Khong River House

The folks behind Yardbird Southern Table & Bar are introducing South Beach to the food of the North--the North of Thailand, that is. Green papaya salad is an amalgam of sweet, sour and fiery flavors. We loved the dark, tamarind-tinged pork belly curry with glutinous Burmese sticky rice. There are definitely more of Khong's noodles and curries in our future. Read our previous coverage.

http://www.khongriver.com/

1661 Meridian Ave.
Miami Beach, FL
305-763-8147

Frenchie's Diner

You can have a business lunch here or bring the abuelos (who require meat and potatoes). Our favorite dish: The onion soup, beef broth fortified with garlic and croutons, is capped with a gooey tent of Swiss cheese. Also try the steak sandwich or the toasted goat-cheese-and prosciutto salad. Finish with a scoop of homemade strawberry ice cream.

http://www.frenchiesdiner.com/

2618 Galiano St.
Coral Gables, FL
305-442-4554

Escopazzo

Eat well and keep your New Year's resolutions with the vegan tasting menu at the South Beach Italian restaurant. One of our favorite dishes is golden-beet ravioli with cashew paste and truffle and olive oils. Asparagus flan and grass-fed beef tenderloin blanketed with Asiago cheese are also excellent. Read our previous coverage.

http://www.escopazzo.com/

1311 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL
305-674-9450

Suviche

The newer South Beach location of the restaurant melding Peruvian and Japanese cuisine turns out clean and fresh tasting dishes. Try the lomo roll--a surprisingly balanced combination of lomo saltado and sushi, topped with simple lomo jus. The cilantro sauce on the veg roll is used with restraint; crunchy macadamia nuts add a pleasing toastiness. Also try the ceviches--we're partial to the ají amarillo sauce.

http://www.suviche.com

1119 16th St.
Miami Beach, FL
305-777-3555

Barceloneta

The Catalan and Spanish tapas at Pubbelly's new South Miami restaurant may seem pricy to denizens of other tapas restaurants in the neighborhood, but this lively tavern is best approached on its own terms. We recommend smoky, charred pimientos de piquillo stuffed with creamy onion compote and mild Garrotxa cheese, and fork-tender scallops wrapped in Bellota lardo. It is best to make a reservation for busy Thu. through Sun. nights.

http://www.barcelonetarestaurant.com/

5850-B Sunset Dr.
Miami, FL
305-665-0020