What to Do in Miami This Week [Aug 25-31]

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.

Wednesday, August 27:  Miami Spice Dinner at Paperfish Sushi

As the first month of Miami Spice comes to an end, we find ourselves having our calendars jam-packed with all the places we need to try or come back to for seconds. Paperfish Sushi is no exception. A recurring restaurant on our agenda, the Japanese fusion restaurant has a Miami Spice dinner menu going for only $65 per person and includes all the Paperfish specialties we dream of. 

The three-course menu starts with a choice of either spicy kimchi edamame tossed in fragrant chili-garlic kimchi or crispy ebi tempura accompanied by a refreshing citrus-soy dipping sauce. Chef doesn’t leave us without a taste of the sushi either, with each Miami Spice dinner including a choice of the infamous acevichado roll, hamachi yuzu kosho, or torched fatty salmon with truffle oil. And those are just the apps. For mains, choose between succulent options like shrimp udon teriyaki or wagyu yakitori. As for dessert, a creamy taro crème brûlée awaits, which is simply out of this world. 

Thursday, August 28: National Red Wine Day at Aguasal Miami Beach

This National Red Wine Day, the celebration finds its perfect stage at Aguasal by José Andrés, Miami’s newest waterfront escape. Inspired by the Mediterranean’s laid-back elegance, Aguasal invites guests to sip, swirl, and savor while the sea breeze drifts in.

By day, it’s a place for crisp coastal bites under the sun; by night, the glow of the water sets the mood for something a little more indulgent. The wine list is a journey in itself: a bright, fruit-forward Pinot Noir from California’s Presqu’ile Vineyards, a bold Tinta de Toro from Spain’s Bodegas Vatan, and a layered Xinomavro from Greece’s Kir Yianni — each glass chosen to capture the spirit of its coastal homeland. When it comes to a bold glass of red, we find ourselves craving something with an equal amount of oomph, and the restaurant’s mussels saganaki fits the bill perfectly — just the right amount of that marine umami paired with briney tomatoes and feta; or perhaps a rich beef tartar accompanied by romaine leaves for a refreshing crunch. 

Aguasal is located at 4041 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140. For more information, visit their official website. 

Saturday, August 30: Saturday Brunch at Carpaccio

As the holiday weekend commences, we have our to-do list filled with laid-back brunches. Case in point: Carpaccio. We prefer to enjoy our brunch on the restaurant’s endearing terrace, where we can soak up the good weather and do a bit of people watching, too. While Caroaccio doesn’t have a separate brunch menu, the Italian restaurant opens for service at 11:30 a.m., which gives the city’s epicureans plenty of time to have a slow morning and make it just in time for a reclined brunch with the besties. 

The first thing we’re ordering is the focaccia Danieli — stuffed with smoked salmon and goat cheese, and baked to perfection. To go with the fresh-baked focaccia, we like to get a variety of delectable appetizers, from the burrata antipasti served with prosciutto, calamari fritti con zucchini, and the Amalfi salad packed with just the right amount of ocean delicacies in a refreshing lemon dressing. Carpaccio is non-negotiable, of course, and we’re going for the paper-thin filet mignon paired with the classic arugula and parmigiano. Don’t forget to pair the experience with a nice cool glass of white wine or bubbly for the ideal brunch affair. 

Sunday, August 31: Miami Spice Brunch at Barsecco

Continuing the weekend of gourmet brunches, a meal at Barsecco is a no-brainer. The lively Brickell spot has mastered that sweet spot between indulgent dining and a buzzy, see-and-be-seen vibe, making it the perfect backdrop for a leisurely weekend hang. For just $35, the three-course menu is stacked with all the essentials: smoked salmon bagel crostini to start, a Mexi-Cali avocado toast loaded with all the fixings, or a thick-cut brioche French toast that tastes like vacation.

Main courses lean indulgent — think birria Benedict with chipotle hollandaise, barbacoa chilaquiles topped with sunny-side eggs, or a classic all-American breakfast with Italian flair. And because no brunch is complete without something sweet, dessert comes down to a toss-up: the rich chocolate cake or a tropical piña colada tres leches. Pro tip? Pair it all with a round (or two) of Barsecco’s signature cocktails and maybe even let the afternoon roll into one of their famously festive evenings.