Best Watches to Wear to Miami Restaurants

There’s no denying that the Miami culinary scene is having a moment right now. Miami’s vibrant culture has always drawn in tourists and visitors who are looking to appreciate world-class art, design, and beaches. But now, it seems that Miami is becoming a top foodie destination in its own right. The city’s Latin American and Caribbean components have played a starring role in the transformation of Miami’s dining scene. Plus, an influx of top-tier chefs from around the globe has added to the hype, nurturing a dynamic and ever-expanding culinary atmosphere.

Miami is known for its art, beaches, nightlife, culture, and fashion… and delicious food is not far behind. The next time you’re in town, make sure to visit the city’s hottest restaurants for memorable meals and satisfying sips you won’t forget anytime soon. Miami is also a mecca for people-watching and celeb-spotting, especially at these hot locations where grabbing a table is more difficult than avoiding a sunburn. Today, we’ll cover the best bites in Miami, plus share some key tips on picking the perfect watch for each dining experience.

Located in the Brickell neighborhood, La Mar is situated amongst jutting skyscrapers and a hub of international cuisine. While you won’t find Miami’s white, sandy beaches here, the community is known for its buzzy nightlife and upscale dining options. Peruvian restaurant La Mar is a hallowed member of the community, and it is one of the hottest reservations in town right now.

If you play your cards right, you might be able to snag a table with a waterfront view where you can dine and drink the night away in this haven of elevated ambience. Order a little bit of everything… trust us, you won’t regret it. With its indoor-outdoor dining experience and ritzy atmosphere, La Mar is truly a place to see and be seen. Anytime you’re out in Miami, dressing the part is crucial. This city is all about colorful, creative fashion, so match that vibe with a luxury watch that is sure to turn heads.

Show off your style at La Mar with a watch that starts conversations. We love the unusual aesthetics of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept collection, a hotspot for unexpected designs and experimental looks. This 43 mm watch highlights an eye-catching skeletonized dial and a chronograph complication with its blocky, tech-forward design. What’s not to love?

A lively Cuban restaurant on Calle Ocho, Café La Trova is located in East Little Havana. Many would argue that this Miami neighborhood is the heart of the city, and there is no doubt that Little Havana is part of what makes Miami such a vibrant and dynamic culinary destination. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the lively Cuban culture here, having an authentic meal is the first step… and Café La Trova is the place to do it.

Headed up by a James Beard Award winning chef and his team, the restaurant is inspired by 1980s Miami Cuban culture and manages to be both authentic and fun in one fell swoop. Café La Trova is known for nightly live music, an inventive and exciting cocktail program, and large portions of menu favorites, such as Mom’s Arroz con Pollo. While the restaurant just celebrated its third birthday, it feels like a Little Havana institution – and you’re virtually guaranteed a fun, memorable, and delicious meal when you visit. Don’t forget to accessorize with a colorful watch!

For a night out on the town at Café La Trova, we love this vibrant Rolex Oyster Perpetual. The orange-red dial evokes the sun setting over the ocean, a ladle of spicy chili sauce, or a flamboyant beach towel stretched out on the sand. At Avi & Co., we also have a variety of other dial colors available, including rosy pink, aquatic turquoise, forest green, and turmeric yellow.

In the Historic Overtown neighborhood, you’ll find soul food hotspot Red Rooster. The area is home to Miami’s second-oldest community and is a beacon for the city’s rich Black history and traditions. Legendary artists like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Aretha Franklin have walked these streets and performed at these bars and clubs. Nowadays, this much-loved neighborhood is undergoing a cultural Renaissance, celebrating its storied roots with art installations, museums, and iconic restaurants… like Red Rooster, of course.

Lauded by publications like Time Out and Bon Appetit, Red Rooster adds a Miami flair to soul food staples and serves a variety of Caribbean and Latin American dishes. Mind-bending cocktails and live performances in the speakeasy-style entertainment venue upstairs complete the experience. The restaurant is located in the former site of the Clyde Killens Pool Hall, and its glitzy decor evokes a bygone era. A traditional yet unexpected watch is the perfect complement to this unforgettable meal…

Did you know that jazz legend Duke Ellington owned a Patek Philippe watch? Honor his legacy when you eat at the Red Rooster with a Patek Philippe Complications timepiece that echoes the style of Ellington himself. Like the watch shown below, Ellington’s Patek Philippe showcased a brown leather strap, a gold case, and a chronograph function. This timepiece adds a bit of extra Miami-style flair with a glitzy diamond-set bezel:

For every white tablecloth, fine dining experience in Miami, there is an equally delicious and memorable Formica counter-type, casual eatery that is sure to change your life. Boia De falls into the latter category. Perched on the edge of the Little Haiti and Buena Vista neighborhoods, this gem feels like a Brooklyn dive yet has been the subject of intense praise. Time Out magazine even went so far as to rank it Miami’s top restaurant in 2024.

So what’s the source of all the hype? The modern takes on comforting Italian dishes are certainly part of the draw, and the low-ABV cocktails are the perfect way to start or finish a meal. Tiny and tucked away in what is essentially a strip mall, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden diamond when you eat at Boia De. When you inevitably introduce your friends to this colorful, social eatery, make sure to let your personal style shine with a unique wristwatch.

Great things come in small packages, just like Boia De… and this unique Audemars Piguet watch. For women, we love this “Baby AP,” an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch in a petite 23 mm case size. This timepiece features a unique “frosted” finish on the case and bracelet, while adhering to tradition with the brand’s classic “tapisserie” pattern on the rose dial. The 18K rose gold watch is sure to complement any outfit and stand out as a beacon of taste and style.

There’s no talking about Miami without mentioning the creative, glamorous, and vibrant Design District. An iconic Miami institution with a verdant outdoor patio as well as spacious indoor seating, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is a staple of the Design District that has been in business for over 16 years. Chef Michael Schwartz is a James Beard Award winner who pours his heart and soul into building seasonal, sumptuous, and satisfying dishes for his namesake restaurant – and the cocktails are too good to pass up as well.

A recent renovation expanded the restaurant’s footprint, making it slightly easier to get a table. Still, the buzz and celebrity sightings associated with this Miami hotspot make it one of the most desirable tables around. The food and atmosphere alike toe the line between casual and showy – like most of the city, one might argue. Whether you’re grabbing a happy-hour cocktail, enjoying an executive business lunch, or taking someone special out for a date, you can’t go wrong with Michael’s. Plus, it’s a great spot to show off your favorite watch.

Embrace the creativity and innovation of the Design District with a statement Richard Mille watch next time you eat at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink. We love the functionality and high-tech aesthetic of this RM 11-03, which is crafted from 18K white gold and features an iced-out diamond bezel. The watch’s skeletonized dial and performance rubber strap add to the piece’s perfect marriage of form and function. Any Design District local would approve.

As you’re exploring Miami through our culinary tour, don’t forget to stop by the luxurious Avi & Co. boutique in the Design District – in fact, it’s the perfect place to shop after a delicious lunch at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink. We also have upscale locations in New York City and Aspen, Colorado. No matter where you call home, there is an Avi & Co. near you.

Make an appointment to visit us in person – we can’t wait to meet you!