Byblos Miami
The Eastern Mediterranean is the inspiration for this gem of a restaurant in South Beach. The Miami Herald has praised the “swanky” decor but that’s understating things a bit as this is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city, if not the entire state. Of course, all the great design in the world can’t make up for food that’s off kilter, so luckily everything on the menu is downright delicious. There are lots of small plates but dive into the fluke baked in a tangy yogurt sauce with walnuts and tender octopus if you’re really hungry. And luscious drinks at the new Lounge by Byblos next door are a must.
1545 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305.508.5041, byblosmiami.com
Sublime Restaurant & Bar
The downside to vegan dining is that it can often be just plain dull. A visit to Ft. Lauderdale standout Sublime Restaurant & Bar is the antidote to that. The food is not only worldly but world class, while the decor is equally eclectic with cascading window waterfalls and exotic trees right out of a tropical rainforest. Owner Nanci Alexander, who greets each diner, is founder of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, while PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals- www.peta.org) has named the eatery the number-one celebrity vegan dining spot – so be prepared to run in to regulars like Alec Baldwin, Alicia Silverstone and Sir Paul McCartney.
1431 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 954.615.1431, sublimerestaurant.com
Christopher’s Kitchen
We hope you satisfied your carnivorous cravings at Byblos, because our next pick, chef Christopher Lawson’s Palm Beach Gardens oasis Christopher’s Kitchen, is devoted to the “plant-based lifestyle”. Lawson sources only the finest 100% certified organic and local ingredients for an innovative menu including instant classics like “tuna” salad made from walnuts, cashew “cheese” and lots of flax, quinoa, ginger, kale, hemp and seaweed. PBG resident Venus Williams recently gave a shout out to the eatery in the New York Times, citing the raw vegetable lasagna as her favorite dish. The cozy wine bar with its array of organic and biodynamic selections is just one more reason to visit.
4783 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, 561.318.6191, christopherskitchenfl.com
Seafood Bar at The Breakers
The newest addition to the incredible array of offerings at The Breakers, Palm Beach’s legendary luxury resort, is not only one of the best takes on high-end nautical style but also serves some of the most delicious ocean-sourced classics this side of New England. The Seafood Bar boasts the Atlantic Ocean for a backdrop and the decor cleverly imparts the feeling that you are dining on the deck of a yacht. From a signature Seafood Club sandwich with lobster, crab and truffle fries to snapper with local corn, shiitake mushrooms and lemon butter, the menu is diverse and equally delectable cocktails are served till midnight.
One South County Road, Palm Beach, 877.724.3188, thebreakers.com