Restaurants
New Smyrna Beach Serves Coastal Charm
From waterfront dining and Italian favorites to quirky downtown discoveries, New Smyrna Beach delivers a flavorful weekend worth exploring.
October 10th – 11th, 2026
Florida has no shortage of beach towns, but New Smyrna Beach has a personality that makes it easy to appreciate without needing a packed itinerary. There are waterfront restaurants, independently owned shops, miles of shoreline and enough culinary temptations to make any diet consider taking a weekend off.
Our October visit coincided with Coastal Catch Restaurant Month, an annual celebration of the area’s dining scene that gave us an opportunity to explore several local restaurants while enjoying the quieter pleasures of this Volusia County destination.
And although a planned dolphin cruise never materialized, we discovered that New Smyrna Beach offers plenty of reasons to stay entertained on dry land.
Coastal Catch Restaurant Month Makes a Splash
Running October 1–31, 2026, Coastal Catch Restaurant Month brought participating restaurants together for a celebration of local flavors, with specially curated menus and prix-fixe dining experiences priced at $39 and $59.
Rather than limiting visitors to seafood, the promotion showcased a broader range of culinary offerings, including Italian favorites, chicken dishes and creative coastal cuisine.
Our dining itinerary included Ciao Bella, River Deck Tiki Bar & Restaurant and Norwood’s Restaurant & Treehouse Bar. Each offered something different, making the experience more than simply bouncing between restaurants.
Although, admittedly, that’s not a terrible way to spend a weekend.
Ciao Bella: Italian Comfort With a Sinatra Soundtrack
Our first evening brought us to Ciao Bella, a cozy Italian restaurant at 103 S. Pine Street, where the evening’s entertainment provided an unexpected bonus.
Singer Armando Kortbus Diaz delivered a performance featuring the timeless music associated with Frank Sinatra, adding a touch of old-school sophistication to the dining experience.
There is something about Italian cuisine accompanied by Sinatra that simply works. The music created a warm, inviting atmosphere without stealing attention from the food, which had plenty to say for itself.
We began with Burrata, a creamy Italian cheese that offered a pleasant introduction to the meal. It was a lighter opening before moving into the more substantial entrées.
The Chicken Parmigiana delivered familiar Italian comfort, but the undisputed star of the evening was the Veal Parmigiana.
Calling it delicious almost feels like an injustice.
The veal was out of this world, delivering the kind of rich, satisfying flavors that make you temporarily forget about everything else happening around the table. Even days later, I found myself practically salivating at the thought of another bite.
It was that good.
The Veal Parmigiana was ordered separately from the restaurant’s Coastal Catch offerings, but it certainly earned its place among the weekend’s culinary highlights.
A Midnight Mule Mocktail offered a refreshing accompaniment, while Tiramisu brought the meal to a sweet conclusion.
Between the Italian comfort food, memorable veal and live entertainment, Ciao Bella made a convincing case for why a good dinner should never be rushed.
River Deck: Waterfront Dining With a Little Bite
The following day, lunch brought us to River Deck Tiki Bar & Restaurant, located at 107 N. Riverside Drive, overlooking the Indian River.
Its relaxed waterfront atmosphere made it an appealing stop for a casual afternoon meal. The setting encouraged us to slow down, appreciate the scenery and enjoy a break from exploring the surrounding area.
The Gator Bites were an interesting reunion with a Florida delicacy I hadn’t sampled in quite some time. The golden, fried morsels sent my taste buds into a whirlwind of flavors I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Were they good? They were okay, but the experience reminded me that alligator isn’t exactly an everyday addition to my dining rotation. Still, when you’re eating along the Florida waterfront, sometimes a little culinary adventure is part of the fun.
The Tropical Chicken Salad offered a refreshing change of pace, with grilled chicken resting atop a colorful bed of mixed greens, shredded cheese, avocado and mango salsa. It was light without feeling like an afterthought, delivering a satisfying lunch that didn’t leave my girlfriend feeling weighed down. Considering the waterfront setting, it was exactly the kind of meal that complemented a relaxing afternoon overlooking the Indian River.
What made River Deck particularly appealing was its easygoing atmosphere. There was no need for elaborate presentation or an overly formal dining experience. Good company, a waterfront view and a satisfying lunch were more than enough.
Norwood’s: Dining Among the Trees
Our final restaurant visit took us to Norwood’s Restaurant & Treehouse Bar, located at 400 Second Avenue.
Norwood’s distinguishes itself with an atmosphere that feels considerably different from the traditional Florida restaurant. Its treehouse-inspired setting, elevated dining areas and surrounding greenery create an inviting environment that encourages guests to look around before even opening the menu.
Norwood’s. photo credit – NSB Area Visitors Bureau
The restaurant also offered one of the weekend’s most memorable culinary discoveries.
The house-made Zucchini Bread arrived warm, accompanied by whipped local honey cinnamon butter. The bread was absolutely incredible, with its spiced sweetness and soft texture complemented beautifully by the butter.
Sometimes the simplest dishes make the biggest impression, and this was one of those occasions. It would have been easy to overlook zucchini bread while scanning a menu filled with more elaborate selections, but doing so would have been a serious missed opportunity.
The Asiago Chicken proved another solid choice. Baked with Asiago cheese and finished with a citrus beurre blanc, the chicken was served alongside steamed vegetables and goat cheese mashed potatoes, the latter recommended by the chef.
That recommendation paid off.
The combination delivered excellent balance, with the creamy potatoes complementing the chicken and citrus sauce without any single component overpowering the others. It was a satisfying pairing that demonstrated how thoughtful sides can elevate an entrée rather than merely occupy space on the plate.
We also explored Norwood’s Coastal Catch offerings, including a beautifully presented fish dish featuring a seasoned, glazed fillet layered over a crisp base, accompanied by edamame, a creamy sauce and crunchy garnishes.
Neither of us would qualify as especially enthusiastic fish eaters, but this dish managed to win us over. The seasoning and glaze were particularly enjoyable, giving the fish plenty of character without overwhelming its natural flavor.
A golden hush puppy provided another small taste of Southern coastal cooking.
Norwood’s Coastal Catch menu offered diners additional options through its $39 and $59 prix-fixe selections, ranging from appetizers such as Coconut Shrimp and Bacon-Wrapped Scallops to seafood entrées, steak dishes and desserts.
While the special menus provided a reason to visit, the combination of distinctive atmosphere and thoughtfully prepared food made Norwood’s memorable well beyond the promotion itself.
A Beachfront Stay at SpringHill Suites
Our home base for the weekend was SpringHill Suites by Marriott New Smyrna Beach, located at 512 Flagler Avenue.
Its biggest selling point was also the most obvious: location.
Situated directly along the beach, the hotel provided convenient access to the shoreline while placing us within easy reach of Flagler Avenue’s restaurants, shops and entertainment.
Our accommodations included a partial ocean view, offering a welcome reminder that the Atlantic was never far away.
The property’s oceanfront pool provided another option for guests who preferred enjoying the coastal atmosphere without venturing onto the sand. Complimentary breakfast added a convenient start to the morning before heading out to explore.
The real advantage, however, was the ability to experience much of New Smyrna Beach without constantly returning to the car.
For a short getaway, that kind of convenience can make a substantial difference.
Downtown Discoveries, Sweet Treats and a Few Feathered Locals
New Smyrna Beach’s downtown districts provided plenty of opportunities to wander, browse and discover businesses that give the community its character.
We encountered colorful storefronts, attractive landscaping, local boutiques and a variety of shops that made casual exploration enjoyable.
One particularly sweet stop was Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop, where the colorful displays offered enough temptation to challenge even the most disciplined sweet tooth.
Rows of flavored saltwater taffy filled the shelves, with everything from familiar favorites to more unusual combinations. Display cases showcased chocolates, fudge, peanut butter treats and other confections, while the shop’s homemade ice cream offerings provided yet another reason to linger.
The sheer variety made choosing a treat feel like a challenge in itself.
Nearby, Silly Willie’s Dog & Cat Store catered to four-legged family members with pet accessories, treats and playful merchandise. Its storefront was filled with personality, offering another example of the independent businesses that make browsing downtown worthwhile.
We also discovered shops featuring seashells, coastal decorations and unusual souvenirs, including a miniature card-playing scene assembled from shells. It was the sort of quirky creation that makes you stop, smile and wonder who first decided seashells needed a poker night.
Elsewhere, a giant red Adirondack chair outside Crabby’s NSB offered an oversized photo opportunity, while the area’s tropical landscaping provided colorful backdrops throughout our walk.
And then there were the chickens.
Yes, chickens.
A rooster wandering near the storefronts seemed perfectly comfortable making himself part of the local scenery. Apparently, not everyone in New Smyrna Beach feels obligated to cross the road.
A nearby sign even asked visitors not to discard cigarette butts because the chickens come out at night to smoke them and we are trying to get them to quit.
It’s these unexpected encounters that give a destination personality. You can find shopping districts and beachfront restaurants throughout Florida, but a casual stroll interrupted by a confident rooster certainly adds a little extra character.
Life’s a Beach, Even When the Weather Has Other Plans
No visit to New Smyrna Beach would be complete without spending time along the Atlantic Ocean.
The shoreline offered broad stretches of sand, rolling waves and the relaxed atmosphere that has long made the area a popular coastal getaway.
One particularly distinctive feature is the ability to drive and park on designated sections of the beach, allowing visitors to set up their chairs, tents and equipment just steps from their vehicles.
During our visit, families and beachgoers were making the most of the setting, with vehicles parked along the sand and canopies providing welcome shade.
It created a different beachgoing experience from the more crowded stretches of South Florida, where reaching the shoreline can sometimes feel like a logistical exercise.
The weather, however, reminded us that Florida forecasts are never written in permanent ink.
Dark clouds gathered offshore, creating dramatic contrasts between the blue sky, gray Atlantic and white surf. Although the changing conditions weren’t ideal for every planned activity, they made for some striking coastal scenery.
Our scheduled dolphin cruise was canceled, which was disappointing, but the additional time allowed us to explore more of the surrounding community.
And while seeing dolphins would have been a welcome bonus, the beach itself still delivered a relaxing conclusion to our coastal adventure.
More Than Another Florida Beach Town
New Smyrna Beach doesn’t need to compete with Florida’s larger tourist destinations by offering bigger attractions or a faster pace.
Its appeal comes from the combination of coastal scenery, independent businesses, memorable restaurants and the little surprises encountered while exploring.
Coastal Catch Restaurant Month provided an excellent introduction to the local dining scene, from Ciao Bella’s outstanding Veal Parmigiana and River Deck’s refreshing Tropical Chicken Salad to Norwood’s unforgettable Zucchini Bread and well-balanced entrées.
The beachfront accommodations at SpringHill Suites made exploring convenient, while downtown’s shops, sweet treats and occasional feathered residents added plenty of personality.
Would we have enjoyed seeing dolphins? Absolutely.
photo credit – NSB Area Visitors Bureau
But sometimes a trip doesn’t need to go exactly as planned to be worthwhile.
New Smyrna Beach gave us good food, beautiful scenery and a few stories worth bringing home.
And when a destination leaves you thinking about a plate of veal and a slice of zucchini bread days after returning, it’s safe to say the experience made a lasting impression.
For more information about the destination, visit Visit New Smyrna Beach.
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Coral Gables just got a whole lot spookier, and this might be our favorite excuse to grab a cocktail on Miracle Mile.
October 14, 2026
Okay, Coral Gables, THIS is how you do Halloween!
JohnMartin’s has officially brought back its Halloween Bar, and suddenly, grabbing drinks at your favorite Irish pub feels like walking straight into a Halloween movie. We’re talking cobwebs everywhere, skeletons, spooky little details, and cocktails that look like they were mixed up in a witch’s cauldron. Honestly, what’s not to love?
Tucked along Miracle Mile, JohnMartin’s has always been a go-to for a good night out, but something about a full-blown Halloween makeover makes it even more fun. The whole place is decked out for spooky season, and it’s exactly the kind of spot where you stop in for one drink and end up staying much longer than planned.
There’s something so fun about a bar that fully commits to a theme, and JohnMartin’s understood the assignment.
Cobwebs stretch across the ceiling, skeletons make themselves at home, and Halloween decorations have taken over practically every corner. It’s spooky without losing that cozy, lively Irish pub atmosphere that makes JohnMartin’s such a fun place to hang out in the first place.
And the best part? It doesn’t feel like you need some elaborate Halloween plan to enjoy it. Just bring your friends, order something fun, and soak up the atmosphere.
Honestly, we’re suckers for a good themed bar, and this one is giving us every reason to love October in South Florida.
Now, let’s talk about the drinks because obviously, we need to talk about the drinks.
JohnMartin’s has rolled out nine Halloween-themed cocktails, and the names alone are enough to make us curious.
There’s the Frozen Pumpkin Spiked Latte, because fall flavors deserve a little extra fun, the Bruised Apple Shot, and the Witches Melon Cauldron, which might win for the most Halloween-sounding drink on the menu.
And the presentations? They’re part of the fun. Think playful glassware, spooky garnishes, and cocktails that practically beg for a photo before the first sip.
It’s all a little dramatic, a little ridiculous, and exactly what we want from a Halloween cocktail menu.
Can We Make Halloween Last All Month?
Here’s what we love most: this isn’t just a one-night Halloween party.
JohnMartin’s is keeping the spooky vibes going from October 1 through October 31, which means there’s plenty of time to squeeze in a Halloween girls’ night, a fun date, or an impromptu night out.
Plus, there’s something about Coral Gables at night that already feels special. Add a festively decorated Irish pub, a few witchy cocktails, and your favorite people, and suddenly you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect October evening.
We love a good excuse to go out, and this one is practically handing itself to us.
So if you’ve been looking for something fun to do in Miami this Halloween season, consider this your sign to make a stop at JohnMartin’s.
Because spooky season is short, the cocktails are cute, and staying home can wait.
Where: JohnMartin’s, 253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL
When: October 1–31, 2026
The Vibe: Spooky cocktails, Halloween decor, and an Irish pub that’s fully embracing its haunted era.
Our advice? Grab your friends, order something spooky, and take way too many pictures. It’s October. You’re allowed.
Sweetwaters brings coastal dining, creative cocktails and New River views to Fort Lauderdale’s newly reimagined Huizenga Park.
October 7, 2026
If your ideal South Florida evening involves cocktails, seafood, a table by the water and boats casually passing by while you decide whether you really need dessert, Sweetwaters Fort Lauderdale may have just figured you out.
SFL Insider got an early look at the brand-new waterfront restaurant during its VIP opening celebration, and honestly, this is exactly the kind of place that makes living in South Florida pretty fun.
Sweetwaters officially opens October 12 inside the newly reimagined Huizenga Park, right where Las Olas Boulevard meets the New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. And while the food definitely deserves attention, you have to start with this location.
Because it is really good.
The nearly 10,000-square-foot restaurant was designed to take full advantage of the waterfront, with a huge indoor dining room, open kitchen, raw bar and two outdoor terraces. One patio stretches toward the New River while the other faces Huizenga Park, so basically, pick your view.
For the opening celebration, guests moved around the restaurant with cocktails in hand while trying passed hors d’oeuvres, chef-curated stations and selections from the raw bar.
Which, for the record, is a pretty excellent way to introduce yourself to Fort Lauderdale.
Okay, But Let’s Talk About the Food
Executive Chef Nicco V. Salanitro and Culinary Director Matthieu Godard are behind a menu that leans into Sweetwaters’ South Florida setting with seafood, sushi, shareable dishes and some menu items that clearly aren’t interested in being boring.
You can start relatively civilized with Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, made with mango, tangerine, ponzu and pickled Fresno, or the Castaway Roll with shrimp tempura, sashimi, avocado and yuzu aioli.
Or you can immediately commit.
The Grand Seafood Tower arrives loaded with East and West Coast oysters, chilled shrimp, mussels, clams, tuna tartare, crab salad and half a Maine lobster.
Yes. Half a lobster.
There is also a Chef’s Sushi Tower stacked with signature rolls, spicy tuna crispy rice, nigiri, sashimi and tuna crudo.
And things only get more interesting from there.
The Whole Crispy Local Snapper comes with coconut-cilantro rice and aji verde. Lobster Spaghetti pairs an entire Maine lobster with spicy tomato vodka sauce. The Pink Brick features wagyu flat iron with black truffle butter and chimichurri and gets scorched tableside.
But our attention immediately went to two words:
Nuggets & Caviar.
They are exactly what they sound like. Free-range chicken nuggets topped with yuzu crème fraîche, Osetra caviar, gold flakes and lime zest.
It’s fancy. It’s ridiculous. We want it.
And apparently vegetables are allowed to have personalities here too, because one of the sides is literally called Spinach, But Sexy.
We appreciate the commitment.
@RomainMaurice
Save Room for a Cocktail. And Probably Dessert.
The cocktail menu is equally playful.
Tiffany combines tequila, bergamot liqueur, citrus and coconut and gets finished with limoncello sorbet and white pearls. Paid Vacation mixes passion fruit and tarragon-infused vodka with purple basil and Szechuan flower, while Cloud Nine brings together ginger-infused vodka, yuzu sake and orange-ginger tea with lychee caviar and citrus-aloe foam.
And because Sweetwaters apparently understands that sometimes we shouldn’t have to choose, there’s an Affogato Martini with vodka, espresso liqueur, espresso and a scoop of Madagascar vanilla bean gelato.
Dessert isn’t exactly subtle either.
Going Bananas is a giant shareable sundae with brûléed banana, chocolate, strawberry and vanilla bean gelato, salted caramel, candied pecans and cherries.
Then there’s Miss Trunchbull, an 11-layer chocolate cake.
If you know, you know.
@RomainMaurice
This Might Be Your New Las Olas Happy Hour Spot
Sweetwaters comes from Specialty Restaurants, the family-owned hospitality group behind Miami’s longtime waterfront favorite, Rusty Pelican. This is the company’s first Fort Lauderdale restaurant and its first Florida expansion beyond Key Biscayne.
But Sweetwaters doesn’t feel like it is trying to recreate Miami in Fort Lauderdale.
The restaurant feels made for this particular spot.
Huizenga Park, the Riverwalk and the New River are right outside, and the restaurant was designed so you can move between the dining room, terraces, park and waterfront instead of feeling closed off from everything happening around you.
Chef Salanitro described the idea as somewhere guests could walk through the park, stop for oysters and cocktails while watching the boats pass and then stay for dinner after sunset.
Yeah. We can work with that.
The VIP opening brought out plenty of familiar South Florida faces too, including fashion designer Rene Ruiz, former Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado, real estate developer Ramola Motwani, developer Luis Birdman and Specialty Restaurants President and CEO John Tallichet.
But once the party is over, Sweetwaters has to become somewhere locals actually want to come back to.
And with waterfront tables, a weekday happy hour, an inventive cocktail menu, seafood towers, lobster spaghetti and literal caviar-topped chicken nuggets?
We don’t think convincing people to come back is going to be the hard part.
@WorldRedEye
Sweetwaters Fort Lauderdale Opens October 12
Sweetwaters officially opens October 12, 2026, at 58 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. Even better, happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the bar. Sweetwaters_Pre-Opening Release… Sweetwaters_Pre-Opening Release…
So yes, we got to see Sweetwaters before everyone else.
Now it’s your turn.
Grab a table outside, order something from the raw bar, get a cocktail and stay long enough to watch the New River change as the sun goes down.
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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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