The Tides
A thorough, floor-by-floor renovation by designer Kelly Wearstler has updated Lawrence Murray Dixon’s original 1936 Art Deco hotel just in time for the art fair. There are 45 suites, and those on the upper floors offer stunning views of the ocean. Don’t miss chef Pietro Rota’s Mediterranean cuisine at one of the terrace tables—sure to become a preferred Ocean Drive spot.
1220 Ocean Dr.
305/604-5070
RATES: $495–$695
tidessouthbeach.com

Eat:

Bin #18
Breakout chef Alfredo Patiño and his brothers run this tapas spot a few blocks north of the Performing Arts Center—great for lunch after hitting Wynwood. Raw concrete floors are offset by vintage wine barrels and an art gallery. Try blue cheese fig brûlée.
1800 Biscayne Blvd.
786/235-7575

Casa Tua
Secreted behind hedges in a Mediterranean-revival mansion, Miky and Leticia Grendene’s bolt-hole is more exclusive than ever now that the upstairs has become a members-only lounge, serving drinks and a full menu. Civilians can sample the delicious burrata-mozzarella ravioli in the first-floor Venetian restaurant.
1700 James Ave.
305/673-1010

David Bouley Evolution
Bouley and designer Jacques Garcia teamed up for this high-end restaurant in an annex of the Ritz-Carlton. The fantastical interior, heavy on the gold and drapes, is lush, and the food is dreamy. The consensus is that Bouley still deserves his elevated reputation. The $90 tasting menu is a classic of the genre, and the elegant truffled mushroom salad is an unmissable treat.
1669 Collins Ave.
305/604-6090

DeVito South Beach
Actor Danny’s new place, co-owned by seasoned local restaurateur David Manero, is part chophouse, part rustic Tuscan spot—with chandeliers. It takes style cues from Dorothy Draper and lures high rollers with a $250 “steak flight” (a trio of Wagyus) and a VIP balcony that’s reachable only by private elevator.
150 Ocean Dr.
305/531-0911

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink
Afterglo’s Michael Schwartz opened his casual Design District place earlier this year, and it has been packed with black-clad gallery workers and glitzy beach scenesters ever since. The indoor-outdoor space has an industrial aesthetic, while the menu is eclectic modern American (wood-roasted local black grouper). It’s best to eat solo at the bar or snag a coveted table on the plaza under an umbrella.

See:

Casa Decor
This Argentine interiors fair installs apartments, lofts, studios, and gardens in a 30,000-square-foot space near the Performing Arts Center. Architects and designers who create spaces range from local (Chad Oppenheim) to international (Doug and Gene Meyer).
Through December 16.
1444 Biscayne Blvd.
casadecor-usa.com

Design Miami
Tokujin Yoshioka, the 2007 Designer of the Year, is creating a permanent installation, while last year’s winner, Marc Newson, will install a new fence that he conceived for the local school, the Design & Architecture Senior High.
December 6–9.
4040 NE sec ond Ave.
designmiami.com

Nada
The 117-member nonprofit New Art Dealers Alliance fair at the Ice Palace is great for bargain hunting. Find such galleries as White Columns, Rivington Arms, and Roebling Hall.
December 5–9.
1400 N. Miami Ave.
newartdealers.org

Pulse
The 70-gallery fair leaves its tent this year for a newly renovated 40,000-square-foot home. This move adds space for large-scale installations and an outdoor lounge, plus Murakami’s Geisai fair for emerging artists.
2136 NW First Ave.
pulse-art.com

Scope
Over in Roberto Clemente Park, this year’s Scope features the Urban Nomad Project, an underground festival of digital, alternative, and web-based shorts by filmmakers from the developing world, including Burma and North Korea.
December 6–9.
101 NW 34 St.
scope-art.com

Play:

Arrive Miami
Dao-Yi, former creative director of Sean John, teamed up with local nightlife fixture Max Pierre on this sleek, all-white space resembling a 1970s bachelor pad. Among the unisex beauty and fashion gear are vintage YSL sunglasses, Nokia gadgets, Malin+Goetz lotions, and fashions by Marc Jacobs.
100 16th St.
305/604-5818
arrivemiami.com