To quote one of our favorite sayings, “Life happens at intersections.” Nowhere is that more apparent than in Miami’s glamorous Design District, where art, fashion, architecture, and cuisine converge in a dazzling display of creativity. Once a quiet pineapple farm known as Buena Vista, this neighborhood has evolved into one of the city’s most dynamic cultural enclaves — a transformation led by visionary developer Craig Robins, who reimagined its historic buildings as the foundations for Miami’s modern creative hub.
Today, the Design District is a vibrant mix of high-end boutiques, avant-garde galleries, and remarkable restaurants, all nestled within just a few city blocks. Whether you’re visiting for the art, the food, or the atmosphere, the best way to truly experience it is to slow down and let the neighborhood unfold before you.
If you want to dive deeper into its layered culture, join our Miami Design District Walking Food Tour, where one of our expert guides connects the dots between design, flavor, and history. But if you’re setting out on your own, here’s a perfect day of discovery in Miami’s Design District.
Start your morning right in the heart of the Design District at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, a local institution that helped define the neighborhood’s culinary identity. Helmed by Chef Michael Schwartz, a James Beard Award winner, this restaurant celebrates simple, honest food crafted from fresh, local ingredients.
Settle into one of the leafy outdoor tables and explore a brunch that’s anything but ordinary. Think Kimchi Benedict with crispy pork belly and kimchi hollandaise, or Florida rock shrimp balanced on a crispy rice cake with chili aioli. Pair your meal with an En Fuego cocktail, a bright mix of tequila, watermelon, serrano chili, and lime, and you’ve got a morning that feels uniquely Miami — vibrant, creative, and full of flavor.
The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) is a cultural cornerstone in the Design District, offering free admission to one of our city’s most forward-thinking art collections. The museum champions local and emerging artists, displaying experimental works that challenge and inspire.
The building itself is a work of art, a minimalist architectural statement that perfectly complements the neighborhood’s sleek aesthetic. Wander through its galleries and outdoor sculpture garden; it’s the ideal way to balance brunch indulgence with a dose of creative inspiration.
Looking for more ways to embrace your creative side during your stay? We think you’ll love reading our Art Lover’s Guide to Miami next!
By the time the afternoon rolls around, your senses and your appetite will be ready for another indulgence. There’s one standout option: Itamae, the acclaimed family-run Peruvian-Japanese (Nikkei) restaurant that has earned national recognition, including multiple James Beard Award nominations.
Here, traditional Peruvian flavors meet Japanese precision in dishes that are both inventive and heartfelt. Try the El Tigre roll, filled with sweet plantain, avocado, and shiitake, or the Sureno tiradito, with shrimp, red onion, and huacatay leche de tigre. It’s a bold and colorful reflection of the district itself — where cultures blend, and creativity thrives.
At the time of writing in late 2025, Itame is currently in between locations. They have vacated their old spot at 140 NE 39th Street but are actively searching for another. In fact, Chef Nando Chang even took to Instagram to say: “Itamae AO isn’t going away. We’re excited to find our new home.”
Hopefully, by the time you read this, they will already be up and running again!
After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the open-air streets to admire some of Miami’s most striking design elements.
Start with the Buckminster Fuller Fly’s Eye Dome, an enormous fiberglass sphere that dominates Palm Court. Conceived in 1965 and completed decades later through the efforts of developer Craig Robins, this masterpiece symbolizes innovation and imagination — both hallmarks of the Design District. We also included the wider Palm Court as one of our picks for the five places you must visit in the Miami Design District.
Then, wander down Jade Alley, designed by Daniel Toole. It’s a hidden corridor lined with concrete facades and flowering trees, offering a cool, contemplative retreat from the hustle and bustle. Nearby, the Leong Leong Facade on 3800 NE 1st Avenue transforms a parking garage into an architectural wonder. Its titanium-coated panels shimmer like sunlight on water, proving that even utilitarian spaces can be canvases for creativity.
And don’t forget to browse the many fashion houses that make this district a style destination — from Dior’s award-winning architecture to local boutiques like Lower East Coast, which curates rare streetwear brands with a Miami twist.
As afternoon turns to evening, treat yourself to a refined dining experience at Le Jardinier, a Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Alain Verzeroli. The name means “The Gardener,” and it’s an apt description for this lush, plant-filled space that celebrates seasonal, vegetable-forward cuisine.
The menu reflects a modern French sensibility, with dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Think chilled soups, delicate seafood, and beautifully balanced plates that highlight nature’s palette. Whether you’re seated indoors amid the greenery or on the serene terrace, Le Jardinier provides a sophisticated, sensory conclusion to your day of artful exploration.
If you prefer a more rustic and romantic finish, step into Mandolin Aegean Bistro, a beloved Miami classic that transports guests straight to the Mediterranean. Housed in a 1940s bungalow and draped in calming white and blue tones, this Greek-Turkish restaurant is run by husband-and-wife team Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis.
Begin with a spread of mezze — the baked feta with smoked chili flakes or the grilled octopus are favorites — before moving on to the Manti Dumplings or a perfectly grilled Mediterranean sea bass. Pair it with a glass of wine or a sip of ouzo, and let the relaxed rhythm of the evening carry you away.
From morning to night, Miami’s Design District offers incredible experiences — a celebration of art, architecture, and culinary excellence all in one walkable neighborhood. But to truly unlock its stories, join Miami Culinary Tours for our Miami Design District Walking Food Tour.
Our passionate local guides will lead you through the area’s most inspired bites, hidden art gems, and architectural wonders, weaving together the flavors and stories that define this creative hub. And don’t forget to browse our wider range of Miami food and culture tours for even more inspiration!
Do you have any questions for our team? Please just contact us for the answers you need.
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