If you like Cheesecake factory, you'll love... and other Miami Beach, FL Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Nexxt

Nexxt is a moderately priced restaurant located on Lincoln Road. The menu is similar to Cheesecake Factory (I heard a rumor that its owned by a former CF chef) so that should give you an idea about the food, and the portions.

If you like Cheescake factory, you'll like this place as well. Large portions of everything, and its all pretty good. Its not the best, or the most original, but here you know what you're getting. And, much like CF, the desserts are incredible.

This isn't a place to go if you're seeking fine dining or a meal you can't get anywhere else. This is the type of place you go to when you're a "stick with what you know" type.

My only complaint here is the service. I believe gratuity is included, and the attitude of the staff seems to reflect that. Reservations are not accepted and there's usually a wait. The hostesses and servers generally display an attitude of "we don't need your business." Personally, I'm bothered by treatment like that, but maybe that's just me.

Favorite Dish: Anything you'd order at Cheesecake Factory and anything chocolate from the dessert menu.

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Theme: American
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 305.532.6643
Address: 700 Lincoln Road

Restaurant Name: Nobu

Nobu is another one of the great sushi restaurants imported from New York City. Since half the population of NYC lives in Miami for half of the year, or more, such things are expected.

Nobu is well regarded as one of the best sushi restaurants, if not the best. The menu is divided into selections of hot and cold appetizers, sushi and main courses. Guests are encouraged to select a few options from each category, especially if there is a large group. I found this to be a tremendous amount of food, and, while it was excellent, the different flavors and overall bounty presented was so excessive that it made me want t, literally, run from this place. I don't disagree with the critics who say that the food here is fantastic, but I don't agree that this is the best sushi place.

The restaurant atmosphere is lacking in decor, especially in comparison to the bar and the other Shore Club restaurants and bars. A friend commented that the interior looked more like cafeteria than a nice restaurant, and I can't help but agree. Still, the food is great and, if you believe the New Yorkers, it is the greatest sushi ever.

Favorite Dish: That would be so hard to pick since, on the times that I visited, we tried so many things that it was tough to tell them apart. I hate to say "its all good" as that is not particularly helpful. I'd say go for anything seafood and anything that looks different. Stay away from old reliables like chicken teriyaki as you can have that anywhere. Also, check out the martini menu and you will not be disappointed.

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Theme: Japanese/Sushi
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 305 695-3100
Address: 1901 Collins Ave
Directions: located in the Shore Club Hotel

Restaurant Name: Sushi Samba

Sushi Samba is a bar/restaurant on Lincoln Road, away from the main drag of South Beach. The sushi is great, the prices lower than the fancier South Beach establishments, although by no means on the level of budget (see Yoko's or Doraku tips for reasonably priced yet good sushi). In addition to sushi, japanese and brazilian food are available, as well as seafood and ceviche.

Sushi Samba is also a popular after work hangout and first stop on the nightlife scene. You get the neon interior and the fancy drinks but no velvet ropes or bouncers with an attitude.

This is the place I go to splurge a little without going completely over the top. The sushi is worth a few extra bucks, and the outdoor tables make for great people watching on good weather days.

Favorite Dish: Sushi

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Theme: Japanese/Sushi
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 305 673-5337
Address: 600 Lincoln Road
Directions: Lincoln Road, a couple blocks west of Washington Avenue

Restaurant Name: Bond Street

Bond Street is a sushi bar and bar located in the Townhouse Hotel. The restaurant is run by the same owners as the New York Bond Street and its service and food measure up to those standards.

The menu is virtually all sushi, with a few alternatives thrown in. Unlike standard sushi restaurants, Bond Street leans toward the exotic, or at least different, with selections of lobster tempura, amberjack and caviar rolls. Sushi rolls also come with various sauces that are sweet and/or spicy.

My only complaint about Bond Street is that its a small place, with few tables and it gets pretty cramped, especially for large groups sharing a few plates of sushi. But I think its the best sushi on the beach, especially since my beloved Bambu has closed, so the food makes up for the slight discomfort.

Favorite Dish: Try all the sauces that come with the sushi, especially the spicy ones. And be sure to have a Green Tea Martini, or two if you're not driving!

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Theme: Japanese/Sushi
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 305.398.1806
Address: 150 20th Street
Directions: In the Townhouse Hotel

Restaurant Name: Osteria Del Teatro

Osteria Del Teatro is one of the best Italian restaurants in Miami. It is a small, blink-and-you'll-miss-it, intimate restaurant located on Washington Avenue near Hispanola Way near Crobar. From the outside, the place seems like nothing extraordinary, but venture inside for one of the best meals of your life.

The food here is Northern Italian- a bit on the lighter side from the heavy pasta dishes and cream sauces of traditional fare. The crab ravioli in lobster sauce is a heavenly first course. The main courses are so expertly prepared that its hard to choose: seafood linguine, fresh fish or even one of their chicken dishes are all highly recommended. Don't make up your mind before hearing the specials.

Favorite Dish: I've been here several times and have never been disappointed. I'd visit for the crab ravioli alone, but the fresh seafood was phenomenal as well.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 305 538-7850
Address: 1443 Washington Avenue
Directions: 14th and Washington, right next to Crobar (although the sign says Cameo)
Other Contact: make reservations!

Restaurant Name: The Diner

This place is an authentic diner and one of the few that you will find in South Florida. Like most restaurants and many people, the diner was brought to South Florida from New York and, like most things in that category, the New York influence shows.

The diner is open 24 hours, which is not unusual on South Beach where things stay open around the clock. Unlike the Big Pink, this place is simply a diner and doesn't mess around trying to please the brie and cheese and smoked salmon type crowd (if there is such a thing.) It has great sandwiches and other greasy spoon type selections- i.e., meatloaf, roast turkey, etc.

One of the things that impressed me most about the diner is that they can make a great cheesesteak sandwich. Auithentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks are hard to come by outside of South Philly, and are practically non-existent in South Florida. But this place can make them. And I hear the milkshakes are great too (I was too full at that point to indulge further). Now, that's a diner.

Favorite Dish: The philly cheesesteak. Its still not Pat's, but its awfully close.

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Theme: Diner
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: (305) 534-6373
Address: 11th and Washington

Restaurant Name: The Forge

If I had to pick a favorite over-the-top restaurant, this would be it. The Forge is an old school style fancy restaurant which, in reality, is a bit too haughty for my taste. There is no sign on the door as one must know where The Forge is. That's not hard to do though, as you only need to spot the line of luxury cars at the valet stand and the red carpet leading under the canopy to the solid double doors.

The Forge may go over the top with its service and presentation (waiters bring out entrees covered with domes and remove the domes at the same time when the meal is served) but the food is truly excellent. Everything from the selection of breads to the end of the meal is so delicious you'll want to stuff yourself.

The onion soup is absolutely delicious, as is the fresh baked bread that is served continuously from silver platters. Prime rib is one of the best menu choices, along with a side of stuffed potatoes. Steaks are excellent, and the lobster thermidor is as well. But The Forge's signature dessert, Blacksmith Pie, is worth the price of admission, or the steep price of dinner. A combination of flourless chocolate torte, custard, creme and graham cracker crust, you could gain a couple of pounds just looking at it.


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Theme: American
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 305-538-8533
Address: 432 West 41st Street
Directions: From I-95, take the 195 exit east towards the beach. This road will end on 41st street. Continue towards the beach and look for the restaurant on the left.

Restaurant Name: Doraku

Doraku is a small, unpretentious place located on Lincoln Road. The sushi is fresh and delicious and they make great apple martinis. What more can you ask for?

Doraku also has one of the best happy hour deals in town. On Friday nights from 6 pm to 8 p, you can get free sushi and appetizers, usually dunplings and edamame, with a two drink minimum per person. Its a great after work place for groups and those seeking sushi on a budget.

Favorite Dish: Doraku has a full menu, but I stick to the sushi. Its all pretty standard and straightforward- you won't find anything exotic here- but they do have a wide variety of fish and seafood, including, conch, octopus and eel. But the sashimi is always very fresh.

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Theme: Japanese/Sushi
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 305.695.8383
Address: 1104 Lincoln Road
Directions: Lincoln Road near the movie theatre.
Website: www.miamibeach411.com

Restaurant Name: Nemo

It is not difficult to find great sushi on Miami Beach. But it is difficult to find a place that doesn't charge exorbitant prices, provide service that is on the arrogant side and where presentation is more about who is there than what is served.

Nemo's is a great alternative to the $100 per person meals served in many restaurants. It remains on the pricey side (the average entree costs around $25), but here you will get great, fresh seafood, friendly service and a casual atmosphere. You can't go wrong with raw oysters, unless, of course, you don't like them. The fish is always fresh and delicious and I hear the desserts are fantastic as well.


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Theme: Seafood
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 305.532.4550
Address: 100 Collins Avenue
Directions: 1st street and Collins
Website: www.nemosrestaurant.com

Restaurant Name: The Big Pink

The Big Pink is a quirky place that caters to all appetites. Its great late night weekend alternative to Denny's, a place for comfort food and more sophisticated appetizers and a great place for a fresh breakfast. I can't think of too many places that offer meatloaf, baked brie and glazed seabass, but the Big Pink has them all.

The burgers are fantastic and so is the fresh granola and the pancakes. The Big Pink also serves dinner style meals such as meatloaf and roast chicken. You'll pay a bit more here than you would at Denny's, but the portions are huge. On Friday and Saturday nights, the Big Pink stays open until 5 a.m.


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Theme: Diner
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 305.532.4700
Address: 157 Collins Avenue
Directions: Between 1st and 2nd streets on Collins Avenue, across the street from Opium Garden.
Website: www.bigpinkrestaurant.com