This spring, local concierges share their insight into Miami’s latest shops, restaurants, bars and art venues.
R House—new to the scene in the up-and-coming Wynwood Art District—fuses an art gallery, music venue, restaurant and lounge. It’s the perfect spot for those looking for local DJs, cool graffiti and a “straight-to-the-point” drink menu that includes signature fruit-infused vodka martinis. Dishes feature a mix of American, Mediterranean, Asian and Latin influences with everything from yellowfin tuna tartare to Brazilian seafood moqueca and braised short rib rubbed with coffee-chili powder. (rhousewynwood.com) —Fernando Pochulu, chef concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Miami
Akris, a Swiss high-fashion store, is among the newest additions to the Bal Harbour Shops. The bright, light and inviting boutique is balanced with the warmth of wood walls at the company’s fourth U.S. location. “The staff must be extremely well chosen and trained because it shows when you interact with them.” (akris.ch) —Giovanni Attardi, chef concierge at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami
Il Mulino New York, which serves up classic Italian cuisine in an art deco setting, opened over the summer in South Beach. Select from traditional Italian dishes such as veal scaloppini al Marsala, chicken Parmesan, seafood, pasta and more. “New York-style white tablecloths [and] superb attentive service [come together in an] … elegant ambience with a South Beach kick.” (ilmulino.com) —Maya Frenkiel, concierge supervisor at Acqualina Resort & Spa
Featuring artsy, eclectic decor and a coffee shop vibe, A.I.R. (Artist in Residence) is a hot spot to socialize with friends, cocktail in hand. Notably, the food menu comes from Kris Wessel, chef/owner of acclaimed restaurant Oolite next door. “For those who enjoy a diamond in the rough, A.I.R. is the newest place for artists to express themselves.” (305-306-4247) —Jay Baldridge, chef concierge at Mandarin Oriental, Miami
