Miami for foodies

Wish Restaurant

Whether you're in Miami for February's South Beach Wine and Food Festival or August's Miami Spice event, you've got to dine at least once under the palms at award-winning Wish, in the garden of The Hotel of South Beach. Named a national "Rising Star" chef by Restaurant Hospitality, Executive Chef Marco Ferraro continues to set trends with his Gallic touches and "keep it simple" philosophy. For both food and ambience, Wish could be one of your most memorable meals in the Magic City. www.wishrestaurant.com www.sobewineandfoodfest.com

Sra. Martinez

One of Miami's hottest reservations this season is Sra. Martinez, the latest restaurant opened by celebrity Chef Michelle Bernstein. Tapas-sized portions of delicate shrimp tiradito and bacon-wrapped medjool dates stuffed with Valdeon blue cheese seduce. Foodies in town for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival will be trekking to the Design District in droves to dine at the altar of Ms. Bernstein who shares Festival billing with other culinary luminaries like Anthony Bourdain, Nobu Matsuhisa and Canada's own Susur Lee. www.chefmichellebernstein.com

Michael's Genuine Food & Drink

Here you'll rub shoulders with Design District architects, designers and celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Queen Latifah and CSI Miami's David Caruso who appreciate Chef Michael Shwartz's trademark new American cuisine. Bistro-type specialties from the wood roasted oven feature. Michael Schwartz shares South Beach Wine and Food Festival star billing with Food Network celebrity chefs Paula Deen, Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, Ming Tsai and Guy Fieri. It's definitely one of Miami's most popular restaurants. www.michaelsgenuine.com

Ola Miami

Whether you're in South Beach for January's Art Deco Weekend or February's Wine and Food Festival, dining at Ola--in sleek Sanctuary Hotel--is simply a must-do. Chef Douglas Rodriguez is known as the "Godfather of Nuevo Latino Cuisine" and you really haven't lived until you've washed down his unusual lobster ceviche, smoked marlin tacos or signature puerco asado with one of Ola's famous icy mojitos. Absolutely one of Miami's very best restaurants. www.olamiami.com

Cacao

If you're in Coral Gables for its swank art galleries and exclusive shops, call ahead to reserve a table at romantic Cacao. Named one of South Florida's Top 10 Restaurants by Zagat, Cacao is owned by Chef Edgar Leal whose modern Latin cuisine is inspired by heritage classics and his own travels abroad. Wild boar is a specialty and exceptionally tender. Don't pass on dessert here: Leal's wife and partner is renowned Pastry Chef Mariana Montero de Castro. Her delectable specialty? chocolate, of course. www.cacaorestaurant.com