Michael's Genuine Food & Drink

Michael's Genuine Food & Drink at 130 NE 40th Street, in the Design District of Miami, Florida, is a long-running New American restaurant led by chef Michael Schwartz. It is a repeat recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand, a distinction for good food at moderate prices, and it is widely credited with helping establish the Design District as a dining destination. The cuisine is seasonal American cooking built around local produce, with a wood oven at the centre of the kitchen. Roasted dishes from the oven and plates organised around seasonal local ingredients are the signature offerings, and the menu changes with what growers and fishermen supply. Starters and small plates suit sharing, while larger plates cover fish, poultry and meat, and the cooking aims for clear flavours rather than elaborate presentation. The dining room is polished but relaxed, with a lively, social noise level, a bar area that draws an after-work crowd and outdoor seating when weather allows. Dress is smart casual, and the room welcomes both business meals and casual dinners. The beverage programme includes a considered wine list, craft cocktails and beer, with options by the glass that pair with seasonal dishes. Prices are in the upper-middle range, at roughly $40-75 per person. Service covers lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch, and hours should be confirmed on the website or OpenTable. Reservations are recommended through OpenTable, with some walk-in seating available; weekend dinners and brunch are the busiest slots and are best reserved several days ahead, while weekday lunch is often the easiest time to get a table. For visitors, the restaurant pairs naturally with a visit to the nearby design galleries and shops, and it is a short drive from Wynwood and Midtown. The menu is seasonal, so specific dishes will differ from visit to visit.