City: Miami, FL

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (305) 573-5474

Address: 4000 NE 2nd Ave.

Description: Respected Miami chef Michelle Bernstein opened Sra. Martinez and attracted lots of attention with the historical site choice and menu. Located in a 1920s-era post office, the restaurant’s close seating and soft red lighting creates an intimate dining space, well suited for both casual gatherings with friends and romantic dinners. The Philippe Starck decor is almost as acclaimed as its food. Tapas standbys like pan con tomate and patatas bravas appear on the menu along with Bernstein’s own creations, which often feature Asian and Middle Eastern influences like the shrimp tiradito (prawns with soy, ginger, and aioli) and long stem artichokes with lemon-coriander sauce. While most of the portions are reasonably sized and intended for sharing, there are several entrées, one of which is a 20 oz. rib eye. The waitstaff is well informed without being fussy. Cocktails are equally inventive—city lovers should try the Manhattan, which is made with bacon-infused bourbon. Be sure to finish the meal off with warm churros, a Spanish donut usually coated in sugar, which comes with a sumptuous chocolate dipping sauce. With the exception of the entrees, most plates fall within the $10 to $18 range, which roughly translates into $35 to $60 a person, depending on appetite. The all-Spanish wine list is quite reasonable by Miami standards with bottles starting around $30.