Seven Best New Restaurants of 2012 In Miami

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Seafood chowder at the Federal Food, Drink & Provisions

6. The Federal Food, Drink & Provisions
In the Upper Eastside, in a strip mall, past a liquor store, and next to a health food shop, there is an American eatery serving up things like jar o' duck, Buffalo-style pig wings, crispy soft shell crab po'boy, and farmstead cheeses. Run by Aniece Meinhold, Alejandro Ortiz, and Cesar Zapata, this is the neighborhood joint known as The Federal Food, Drink & Provisions. Prices aren't cheap -- think $40 to $50 a person. But there are craft beers, good wines, and a tavern-like atmosphere. Picture good ol' wall-mounted taxidermy and mason jars. A notable addition to the neighborhood, indeed.

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Interior of Macchialina Taverna Rustica in South Beach

5. Macchialina Taverna Rustica
The Pubbelly team, composed of Jose Mendin, Sergio Navarro, and Andreas Schreiner, understands what Miami needs: mid-priced eateries with good fare, good beers, and good ambience. This year, the group called in Michael Pirolo (previously of Scott Conant's Scarpetta) and launched Macchialina on Alton Road. The menu features salumi, intriguing antipasti such as escarole salad with preserved lemon, pistacho and pecorino, and a selection of "pasta fatta in casa" -- fresh pastas like agnolotti del plin and, one of my favorites, cavatelli Macchialina (with meatballs, porchetta and, again, pecorino). The setting bespeaks good vibes, big city, and fun. And that's what this city is all about.