Eat, Stay & Play Like a Pro During Miami Art Week

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“Gone But Not Forgotten” by Damien Hirst, located at the Faena Hotel. Photography courtesy of Faena Hotel.

Ah, Miami Art Week—the time when the 305’s vibrant streets transform into the ultimate hub for all things creative. From the avant-garde to the globally renowned, this spectacle brings together art lovers, collectors and the see-and-be-seen crowd, transforming Miami into the ultimate destination for artistic works Dec. 3–8. While the Miami Beach Convention Center is where the heart of the action takes place for the renowned Art Basel fair, the magic spills into vibrant neighborhoods like Wynwood and the Miami Design District, showcasing art fairs, gallery openings and pop-up events at every turn.

If you’re looking to dive in like a pro, we’ve got the scoop on where to eat, stay and play to make the most of Art Basel and beyond. This guide has all the essentials to navigate The Magic City’s hottest week in style.

Artfully Delicious Bites

Art isn’t the only thing that will be on display this week. Many of the city’s top restaurants will be the talk of the town for their gastronomical excellence and equally delicious presentation.

Snapper Crudo from Le Jardinier in Miami’s Design District. Photography courtesy of The Bastion Collection.

Miami Beach

If ever in doubt about where to eat on the beach this Miami Art Week, you’ll never go wrong with the laid-back Italian tavern that’s Macchialina. It’s cozy. It’s consistent. And you can guarantee the freshest house-made pasta with seasonal touches, like tortelloni dressed in brown butter with cauliflower and walnut. There’s a pretty extensive cocktail list as well, but we recommend going for a nice glass of vino.

You’re in town for Art Basel, so better be sure you choose a dinner spot that’s equally as impressive presentation-wise. Our pick? Queen Miami Beach. Since opening last year inside the historic Paris Theater, the glamorous and over-the-top restaurant has garnered quite a reputation for theatrics—entertainment is offered nightly—and its Asian steakhouse-inspired menu. Opt for the intimate omakase pairing and prepare to be wowed by sushi chef Max Kamakura’s creations.

Amid all the art and chaos in the Magic City, sometimes you need a comforting classic—like pizza. While it’s in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood, Lucali earns its place on our list for one simple reason: it’s that good. Pizzaiolos craft their masterpieces using empty wine bottles to roll out the dough, placing them inside a wood-burning oven and emerging moments later as golden, bubbly creations.

Enjoy plates from the James Beard Award‑winning chef Tyson Cole at Uchi. Photography courtesy of Uchi.

Wynwood

Miami brims with sushi spots and omakase experiences, but Uchi stands out as one of the top contenders in Wynwood. Navigating the menu can feel daunting, but the knowledgeable servers make it easy by crafting a meal tailored to your tastes and budget. Favorite bites and hot dish items range from snow crab sashimi to a tartare with yuzu kosho crème fraiche and salt and vinegar chips.

Where do we even begin by recommending Doya? The modern Aegean hotspot earned a Bib Gourmand, and by booking a reservation here during Art Week, you’ll soon discover why. The menu features Greek and Turkish elements and is just as appropriate for a group brunch as it is for dinner, serving options like spicy yogurt with shredded potatoes, burnt butter and Turkish long peppers.

No list of Miami favorites would be complete without a nod to Zak the Baker, a beloved Bib Gourmand recipient. This laid-back Kosher cafe has earned its reputation as the go-to spot for breakfast or brunch, thanks to its menu packed with fresh-baked bread, pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads. It’s a no-fail choice for locals and visitors alike, but a word to the wise: arrive early. This hotspot fills up fast and for good reason—it never disappoints.

Elastika is one of the newer restaurants in the Design District. Photography by Todd Coleman.

Miami Design District

If you find yourself in the Miami Design District (MDD), be sure to grab dinner at the newest restaurant in the district: Elastika. It sits on the bottom floor of the recently reopened landmark Moore building, featuring a Zaha Hadid sculpture suspended above the four-story atrium. Dishes are artfully plated, with a few surprises along the way. Think Florida tomato gazpacho served with crusty fennel pollen focaccia and a cheese cart that’s wheeled tableside with delightful accompaniments for a savory take on “dessert.”

The Mandolin Aegean Bistro has wowed visitors and locals alike for over 15 years with its shareable Greek and Turkish plates, fresh seafood and mezes. Michelin Guide Miami has also awarded it a Bib Gourmand for three years in a row. The best part? The restaurant sits inside a restored 1940s home rich with blue gates and gorgeous bougainvillea, making it one of the area’s most notable outdoor spaces.

Le Jardinier earned its Michelin star at Florida’s inaugural Michelin Guide ceremony in 2022 and has proudly retained this prestigious accolade each year since. Book a reservation to enjoy meals crafted by chef Alain Verzeroli, who draws inspiration from 18 years of experience immersed in Japanese culture to bring the finest ingredients chosen and prepared at its peak seasonality. The everchanging French menu ranges from dishes like seared scallops with celery root purée, grilled apples and carrot reduction to lobster linguine with capers, spicy arrabbiata sauce and burrata.

Artful Escapes

Make the most of Miami Art Week by staying at some of the Magic City’s most art-forward hotels and resorts to reap the benefits of this creative city.

Stay at the Sagamore and attend highly-anticipated events for Art Week. Photography courtesy of Sagamore Hotel South Beach.

For more than two decades, the Sagamore Hotel South Beach has become synonymous with Art Basel for its highly anticipated events, year-round art programming and museum-quality exhibitions. This year, the historic Art Deco hotel will partner with BitBasel for an epic week-long immersive affair like no other. View artworks across fine art, artificial intelligence, digital art and more mediums in “The Future of the Arts” exhibition taking place in The Gallery, and don’t forget to RSVP to the annual Sagamore poolside brunch on the Garden Deck. The hotel will also host a range of events, including a Women in the Arts VIP Happy Hour and Creative Tech Investor Summit.

Wynwood’s first-ever hotel, ARLO, is the epitome of Miami’s creative soul, blending edgy design with laid-back vibes. Hang out at the vibey Higher Ground rooftop bar, grab a bite at the 90s hip-hop-themed collaboration with Sushi by Bou in a speakeasy and be sure to make time to check out Arlo Hotels’ Living Room Gallery series. British artist Chris Rivers is presenting his exhibition, “Cosmos,” on display through February in the third-floor gallery.

Lounge poolside or dip your toes in the ocean at Faena Hotel in Miami Beach. Photography courtesy of Faena Miami Beach.

The Betsy Hotel champions artistic excellence year-round, particularly during Miami Art Week. Serving as both an art institution and a cultural hub, it invites guests to immerse themselves in dynamic programs and initiatives that make art both accessible and engaging for all. This year, the hotel will display works by more than 15 new artists alongside its growing permanent collection, all curated by co-owner Lesley Goldwasser. Another highlight includes being selected as one of 12 hotels for the fifth edition of “No Vacancy,” a program by the City of Miami Beach and MBVCA. As part of this, “The Betsy Orb”—the iconic egg-shaped structure linking the hotel’s two buildings—will showcase a site-specific light installation by local transmedia artist [dNASAb].

For more than 13 years, the ultra-glam Faena Hotel on Miami Beach has supported the arts by creating a platform for artists to push the boundaries of their artistry. This year will be no different as the iconic property has several experiences in place, including newly commissioned site-specific installations throughout the Faena District. One of note is the over 40-foot “Seletega” by Nicholas Galanin, an installation partially buried on the sands of Faena Beach featuring Spanish ship’s masts, sails and rigging emerging from under the sand. The work showcases the occupation of Indigenous Land to the initial invasion of the “Americas” to extract wealth for European aristocracy.

Unmissable Moments & Must-See Shows

Check out these quirky shows and experiences around the city that are just as playful and deserving of a visit.

Super Blue

Super Blue invites you to step inside mind-bending installations and explore over 50,000 square feet of immersive experiences by world-renowned artists that will leave you in awe. Be sure to check out the new performance, “Lightfall.” Experience the captivating interplay of nature’s elements—air, water and light—in this innovative installation by Brussels-based Studio Lemercier, created in collaboration with electronic musician Murcof.

Museum of Ice Cream

Enjoy some Instagram-worthy moments at Smorgasburg Miami with open-to-the-public events. Photography courtesy of Smorgasburg Miami.

Unleash your inner child at the permanent Museum of Ice Cream in downtown Miami, where vibrant—and tasty—installations and an interactive playground await. From Dec. 4-8, MOIC Miami is celebrating Art Basel with a special offer: Guests with an Art Basel pass will receive a complimentary cocktail with their ticket.

Smorgasburg Miami: Art Week

Wynwood’s Smorgasburg Miami will transform into a vibrant hub for food and art lovers, featuring open-to-the-public events with local and national brands. Keep your eyes peeled for installations like VitaCoco’s “Coconut Village,” where food and drink vendors will incorporate their products, along with a tiki bar serving specialty cocktails and secret menu items.

Here’s your sneak peek at some of the must-see exhibitions, experiences, and pop-ups that are definitely worth the drive south.

by Melissa Puppo | November 29, 2024