Haute
SNACK

By Terry Zarikian

SOUTH FLORIDA’S MOST SAVORY PRE-DINNER DELIGHTS INVITE DINERS TO SNACK IN STYLE.
In the lush culinary landscape of South Florida, a new trend is taking shape where snacks are no longer just quick bites, but rather chic pre-meal indulgences. These aren’t your average bar snacks, but a sophisticated blend of appetizers designed to complement your cocktail or glass of wine perfectly, setting the stage for the main course.

The Surf Club Restaurant

At The Surf Club Restaurant in Surfside, Chef Thomas Keller brings nostalgic charm with a modern twist. Here, you can start your evening with a classic French Onion Dip paired with freshly fried Kettle Chips or indulge in creamy Deviled Eggs. Don’t miss the Marinated Olives, best enjoyed with a martini alongside their “Fire & Ice” pickles—a tangy mix of jalapeñopickled cucumbers and sweet onions. These appetizers pave the way for a Michelin-starred dining experience, all set against a backdrop of live music and playful artwork by artists Gary Myatt and Donald Robertson.

THE SURF CLUB RESTAURANT Deviled Eggs

MAASS Foie

Finally, Fort Lauderdale’s MAASS, helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Ryan Ratino, redefines what snacks can be. Here, you can savor unique creations like a Foie Gras-filled Macaron or Baked Oysters topped with Comté cheese emulsion. Each dish is a testament to Ratino’s commitment to exceptional ingredients and bold flavors, setting the stage for a truly memorable dining experience.

MAASS Foie Gras-filled Macaron. Photo by Ruben Cabrera

LEKU Fish & Garden

In the Allapattah neighborhood, LEKU Fish & Garden offers a taste of the Basque region right in the heart of Miami. Chef Carlos Garcia, a Venezuela-born culinary talent, presents an array of ‘conservas’ or preserved delicacies ranging from Sardinas in Olive Oil to Navajas al Natural. Signature dishes like Salpicon de Mariscos and housemade Seafood Charcuterie featuring shrimp ‘Txistorra’ and Tuna & Salmon ‘Chorizo’ highlight his innovative approach.

LEKU Salpicón de Mariscos

GHEE Indian Kitchen

Not far from the hustle of Dadeland, Ghee Indian Kitchen is a beacon of traditional Indian flavors crafted by Chef Niven Patel. Begin your meal with the Yellowfin Tuna Bhel, a spicy mix of diced tuna and puffed rice, or the beloved Papadum and Chutney. For those craving something heartier, the dosas filled with short rib or potato are perfect preludes to Patel’s vibrant main dishes.

GHEE INDIAN KITCHEN Papadum and Chutney

These South Florida restaurants are transforming the very concept of snacking, turning what was once a simple bite into a stylish and sumptuous start to any meal. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visiting gourmand, these culinary hotspots offer a glimpse into the region’s dynamic dining scene, one chic snack at a time.