fresh juices are always available. The lunch menu features hearty salads, homemade soups and great sandwiches. Most menu items keep heart health in mind, but you can also throw coronary caution to the wind and sample decadent banana walnut French toast, granola pancakes with chocolate chips, or three scrambled eggs and cheese stuffed into a large, flaky biscuit.
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13951 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami, FL 33181-1627 305-947-2255

Description: NORTH MIAMI. The name sums up the offerings quite nicely ­ the atmosphere is pure diner, but the cuisine is pure gourmet. The French favorites are skillfully prepared but low-priced, including classic dishes such as buttery escargot, châteaubriand, loin of lamb in herb crust, and creamy seafood au gratin. At lunchtime, the vinaigrette-topped salads are a customer favorite, and the special listed on the blackboard is sure to please. Whether you're by yourself or with a crowd, you'll enjoy the atmosphere, which recreates a dining car from the 1950s. Excellent wines and desserts like the custard fruit tart make this a first-class dining experience without the high prices.
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25 W Flagler St, City National Bank Bldg, Miami, FL 33130 305-377-9600

Description: DOWNTOWN. An important cornerstone in downtown Miami for many years, this restaurant is famous for vegetarian, fat-free and low-fat fare, along with interesting daily specials. Try the soup of the day ­ always a winner ­ or an omelet and a smoothie. Although red meat is not on the menu, even dedicated carnivores are sure to be satisfied with chicken, seafood, vegetable, or pasta dishes served in imaginative ways. Low prices and a relaxed, upbeat environment make this eatery a lunchtime favorite, particularly with the executive set.
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800 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-538-6397

Description: SOUTH BEACH. A popular South Beach spot, this restaurant gained notoriety after the death of designer Gianni Versace ­ he used to come here daily. Always packed and promising a wait for any table, it's set on a prime corner that permits many glimpses of beautiful people strolling about or on their way to the beach. For lulls in your people-watching, buy a book or magazine from the adjacent store to peruse as you enjoy a cup of coffee and a muffin, pastry or full morning meal.
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826 Ocean Dr, Pelican Hotel, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-673-1000

Description: SOUTH BEACH. If you're halfway through the day and still have a taste for breakfast, it's available here until late afternoon. The extensive breakfast menu runs the gamut from toast and pastries to elaborate omelets and fruit-topped waffles. The cafe is also a great place to kick back and do some serious people-watching ­ especially at one of the outdoor tables ­ with a Bloody Mary in hand. The funky industrial decor is reflected throughout the hotel, which is owned by the Diesel clothing company. Lunch and dinner menus feature tasty Italian-Mediterranean cuisine in ample portions.
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15 SE 10th St, Miami, FL 33131 305-374-9693

Description: DOWNTOWN. This popular gathering place is a favorite among local professionals, who flock here for quick lunches and upscale dinners. The deli selection is particularly popular at midday, when tasty sandwiches composed of the finest meats and cheeses from around the world are offered. At dinnertime, it's a pleasure to linger in the screened-in dining room, which was constructed with parts of an old barn. The rustic, lived-in decor creates a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying Italian and American favorites like Caesar salad, ravioli, mahi mahi on a bed of fresh greens or eggplant Parmesan. Creamy gelato is a decadent finish. The menu features an impressive assortment of upscale Italian fare, including linguini with sautéed jumbo shrimp and fresh asparagus.
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700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-673-1115

Description: SOUTH BEACH. No-frills Puerto Sagua is a long-standing institution in South Beach, where restaurants come and go with frequency. This one has continued to please the fickle masses with traditional Cuban comfort food and unfussy decor. Native Cubans savor authentic shrimp in garlic sauce, fried plantains and grilled Cuban sandwiches stuffed with ham, pork and cheese. Late hours also make Puerto Sagua a perfect stop-off after a show or a night of club-hopping.
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2001 Collins Ave, Setai Hotel, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-520-6402

Description: SOUTH BEACH. Located in the prestigious Setai Hotel, this expansive restaurant is situated around an open kitchen and bar and outfitted with high ceilings, neutral tones and striking Asian décor. Patrons may also dine in the serene courtyard, surrounded by lovely ponds and pergolas. The cuisines of Thailand, India, Hong Kong, Italy and Belgium provide inspiration for the internationally trained kitchen staff, who produce delicacies such as choice caviar and salt-pressed Tasmanian ocean trout.
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1757 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132 305-373-4291

Description: DOWNTOWN. Since 1938, locals have doted on this classic diner-style restaurant, where American favorites are served up in hearty portions. Area business people show up often at lunchtime, though it does brisk business at breakfast and dinner as well. This is old-fashioned comfort food that can satisfy any appetite. Try hearty stews, creamed chicken on toast that will take you back to your childhood, and tasty chipped steak with a pile of homemade mashed potatoes. Nothing fancy ­ just great cooking that your mom might have made if she'd had the time. The diverse crowd and friendly atmosphere add to the experience. Check the blackboard for daily specials.
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2214 NE 123rd St, Miami, FL 33181 305-891-3312

Description: NORTH MIAMI. This is the place to go for authentic Middle Eastern and Jewish food. Everything at this friendly kosher deli is homemade with the finest and freshest ingredients available. Try Sara's Special Breakfast, which features the works: scrambled eggs, French toast, home fries, chalee roll and baygels (that's how they spell it), juice and coffee. Satisfy your a.m. sweet tooth with fabulous mini-Danishes, challah or traditional rugelach, an authentic kosher pastry. Or go with classic baygels spread with cream cheese and hand-sliced Norwegian salmon. The casual environment and quirky sense of humor have made this a local favorite.
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1677 Collins Ave, The National Hotel, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-532-2311

Description: SOUTH BEACH. Experience the color and flavor of France at Tamara. The menu takes traditional Continental cooking and applies a decidedly modern spin. Menu highlights include blackened grouper with tagliolini pasta, scallop and salmon dua and croissant chicken pot pie. Soak up the evocative Art Deco-style interior and enjoy a cocktail, particularly during happy hour, when Cosmopolitans are two for the price of one. At the adjoining cabaret bar, the D'Lounge, you'll find plush couches and live music. Valet parking: $12-$30.
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846 Lincoln Rd, Lincoln Mall, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-534-3600

Description: SOUTH BEACH. This cafe-society outpost has the same ownership as the ever-popular News Cafe, but this one is less touristy, with a loyal local clientele. Casual crowds, groups of business people, families and lone newspaper readers are common sights. At breakfast, the menu features traditional eggs Benedict, heart-healthy egg white omelets served with fruit salad, and zesty eggs Florentine. Later in the day, the cookie platter, which features six hockey puck-sized varieties, is a fan favorite. In the evening, the upstairs jazz club is a swinging place to mingle.
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801 Collins Ave, The Hotel of South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139-5807 305-674-9474

Description: SOUTH BEACH. It's true that celeb hotspots in Miami are a dime a dozen, but since this whimsical eatery opened a few years back, it's been the sexy playground of everybody from Mick and Madonna to Oliver Stone and Rupert Everett. Featuring cozy velvet banquettes, ornate Venetian glass lamps, and an exotic Art Deco ceiling, the indoor dining area screams "South Beach." Meanwhile, outdoor dining offers a more subdued brush with the cutting-edge, featuring candle-lit, umbrella'ed tables, tropical plants, trickling fountains, and an ever-present Atlantic breeze. Featured menu items include spicy seared tuna, roasted rack of lamb, tuna marinated in Brazilian cachaca, and foie gras terrine. Reservations are required.
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17190 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33160 305-947-4581

Description: NORTH MIAMI BEACH. This casual dining place offers savory comfort-food fare, especially Jewish specialties like tasty potato pancakes and lox, eggs and onions. Fresh-baked bread is much sought-after by locals, and chewy bagels are among the best in town. Sit at the bustling lunch counter, or settle into the kitschy vinyl booths in the sprawling dining room, which is decorated in trendy '70s-style, complete with animated snowbirds. Breakfast is popular, so expect a cacophonous crowd. Dessert is can't-miss, and the delectable assortment includes amazing strawberry cheesecake and a fantastic chocolate bobka, all made in-house.
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