Restaurants
Habit Burger & Grill – REVIEW
Where There’s Smoke, There’s Flavor: The Habit Burger Brings California Heat to South Florida Streets.
April 3rd, 2025
In the ever-growing culinary landscape of South Florida, Habit Burger & Grill stands out by blending Californian soul with local charm. Tucked amidst the region’s vibrant food scene, this West Coast transplant goes beyond serving meals—it serves up a story, one steeped in tradition and sizzling with authenticity.
I recently had the pleasure of diving deeper than the menu. Guided by District Manager Paulina Cabrera—who’s spent 13 years growing with the company from San Francisco to South Florida—I got a firsthand look into the values and vision fueling this brand. Her personal journey mirrors the company’s ethos: deeply rooted, yet always evolving.
A Legacy You Can Taste
Founded in 1969 by two brothers in Santa Barbara, California, Habit Burger has always embraced its humble beginnings. The original location still stands as a culinary time capsule—and a magnet for celebrities, from Harry and Meghan to beloved local figures. But that kind of heritage isn’t just a backdrop; it’s embedded in every flame-grilled bite.
Despite being acquired by Yum! Brands in 2020 (the corporate parent of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut), Habit has remained fiercely loyal to its core values—freshness, quality and flavor over fast-food shortcuts.
Flame-Grilled, Flavor-Packed
Forget the greasy flat tops of traditional burger joints—Habit does things differently. Their signature Double Char Burger is cooked over an open flame, delivering a smoky, caramelized richness that instantly elevates it above competitors like Five Guys or In-N-Out. Even diehard fans of those chains might find themselves reconsidering allegiances.
Our visit featured a broad sampling of the menu. One standout? The Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Avocado. Even self-proclaimed avocado skeptics were impressed. Slightly charred, juicy and complemented by the creamy richness of avocado—it was a balance of textures and flavors that felt thoughtful and indulgent.
Sourdough melts, vibrant salads with customizable dressings, and unexpectedly craveable sides like Tempura Green Beans and crisp Onion Rings showcased just how much effort goes into making every item more than just “fast food.”
And it’s not just about taste. Everything is prepped fresh—twice daily. If the produce doesn’t meet their standards, it’s sent back. No compromises.
Behind the Scenes: Freshness in Action
One of the most memorable parts of our visit didn’t involve a bite of food—it was a simple conversation about something deceptively tricky: avocados. Anyone who’s waited on an avocado to ripen knows the drill: “It’s almost ready… almost… oh no, it’s overdone.” That relatable moment sparked laughter—and revealed the meticulous process behind the scenes.
At Habit, boxes of avocados arrive each morning. Team members sort through them by hand, choosing only those at their peak. “We have to be selecting daily,” one employee explained. “Which ones are ready to go, then come in another box, selecting whatever is ready to go.” The level of care almost makes you imagine someone on staff with the unofficial title of Chief Avocado Whisperer.
That same attention is given to every ingredient. It’s thoughtful. It’s precise. And it makes a difference.
Community-Driven, Family-Friendly
Though Habit doesn’t make direct monetary donations, its community presence is deeply felt. They support local events, donate achievement certificates to schools like Morikami Park Elementary, and engage with families through school programs and mobile app promotions.
The app itself is a great tool—offering buy-one-get-one-free deals, family bundles, and shorter wait times at busy drive-thru locations. It’s convenience with a side of generosity.
Final Bite: A Brand with Substance
Habit Burger & Grill is not just a run-of-the-mill quick stop for a bite—it’s a brand built on legacy, flavor and community spirit. The flame-grilled difference is real, and the intentionality behind every detail, from produce sorting to outreach efforts, proves that quality doesn’t need to be sacrificed for speed.
Whether you’re a burger purist or looking for a lighter option with bold flavor, there’s something here for everyone.
Must-Try Dishes:
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Double Char Burger – juicy, smoky and unforgettable
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Chicken Club Sandwich – crisped and balanced to perfection
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Side of Tempura Green Beans & Onion Rings – a crisp flavorful alternative to fries
Pro Tip:
Download the mobile app for exclusive deals, rewards, and a smoother dining experience—especially at high-traffic locations.
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Forget sweater weather. Palace Miami Beach’s new Fall Harvest Menu is bringing pumpkin season to South Beach, and one dish was genuinely one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.
September 4, 2026
Miami has never needed changing leaves, chilly temperatures, or a reason to order another cocktail.
So when Palace invited us in for an early taste of its new Fall Harvest Menu, launching September 21st, I was curious. Pumpkin on Ocean Drive? Sure. Pumpkin in cocktails, arepas, gnocchi, tres leches, and flan?
Now you have my attention.
The idea is actually perfect for Miami. Palace wanted to capture that nostalgic feeling of fall for a city where September still feels very much like summer. Rather than throwing pumpkin spice into everything and calling it seasonal, the kitchen challenged itself to use actual pumpkin across cocktails, savory dishes, and desserts in ways that made sense for the Palace.
And after tasting the menu, I can tell you this: do not dismiss this as a pumpkin-spice gimmick.
Because I am still thinking about that gnocchi.
Let’s Talk About This Gnocchi
I need to start here because pretending otherwise would be dishonest.
The Brown Butter Pumpkin Gnocchi was not simply my favorite dish on the menu.
It was one of the best things I have ever eaten in my entire life.
Yes, I realize how dramatic that sounds.
I stand by it.
Roasted pumpkin, Parmesan, crispy sage, and pancetta come together with brown butter in what can only be described as a ridiculously good bowl of fall comfort food.
It is rich. It is savory. It has that warm nuttiness from the brown butter, saltiness from the Parmesan and pancetta, and just enough pumpkin to make the whole thing unmistakably seasonal without turning dinner into dessert.
And the crispy sage? Do not underestimate the crispy sage.
This was one of those dishes where I took a bite and immediately had to make sure everyone else at the table understood what was happening.
If you order one thing from this menu, order the gnocchi.
Actually, Palace, I have a request: please don’t take this one away when fall ends.
Yes, We Had to Try the Pumpkin Espresso Martini
If there was ever a cocktail designed for Instagram in September, this is probably it.
The Pumpkin Espresso Martini combines fresh espresso, Licor 43, and house-made roasted pumpkin syrup.
Palace predicted this would be one of the stars of the new menu before it even launched, and I understand why.
The important distinction here is that this isn’t simply an espresso martini buried beneath pumpkin spice. The roasted pumpkin syrup makes it seasonal while the espresso and Licor 43 keep it firmly in cocktail territory.
It feels like fall.
It also feels like Miami.
Which is basically the entire point.
Then Palace Put Pumpkin in a Margarita
Because of course they did.
The Harvest Pumpkin Margarita takes reposado and roasted pumpkin, adds Ancho Reyes and finishes everything with a Tajín-cinnamon salt rim.
And I love that Palace didn’t make its two pumpkin cocktails variations of the same drink.
The espresso martini leans into cozy fall flavors. The margarita goes straight back to Miami with tequila, chile and Tajín.
This is pumpkin season with absolutely no intention of putting on a cable-knit sweater.
Burrata, Hot Honey and Pumpkin Walk Into an Arepa…
This might be one of the more unexpected combinations on the menu.
The Pumpkin & Burrata Arepa brings together hot honey, toasted pepitas and crispy sage with pumpkin and burrata.
And this is where I started appreciating what Palace was trying to do with the menu.
Pumpkin isn’t being treated like a flavor that automatically needs cinnamon, sugar and whipped cream. It’s an ingredient.
That was intentional. Palace’s team told us they specifically didn’t want pumpkin to feel forced. They started with dishes and flavors that already made sense for the restaurant and incorporated pumpkin where it could complement them rather than take them over.
That philosophy makes a lot more sense once you’re actually sitting there eating your way through the menu.
And then you remember you’re on Ocean Drive.
In September.
Eating pumpkin and burrata.
Miami is weird. I love it here.
Save Room. Seriously.
Just when you’ve eaten enough pumpkin to reasonably believe you’ve reached your limit, Palace brings out dessert.
And apparently, no, you have not reached your limit.
The Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake layers those fall flavors with mascarpone, dulce de leche and candied pecans.
Then there’s the Pumpkin Coconut Flan, finished with coconut caramel, toasted coconut and candied pepitas.
I particularly like the decision to bring coconut into the flan because this menu works best when it stops trying to imitate fall somewhere else and starts asking what fall should taste like here.
Pumpkin and coconut?
On South Beach?
That makes sense.
This Is What Fall Looks Like in Miami
There is something inherently funny about celebrating fall in South Florida.
Our leaves aren’t changing.
Nobody needs a fireplace.
And if you wear the cute fall outfit you saved on Pinterest in September, you’re probably going to regret it before you make it from the parking garage to the restaurant.
But we still want the season.
That’s exactly what Palace tapped into.
“Miami is full of people who grew up somewhere else,” the Palace team explained, noting that there’s a nostalgia surrounding fall even when South Florida’s weather refuses to participate. The Fall Harvest Menu is their way of bringing some of that feeling to Ocean Drive.
And honestly?
I’ll take brown butter pumpkin gnocchi over sweater weather.
Come for Palace. Stay for the Food.
Palace obviously doesn’t need an introduction when it comes to entertainment. The restaurant has built its identity around the larger-than-life drag experience that has become synonymous with the venue.
But there’s another message behind this menu that Palace clearly wants people to hear:
Pay attention to the food.
The team acknowledges that many guests initially know Palace for its drag and entertainment, but they want the cocktails and dishes to become just as memorable as the show.
After this tasting, I get it.
Because I expected a fun seasonal menu.
I did not expect to leave contemplating how quickly I could reasonably return for another bowl of pumpkin gnocchi.
And yet, here we are.
What You Absolutely Need to Order
If you’re heading to Palace for the Fall Harvest Menu, the Brown Butter Pumpkin Gnocchi is non-negotiable. I don’t give “one of the best things I’ve ever eaten” status lightly.
The Pumpkin Espresso Martini is the obvious cocktail order if you want the full fall experience, while the rest of the menu proves pumpkin deserves considerably more culinary respect than we’ve given it after years of turning it into coffee syrup.
The Fall Harvest Menu launches September 21 at Palace Miami Beach, bringing pumpkin cocktails, savory dishes, and desserts to Ocean Drive.
No sweaters required.
Just please save me some gnocchi.
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UKIYO Miami Beach Is About to Make Conveyor Belt Sushi Seriously Sexy
September 2, 2026
There are new restaurant openings we want to check out, and then there are the ones that immediately make us think: I NEED TO GO.
UKIYO is definitely the latter.
Opening this October at 818 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, the newest concept from NOAH Hospitality Group takes Japan’s iconic kaiten, or conveyor belt sushi, tradition and gives it a Miami makeover.
We’re talking premium seafood from Japan traveling through the dining room on a custom-designed conveyor belt, live culinary performances, tableside cooking, a roaming dumpling cart and a gorgeous 7,431-square-foot space designed to keep the experience moving all night.
And judging by the first renderings and menu details, UKIYO already has our attention.
UKIYO’s custom kaiten conveyor belt will serve as the centerpiece of the new Miami Beach restaurant. Courtesy of Casa Medina Design Studio/UKIYO.
Not Your Average Conveyor Belt Sushi
Inspired by the Japanese concept of ukiyo, meaning “the floating world,” the restaurant is designed around movement.
The conveyor belt isn’t simply there to deliver sushi. It’s essentially the stage.
Handcrafted nigiri, sashimi and specialty rolls will continuously circulate through the dining room, while chefs work in view of guests and new creations make their way from the sushi counter onto the belt through choreographed presentations.
Live culinary performances will add another layer of entertainment throughout dinner.
NOAH Hospitality Group founder Philippe Kalifa says that sense of experience was intentional.
“For me, hospitality has never been about simply serving food. It’s about creating emotion.”
His goal? To create a restaurant people remember not just for what they ate, but for how the entire evening made them feel.
We’re listening.
The Menu Is Where Things Get Really Interesting
Executive Chef Nono Shigetomi will lead UKIYO’s kitchen, with premium seafood sourced from carefully selected fisheries across Japan and fish coming from Tokyo’s Toyosu and Tsukiji markets.
The signature Ukiyo Roll alone sounds like it deserves a visit: tuna, salmon, hiramasa and Hokkaido scallop topped with soy-glazed wagyu and umami crunch.
“Freshness isn’t our goal, it’s our starting point,” Shigetomi said. “Every ingredient is selected with intention because great sushi begins long before the fish reaches the plate.”
Beyond the conveyor belt, the menu ventures into robata, tempura, crudo, carpaccio and Japanese comfort dishes.
Expect cumin-soy glazed wagyu and yakitori-glazed chicken from the robata grill, plus a rich paitan ramen loaded with braised duck, sous vide chicken, pork chashu and pork wonton.
There’s also crispy yakisoba finished with ankake sauce and seafood fried rice made with seasoned takikomi gohan rather than standard steamed white rice.
And then things get even better.
Did Someone Say Tableside Kamameshi?
UKIYO’s traditional kamameshi will be cooked fresh at the table in individual kama pots.
The rice is prepared with dashi, soy, sake, mirin, hijiki, carrot and mushroom, then finished with grilled marinated skirt steak and a Jidori egg.
But there’s another menu feature that may have already won us over.
A roaming dumpling cart. Yes, really.
A signature House Dumpling Cart will travel around the dining room carrying a rotating selection of freshly handcrafted beef, pork, chicken, shrimp and vegetarian dumplings. Guests can choose them pan-fried, steamed or deep-fried.
We have a feeling “No, thank you” is going to be extremely difficult when a cart of hot dumplings rolls up to the table.
Japanese-inspired lanterns and warm woodwork lead guests toward UKIYO’s open culinary experience. Courtesy of Casa Medina Design Studio/UKIYO.
And Just Look at This Place
The food may move, but UKIYO’s design gives you plenty of reasons to stop and look around.
Casa Medina Design Studio is behind the 7,431-square-foot restaurant, blending traditional Japanese influences with the darker, sexier energy of Miami Beach after dark.
Rosso Lepanto stone, emerald-toned leathered marble, aged brass, handcrafted millwork and warm Japanese-inspired lanterns fill the interior. A flowing water feature reinforces the restaurant’s “floating world” inspiration.
And at the center of everything sits the custom conveyor belt.
Based on the renderings, chefs will work within the heart of the restaurant as the belt winds around the dining room, placing the food preparation directly into the action rather than hiding it behind the scenes.
It looks intimate, dramatic and just theatrical enough.
UKIYO’s dramatic bar pairs sculptural stone, handcrafted millwork and softly illuminated Japanese-inspired details. Courtesy of Casa Medina Design Studio/UKIYO.
Sushi at 10. Cocktails at Midnight?
This is still Miami Beach, after all.
UKIYO isn’t positioning itself as somewhere you grab an early sushi dinner and head home.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant plans to remain open until 2 a.m.
And that gorgeous bar suddenly makes a lot more sense.
The restaurant is being designed as a meeting point between Japanese hospitality and Miami’s international, nightlife-driven personality. Traditional techniques and Japanese ingredients form the foundation, while theatrical presentations, dramatic interiors and late-night hours give the concept a distinctly Miami edge.
It’s easy to imagine coming for sushi and staying considerably longer than planned.
When Does UKIYO Miami Beach Open?
Unfortunately, not tomorrow.
UKIYO is scheduled to open in mid-October 2026 at 818 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.
Dinner will be served from 6 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, with Friday and Saturday service continuing until 2 a.m. The restaurant will be closed Mondays.
And yes, SFL Insider will be getting an early look.
We’ll be heading to UKIYO ahead of its official debut to experience the restaurant firsthand, which means we’ll be back with the sushi, the cocktails, the space and, most importantly, a full investigation into this roaming dumpling cart.
For now, UKIYO has officially made our list of Miami restaurant openings we cannot wait to try this fall.
October, hurry up!
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Some restaurants are where you go for dinner. Maple & Ash is where you go when you want to celebrate absolutely anything.
July 31, 2026
When most people think of Miami Spice, they think about trying somewhere new.
I think about finally booking the restaurants I’ve been saving for a special occasion.
That’s exactly how I felt walking into Maple & Ash for a preview of its 2026 Miami Spice menu. Known for its premium steaks, dramatic presentations, exceptional seafood, and lively atmosphere, Maple & Ash has quickly become one of Miami Worldcenter’s premier dining destinations. After spending the evening there, I can confidently say this is one reservation worth making early.
From the moment I walked through the doors, the energy was unmistakable. Music filled the dining room, beautifully crafted cocktails made their way through the restaurant, and every table seemed to be celebrating something. Maple & Ash manages to feel sophisticated without ever feeling stuffy. It’s glamorous, energetic, and unapologetically indulgent, exactly what you hope for from a modern steakhouse.
An Opening Course Worth Celebrating
The evening began with Maple & Ash’s optional Fire Roasted Seafood Tower, and if first impressions matter, this one makes quite an entrance.
Loaded with king crab, oysters, prawns, and clams finished with garlic butter and chili oil, it immediately transformed dinner into an event. It’s designed for sharing, making it the perfect way to start the evening if you’re celebrating with friends or family.
Choosing a starter wasn’t easy.
The Bluefin Tuna Tartare immediately caught my attention, pairing fresh tuna with watermelon, white soy, and crème fraîche. Every bite was bright, delicate, and incredibly refreshing.
The Lobster Bisque was equally memorable. Rich, silky, and finished with a buttery brioche crouton, it struck that perfect balance between comforting and elegant. Meanwhile, the Tableside Sesame Caesar Salad and the restaurant’s famous Dry Aged Meatballs looked just as tempting as they passed by our table.
Steak, Seafood, and Pasta That Steal the Show
If the appetizers make choosing difficult, the entrées make it nearly impossible.
Steak lovers can choose between an 8 ounce Filet Mignon or a beautifully marbled 12 ounce New York Strip, both served with black truffle pomme purée. Seafood fans will appreciate the Mediterranean Branzino, prepared with preserved lemon, Castelvetrano olives, capers, and smoked tomato for a light yet flavorful entrée.
One of my personal favorites, however, was the Lobster Mafaldine.
Featuring generous pieces of Maine lobster tossed with saffron, basil, and Aleppo pepper, the pasta was rich without feeling heavy and showcased exactly why Maple & Ash has earned such a devoted following.
For guests looking to indulge even further, there’s also the option to upgrade to an A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye, one of the most luxurious cuts of beef available.
Save Room for Dessert
Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly eat another bite, dessert arrived.
The rich Chocolate Cake, refreshing Strawberry Tres Leches, and creamy Coconut Cream Pie all make a convincing argument for ignoring the fact that you’re already full.
If you’re dining with a group, though, the real showstopper is the optional Sundae Tower. Served with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice creams alongside an assortment of toppings, it’s a playful ending that perfectly matches Maple & Ash’s celebratory atmosphere.
More Than Dinner at Miami Worldcenter
One of my favorite parts of the evening wasn’t just dinner. It was the location.
Situated in the heart of Miami Worldcenter, Maple & Ash is surrounded by one of downtown Miami’s fastest growing entertainment districts. Beautiful pedestrian streets connect restaurants, bars, cafés, shopping, and public gathering spaces, creating an atmosphere that encourages you to make an entire evening of your visit.
Whether you’re heading to a Miami Heat game or concert at nearby Kaseya Center, meeting friends for cocktails, or simply exploring one of Miami’s newest neighborhoods, Maple & Ash is perfectly positioned to be the centerpiece of your night.
With convenient parking, a walkable layout, and an ever expanding collection of dining destinations, Miami Worldcenter has quickly become one of my favorite places to spend an evening in downtown Miami.
Why Maple & Ash Should Be on Your Miami Spice List
One of the things I love most about Miami Spice is that it gives diners the opportunity to experience some of Miami’s best restaurants at an incredible value.
Maple & Ash delivers exactly that.
Between premium steaks, fresh seafood, luxurious pastas, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts elegant and energetic, it offers one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve had this season. It’s the kind of restaurant where every course feels like an occasion, and where you’ll probably find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even finished dessert.
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to experience one of Miami’s most talked about steakhouses, consider this your sign.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable dinner, Maple & Ash is one of the standout Miami Spice experiences this season. From premium steaks and fresh seafood to decadent desserts and an atmosphere that’s as lively as the cuisine, it’s the kind of restaurant you’ll want to return to long after Miami Spice ends.
Located in the heart of Miami Worldcenter, Maple & Ash is just steps from Kaseya Center, making it an excellent choice before a concert, Miami Heat game, or an evening exploring downtown’s newest dining and entertainment district.
To view the complete Miami Spice menu, make a reservation, or learn more, visit https://www.mapleandash.com/miami.
Follow @mapleandash_miami on Instagram for signature dishes, seasonal specials, and a behind the scenes look at one of Miami’s most talked about steakhouses: https://www.instagram.com/mapleandash/
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