In the heart of Miami’s downtown but still on the water, the EPIC hotel is business-y but with a flirty edge. In keeping with that tone is their signature restaurant Zuma. Originally from London, Zuma now has several international outlets, including Hong Kong, Istanbul and Dubai, but their Miami space might be their most beautiful. The style of cuisine here is izakaya – traditionally, small, tapas-like plates served in working class Japanese bars to men who have just knocked off work. At Zuma, the quality has been elevated but the philosophy of laid-back eating accompanied by lots of booze remains intact. Signature dishes like roast lobster with shizo-ponzu butter, rice hotpot with wild mushrooms and spicy beef with sesame, soy and chilli, are well complemented by an extensive wine list with plenty of international options. If you’re looking to close a deal over lunch that ends with midnight karaoke, this might be place for you.

Location

A combination of three, mostly non-residential neighbourhoods, including the newly fashionable Design District, Downtown Miami is still a business centre at heart. There are things to see here and some great restaurants, plus it’s closer to Wynwood than South Beach, but expect to go elsewhere for an after-hours party scene.

Zuma | 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami | + 1 305 577 0277

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