MICHAEL'S GENUINE FOOD & DRINK
Michael's Genuine Food & Drink is a restaurant and bar in Miami's Design District with several dining areas, including a cozy tavern-like section and a more polished bistro space, plus a recently added larger dining room and outdoor patio with a retractable roof. The menu changes regularly and features many small and large plates, snacks, desserts, and raw seafood, prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from the surrounding region.
The restaurant was opened in 2007 by Chef Michael Schwartz, just as the Miami Design District began transforming from a modest neighborhood into a fashionable destination with upscale shops and galleries. This timing was crucial for both the neighborhood and the restaurant, which has since become a fixture in its cultural evolution.
Michael's carries the name of its founder, Chef Michael Schwartz, who opened it in 2007 when the neighborhood was still modest. The restaurant reflects how the Design District transformed from a simple area into a fashionable one, while keeping its relaxed, unpretentious approach.
Most guests are local Miami residents who wear casual clothes like T-shirts and jeans, indicating the place suits casual attire. Reservations are recommended, especially on busy evenings, and the staff know the menu well since it changes regularly and are happy to offer suggestions.
The restaurant is famous for brunch with specialties like homemade banana toffee buns, French toast soaked in tres leches, and a breakfast pizza topped with short rib, spring onions, cheese, and an egg. These brunch dishes are especially beloved by visitors and often the reason they return specifically for this meal.
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