#DishHitList: Foodie Festivals, Halloween Parties, and More [October 2024]

October is here, and it’s bursting at the brim with specials that benefit Breast Cancer Awareness Month, foodie holidays, sizzling seafood festivals, and spooky Halloween parties that will keep you on your toes. 

Events in Miami This Month

Macchialina Welcomes Rosemary’s to SoFlo: Chef’s Table Dinner on Wednesday, October 16

Macchialina is teaming up with NYC’s Rosemary’s for an exclusive Chef’s Table Dinner on Wednesday, October 16, at 7 p.m., to celebrate Rosemary’s South Florida debut. Chef Mike Pirolo and Rosemary’s Executive Chef Craig Giunta will present a three-course family-style menu blending their culinary styles. Expect dishes like ora king crudo, orecchiette with fennel sausage, and a decadent chocolate torta. The evening kicks off with Spuntini and features curated plates from both chefs. Tickets are $95+ per person, with an optional $45+ wine pairing. Make sure to get your tickets beforehand.

Macchialina is located at 820 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139.

National Mezcal Day at Bar Tulio’s on Monday, October 21 

Bar Tulio’s popped up on the 305 dining scene this summer and has been pleasantly surprising us with bomb Mexican food and their extensive tequila selection ever since. The bar, however, also has some incredible mezcal to choose from. You can try the smoky agave beverage in the form of shots or in one of Bar Tulio’s signature craft cocktails like the Smoked Pineapple featuring Mezcal Joven, lime, pineapple puree, agave nectar, and a chili sea salt rim. Plus, every Monday, guests can take an extra $3 off all craft cocktails. Happy Mezcal Day! 

12th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival from October 23-26

The 12th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival returns to Miami, bringing the seafood scene to life with Food Network star Robert Irvine as guest host. Expect a four-day feast commencing with VIP events like the “Crabs, Slabs, and Cabs” dinner. On Friday, 22 chefs compete in live seafood showdowns at the Tequila Herradura “VIP Chef Showdown.” Saturday’s main event is an all-inclusive feast featuring 40 top restaurants and endless seafood, drinks, and live music on the sands of South Beach. Some of our favorite Miami chefs will participate, such as Chef Peter Vauthy of the famed RED South Beach. Plus, tastings from our faves over at CJ’s Crab Shack and the Lobster Shack. It’s Miami’s ultimate seafood celebration, and we wouldn’t miss it for the world. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit their website.

World Pasta Day at Primo’s on Friday, October 25

This October 25, we celebrate our love for pasta, and what better place to go than one of our favorite Italian restaurants, Primo’s? This downtown gem features a variety of different kinds of pasta glistening with classic homemade sauces like alfredo, marinara, bolognese, and pesto. Fan favorites here include the homemade spaghetti & meatballs—just like Nona used to make it—and the linguine seafood with a rotating selection of fresh fish and crustaceans. We also recommend asking for the homemade pasta of the day. All pasta dishes are customizable with your favorite sauce or add-ons like skirt steak or ahi tuna, to name a few. 

Halloween Party at Barsecco on Saturday, October 26

Barsecco is throwing a spooky pirate-themed Halloween party that’s set to take over Miami’s nightlife this Halloween season. On Saturday, October 26, get ready to sail into a world of swashbuckling fun with themed DJ sets, eerie performances, signature cocktails, and pirate vibes all night long. Put on your finest pirate-themed garbs and expect a decked-out venue as Barsecco turns into a treasure-filled pirate ship. 

Spooky Smorgasburg from October 26-27

Smorgasburg Miami is turning into Spookysburg for Halloween weekend! On October 26-27, from 12 to 8 p.m., the city’s biggest outdoor food market will bring spooky vibes with a dog costume contest, pumpkin carving, thrifted ghost painting, live music, and more. With over 30 food vendors, plus pet-friendly and kid-friendly fun, it’s a perfect spot for a chill Halloween hangout. While entry is free, arts & crafts activities by Crafts & Drafts require tickets. 

Smorgasburg is located at 2600 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33127. For more information visit https://www.smorgasburgmiami.com/ 

Giselle Miami’s Midnight Masquerade on Thursday, October 26

Get ready for Giselle Miami’s Midnight Masquerade, an alluring rooftop Halloween event on October 31 and November 1. With sultry vibes and glamor in the air, enjoy live fashion shows at 11 p.m. and midnight featuring bold designs by Beliciosa and Katie Miller. DJ Sam Blacky sets the mood while Chef Gustavo Zuluaga’s exquisite menu, blending Asian, Mediterranean, and French flavors, keeps you indulged. The night continues with mesmerizing dancers and vibrant rooftop energy above E11EVEN Miami, making it a can’t-miss celebration of mystery and seduction. 

Giselle Miami is located at 15 NE 11th Street, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website.

Celebrate National Pizza Month

Eleventh Street Pizza 

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Eleventh Street Pizza is celebrating National Pizza Month with delicious weekly promotions all month long. Enjoy Kids Eat Free on Mondays, with a complimentary cheese slice and drink for kids ten and under when accompanied by an adult spending $20 or more. On Tuesdays, grab 20% off all Sicilian pies with promo code OCTOBER20, and indulge in $3 cheese slices on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. Plus, all October long, 10% of tomato burrata pie sales will support Susan G. Komen for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Eleventh Street Pizza is located at 1035 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33136. For more information, visit their official website. 

Ironside Pizza

October marks National Pizza Month and we’re heavy supporters of a fine slice. Ironside always delivers with smoke-kissed wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies. Stop by any day of the month and order their specialties like the classic Margherita or the gourmet Troncheto featuring smoked mozzarella di buffala, prosciutto di parma, arugula, and baby cherry tomatoes. Grab a seat in their garden and order a glass of wine to complement the experience. 

La Natural

As the name suggests, this cozy little pizzeria in Little River focuses on natural wines and sourdough pizzas with innovative ingredients. Go for a red sauce base and get toppings like Calabrian chili and provolone cheese. Or, opt for a white base with unique toppings like scallions and Szechuan peppercorns. Whatever you get, it’s going to be bomb. Oh, and a natural wine pairing here is a must. 

Monthly Events 

Casa Vigil Unveils El Cielo: A Speakeasy Rooftop Bar

El Cielo by Casa Vigil, Miami’s newest rooftop speakeasy, is redefining nightlife every Saturday. This exclusive bar merges Argentinian-inspired mixology and gourmet cuisine with an immersive atmosphere of art and mysticism. Sip on cocktails like the Yemaya (crafted with gin infused with butterfly pea flowers, coconut syrup, and pineapple juice, served in a tentacle-legged glass) and Lucifer (featuring reposado tequila, chili-infused agave, a blend of four citrus fruits, and cinnamon in a skull-shaped chalace), crafted by master mixologists, while indulging in dishes like oxtail empanadas and pork belly tacos, all set against a backdrop inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy. Access is limited to those approved on Instagram (@elcielo.rooftop), making it the ultimate destination for a night of intrigue and vibrant house beats. The speakeasy will be open Saturdays from 6 p.m. until late.

Casa Vigil is located at 5020 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website. 

New Crema Gourmet Opens in Midtown

Crema Gourmet has expanded to Midtown Miami, bringing its signature European-inspired café culture to the heart of one of Miami’s most vibrant districts. This new 2,000-square-foot spot blends chic industrial design with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Now we have a new spot in Midtown to stop by for all-day breakfast, freshly pressed juices, or handcrafted sandwiches, or Crema’s elevated café experience. With indoor-outdoor seating and a menu brimming with a variety of dishes, it’s the perfect spot for both casual hangouts and business meetups.

Crema Gourmet is located at 3275 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.

Gao Opens its Doors in Miami Beach

Gao, a restaurant focusing on modern and approachable Asian cuisine, has recently opened its doors in Miami Beach. The menu features a variety of dim sum dishes made in-house from har gow shrimp made with shiitake and water chestnuts to Gao sum featuring a wagyu beef pho. Expect the menu to be filled with heftier plates like Tiger’s Pride—a sliced tenderloin filet with a signature sauce and Hor Mok—cod steamed in a banana leaf flavored with coconut milk, kaffir leaf, and Thai basil. The restaurant is best experienced “family style” so grab your crew, order everything that tickles your fancy, and share away.

Gao is located at 1 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach 33139. For more information, visit their official website.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Kissaki

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and one of our absolute favorite omakase restaurants in Miami, Kissaki, is partnering with 11 Vodka to help the cause. Throughout the month diners can order three of the restaurant’s exclusive cocktails like the Hokkaido Hideaway, Chiba Cosmo, or Matsumoto Mule and 11% of all the sales will go to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. So get your sip on, help a good cause, and enjoy some incredibly fresh sushi while you’re at it. 

New Dining Experience, AMANO by Oka, Elevates La Mar

La Mar by Gastón Acurio introduces AMANO by Oka, a stunning eight-course tasting menu debuting October 17. Executive Chef Diego Oka showcases his artistry through over 400 hand-crafted ceramic pieces, transforming each dish into a work of art. This immersive dining experience celebrates modern Peruvian cuisine, blending flavors from around the world in an intimate setting for just 20 guests. Highlights include dishes like La Flor and El Tiradito, each served on unique pottery designed by Oka. Priced at $210 per person, reservations are essential for this unforgettable culinary journey. Make sure to book beforehand. 

Lobster Mondays at RED South Beach

RED, our favorite South Beach steakhouse, is starting October off on a good note with a killer promotion. Lobster lovers unite as RED kicks off every week with mesmerizing lobster specials. Expect stuffed tails for $49, 2 x 4 oz. fried tails for $49, broiled or steamed lobster for $49, and lobster stuffed lobster for $79. Woah, that’s a lot of lobster, but we’re oh so in for it. P.S. Come between 4 and 7 p.m. to also enjoy $10 cocktails. 

Old Lisbon Opens New Location in Aventura

Old Lisbon, a Miami staple for authentic Portuguese cuisine, is opening its new Aventura location, blending tradition with modern elegance. This 2,500 sq. ft. space features a stunning 120-year-old olive tree, “Oliveira,” symbolizing longevity. The menu boasts favorites like bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish croquettes) and camarão ao alho (grilled shrimp), along with an extensive selection of Portuguese wines—the largest in Florida. Epicureans can also enjoy a special lunch menu and happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Old Lisbon is located at 2960 NE 199th St, Unit 5, Aventura, FL 33180. For more information, visit their official website.

Sweet Melody Presents Scoop it Off: A Taylor Swift Ice Cream Experience

Sweet Melody is bringing the Taylor Swift magic to Miami with Scoop It Off, a limited-time ice cream celebration for her upcoming concert on October 18-20. Fans can indulge in flavors inspired by Swift’s hits, like Champagne Problems (wedding cake with champagne-soaked chunks), Bake It Off (vanilla with chocolate chip cookie dough), and This is Me Chai-Ing (brown sugar chai with cookies). With Taylor’s greatest hits playing and Instagram-worthy photo ops, it’s a Swiftie’s dream. Bonus: bring a friendship bracelet for $1 off, embracing the concert’s community vibes. 

Sweet Melody is located at 3814 SW 8th St, Coral Gables, FL 33134. For more information, head to their official website.

Toscana Divino Reemerges In Key Biscayne

Toscana Divino is back with an exclusive pop-up in Key Biscayne! Starting October 4, the beloved Italian restaurant makes a limited-time return in a cozy 30-seat dining space at the Towers of Key Biscayne. Expect the same elegant vibes and mouthwatering dishes that made it a Brickell favorite, with a menu by Chef Andrea Marchesin. We’re eager to get back to feasting on our favorite vitello tonnato, octopus puttanesca, and branzino al sale, paired with rare Italian wines. Available Friday and Saturday evenings, seating is limited, so book now to experience the magic of Toscana Divino in this intimate setting.

The Toscano Divino Experience is located at 1121 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149.