Seven Best New Restaurants of 2012 In Miami

billwisserphoto.com

Good, simple eats at Blue Collar

2. Blue Collar
Danny Serfer, the chef and owner of Blue Collar in the Upper Eastside, is usually at one of two sections in this 25-seat restaurant. He is either busy in the open-kitchen, or sitting by the bar, chatting it up with patrons. Regardless of where you spot him, Serfer's cooking is always simple and delicious. Menu listings include sandwiches, like a cordon bleu option with crispy chicken, serrano ham, manchego cheese, and dijon mustard for $13, or entrees like pan roasted organic chicken or grilled mahi mahi for under $21. Serfer has earned quite the following with his "veg chalkboard", a rotation of vegetable dishes including roasted beets with goat cheese, curried cauliflower puree, and sauteed kale. That's because diners love to mix-and-match -- and also because Blue Collar has delectable eats for honest, fair prices.

billwisserphoto.com

My Ceviche's specialty

1. My Ceviche
My Ceviche gets the number one spot for many reasons. To start, this an affordable seafood joint run by two experienced, talented youths. Sam Gorenstein is a James Beard-nominated chef, who has already been recognized with Forbes' 30 Under 30. His partner is Roger Duarte, who also runs George's Stone Crab. This year, Duarte made the list for Forbes' 30 Under 30, too. These two are a strong team.

Then there's the the out-of-towner factor: when family or friends visit from elsewhere, they are always taken to My Ceviche. That's because Gorenstein and Duarte offer fresh, local Florida-caught seafood (including stone crabs) at affordable prices. This is the type of food that is unique to Miami. And if you think a seafood ventanita doesn't deserve the number one spot. Well, then, you've clearly never tried My Ceviche's burrito.

Follow Emily on Twitter @EmilyCodik.

Follow Short Order on Facebook , on Twitter @Short_Order, and Instagram @ShortOrder.