Talula (210 23rd St., 305/672-0778, lunch noon–2:30 p.m. Tues.–Fri., 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sun., dinner 6:30–10 p.m. Tues.–Thurs. and Sun., 6:30–11:30 p.m. Fri.–Sat., main courses from $22) is slightly off the beaten path and feels more like a neighborhood bistro than other spots attempting to be the hippest spot in Miami Beach. As you can guess from the name, there’s a bit of a Southern flair to the menu, but the kitchen transforms Southern comfort food like shrimp and grits and pork loin stuffed with sweet Vidalia onions into elegant contemporary versions that are unpretentious and satisfying.

Speaking of unpretentious, Norman's American Bar & Grill (6770 Collins Ave., 305/868-9248, noon–5 a.m. daily, main courses from $8) is about as unpretentious as they come in Miami Beach. Traditional fried bar snacks along with steaks, chops, chicken, and seafood are surprisingly excellent, considering that they’re served in a tavern-style environment that, as the night goes on, seems more focused on the party than on the plates.