The Most Delicious Things We Ate in 2019

You could spend 24 hours mixing, rolling, assembling and baking the perfect pie…or you could let the pros take care of your holiday—and everyday—dessert needs. Pink Pie specializes in petite three-inch pies in more than 30 different flavors (like Oreo Nutella, pumpkin cookie butter, and vegan and gluten-free coconut dulce de leche).

What’ll it be: matcha soft serve or strawberry basil in a waffle cone? Wait, how about dulce de leche? Ugh, we’ll take three scoops, please.

We may not have the bagel fame of NYC, but South Florida knows a thing or two about crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside rounds of dough. Just look at El Bagel. They make some of the best chewy bagels crammed with everything from smoked salmon to runny eggs to thick schmears—or, you know, all of the above. 

We’ve been dreaming about a trip to Tokyo for years now. But hey, good things come to those who wait, right? In the meantime, we love dining at Azabu Miami Beach. The Michelin-starred concept from NYC is split between an elegant dining room, a chic cocktail bar and an 11-seat secluded sushi den inspired by a Tokyo izakaya. (Make sure to order the salmon tataki drizzled in a kelp dashi dressing.)

We’re never one to turn down the fun flavor creations like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, birthday cake or pumpkin spice on Night Owl’s ever-changing menu. But the Ave Maria has our heart, made with guava, Maria cookies (crunchy tea biscuits), white chocolate chips and a cream cheese frosting drizzle. 

Ready for the most epic burger ever? This double cheeseburger is topped with Ariete’s secret sauce, along with lettuce, tomato, onion and avocado (if you request it, which you totally should), and served on a perfectly toasted bun.

No need to drive to Key West for a quality slice: Miami is replete with plenty of takes on the classic pie that nail the sweet-to-tart ratio. At Fireman Derek’s, the key lime is the most requested flavor—and it’s no surprise why. It strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet, and it always includes a generous heap of whipped cream.

Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis churn out fried chicken in every form imaginable at Root & Bone: fried chicken biscuits, chicken-and-waffle sandwiches and whole-bird baskets. (If you can’t make it to South Miami, visit the outpost inside the Shelborne South Beach.)

When a brewery’s tag line is “Weird at the Beard,” you know you’re in for a good time. Hang out here with a pour of the Lincoln’s Best Sparkling Ale and sing your heart out at weekly karaoke. The brewery also hosts live music and other weekly happenings.

If you ask someone their absolute favorite Thai restaurant in Miami, they’ll most likely name Cake Thai. You’ll want to come hungry and try as much of the menu as possible, including the pineapple fried rice, cashew nut chicken and short-rib curry. Pro tip: Ask for extra sweet chili sauce.

You know the Design District as the stylish home to every high-end designer store imaginable. But surprise: It’s also become one of Miami’s most delicious neighborhoods. And with new places opening all the time, it’s tough to keep track of all the amazing places to dine. So we made a list—now all you have to do is show up with an appetite.