This holiday season is unlike any other we've celebrated in our lifetime. With covid still being very present in our lives, we want to enjoy the most festive month of the year while also staying safe, healthy, and mindful of our time & how we spend our money.
With that said, since traveling has been put on hold, we created a how-to guide on celebrating the holidays in our magical city, Miami, while also supporting local businesses. Whether you plan on staying inside, enjoying drinks with friends in an outdoor setting, or taking a Sunday stroll with the fam, we compiled the perfect list of places to visit & support with your $!
I hope you enjoy it!
xx,
Gigi & The DLH Team
If you're looking to stay inside...
-Motek Cafe: A hip Israeli cafe located in the heart of Downtown Miami. The fast-casual spot does some of our Middle Eastern favorites, including Balaboosta and Taim. Motek opened at the height of Miami's takeout and delivery craze and continues to deliver bomb food as they pump out to-go orders.
-Wabi Sabi by Shuji: A traditional Japanese restaurant that uses simple, time-honored techniques to offer a concise selection of the highest quality sushi. Order for pick up and enjoy a traditional Japanese meal in the comfort of your own dining table.
-Mr. Mandolin: Created by the team behind Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Mr. Mandolin was Inspired by the street food cultures of Greece & Turkey. Made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and at a price affordable to most. Perfect for sharing with your family, and the best part: you order online, and they offer curbside pick up.
If you're looking to eat out…side!
-Le Jardinier: Located in Miami Design District, this restaurant has the feel of an indoor garden with a great outside sitting setup! The vegetable-driven menu of French recipes makes for the perfect spot for lunch with the girls!
-Itamae: Excellent Peruvian/Japanese restaurant that serves the best Nikkei food in Miami is now located in Miami Design District's Palm Court, making it the best outdoor, casual dining experience.
-Leku: Basque-inspired restaurant located in the new Rubell Museum. Offers innovative cuisine while paying homage to the classic Spanish cuisine. Like a proper museum restaurant, the food is not only delicious but gorgeous to look at. All tables are socially distanced and located across their courtyard, patio, and an outdoor bar. And after dinner, feel free to take a stroll around the museum and check out some badass contemporary art.
-Cipriani: Located on the Southside of the Miami River in Downtown Miami, the iconic Italian restaurant offers an impeccable variety of Venetian dishes. A DLH tip: Dine-in at their new outside area surrounded by the iconic sculptures that resemble the Moai Statues of Easter Island.
If you're looking to go somewhere with the fam…
-Must stop by Miami’s iconic, Cafe Versailles, cafecito and croquetas to get everyone in that Miami spirit.
-Santa's Drive-Thru Village: Light shows, life-sized Santa Claus', snow, and dozens of elves! This village spares no expense to make the North Pole come to life like you've never seen it before. Open now through December 23.
-Bayfront Holiday Village: This place has it all—from a retro skating rink, Ferris wheel, and animated Christmas tree light and music shows, amongst other Holiday-themed attractions. Perfect evening activity to do with the entire family as they maintain strict social distancing and mask-wearing protocols.
If you're looking for a new happy hour spot…
-Joia Beach: This waterfront beach club is a tropical-themed Mediterranean restaurant located on Watson Island, its about as pandemic friendly as it gets. Music, tiki huts, gorgeous views, cocktails, and did we say fresh air yet? Travel to the tropics with a fruity drink at hand ;)!
-Margot Natural Wine Bar: The pop-up inside Nikki Beach has been slowly gaining popularity in Miami. Devoted entirely to organic, fair-trade vino, the bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a socially distanced glass of wine.
-The Champagne Bar: Located inside the Four Seasons Surf Club, the bar offers a wide selection of Champagnes and an exciting mixology program to be enjoyed on their outdoor terrace.
