Even the most dedicated shoppers need a mid-day break to rest, refuel, and treat themselves to a much-deserved mimosa. So next time you’re planning to shop ‘til you drop in the Miami Design District, take a breather at one of our favorite neighborhood brunch spots.
A classic brasserie at its core, Cypress Tavern is what happens when James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz waves his magic wand and comes up with an American grill and cocktail concept. Go for weekend brunch and indulge in elevated cuisine like lobster avocado toast, wood-grilled giant prawns, Croque Madame’s with ham, gruyere, béchamel and fried egg, or sweet endings like Chocolate Pot de Crème with brioche toast and whipped cream. Quench your thirst with a fresh “Happy Juice” blend of carrot, ginger, turmeric, and pineapple, or for a real kick, try the “Weekend at Burnie’s” cocktail. It’s a mix of Greenhat Gin, cherry, lime, and Fever Tree Ginger Ale.
Led by chef and co-owner Dena Marino, MC Kitchen is a haute Italian spot with a simple yet sophisticated menu. Fan favorites off the brunch menu include dishes like the Black Mission Fig Pizzetta with cippolini marmalade; fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes filled with vanilla cream, raspberries and organic maple syrup; and a Pulled Short Rib, Egg and Cheese Open-Face Panino with Calabrian chili aioli, caramelized onion, arugula and pan jus that is just as mouthwatering as it sounds.
For authentic Italian fare with a distinctly “Dena” twist, try the Black Truffle Bruschetta with poached egg, shaved black Périgord truffles, crispy prosciutto and creamy Parmigiano reggiano fonduta, or the Roasted Pear and Cheese Fiocchi with robiola, grana padano, ricotta, taleggio and white truffle cream. Both promise to lure you back in no time.
Lemoni Café
Inspired by chef Assia Dahrouch’s French-Moroccan and Mediterranean roots, Lemoni Café is known for its long menu of European-style paninis, wraps, sandwiches and salads. A favorite amongst locals, this intimate café mixes comfort food with healthier options, including vegan and vegetarian dishes, and boasts a tasty brunch menu of blueberry pancakes, nutella French toast, Moroccan fruit salad, a quinoa omelet with sundried tomatoes and avocado goat cheese, a charcuterie plate with dried figs, and even a vegan “meatballs” casserole with sautéed spinach, vegan Parmesan cheese, and Ciabatta bread.
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Michael's Genuine Food & Drink
James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz is a namesake here in Miami and his namesake restaurant proves why. To kick-off your brunch, opt for a savory favorite like avocado toast topped with a poached farm egg, breakfast pizza with house smoked bacon and jack cheese, or a surprising stracciatella with peaches, basil, extra-virgin olive oil and fleur de sel.
Sugar lovers will swoon over the Florida pink guava popsicle or banana rum sticky bun, while snacks like hand-shaped falafels, crispy pig ears, or thick cut potato chips with pan-fried onion dip satisfy almost any craving. Wash it all down with Michael’s house-made ginger-mint soda, fresh-squeezed orange juice, or a “Ruby Red” cocktail made with prosecco, St. Germain, orange, and grenadine.
Buena Vista Bistro
A laid-back,1950s-inspired setting with an eclectic, French menu and charming feel, Buena Vista Bistro is where Design District locals go for good food and drink. Led by renowned French chef Claude Postel — who still goes to the market daily — Buena Vista Bistro serves up simple dishes made extraordinarily well; from eggs benedict with smoked salmon, Eggs Brouillé aux crab, and steak and eggs, to pancakes and red fruits, tropical fruit salads, ham and cheese omelets, and more.
