Art Basel Miami Beach, said to be North America's most comprehensive international contemporary art fair, returns for its 21st edition December 8 - 10, 2023. Thousands of art dealers, artists, collectors and art aficionados will enjoy modern and contemporary art from 277 galleries.
Art Basel Miami Beach is one of only four Art Basel fairs in the world; the others are in Hong Kong, Paris and the founding fair in Basel, Switzerland.
WHERE TO STAY
W South Beach
Oceanfront oasis for art lovers
The W brand’s most successful US property, W South Beach, reigns as the Art Basel social center and Miami’s go-to hotel for the rich and famous. With the largest luxury oceanfront suites in South Beach and a lobby that doubles as a museum-worthy gallery, the hotel’s refreshed art collection – valued between $5-10 million and on loan by co-owner Aby Rosen – includes pieces by Damien Hirst, Taryn Simon and other notables. As the first hotel in North America to implement 360-degree mapping technology in its ballroom, W South Beach’s recent $6 million renovated ballroom can recreate virtually any ambiance and experience – from fully immersive underwater oceanic moments to the backdrop of cities around the world.
Esmé Miami Beach Hotel
For design lovers and epicurean adventurers
The new Esmé Miami Beach Hotel, a former 1920s bohemian artists’ colony introduces the Spanish-Med lifestyle to South Beach by the way of an eight building “Spanish village.” Named one of TIME’s top 2022 destinations, the boutique hotel, by Infinity Hospitality, is comprised of 145 guest rooms, a rooftop and five signature eateries for guests and locals, alike to revel in along the iconic pedestrian plaza, Española Way. Each of the buildings within the Esmé village are connected by charming Spanish-style paseos winding through small, sunny nooks and charming courtyards.
Hotel AKA Brickell A sophisticated urban retreat for the design-inclined
The iconic luxury hospitality brand AKA’s first ever Miami offering, Hotel AKA Brickell, is a newly renovated urban retreat located in the Financial District at the Brickell Arch. AKA, a global leader in luxury hospitality, invested $16 million into the property with a design reimagination led by world-renowned architecture firm Gabellini Sheppard Associates, appealing to the influx of Art Basel visitors. The renovations include:
Brickell, just a short 20-minute drive from Art Basel’s convention center, is an ideal location during this time of year. Named one of Miami’s fastest growing neighborhoods, Brickell offers a fast-paced lifestyle, walkability, and immediate access to top-tier dining, retail, and entertainment. AKA’s home in Brickell is an urban core that will be bustling with Art Basel themed events for guests to explore.
WHERE TO DINE
Miami Design District / Edgewater / Brickell
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Only two-star Michelin restaurant in Florida
Splurge on some of the finest food and wine in the world at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon of the Bastion Collection, the only restaurant in Florida to retain two Michelin stars this year. Savor precise and intricate French dishes created by the team of Robuchon protégés including Executive Chef James Friedberg. The open kitchen dining concept allows for dynamic interaction between the chefs and guests, and a look inside their creative process. L’Atelier’s modern French menu includes the late great Chef Robuchon’s iconic signature dishes, alongside new, ever-changing seasonal creations utilizing ingredients sourced from top local and regional purveyors.
Le Jardinier
One Michelin-star, vegetable forward French American
A Design District hotspot, Le Jardinier of the Bastion Collection is an approachable yet refined French American restaurant that retained its one Michelin star this year. Rooted in classic French technique, Culinary Director Alain Verzeroli has designed a menu where plants play a prominent role – think local produce, fresh herbs and greens are complemented by sustainable seafood, poultry and meat. Head Bartender Rosa Vilanova mixes up exclusive Basel themed cocktails that pair well with the seasonal menu. Le Jardinier’s modern interior and lush outdoor dining terrace evoke a tropical garden vibe in the heart of the Miami Design District.
Zuma Miami
Modern Japanese izakaya dining
Located in the Epic Hotel in Downtown, Zuma Miami offers one of the city's most coveted waterfront dining scenes, allowing guests to indulge in a contemporary Japanese izakaya dining style while overlooking the iconic Miami River, adorned by yachts and boats passing by. An invitation to Zuma, conceived by the visionary Rainer Becker, is an invitation to embark on a sensory journey that weaves the threads of gourmet mastery and contemporary artistry. Zuma’s environment is always fun and vibrant. Whether you are looking to casually scope out the A+ celeb scene at the lounge, hang out at the bar, or just enjoy a dinner out with friends, Zuma brings chef Rainer Becker’s vision to life while being at the epitome of the world’s chicest scene-and-be-seen.
Miami Beach
Bagatelle Miami
Chef-driven dining concept bringing the South of France to Miami
A vibe from the moment you walk in, the French Mediterranean hot spot Bagatelle inside the Ritz South Beach is a must-visit during Basel. Decked in Parisian décor, the luxury restaurant features a tres chic bar, plush royal blue banquettes, elegant white tablecloths, moody lighting, and private dining. With unforgettable tableside presentations and an exquisite seasonal menu that won’t disappoint, Bagatelle is the ultimate group dinner destination. Begin the evening with South of France-inspired cocktails, indulge in the impressive dishes perfected by Executive Chef Jimmy de Almeida, and stay for the party with eclectic DJ performances and a lively dancing crowd until the early hours of the morning.
MR CHOW Miami
Upscale authentic Beijing fare
MR CHOW continues to reign as one of the area’s most iconic restaurants to dine, imbibe and be seen for more than a decade, and it isn’t hard to see why. Located directly on the beach in W South Beach, the venue features authentic Beijing fare including one of the best prepared Beijing Duck in the world for patrons to enjoy underneath a stunning 123-foot Gold-leaf and Swarovski crystal chandelier designed by Michael Chow himself. Foodies know there are few other places in the Miami area that will satisfy and tickle all senses like MR CHOW, which is why its loyal international clients return dine-after-dine for the perfect combination of art, fashion, music and, of course, cuisine.
Restaurant at W South Beach
The breezy, indoor-outdoor Restaurant at W South Beach (RWSB) is serving up something for everyone during Art Basel. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner on the lush terrace with craft cocktails – made by W South Beach’s in-house mixologist Lucas Winkler – paired with Tuscan-derived dishes. Executive Chef Vincenzo Borriello’s curation of choice meats, signature pastas, brick oven pizzas, fresh seafood, and delectable desserts has made RWSB a true hidden gem within Miami. Expect live music and special events during Basel, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors. Reservations are available to book on OpenTable.
El Salón at Esmé Miami Beach Hotel
Unique spirit blends and Latin plates
El Salón exclusively features a proprietary collection of spirit blends, crafted with a focus on flavor profile, and developed into verticals to elevate the cocktail experience. Small plates which celebrate the Latin diversity of the Magic City are offered as well.
The Roof at Esmé Miami Beach Hotel
Tranquil oasis with light bites
An oasis in Miami Beach, The Roof offers a tranquil escape with lighter bites and great libations, from sangria to unique takes on beloved cocktails.
The Drexel at Esmé Miami Beach Hotel
The Drexel is a modern coastal Mediterranean restaurant featuring house made pasta and pizza with a heavy emphasis on locally sourced seafood and an entire section dedicated to vegetable dishes.
Coral Gables / Doral / Kendall
Bulla Gastrobar (Coral Gables, Doral, The Falls)
For those looking to escape the crowded Basel scene and step into some classic Miami neighborhoods for that local feel, get tapas and famous cocktails at a Gables staple, Bulla Gastrobar. With locations in Doral and The Falls as well, visitors can enjoy a fun, casual gathering place inspired by the most popular tapas-style restaurants in Spain. Much like those famous gastrobars in Spain, Bulla is devoted to serving unique Spanish and Catalan dishes created with the finest and freshest ingredients. While the bar at Bulla is the center of attraction, the emphasis is on quality gastronomic creations around a distinct ambiance designed to entice the senses and your appetite.
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar (Doral & Kendall)
Another local favorite, Pisco y Nazca resides in bustling Doral and Kendall, away from the tourists and crowds. There's a popular saying in Peru, "Entre Pisco y Nazca." It translates to having fun in a social environment encompassing exceptional cocktails—the perfect way to describe this Peruvian favorite. This ceviche gastrobar is a lively place serving bold-flavored dishes, unique cocktails and a vast selection of national and international beers. Inspired by top restaurants in Peru, Pisco y Nazca's atmosphere is casual, trendy and fun with a touch of subtle sophistication.
Havana Harry’s (Coral Gables)
Michelin Guide 2022 – Best Cuban Restaurant
Basel goers can’t say they’ve truly experienced Miami without a taste of the Cuban flavor here, enter Coral Gables staple, Havana Harry’s. Established in 1995, Havana Harry's is a Miami favorite with a Cuban menu that also serves dishes with Spanish and Latin American influence. The restaurant offers that homemade/grandma-approved feeling through its entrées and an array of extraordinary homemade desserts paired with unique décor and atmosphere that provide an inviting space for social gatherings. Havana Harry's is the place for authentic Cuban cuisine and cocktails, whether you're coming for lunch, dinner, happy hour, or late night. It is the perfect place to gather with la familia y los amigos and grab a seat. Salud!
WHAT TO DO
Brickell City Centre
Travelers looking for some retail therapy during Art Basel can visit The Shops at Brickell City Centre (BCC), a landmark destination for dining, entertainment, shopping, culture, and community developed by Swire Properties. From boutiques to nationally recognized brands, BCC has something for every shopper to enjoy and serves as Miami’s vibrant, modern neighborhood. Most recently, The Shops welcomed Puttshack, Blue Nile, Jo Malone London, Warby Parker, Sugarfina, Sunglass Hut, ZADIG & VOLTAIRE, Rhone and SISU Spa to its robust roster of tenants. The Shops is also home to various crowd favorites including Zara, Lululemon, Sephora and the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue featured in Drake’s famous “God’s Plan” music video.
