Novikov
The first US branch of London’s celeb-magnet Asian-fusion restaurant Novikov debuts on Biscayne Bay in Downtown Miami this month. The brainchild (and namesake) of Russian restaurateur Arkady Novikov, it serves a blend of Chinese and Japanese cuisine. As in its outposts in Moscow and Dubai, expect a dazzling display of fresh seafood and in-season vegetables. Guests are encouraged to peruse the selection and pick their ingredients. Traditional dishes get luxed up with pricey extras — think: Peking duck with caviar, and sushi with truffles. Novikov Miami.
The Taco Stand / Hiden
This hopping Wynwood Mexican joint, which opened in February, has a secret. Sure, the 45-seat restaurant up front (the first East Coast location of a California minichain) serves up great burritos, carne asada fries and churros. But tucked in the back, behind an unmarked door locked with a keypad, is an eight-seat omakase restaurant called Hiden. Brazil-born chef Tadashi Shiraishi meticulously carves and tenderly shapes each morsel of fish for a spectacular multicourse meal. A reservation gets you a code that opens that inconspicuous door. Hiden Miami.
Skorpios
Nautical vibes abound at this Greek joint in Midtown, named for the private island owned by the late Aristotle Onassis. Turkish chef Erhan Ozkaya oversees the Mediterranean staples that come galloping out of the kitchen. Soak up punchy dips with fresh-baked bread, then feast on heartier mains like leg of lamb, chicken souvlaki and fresh-caught fish. Onassis reportedly hosted many a bash on his isle (including one in honor of his bride, Jackie O), so owner Eric Milon pumps Mediterranean pop music and ups the party vibe with plenty of outdoor seating. Skorpios Miami.
Amara at Paraiso
Perched on Biscayne Bay, the newest eatery from James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz is a chic oasis within an in-progress condo development in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood. Schwartz uses wood-fired grills and Josper charcoal ovens to churn out tasty Latin-infused dishes, from corn-leek empanadas to cobia fish wrapped in a banana leaf with coconut chutney. Sunday brunch is a treat; in addition to the regular menu, carts deliver always-changing sweet and savory small plates (dulce flan, tilefish tacos) tableside. Amara At Paraiso.
Planta
Nightclub king David Grutman’s empire expands again with Planta, a plant-based spot he brought from Toronto to this barnlike South of Fifth space. From cocktails made with cold-pressed juice, activated charcoal and kombucha to faux “sushi” (the “tuna” is dehydrated watermelon) and “octopus” (made from mushrooms), the offerings are mostly locally sourced — and good for you, too. Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, Patriots tight end Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski and actor Mark Wahlberg have all recently stopped by. Planta Restaurants.