Friday to Sunday: 48 Hours of Eating and Drinking in Miami

Anyone who still thinks of The Birdcage when they think Miami should probably think again—especially when it comes to eating and drinking. It’s called Magic City for a reason; the city has more to offer than outsiders may realize. If you’re visiting for a weekend, Andrea Becerra of The Hungry Post tells us how she eats this city up in a mere 48 hours. She leaves aside the overpriced and over-the-top traps of Birdcage proportions to highlight the spots that really make Miami a food gem. 

Pinch Kitchen is a fairly new and underrated spot located in Miami’s Upper Eastside serving small shared plates with bold flavors. The seasonal menu offers New American cuisine with Spanish touches here and there. Must-orders include the octopus, the red ossabaw pork belly, and the orange chocolate soufflé with drizzled crème anglaise.

After dinner, head over to the Anderson, also located in the Upper Eastside for a laidback shack-like bar scene. Ideal for groups, the Anderson offers craft cocktails and late night bites for those that are left hungry after dinner. Also, music is always on point and they have a jukebox.

It wouldn't be a trip to Miami if you didn't stop by for the right Cuban cortadito. Emphasis on “right” just because no one does it like Oasis Cafe. This Latin hub in Key Biscayne is a landmark worth visiting. Sip on your morning coffee and enjoy their homemade plantain-and-pork empanadas.

This garden-dining eatery located in Coconut Grove serves unique vegetarian, seafood, and meat dishes meant to be shared with locally-sourced ingredients. We're fans of Glass & Vine’s broccoli cheeseburger on a brioche bun with melted cheddar and buttermilk and the coquito french toast with coconut milk, cinnamon, and a vanilla-maple syrup prepared in-house.

Walk over to Vicky's House in Coconut Grove for a real throwback experience at Abuela's house. Our grandma never made us anything like this, but it's always nice to pretend. Slurp down milkshakes named after iconic '80s movies like E.T. and The Breakfast Club. 

A trattoria meets salumi shop brings a taste of Northern Italy to Midtown at Salumeria 104. Where to begin? Our favorites include the vitello tonnato, gnocco frito, and ravioli san daniele (house-made ravioli filled with prosciutto, sweet peas, and cream sauce). You really can't go wrong with anything here. Just come with an appetite and get ready to have pasta, pasta, and more pasta. 

Before you hit the sack and after a fair share of drinks, make a pit stop at La Latina for some arepas. These maize dough beauties are stuffed with avocado, chicken, black beans, plantains, and more. Oh, and if you're feeling guilty about this indulgence, they're actually gluten-free. That helps, right?

Wake up for a carbo-loading brunch at Bakehouse Brasserie in Miami Beach. This French bistro is all about those baked goods. Careful when inhaling the bacon maple cinnamon roll and Bernie's Cuban with jamón, gruyere, duck confit, house relish, dijonnaise, and housemade pickles on a rustic baguette.

Before you catch that flight back home, stop by the original Mignonette in Downtown for a Miami oyster bar experience. Check out the daily specials, they never disappoint. Wrap up the meal with a slice of pie.