If you need a break from the culinary chaos, step into Magnus Sodamin’s dreamlike world at Faena Art’s Project Room. His exhibit Before Sunrise is an ode to the Everglades, translating Florida’s untamed beauty into a series of luminous paintings. Open Thursday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., it’s the perfect pre-dinner detour to soak in some culture—and maybe snap a few artful pics for the ‘gram.
3420 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
You can’t festival on an empty stomach—well, you can, but why would you when Casadonna is serving up a waterfront brunch that’s pure indulgence? From seafood towers and sushi to prime rib and fresh pasta, their lavish buffet is the answer to all your brunch dreams. Bonus: They’ve got a dock-and-dine option, so if you’re arriving by boat (or just want to pretend you are), you’re covered.
1737 N Bayshore Dr, Miami
The Joyce isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a full-fledged experience. The brainchild of art collector Andre Sakhai and Chef James Taylor, this sleek eatery combines fine dining with a curated art collection featuring works from Basquiat to emerging contemporary stars. Expect dishes like King Crab Scampi and expertly executed steakhouse classics, all in a setting that feels like an intimate gallery.
448 Española Way, Miami Beach
Need a break from the food frenzy? Cue the ABBA. Mamma Mia! is hitting the stage at the Adrienne Arsht Center from February 18–23, bringing all the feel-good energy you need. Whether you belt along or just soak in the nostalgia, it’s a perfect palate cleanser before diving back into festival indulgence.
1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami
If Mamma Mia! is on your agenda, make sure to swing by Teatro for a pre-show cocktail. Their Dancing Queen—an olive oil-washed vodka concoction with rosemary and muddled grapes—is a Mediterranean-inspired sip that sets the perfect tone for a night of sequins and singalongs. Bonus: If you don’t make it in before curtain call, you can still grab the signature drink at the theater bars during the show. Inside the Ziff Ballet Opera House, Miami
As the official host hotel of SOBEWFF, Loews Miami Beach is bringing the party with a lineup of festival-inspired cocktails and bites at Bar Collins. Each day is themed around a different festival event—from Burger Bash-worthy short rib sliders to a Tribute Dinner-inspired wagyu carpaccio. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sip on the Calvados Boulevardier, crafted in honor of Dominique Crenn.
1601 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
Sometimes, the best way to festival is to have a luxe retreat nearby. Enter: Hotel Continental. This newly revamped midcentury-modern gem oozes old-school Miami glamour with a 1950s-inspired pool, curated art by T.S. Harris, and a sleek cocktail lounge. Plus, if you want to take your SOBEWFF experience to the next level, you can book their private 34-foot Chris-Craft yacht for a sunset cruise.
40th Street & Collins Ave, Miami Beach
If you’re craving an escape to the South of France—without leaving Miami—Claudie is the answer. From truffle-laced macaroni to a seafood tower straight out of Saint-Tropez, this new French-Mediterranean hotspot brings a transportive dining experience to Brickell. And with an outdoor terrace framed by lush greenery and a cascading fountain inspired by French jewelry, the setting is as decadent as the menu.
1101 Brickell Ave, Suite 113, Miami
SOBEWFF may be all about the food, but the right soundtrack makes everything taste better. Every Friday, Bar Central at SLS South Beach brings the rhythm with live Latin and jazz performances that set the perfect pre-festival mood. On Friday, February 21, Gianpaul & Latin Soul Band take the stage with their signature mix of salsa, merengue, bachata, and cumbia, guaranteed to keep the energy high.
1701 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
Nothing pairs with SOBEWFF quite like a golden sunset and a perfectly poured cocktail—and Delilah Miami delivers both in style. The restaurant’s Golden Hour happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., offering half-off signature cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass. The menu of $12 signature bites includes their celebrity-approved Chicken Tenders and Miami-inspired Cubano Fritters. With a waterfront patio and a front-row view of Biscayne Bay, Delilah is the perfect place to sip, snack, and set the tone for an unforgettable night.
301 Brickell Key Drive, Miami
Sultry jazz, expertly crafted cocktails, and a touch of Old Havana charm await guests of The Piano Bar at The Betsy Hotel. Just steps from festival hotspots, this hidden gem features the area’s longest-running live music series and a menu of $12 craft cocktails designed to complement the nightly performances. Try a rich Brugal 1888 Rum Old Fashioned or a bright Corazón Tequila Paloma, and if you’re in the mood to splurge, wine lovers can enjoy $20 off bottles priced at $100 and $50 off bottles priced at $200. Pair your drink with bites from LT Steak & Seafood.
The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
