A Florida Kid's Guide to Miami
Streamlined picks for those seeking sunshine
I’m all about a focused city guide. Don’t get me wrong—I love a giant list of 60+ recommendations if I’m going somewhere for a while, but sometimes all you really need is a top 15 from someone you trust, so you can dive into a trip without too much extra research.
Last year, before Art Basel, I put together a pretty detailed Miami guide. If you want the full rundown, it’s here and below, but I thought it’d be nice to edit it down for anyone just coming for a few days.
Everything you should know about in Miami for Art Basel week and beyond
Fun fact: I’m proud to be a South Florida kid. As much as I was eager to leave the Sunshine State and go to NYU at 18 years old, I look back on my childhood here and realize how special it was being from a place that’s, generally, pretty random. In my entire 12 years of living in New York, not one person guessed I was from Florida. In fact, I mostly enc…
As I write this, I’m reflecting on the fact that in February of ‘25 I’ll have been living in Miami for four years. Four years. Where did the time go?
What started as a casual Irish exit from New York in ‘21 has turned into the next chapter of our lives. The city’s going through an exciting new wave, and I feel grateful to be part of it.
So here’s my refined list—the spots that feel like second homes to me now. I hope you get a chance to check them out and love them as much as I do.
EATS
Sunny’s — This place is everything you’d dream a Miami steakhouse to be, with the perfect indoor/outdoor vibe anchored by a magical Banyan tree at its center. Every dish—steak, duck, even the potatoes—is cooked to perfection, and you can’t miss the Parker House rolls with honey butter, plus an excellent wine list and stellar martinis.
Boia De — We love a Michelin-star spot tucked next to a laundromat, with a low-key vibe— cozy inside, and outdoor seating in a parking lot, if you’re up for it. Every dish here is incredible (don’t miss the Luci’s Chopped Salad or the tiramisu); they’re the best I’ve had, and I think about that salad weekly.
La Natural — This is easily my favorite neighborhood restaurant, with a calming, beautiful vibe and the best pizza in Miami. Javier, the owner, has crafted an incredible menu—don’t miss the Japanese sweet potato or the rigatoni, which is somehow the only al dente pasta I’ve had in Miami.
ZZ’s (for lunch) — This members-only club is now open to the public for lunch, with stunning rooms, an elegant vibe, and incredible service. It’s a spot I love bringing my mom to—and even my 80-year-old dad, who has no patience for over-the-top dining, says it has a classic feel that reminds him of the '50s and '60s; don’t miss the miso Caesar (my second-favorite salad in Miami) and the Wagyu sando.
Caracas Bakery — The toasts, the pastries, the coffee, the vibes—this family-owned spot is a true gem. Come for the perfect coffee and fresh breads, stay for the occasional Joe Jonas spottings and casual South Florida atmosphere.
Peel — Better-for-you soft serve made with just two ingredients: bananas and coconut milk. They use “ugly fruit” (aka perfectly good but slightly bruised bananas) to create a creamy soft serve with all kinds of toppings—a delicious choice for breakfast, a mid-afternoon treat, or a post-workout snack. Owners Valeria and her husband Marshall are the kind of people who make the Miami community feel so special.
Flora Plant Kitchen — My favorite neighborhood breakfast spot—it’s the closest thing Miami has to Café Gratitude. Pura Vida is solid for take away, but Flora has soul. I love the team, the vision behind the menu, and the light, fresh dishes. It’s a truly relaxing spot that makes you grateful to live under the sun all year round.
And of course, Mandolin, but you already knew that one.
SPA, DRINKS, GENERAL HANG VIBES
The Standard Spa — Whether you're relaxing at the spa, swinging in a hammock, or enjoying a drink at Lido, by the pool, or in the cozy Monterey Bar, it’s the ultimate go-to. Perfectly positioned between the beach and the mainland, it blends the contemporary energy of the city with the laid-back, timeless vibe of Miami Beach.
Surf Club at The Four Seasons — As elegant as it gets in Miami, with a heavy dose of Palm Beach charm. Whether you’re sipping at the Champagne Bar or dining at the Surf Club Restaurant, it’s truly the best of the best in the city. Date night, girls' night, clients in town—just book here. It won’t disappoint.
Faena — The spa here is a totally different vibe from The Standard but just as excellent. The best masseuse in Miami works here—just ask for Shane (you’re welcome). Expect a more glam Miami feel— there’s a fantastic pool, beach access, and consistently great restaurants. You could easily post up here all day, bonus that it’s a central mid-beach location.
MOVEMENT + SELF CARE
Nofar Method — New Yorkers already know that Nofar is the spot. Her beach location brings everything you’d want from the Nofar method, plus such a special community between the two cities.
Reserve Padel — This padel member’s club just opened in the Design District, and it’s a true padel oasis. Non-members can book their Seaplane location, and they also have courts in Hudson Yards in NY, with another soon opening on the city’s east side—if you’re in Miami and want to play or book a lesson, let’s go!
Amy Peterson — Amy is the reason my skin looks the best it ever has. Whether you’re after her signature ‘magic hands’ facial or a custom laser treatment, Amy and her team are the ones to see—I used to be afraid to do anything to my face, and she’s the only person I trust to keep it looking natural and dialed.
ART
ICA — The Institute of Contemporary Art offers an essential international platform for local, emerging, and under-recognized artists, fostering public appreciation for today’s most innovative work. With its stunning garden and year-round free admission, it’s a must-visit—be sure to check out the Robert Gober piece on the floor of the first gallery to your left.
Superblue —This is a new addition to my recommendation list because the current artist lineup is on another level, with a TeamLab experience—usually a must-see in Japan, now right here in Miami. Don’t miss the James Turrell installation (I first experienced this at the Chichu Art Museum in Naoshima, Japan in 2019), the mesmerizing Es Devlin labyrinth, the enchanting Rafael Lozano-Hemmer piece, and the hypnotic Studio Lemercier light work. It’s kind of wild these are all in our backyard. Take advantage!
And if you’re planning to head down to Miami the week of December 2nd for Art Basel, you’ll want to hit a mix of the main Art Basel fair, Design Miami, Untitled, NADA, Scope, Art Miami, Context, and more.
Let me know if you have any specific Miami or Art Basel questions. Hope to see you here soon.
Take care, and take your time, always.
Dianna
And now… Three Things I Love and a Haircare Tip: Miami Edition
The Standard ‘Take Home Spa’ Candle ($45) Talk about a product name that delivers on its promise—I’ve been burning it day and night (alternating with our Nette x Crown Affair candle), and I’m in heaven. For a while, my go-to hotel scent was The Edition candle (it takes me right back to our wedding weekend), but this one has officially taken the throne as my favorite. It blends floral notes of jasmine, rose, and ginger lily with the rich undertones of vetiver, driftwood, sand accord, and tuberose. Mint adds a herbaceous touch, balanced with the warmth of vanilla and the brightness of mandarin orange. We love.
Éliou Vivi Necklace ($150) Everything Éliou touches oozes effortless cool. Founders Cristy and Duda bring such an elevated playfulness to their creations that you can’t help but smile. I love this piece, but honestly, everything on their site is a vibe. When you’re in Miami, check out their store in Little River—it’s right around the corner from La Natural and one of my favorite home stores, Casa de Barcelona.
Aureum No. 14 Belt ($175 on sale from $250) I’ve been loving everything Aureum is doing lately, especially their belts, and this cowhide one is no exception. I met the founder, Cass, in NYC early in the pandemic (we shared the same warehouse back then!) and we both moved to Miami around the same time—her social is amazing, but she’s even more incredible in real life. It’s been comforting to have her just down the street as we grow our businesses in parallel.
A Haircare Tip!
South Florida’s humidity can be no joke, so here’s what I do to help keep hair smooth and as frizz-free as possible—
Try a Leave-In Conditioner and Hair Oil Combo: After washing and conditioning, I work a few pumps of the Crown Affair Leave-In Conditioner through damp hair. This product helps lock in moisture, which is key in South Florida’s humidity, where hair tends to absorb water from the air. Follow up with The (hair) Oil, applying it mid-lengths to ends. The oil seals in hydration and creates a subtle barrier against frizz without weighing hair down. Style as you usually do— heat or no heat.
Bonus Tip: Skip heat styling whenever possible. Air drying or keeping heat minimal lets your natural texture shine and lasts longer in humid weather. I love using The Texturizing Air Dry Mousse to define my natural wave and keep frizz at bay. But if you do need heat, opt for a humidity-resistant heat protectant (or a Leave-In Conditioner that has a heat protectant already in it, like ours) to keep things smooth and simple. Effortless, humidity-ready hair awaits.
The only thing I would add is a visit to Gramps Getaway in Key Biscayne or the original Gramps bar in Wynwood. My brother-in-law is the owner, and I got married there on the back patio! <3
Love this! Do you have a hair salon in Miami you recommend? Ended up here for a bit after the LA fires