With the Miami International Boat Show this week, they’ve rounded up some nearby dining and hotel destinations to consider visiting during the boat extravaganza.
Where to Stay
The Elser Hotel Miami
Just a few blocks down from the Miami International Boat Show is The Elser Hotel & Residences, a 49-story luxury tower in Downtown Miami featuring 646 residential-style rooms, including studios, one-bedrooms, and spectacular two-and three-bedroom suites, all with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, unobstructed bay views, walkout balconies, luxurious bathrooms for every bedroom, fully equipped kitchens, and washers and dryers in every unit. The perfect accommodation option for travelers visiting for the boat show, amenities at The Elser include a 19,000-square-foot rooftop pool deck and event lawn overlooking Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay; a 132-foot resort-style pool with a 16-foot poolside LED screen, private lounge areas and a full bar; a massive hot tub offering panoramic skyline views; co-working and meeting spaces; and a comprehensive two-level gym that rivals any private fitness facility. The property is managed by Highgate, a leading hospitality investment and management company whose portfolio includes more than 160 properties in gateway cities worldwide.
The Gabriel Miami Downtown
The Gabriel Miami Downtown is a 129-room lifestyle hotel in Downtown Miami offering spacious and stylish rooms and suites with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, perfect for watching the sunrise over the Miami skyline and for travelers seeking a hotel option just a few minutes from the Miami International Boat Show. The Gabriel Miami boasts two pools on the 14th-floor pool deck: a serene resort-style rooftop pool and an infinity lap pool with sublime views of the Intracoastal, Miami Beach, PortMiami and Biscayne Bay. The ultimate venue for relaxation in the city’s cultural epicenter, The Gabriel features 28 cabana rooms, which offer seating surrounding the resort-style pool. Centrally located near multiple cultural institutions and museums, The Gabriel Miami is an ideal gathering place with a chic design crafted for open interaction and enlightened conversations. The hotel also features three restaurants: Gabriel Restaurant, open for breakfast; Bella’s Bar for poolside lunch; and GBar (dinner only), a vibrant and expansive restaurant splashed with green and navy tones for an earthy ambiance.
The Balfour Hotel
Across the MacArthur Causeway, just a short drive from the Boat Show fun is The Balfour Hotel, a charming, historic art deco property with 82 guest rooms and suites spread out over two buildings connected by an enchanting courtyard. It was designed in 1940 by Anton Skislewicz (an important architect in Miami Beach’s art deco movement) and continues to cater to design-conscious visitors with a unique style and undeniably timeless appeal. An elevated plunge pool with an underwater window provides the perfect Instagram shot of swimmers behind the glass wall. Terra-cotta mosaic tiles, chaise lounges and rattan lounge seating invite guests to sunbathe and enjoy seasonal refreshers.
The Gabriel South Beach
Those looking for a South Beach experience while in town for the Miami Boat Show can book a stay at The Gabriel South Beach, a boutique property centrally located on Ocean Drive directly across from South Beach. The 132-room hotel comprises four buildings and blends midcentury modernism with quintessential Floridian style, creating an oasis-like vibe. The Gabriel South Beach embodies the chic flair of Miami’s Art Deco District through immersive atmospheres and a 21st-century reimagination. Featuring a lush landscape, the courtyard pool adjacent to the hotel’s outdoor eatery offers a tranquil retreat in the midst of a bustling city. Guests can also lounge by the showstopping glass-bottom pool situated six stories above the open atrium. Rooftop yoga classes are offered throughout the week, while a fitness center provides free weights and cardio equipment. The hotel is just 10 minutes from the Miami Beach Convention Center, the location of the on-land portion of the boat show, making the hotel an ideal place to stay.
The Gates Hotel South Beach
The Gates Hotel South Beach is a tranquil retreat located along the Indian Creek Canal on beautiful Collins Avenue in the heart of Miami Beach, where the timeless allure of South Beach meets a sanctuary for wellness and sustainability enthusiasts. The 235-room hotel is an oasis of luxury, relaxation and leisure, with an expansive midcentury-modern lobby juxtaposed with art deco-inspired architecture. The hotel offers locals and discerning travelers an immersive Miami Beach experience with pristine beach access and programming catered to those who appreciate art, culture, design and self-care. A partnership with K’Alma Spa offers massages and wellness treatments in-room or on the hotel’s third-floor Plunge Deck. The expansive first-floor deck overlooks the hotel’s pool and the Collins Waterway with custom double-sided cabanas perfect for guests to relax under the sun. Located just steps away from the hotel is the Miami Beach Convention Center, where the on-land portion of the boat show will take place.
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection
Located just along the Miami Beach boardwalk and a few minutes north of the Miami Beach Convention Center is Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, a 357-room oceanfront resort in the heart of Miami Beach’s Mid-Beach neighborhood at 39th Street and Collins Avenue. The art deco property, originally opened in 1940, was designed by renowned architect Roy F. France. It was remodeled in 2018 by interior design firm Bill Rooney Studio, which drew inspiration from the glamour and sophistication of the 1940s European Riviera. The modern resort has a preserved art deco aesthetic with original terrazzo floors in the lobby area, lush greenery and a wraparound mezzanine balcony overlooking the check-in and lounge area. Just beyond the lobby, guests will find The Lobby Bar and Riviera, a flexible-use public and meeting space leading to a grand terrace overlooking the expansive pool deck featuring two pools (an adults-only pool and a family pool) and private beachside service. Visiting guests can stop by for a glass of wine at Bungalow by the Sea, the hotel’s charming beachside bar, settle in for an authentic Italian meal at its signature restaurant, Donna Mare, or grab a quick snack at Il Merkato, the Italian market, coffee bar and gelateria.
Winter Haven Miami Beach, Autograph Collection
Winter Haven Miami Beach, Autograph Collection beautifully combines South Beach’s glamorous history with modern luxury. Designed by acclaimed architect Albert Anis, the hotel first opened in 1939 in the heart of the Miami Art Deco District. The building’s elegant façade overlooking Lummus Park gives way to a sophisticated, thoughtfully designed retreat that provides the perfect hideaway from the buzz outside. There is no shortage of exquisite details and convenient amenities; each of the 71 stylish guest rooms is appointed with modern comforts and historic touches. Diners can savor oysters and cocktails at the lobby’s artfully styled martini bar or relax on the rooftop sun deck. In the evening, they can enjoy classic Italian fare at Il Bolognese, the hotel’s refined restaurant.
Where to Eat
Verde at PAMM
Located at Pérez Art Museum Miami, Verde offers sweeping views of boating on Biscayne Bay and boasts an elevated menu of seasonal-inspired dishes with locally sourced produce. The modern-casual restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, featuring an expansive terrace with lush vegetation cascading from the canopy’s overhang. The patio, which leads to the entrance to the museum’s sculpture garden and Maurice A. Ferré Park, is a scenic outdoor experience for diners looking to bask in the South Florida weather and immerse themselves in the city’s cultural offerings and views of Downtown Miami. Helmed by the experts at Constellation Culinary Group and Executive Chef Loris Navone, menu highlights include hearty salads, homemade pizzas and tempting desserts alongside a selection of handcrafted cocktails.
Teatro at the Adrienne Arsht Center
Following the Miami Boat Show festivities, enjoy dinner and a show at Teatro, the immersive dining experience on the second floor of the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House. It’s the ultimate dinner showcasing the destination for pre-show meals and celebrations. The striking 2,500-square-foot dining room, designed by Johanna Dilone, creative director of Miami’s prestigious Gilded Group Decor, sets the stage for an immersive dining experience just steps from the action at the marinas. The restaurant offers a provocative and avant-garde ambiance with a rich red color palette, a nod to the curtains on theater stages, and enchants theatergoers with pre-show dinners, craft cocktails and an expansive wine selection. The chef-driven culinary concept features a New American menu from Executive Chef Jose Danger with creative European and Latin influences. The prix-fixe menu includes a choice of one appetizer and entrée or one entrée and dessert, along with a tempting lineup of sides and à la carte offerings.
Food@Science Cafe at the Frost Museum of Science
Visit Food@Science at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science for a science-inspired lunch while enjoying Downtown Miami’s Maurice A. Ferré Park and views of Biscayne Bay. The café elevates the Frost Science experience by offering themed menu items related to the museum exhibitions, curated by the experts at Constellation Culinary Group. Fuel up between Miami International Boat Show experiences and enjoy a selection of locally inspired bites including salads and bowls, pizza, quick bites and more.
Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar
Known as a local hot spot in Midtown, Negroni Bistro & Sushi Bar is the place to be for a delicious meal and nightcap after a day of nautical adventures at the Miami Boat Show. The overarching fusion menu pulls flavors from Peru to Tokyo, serving a variety of rolls, ceviches, tiraditos, and comfort foods like salads, burgers, and more. The indoor bar is an elegant space, serving handcrafted cocktails, homemade negronis, spritzes and tonics. Guests are welcome to bring their furry friends (ask a server for the doggie menu!) to relax on the outdoor patio
Café Bastille Miami Beach
Just a short drive away from the Miami Boat Show, the newly-opened French all-day cafe Cafe Bastille Miami Beach awaits. Known for serving brunch, bottomless mimosas and globally inspired cuisine all week long, Cafe Bastille is the perfect place to fill up on scratch-made dishes like eggs benedict, to French toast and pancakes, before heading out to explore the Miami Boat Show. Unwind in the 30-seat dining room adorned with gold and white accents, Parisian-style wooden chairs, and a serene color palette inspired by sage and basil, or savor the fresh air in the 20-seat patio offers patrons an alfresco dining experience.
MaryGold’s by Brad Kilgore
Set sail on a culinary adventure with MaryGold’s by Brad Kilgore, a lush modern dining space located on the ground floor of boutique hotel, Arlo Wynwood. From the culinary expertise of renowned chef Brad Kilgore, the menu at MaryGold’s is inspired by the French tradition of the brasserie concept while melding Miami’s diverse culture into each dish and drink. Diners can expect fresh, locally caught seafood such as the Grilled Swordfish ($34), made with coconut dashi, sunchoke, caramelized onions and thyme; house-made pastas like the Tagliatelle ($37), homestead pomodoro, sweet crab and caramelized cream; and bold plates that change through the seasons.
The Deck at Island Gardens
Continue the maritime theme at The Deck at Island Gardens, Miami’s treasured waterfront restaurant. Known for its unparalleled waterfront views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay, The Deck is an one-of-a-kind, must-visit destination in South Florida. Aside from its unmatched views, diners can expect a menu full of the freshest Mediterranean dishes, chilled seafood and signature house cocktails. Must-try dishes include the Surf & Turf Beef Carpaccio ($36), featuring Alaskan king crab and prime beef, drizzled with truffle vinaigrette, and the Lobster Risotto ($42) a decadent delight featuring Maine Lobster, 36-month aged parmigiano, English peas and fennel pollen. From innovative brunch bites to a weekday Sunset RSVP Happy Hour, private cabana service, special events and more, guests can dine and dance the day – or night – away at this Miami hot spot.
Uchi Miami
After a long day of boating adventures, sushi at Uchi calls. Japanese for “home,” Uchi is known for its non-traditional elevated take on Japanese cuisine. Situated in the heart of Wynwood, this upscale eatery strikes a delicate balance between elevated food and impeccable service alongside a welcoming and homey atmosphere. Diners at Uchi are welcomed by a menu full of Japanese cuisine, featuring hot and cool tastings, sushi and sashimi, makimono, yakimono, tempura, and a changing omakase based on seasonal items. Menu highlights include the Hama Chili ($23.5), a delicious dish of yellowtail, ponzu, thai chili and orange supreme, the Wagyu Ringo ($34), a 72-hour short rib, featuring apple kimchi and shiso and the Softshell Crab ($18.5) roll made with pickled cucumber, cilantro, avocado and soy aioli.
Delilah Miami
Looking for a more private setting after a hectic day at the Miami Boat Show? Enter: Delilah Miami. This intimate modern-day supper club is an escape from the modern-day hustle and bustle, transporting guests to the glamor and elegance of the roaring 1920s. Situated within the newly developed Brickell Bay Boardwalk, guests at Delilah are treated to a carefully curated vintage ambiance, technique-driven food, a live jazz band and 180-degree waterfront views. Helmed by Executive Chef Daniel Roy, the menu at Delilah Miami is brimming with must-try dishes such as the world-famous Chicken Fingers ($27), served with spicy barbecue sauce and buttermilk ranch, and the Miami-exclusive Cubano Fritters ($24), made with ham, roast pork, swiss, mustard aioli and pickled cucumbers.
G Bar at The Gabriel Miami
Located on the first floor of The Gabriel Miami, G Bar is an expansive restaurant splashed with green and navy tones for an earthy ambiance. Upon entry, guests are greeted by a vibrant column of green mosaic tiles, with the rectangular bar right behind it adorned with navy blue wood panels and plush leather stools. G Bar features telescopic sliding doors that open up to a covered terrace, allowing for open-air dining. The menu includes shareable plates, flatbreads, sandwiches, entrées, desserts and a wide selection of craft cocktails.
Donna Mare at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
A truly stellar Miami Beach Italian restaurant, Donna Mare at the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club serves locally sourced, traditional Italian cuisine. A rare wood-fired oven graces the kitchen, where Neapolitan pizza, homemade pasta, simply-grilled wild fish, and grass-fed meats are prepared, an homage to the traditional Northern Italian cuisine. The intimate setting inside the iconic Miami Beach hotel evokes the romantic old-world atmosphere of coastal Italy while embracing the beautiful Miami Beach with its sleek and soothing modern style. Come for a glass of wine from southern Italy, and stay to share a fresh-from-the-garden tomato and basil bucatini. Follow that with the daily catch, then linger over an espresso as laughter and music drift around you. Focusing on high-quality, farm-to-table ingredients, the classically-inspired menus at Donna Mare feature a flair of European sensibility and an unrivaled dining experience. Our trattoria combines rich flavors with traditional cooking techniques to be transported to northern Italy. Breakfast is available Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 11 am and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 am to noon. Dinner service is available Sunday to Thursday from 6 pm to 11 pm and Friday and Saturday from 6 pm to 12 am.
Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill is a beachfront bar and restaurant at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, open to hotel guests but also to the public. As one of the few beachfront restaurants in Miami Beach, Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill is the spot for the perfect midday pick-me-up with a menu of fresh juices, coffee and a raw bar with light bites in the afternoon. In the evening, an extensive selection of rosés, wines and cocktails are available for guests looking to unwind with their feet in the sand. Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 9:30 pm. A live DJ performs every Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm.
