Sparkly, multi-colored lights and breezy open-air seating make the atmosphere casual yet festive and the loud Latin American music played through the speakers adds an element of nightlife fun. The food is traditional Puerto Rican but many items are similar or identical to other countries' specialties. Fajitas, churrasco and zarzuela de mariscos are a few of the tasty options. The bar serves upscale Caribbean cocktails.

The main attraction here is the constant sidewalk traffic. A light meal and some people watching can be the perfect break from a hard day of shopping. Do not miss out on the gelato for it is the best in town. There is primarily Italian fare on the menu. Thin crust pizzas and antipasti platters make good snacks. For a more filling meal, try one of the many pasta dishes. Located in Bayside Marketplace, Lombardi's offers prime seating. The restaurant's atmosphere is relaxed and festive.

Owned and operated by father-son team Esteban and Este Garcia, this restaurant has a comfortable, family-style atmosphere. Fresh seafood and low prices add to the appeal. Signature menu items include lemon-flavored grilled grouper and blackened or breaded fish of your choice. Blackboard specialties are usually a good bet. Seafood caesar salad makes a delicious starter. Other popular entrees include kingfish and stone crab. With the indoor/outdoor dining option, you can choose to sit overlooking the Miami River in good weather.

All frills aside, this restaurant may claim the distinction of serving the most delicious steaks in all of Miami. While the competition is fierce, local papers have declared this as the best steak in town for years. The atmosphere is relaxed, yet sophisticated. White linen tablecloths, a tile floor and huge windows combine to make a simple, yet stylish dining area. Along with the famous charbroiled center-cut steak, the restaurant serves seafood entrees such as cancun shrimp and lobster.

While Morton's may have originated far from the sunny beaches of Miami, locals embrace it. In fact, it is among the most popular steak houses in all of south Florida. Clubby, elegant and dimly lit, this is the quintessential Chicago steak house. At any given time, heavy hitters can be seen closing business deals in the privacy of secluded booths.Morton's is known for its juicy and thick steaks. Only the finest Grade A dry-aged beef is served.

This may look like a hole-in-the-wall, but do not let the bars on the window scare you away. There is nothing dangerous about this little Spanish restaurant, unless you are on a diet. Be sure to order some tapas, as they may prove to be enough for an entire meal. You will not believe the deals here: chicken and rice with shrimp, seafood soup, and other delicious dishes come for only a few dollars here. The dining area is tiny, with only a few tables and a counter space.

Established 1912, the oldest drinking establishment in Miami continues to be a favorite Happy Hour hangout among locals. Located on the outskirts of downtown Miami, this historic landmark attracts both suits and sandals. Follow the narrow path toward the back deck to find a festive mixture of drinkers, diners and dancers. Live bands, with a heavy leans towards the blues, appear weekly. The bar offers delicious chicken wings and daily drink specials.

Charcuterie Restaurant is not an easy place to find, but it's worth the extra effort to discover. A favorite lunch spot in downtown Miami's Design District, it's a great place for a quick meal while checking out the shops frequented by interior decorators. There are two floors of comfortable and private dining space. The menu features a number of French staple items (such as pate and salad Nioise), as well as Florida specialties (mainly fresh seafood). Be sure to ask about the daily specials.

Soyka is one of the major feats of local restauranteur extraordinaire Mark Soyka (of the Cardozo Cafe and Van Dyke Cafe), and it shows every sign of achieving the same level of success. Soyka's downtown location is a little seedy, compared to sophisticated South Beach. The crowd is diverse; families and scenesters alike crowd into the packed dining area and cozy courtyard. The menu features primarily American favorites (roast chicken, burgers) with a few more exotic dishes such as sesame seared salmon.

Everything about this restaurant is authentically Colombian, from the lively atmosphere to the fabulous food. It brings a touch of home to natives of Colombia and is a welcome experience for all others. A variety of traditional dishes can be found here. Menu items include arepas which are white corn pancakes, empanadas that is stuffed with ground meat and grilled steak pounded thin and marinated in lemon and garlic.