The Hottest New Dining Destination Is…the Aventura Mall?

Thanks to a 315,000-square-foot expansion, the Aventura Mall will add more than a dozen new restaurants. And because we’re all friends here, we thought we’d put together a little cheat sheet on the newbies causing the most buzz among local foodies. Here are ten places to keep an eye out for. 

With the opening of South Florida-based Tap 42, a full-service restaurant and craft beer house, Aventura will finally get the buzzy bar it has long waited for. (P.S. Whatever you do, be sure to order the crispy chicken melt smothered in cheese, avocado and truffle oil.)

Choose from a selection of fresh fish and then add coconut jasmine rice or cilantro quinoa and a sauce such as aji amarillo, rocoto or tradicional (a mix of lime juice and avocado). It’s the biggest, tastiest bowl of fresh fish you’ll ever eat, we promise.

You may remember this place as Harry’s Pizzeria. The Michael Schwartz-owned restaurant recently rebranded, and Aventura is the first location under its new name. Come for a short-rib pie topped with Gruyère and caramelized onion, or the mushroom pizza with porcini and cremini mushrooms, taleggio and fontina cheese, and thyme.

The popular Peruvian restaurant in South Beach has expanded its reach to Aventura with a large ground-floor space stocked with two dozen types of ceviche and a massive selection of meat, seafood and chicken plates.

My Ceviche’s sister restaurant, Zuuk, is replete with healthy Mediterranean bowls and gyros made with baked falafel, hummus, fired-baked pita and lots of tzatziki sauce.

This spot adds a modern twist to a traditional New York-style deli. There’s creamy egg salad on challah, corned beef with mustard, a killer club sandwich and black-and-white iced cookies.

Finally, get your ShackBurger fix without a trip to Miami Beach. Expect 100 percent all-natural Angus beef (single or double) with cheese, lettuce, tomato and ShackSauce served on a non-GMO potato bun. While you’re at it, opt for some frozen custard in vanilla, chocolate or the flavor of the week. 

This West Coast-based java joint is bringing Cali vibes to the Aventura Mall. We’re talking espresso, cold brew and Belgian waffles inside a light and airy space.

You’re probably already familiar with this Italian café chain. (Their flagship space is in Miami Beach.) In Aventura, find similar offerings, from super-authentic fare (think prosciutto sandwiches and focaccia) to a drool-worthy case of freshly baked pastries and impeccable cappuccinos.