108 June 18–24, 2026 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES that let you customize every bite. There’s also wood-charcoal grilled meats, chicken empana- das, pork belly and comforting sides. Even des- sert shines, with options from tres leches to cheesecake in a jar. The space is casual with an open kitchen, and in a neighborhood full of high-profile spots, we’re happy to be in on the secret that Dando La Brasa delivers one of the most satisfying meals around. BEST LOCAL HEALTHY FOOD CHAIN Carrot Express 12311 S. Dixie Hwy. Pinecrest, 33156 305-964-5427 carrotexpress.com Long before eating healthy was a trend, Carrot Express proved nutritious food could be genu- inely craveable. Founded by Mario Laufer and expanded with CEO Abraham Chehebar, the Miami-born concept grew from a tiny lunch counter inside a Miami Beach gas station into one of South Florida’s most successful home- grown restaurant brands — even earning a foothold in New York City with a Manhattan location. The secret to its success has always been fresh ingredients, made-from-scratch recipes and a menu that never sac- rifices flavor. Signature favorites include the LIV Wrap with chicken breast, quinoa, kale, avocado, jack cheese and basil pesto; the Salmon Buddha Bowl with brown rice or qui- noa, cabbage, edamame, corn, broccoli crowns, roasted carrots, scallions and a special Buddha Sauce; and Mario’s Favorite Chicken Bowl with cilantro brown rice, qui- noa, arugula, kale, spinach, almonds, peas, rai- sins and citrus sauce. The menu rounds out with all-day breakfast, açai bowls, smoothies and avocado toasts. As the company expands, Carrot Express remains deeply connected to its Miami roots and committed to wholesome, accessible food. BEST LUNCH The Daily Creative Food Co. 2001 Biscayne Blvd., #109 Miami, 33137 305-573-4535 thedailyfood.co Adam Meltzer opened the Daily Creative Food Co. on Biscayne Boulevard in 2006 with three things in mind: well-made meals, hefty portions and reasonable prices. He saw a gap between white-tablecloth restau- rants and drive-thrus nobody else bothered to fill. Two decades later, that’s still what they’re serving. Expect overstuffed sand- wiches, wraps and paninis built from qual- ity ingredients, soups, salads and hot plates ranging from early breakfast through to late lunch. The staff knows regulars by order and the line moves fast. Office workers, construction crews and the occasional ce- lebrity have all pulled up to the same coun- ter and walked away satisfied. In a neighborhood that’s reinvented itself sev- eral times over since the Daily first opened its doors, the lunch here stays consistent — which, in Miami, is saying something. BEST RESTAURANT FOR A FIRST DATE San Lorenzo 620 NE 78th St. Miami, 33138 786-828-7136 sanlorenzomiami.com First dates are nerve-wracking. They’re es- sentially a job interview, but the role is “life partner.” One — or both — come prepared with a laundry list of inquiries: What do you do for work? Do you have any siblings? What’s your favorite color? Why are you still single? You’re going to have plenty of questions to answer, so it’s wise to pick a spot that’s not only de- licious (and romantic) but asks only one thing: meat or fish? At San Lorenzo in Little River, they take all the pressure off deciding what to order. Trust the chef and the skilled staff, and they’ll take care of everything. The cuisine is authentically Ital- ian, so think bold flavors and hearty dishes. The concept is a unique, no-menu prix fixe that costs approxi- mately $140 for a party of two — the perfect price for a first date — and includes appetiz- ers, two mains with side dishes, and dessert. The venue itself is dimly lit and romantic in- side, with outdoor seating that gives a view to a little slice of water. If you want to impress your date, make a reservation at San Lorenzo, and you might be guaranteed a second date — if you pass the first round. BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT Japón 2001 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, 33139 305-520-6000 thesetaihotel.com Inside the velvet elegance of The Setai, Japón unfolds like an exquisitely staged fan- tasy. Named one of the World’s Most Beauti- ful Restaurants by the prestigious Prix Eªt & Drink
