Story originally appeared on Marriott Vacation Club.
The opening of a host of food halls in Miami has greatly expanded your dining options when exploring the city’s lively neighborhoods.
From sampling traditional Latin flavors to trying dishes sourced from around the globe, you can get a taste of Miamis rich cultural diversity by visiting these food halls:
Time Out Market Miami
Located in ever-trendy South Beach, Time Out Market Miami is perhaps the most upscale of the city’s food halls and the go-to for fans of celebrity chefs: James Beard Award winner Norman Van Aken, Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford, and Chopped champion Giorgio Rapicavoli all have locations among the 18 eateries. The vibe is energetic, offering everything from Korean small plates to chicken with foie gras stuffed waffles.
In between noshing, you can stroll Ocean Drive to take in the classic Art Deco architecture, and shop along Collins Avenue or the pedestrian-only Lincoln Road Mall.
Politan Row
Formally known as the St. Roch Market, Politan Row Miami is located in the Design District and offers diners 11 restaurants centered around a bustling craft cocktail bar. Don’t miss Itame, a mash up of Peruvian and sushi, whose brother-and-sister owners recently earned semifinalist honors in the James Beard Awards, or fine dining at Dal Plin, serving pasta cooked to perfection from its Milanese owners.
Once a sleepy neighborhood, the Design District has become a top destination for art and style mavens over the past decade. Among its attractions are the Institute of Contemporary Art, a free museum showcasing under-the-radar modern artists, or the adjacent de la Cruz Collection, featuring a private collection of international contemporary works.
1-800 Lucky
If Asian cuisine is your thing, 1-800 Lucky will become your happy place. This specialty market features seven Asian restaurants, blending the culinary diversity of Asian street food with a booming, hip-hop soundtrack. Be forewarned, this isn’t your quiet, romantic date night spot its a sensory overload of spicy, sweet and savory goodness in everything from bao buns to Asian barbecue, dim sum and desserts. Try the ramen at Hayato Miami and Asian ice cream served in fish-shaped waffle cones at Taiyaki.
Located in Wynwood, 1-800 Lucky is in the neighborhood perfect to fill your Instagram feed with the many murals around every turn. Top street artists like Shepard Fairey, Maya Hayuk and Eduardo Kobra feature prominently. For additional shareable shots, head to the Unicorn Factory, an immersive space designed to fire up the imagination and bring dreams to light.
La Centrale
At La Centrale, you can live La Dolce Vita, Miami-style. A mercato sells gourmet Italian groceries, and a wine bar, bubbly bar and aperitivo bar stand ready to ply you with liquid libations. Next, full service restaurants featuring Italian cuisine from all regions await.
Since La Centrale is located in the Brickell City Centre, plan to make some extra time for shopping in the heart of the city’s financial district.
The Citadel
One of the biggest food halls in South Florida, The Citadel offers a dizzying array of dining options, as well as arts and crafts vendors. A few highlights: Beloved local chef Richard Hales helms Society BBQ, while Chef Raymond Li, whose Palmar in Wynwood made Bon Appetit’s list of the 50 Best Restaurants, operates an outpost here. Plus, don’t miss capping off a meal with pastries or gourmet chocolates at Bachour.
Before or after fueling up at The Citadel, check out the Little River District, which is emerging as one of Miamis hipper hoods. During the day, explore shops like Fabrice Tardieu, featuring the patterned leather sneaker designs of the custom shoemaker, or visit galleries like the Mindy Solomon Gallery, showcasing work from emerging and mid-career artists.
Lincoln Eatery
In the heart of South Beach, the 16 restaurant-strong Lincoln Eatery brings artisan grab-and-go fare to this bustling area . Try Smoked, the first kosher BBQ establishment in Miami Beach, or the elevated menu with a Southern twist at Necessary Purveyor.
Stay and eat in the food hall, or head back to the beach and let people-watching be the perfect pairing with your meal.
