With the holiday break approaching, there is plenty to do (and to eat) here in South Florida. Below are the top six restaurants to try. Each are highly recommended and provide great food and a great dining experience.

1. Malibu Farm 

Malibu Farm is located at the Eden Roc hotel in Miami Beach. The restaurant overlooks the ocean and serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. Malibu Farm specializes in farm-to-table cuisine that is always fresh and locally sourced. The rustic-modern feel of the restaurant, along with trendy food choices that include açai bowls and avocado pizza, make it a must-try restaurant in South Florida. 

2. Swan

Swan is located in the center of the Miami Design District. It first opened in 2018 by singer and producer Pharrell Williams and French chef Jean Imbert. The two-story restaurant with a rooftop lounge has a soft pink aesthetic on one floor, and a dark velvet aesthetic on the other. The restaurant serves food inspired by flavors from around the world.

3. The Alchemist

The Alchemist in Wilton Manors is more of a café than it is a restaurant, but it offers a variety of brunch and lunch options, as well as many specialty coffees. These options include avocado toast, waffles, and golden coffee. Junior Danielle Asnis explains that “The food is really good, and if you like coffee, you should definitely go there. The café is very aesthetically pleasing and has a lot of cool plants and outdoor seating.” 

4. Dior Café

The Dior pop-up café is located on an outdoor terrace on the third floor of Dior’s boutique in the Miami Design District. The café is filled with modern outdoor seating, a multitude of plants and trees, and oversized 3D sculptures of animals. Unfortunately, the pop-up café will only remain open until the spring, so make sure to try it soon before it closes.

5. RH Rooftop Restaurant

The RH Rooftop Restaurant has multiple locations around the country, one being in West Palm Beach. The restaurant is located on the rooftop of the four-story Restoration Hardware showroom. The restaurant is filled with large potted trees, modern black and white couches and tables, and a grand stone fountain, making it a photo-worthy visit in addition to a delicious meal. The RH restaurant serves only brunch and dinner, with favorite dishes including avocado toast and lobster rolls.

6. Bear’s Food Shack

Bear’s Food Shack in Delray Beach is a much more casual restaurant than the others on the list. The restaurant’s Hawaiian theme shines through in both the colorful, beachy environment and the food. The menu includes a variety of smoothies, acai bowls, poke bowls, and tacos. Bear’s is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Sources: Eater Miami, Eden Roc Hotel Miami, The Alchemist, Miami Design District, Miami Design District, The Palm Beach Post, Open Table, Bear’s Food Shack