What to Do in Miami This Week [Aug 18-24]

Miami’s calling—and we’ve got the scoop! Each week, we dish out the coolest events, yummiest eats, and the hottest hangouts where the city’s party never stops.

Looking for more? Discover the latest restaurants in Miami, along with their food and drink specials for this month.

Tuesday, August 19: Lunch at CJ’s Crab Shack

If lunch on Ocean Drive isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind, we’re here to convince you otherwise. Case in point: CJ’s Crab Shack. While it may be located on the strip many Miamians choose to avoid, the family-run restaurant serves incredibly fresh and delicious seafood, and we love to make a pitstop for lunch. 

Here, crispy seafood-packed sandwiches come served with fries or cole slaw, crabs come arranged in large clusters with creamy pasta Alfredo or sweet corn on the cob, and there are shrimp and avocado-packed salads for those who wish to keep it a little on the lighter side. Us? For lunch, we’re keeping it simple with a blackened grouper Reuben dressed with 1000 island, and stacked with Swiss cheese on rye. That’s certainly a lunch worth going out to Ocean Drive for. 

Thursday, August 21: Miami Spice and Bella Notte Thursday at Elia on the River

This Thursday, we’re going to Elia on the River for the Spice and staying for the music. As the first month of the annual Miami Spice comes to an end, we’re packing our schedules with all the best spots we want to try and come back to time and time again. This week, Elia on the River is certainly making it onto our calendars. Not just because it’s one of the best deals in town with stunning waterfront views to boot, but also because we’re combining the evening with Elia’s elegant Bella Notte Thursdays. 

Miami Spice at Elia is a $60 ticket to an unforgettable three-course Southern Italian meal with the right touch of coastal flair. For the appetizer, we’re going with a classic—juicy meatballs dressed with whipped ricotta and pomodoro. Delish. For mains, we feel the spicy rigatoni with crispy pancetta all melanged in a vodka cream sauce is a must, although the Faroe Island salmon steak with a herbaceous lemony sauce also has our attention. As for dessert, both the tiramisu and pistachio bliss are absolutely dreamy. Come for dinner around 7 p.m. and stay around for the start of the live set at 8 p.m., which also promises complimentary bubbly for the ladies. 

Friday, August 22: Miami Spice Dinner at Paya

Going out for Miami Spice two times a week is definitely not one too many, especially when the delectable promotions only last for two months and there are over 300 restaurants participating. Strict discernment is needed, and Paya is hands down a restaurant you don’t want to look past. The Caribbean fusion restaurant has a 3-course menu for $60 per person, and it’s loaded with dishes we’re dying to try. 

Starting from the wahoo ceviche is a solid choice—coconut leche de tigre, red onion, pumpkin, and crispy corn tango together in something unforgettable. The wagyu beef tartar served with boniato potato pave and chives is also keeping us on our toes, however. The main course includes delicacies like prime skirt steak with a picante black pepper ranch and catch of the day cooked in a lemongrass glaze alongside a creamy coconut curry. For dessert, the coconut key lime pie served with fresh Florida strawberries is a dream. Reservations are encouraged. 

Saturday, August 23: Pre-Fixe Dinner at Mareva1939

This summer, Mareva1939 at The National Hotel Miami Beach is whisking diners away on a sun-drenched Journey Through Spain: Summer Edition. For $55, the three-course pre-fixe menu draws inspiration from Spain’s vibrant regions, all coated with a playful flair.

Starting with a choice of the Ahi tuna crudo kissed with a yuzu marinade, and paired with a Marcona almond gazpacho, pickled grapes, and sesame seed praline. Oof. For the main event, plates arrive with bold personality — there’s pork ribeye glazed in honey-soy, or silky bacalao al pil-pil crowned with garlic chips. Dessert is left to the chef’s whim, a sweet surprise to close the journey. For an extra $18, guests can sip through Spain with a sparkling Avinyo Cava, a smooth Seis de Luberri Tempranillo, and a cheeky Spanish espresso martini shot. Available for a limited time, it’s an invitation to linger seaside, glass in hand, savoring Spain without leaving Miami Beach.

Mareva1939 is located inside the National Hotel at 1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.