Barchetta On The Bay
Waterfront seats with sweeping views (and a chance of dolphin-spotting) distinguish Barchetta On The Bay, a vast Italian eatery in North Bay Village, from its many fratelli; a value-priced menu with crowd-pleasers like crab cakes, calamari, hearty pastas and a raw bar means that spectators don't go hungry, especially during the lively weekday happy hours (1601 79th St. Cswy.; 305-861-2228).
As hot as its crispy frites accompanying the moules, Maison d'Azur, a seafood-centric French brasserie, is South Beach's latest firecracker, offering such luxe fare as caviar ‘sliders’ and langoustines shipped from Brittany; a DJ, gold crushed-velvet sofas, Venetian plaster walls and cozy outdoor nooks shaded by lush palms combine to make the experience so very St. Tropez – as do the prices (660 Washington Ave.; 305-534-9600).
Those aren't the only restaurants that opened in Miami this fall. Be sure to check out: