Miami Design District, An Lh Luxury City Guide
The Miami Design District is one of the most diverse design districts in the world, displaying everything from alluring traditional architecture to modern Miami street art. In constant expansion and evolution, the Miami Design District attracts design and luxury lovers from around the world. While open year-round, the area gets an extra boost of design flair during Design Miami / Art Basel and Miami Art Week each December, offering up the perfect excuse to explore new additions to this contemporary neighborhood. The limits are endless for the creative soul in the Miami Design District. Read on to check out some of Love Happens’ favorites and explore our map to see more favorites and what’s where!
Enjoy Designer Cocktails & Dine In Style
MIA Market
MIA Market is a “chef-driven” food hall that boasts 11 unique and delicious vendors, plus a craft cocktail bar. With something going on almost every day of the week, be it Sunday Brunch or Trivia Tuesdays, it’s a great spot to grab a specialty drink. Their chic design and chef-to-table style make this food hall a must.
COTE Miami
Korean Barbecue meets American steakhouse meets classy cocktail bar; COTE marries culinary specialties like it’s ordained! One of their most popular drinks, “Heat,” features a masterful mix of Arette Tequila, passion fruit, lime, coffee, and dried chili peppers. If you’re looking for fun, funky, flavorful cocktails with an Asian twist, look no further!
Baccarat Boutique Bbar and Lounge
Colorful decor and a lively atmosphere make this one of the best places in town to grab a (crystal-clad) drink! Baccarat Boutique Bbar and Lounge offers an exciting list of specialty cocktails, as well as wine, bubbles, caviar, and small plates. All of their delicious drinks are served in tasteful Baccarat crystal glasses. If you are looking for Miami Design District luxury meets cocktails, this is it!
Le Jardinier
The French word for “gardener,” Le Jardinier‘s cuisine and setting evoke a modern greenhouse in the heart of the Miami Design District. Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli’s menu is focused on utilizing the highest quality vegetables, seasonal ingredients, and well-sourced animal proteins, fitting seamlessly into the modern, light-filled interiors designed by award-winning Architect Pierre-Yves Rochon. Le Jardinier’s cocktail program is designed to compliment Chef Verzeroli’s modern, vegetable-driven menu, and year-round al fresco dining makes for the perfect dining experience.
Swan & Bar Bevy
The snazzy and chic brainchild of Pharrell Williams, executive chef Jean Imbert, and David Grutman of Groot Hospitality, Swan & Bar Bevy specializes in modern cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients. If you are looking for Miami luxury dining, this place is it. Fun Fact: David’s wife is the empowering Isa Grutman, founder of the eponymous jewelry brand, and so much more—meet her in this LHM exclusive interview!
Michael’s Genuine
A warm and welcoming dining experience, Michael’s Genuine strives to combine fine dining with a friendly atmosphere. The open kitchen layout with a wood-burning oven churns out everything from small brunch plates and fresh-shucked oysters to hand-crafted pizzas.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
The proud retainer of two Michelin Stars, L’Atelier offers an ever-changing Modern French menu. Influenced by the sushi counters of Japan, their counter seating offers a view into the kitchen and bar. Thus inviting guests to enjoy a front-row seat to the culinary-creative process and encouraging serendipitous interaction with servers and staff.
ZZ’s Club
A restaurant with a stunning interior and a private, invite-only membership club. At ZZ’s Club, you can enjoy some of the finest seafood and sushi Miami has to offer. Their omakase sushi bar crafts specialty plates with ingredients flown in from Tokyo, and the adjacent dining room serves a high-end, a la carte modern Japanese menu.
Jaffa Miami
At Jaffa, you’ll find dishes showcasing the rich complexity of Israeli and Mediterranean flavors. Executive Chef Yaniv Cohen brings his North African and Middle Eastern roots to MIA Market (a trendy and upscale food hall), serving up an exceedingly colorful and flavorful menu.
Dance the Night Away
Baronesh
With the goal of taking you on a spiritual journey away from all responsibilities and concerns, Baronesh has developed delicious cocktails with mesmerizing visuals and spectacular service so that, as they say, “you can drink, dance, and pursuit happiness.”
La Victoria
A Latin club with an exotic garden feel, La Victoria Social Club is a sophisticated and fun nightclub that aims to transport you to the most magical and memorable Latin-American carnival. They offer a diverse and upscale bottle list with everything from Dom Perignon Rosé to Don Julio 1942 tequila.
Relax & Beautify
Vita Luxury Body Club
A med club and “wellness sanctuary” that is also the neighborhood’s only full-service spa. Vita Luxury Body Club offers everything from massages and hair removal to injectables and body contouring; everything you need to feel and look your best!
Valery Joseph Salon
A name synonymous with premium salon experiences, the Miami Design District location is one of the newest salons opened by renowned hair stylist Valery Joseph. Known for creating exceptional cuts and healthy hair, as well as a highly acclaimed line of hair care products, Long by Valery Joseph, there are many reasons to visit this luxury Miami salon.
Vanity Projects Miami
Vanity Projects is a luxury nail boutique specializing in high-end nail art. Their unique artist-in-residence program allows the world’s top artists the chance to exchange ideas and techniques, offering clients top-of-the-line service and taking nail artistry to the next level.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
Aubi & Ramsa
Whoever said ice cream was just for kids has never had Aubi & Ramsa, where you can get your hands on a chocolate ice cream with not only chocolate chunks but two shots of Macallan. This 21 and up ice cream bar is the perfect after-dinner, adults-only treat, or a fun way to start your night on the town!
Experience Miami Design District Events
There is always something to do or see in the historic Miami Design District, be it a free concert series or an annual art fair. Check out their official events calendar to see what exciting things they have in store!
Design Miami/
Bringing together the most influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators, and critics from around the world, Design Miami is the premier event to view, collect, discuss, and create museum-worthy pieces of furniture. 2023 marks eighteen years of this iconic art fair.
December 6-10, 2023
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Jazz Night at Michael’s
All through the month of July, Wednesday evenings are all about Jazz Night at Michael’s. Enjoy a live jazz band, whiskey flights, specialty cocktails, and a special New-Orleans inspired menu.
6-9 PM Wednesday, July 5 – Wednesday, July 26, 2023
To Live & Dine
This 21-and-up event offers guests a chance to taste what the finest restaurants of Miami have to offer. To Live & Dine is a handcrafted tasting experience featuring creations from Aba, Makoto, Sofia, and more! Be sure to RSVP and secure your spot.
6-9 PM Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Instagram Shot Spots
If you’re looking for some stunning spots to snap the perfect pic, pretty much every corner in the Miami Design District offers at least one Instagram-worthy backdrop! From the Pink Striped Wall right next to Oliver Peoples to the artsy, eye-catching Jungle Plaza, great for snapping pics, relaxing in the shade, or just admiring as you pass by.
For the ultimate back-drop experience, be sure to visit the Original Selfie Museum. This photography studio/art space is tailor-made for fun and funky photo shoots. It’s an entire museum dedicated to creative backdrops and colorful sets for you to preen, pose, and play-it-up! A must-see (and a must-shoot) if you want to take your Instagram game to the next level.
Shop for Fashion
The Miami Design District is unlike any other mall or boutique because it is in itself a work of art. The landscaping, art, sculptures, and architecture make this center for luxury shopping unlike any other you’ve seen before. From Fendi, Bvlgari, Pucci, and on and on, luxury shopping galore awaits in the Miami Design District. Here are a few of our favorites.
Sevan Biçaçki
Experience Sevan Biçaçki’s exquisite jewelry at his first-ever showroom on the American continent! In this stunning space, you will find his ever-expansive imagination and incredible creativity on display, as well as see what many are calling the most beautiful luxury ceiling designs in Miami!
Balenciaga
Balenciaga’s Miami Design District location has two spacious floors comprising of both their men’s and women’s collections. Hard to miss with their two large, illuminated BALENCIAGA signs, and definitely worth taking a peek inside.
Blu Scarpa
Literally “Blue Shoes” in Italian, Blu Scarpa brings art, culture, and couture together in one beautiful blue experience. Specializing in handmade, luxury Italian footwear inspired by the Mediterranean Sea, Blu Scarpa offers eye-catching and top-of-the-line apparel and accessories as well.
XIMENA KAVALEKAS
This Miami based brand specializes in luxury handbags and accessories. Since its founding in 2015, the company has made waves with its bold styles and quality craftsmanship. All pieces are crafted in Italy and embellished in genuine python skin.
Alexander McQueen
Inspired by tradition and crafted with innovative creativity, Alexander McQueen is a name synonymous with British couture. Their sleek and timeless collections play with contradictions and balance. Here you will find their men’s and women’s collections, as well as accessories, footwear, and swimwear.
Shop for Luxury & Design
A design lover’s dream comes true when shopping for design in the Miami Design District! While the city of Miami offers many top design stores from downtown to Miami Beach, the Miami Design District is a special place for those looking for design.
Luxury Living
The Luxury Living Showroom is a one-stop shop for luxury furniture in Miami (or at one of their other locations worldwide)! From Fendi Casa, Bentley Home, Dolce & Gabbana, and Paul Mathieu, you are guaranteed to find luxury galore here!
Poltrona Frau
An Italian brand that, in 1926, was the appointed supplier of the Italian Royal Family. They have since grown internationally and offer elegant, understated pieces for both indoor and outdoor settings. Poltrona Frau offers sophisticated furniture as well as art, lighting, and custom interior services.
Armani/Casa
With a focus on perfect proportions and simple lines, Armani/Casa embodies the timeless elegance of the Armani brand. From stylish home decor to limited edition pieces signed by Mr. Armani himself, design lovers will enjoy the class and creativity of these refined collections.
Boffi | De Padova
Here, you can immerse yourself in a variety of interior scenes designed by the Style Department of Boffi | De Padova. The urban styles suggested in this showroom display their signature style, with refined architecture and sleek, modern designs.
Admire Art, Museum Style
Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, is dedicated to the promotion of contemporary art and to the exchange of art and ideas.
The de la Cruz Collection is a privately owned 30,000-square-foot museum that opened to coincide with Art Basel Miami. Their collection consists of paintings, sculptures, and site-specific installations.
Galeries Bartoux Miami is a bright, spacious gallery featuring paintings and sculptures from a range of artists.
The Rubell Family Collection is another privately owned museum with over 45,000 square feet of art consisting of pieces from renowned artists such as Cady Noland, Yuri Kusama, and Kara Walker.
Markowicz Fine Art showcases well-established as well as talented emerging artists from around the world. Be sure to plan your visit in advance, as their Miami gallery is by appointment only.
Words by Dylan Fanico and Bridget Kitson
Feature Image: Buckminster Fuller Dome Miami Design District | Photo by Phillip Pessar/Wikimedia
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