Labor Day weekend (Sept 5-7) marks the unofficial end of summer, and South Floridians are going to spend it the way they spend every long weekend: eating well.
Instead of the usual “where to eat” list, here’s a go-to roundup organized by who you’re with and what kind of weekend you’re having.
AROUND THE BEACH
For the crowd staying beachside all weekend and refusing to venture past any bridge.
La Ventanita: The Long Weekend’s Sweetest Stop
Cool off between beach sessions with a cone from La Ventanita, The Betsy – South Beach’s hidden window café tucked into the breezeway at 14th Place between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. Just steps from the sand, it’s an easy grab-and-go stop for house-made soft serve, with classic vanilla, chocolate or a swirl of both served in a crisp sugar or waffle cone.
LT South Beach: The Sit-Down Your Long Weekend Deserves
For a beach day that calls for a proper sit-down meal, head to LT South Beach at The Betsy – South Beach. Helmed by award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel, the elegant yet approachable restaurant is best known for its inventive, globally inspired New American menu and makes an easy transition from a day on the sand to a leisurely meal without ever leaving the neighborhood.
The Alley: Because Long Weekends Call for Pizza
When the post-beach hunger hits, The Alley at The Betsy – South Beach is the place to go for sharing a pie. Tucked away in a discreet alleyway off of Ocean Drive and marked by hung bistro lighting, Chef Laurent Tourondel’s trattoria-style pizzeria serves Italian-inspired fare centered around 16-inch Roman pizzas.
Eight Blocks Is All You Need on Lincoln Road
Lincoln Road is Miami Beach’s vibrant, open-air promenade where the city’s energy and creativity come to life. Stretching across eight dynamic blocks, it’s South Florida’s largest pedestrian-only district with over 200 restaurants and shops, from renowned global brands to beloved local favorites. Visitors can make a day of it with dining destinations like MILA, Andrés Carne de Res and Issabella’s, all just steps from the destination’s shops, galleries and cultural attractions.
A Coastal Italian-Inspired Labor Day Weekend at Donna Mare Italian Chophouse
Stop in for lunch or dinner at Donna Mare Italian Chophouse, the coastal Italian restaurant at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club featuring handcrafted pastas, fresh salads, panini and wood-fired pizzas. On Sunday, gather for Domenica della Lasagna, a reservations-only, family-style experience for groups of four or more featuring house-made lasagna, Italian wine and classic accompaniments for $79++ per person. Or, close out the holiday weekend on Monday with Lunedì della Pasta, offering 30% off all pasta dishes from the dinner menu.
Sip Back in Time with Prohibition Mondays at Leonardo
For a Labor Day weekend with a little Old World glamour, Leonardo delivers from brunch through late night. The elegant Italian spot pairs Tuscan-inspired dishes with tableside theatrics, plus weekend brunch and a lively supper club after 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Close out the long weekend with Prohibition Mondays, an immersive evening to late night complete with live saxophone performances, handcrafted cocktails, period-inspired décor and staff dressed in Gatsby-era attire.
Wine Down Labor Day Weekend at Ezio’s
Ezio’s is a new Italian-inspired steakhouse in North Beach serving dry-aged steaks, Italian favorites and seasonal dishes like Chicken Milanese and Spanish Branzino. On Sunday, enjoy 50% off all wines available by the glass, whether ordered by the glass or bottle, from its 110-label Star Wine List-recognized wine list.
Labor Day Weekend on the Rooftop at Vilebrequin La Plage
Vilebrequin La Plage offers a chic rooftop escape where French Riviera style meets Miami Beach. Guests can take in the oceanfront views over L’Apéro Hour or settle in for dinner featuring fresh Mediterranean-inspired fare, from Steak Tartare to Fettuccine Burrata, paired with refreshing cocktails and rosé.
BRUNCHING
If your Labor Day plans start after 11 a.m., these are the brunches worth setting an alarm for.
Pancakes and Bottomless Mimosas at Grand Public Kitchen + Bar
For those spending Labor Day weekend in Coconut Grove, Grand Public Kitchen + Bar offers a buzzy brunch destination in the heart of CocoWalk. With a lively atmosphere and a menu of globally inspired American fare, it’s an ideal spot to gather with friends and toast to the unofficial end of summer. Weekend brunch favorites like Wild Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes and The Shak pair perfectly with $25 bottomless mimosas, available in flavors like orange, pineapple, mango and passionfruit.
Toast to the Long Weekend at Vista Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Vista Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Novotel Miami Brickell offers an elevated alfresco rooftop setting with sweeping views of the Brickell skyline. Available Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the weekend brunch features elevated takes on brunch favorites, including the Croque Madame with Truffle Béchamel, Short Rib Benedict and Tres Leches French Toast. Keep the holiday weekend celebrations going with two-hour bottomless beverages, including mimosas or Bellinis for $25, bloody marys for $25 and spritzes for $40.
Slay-bor Day at R House Wynwood
Close out summer at R House Wynwood with Slay-bor Day, a special Labor Day Monday edition of the restaurant’s signature Drag Brunch. The celebration combines a bottomless brunch, special drag performances and audience competitions. Guests are encouraged to arrive in their best all-white looks for a chance to win “Slay-bor Day Best Dressed.” Every brunch package includes a complimentary “Out of Office” sparkling peach spritz upon arrival. Tables can also fuel up with a Slay-bor Day Recovery Bucket featuring 20 sweet chili wings for $20. After the final performance, the celebration continues with Clock-Out Happy Hour, featuring $1 wings, $1.50 oysters, $6 prosecco, $7 cocktails and shots, and $3 beers.
DRINKS WITH FRIENDS
For the group chat that’s already planning the day-drinking itinerary.
Chef Knows Best With Nine-Course Omakase at Uchi Miami
While closed on Labor Day, Wynwood’s Uchi remains open on Saturday and Sunday for those looking for unique drinks and an omakase deal too good to pass up. The modern Japanese restaurant serves a must-try Happy Hour Omakase ($120 for two) from 5-6:30 p.m. featuring a nine-course tasting. Pair the decadent dishes with a Japanese-inspired cocktail or bottle of sake.
Late-Night “Cheers” at Uchiko Miami Beach
Like its sister concept, Uchi, Uchiko Miami Beach is closed on Labor Day but open through the weekend, featuring a Happy Hour Omakase ($120 for two) where friends can snag a seat at the sushi counter and “cheers!” with a tropical, Japanese-inspired cocktail. Late-night crowds can stop by from 9-11 p.m. for the new Late Night Happy Hour.
Toast the Long Weekend with Golden Hour at Delilah Miami
Delilah Miami may be closed on Labor Day, but guests can still toast to the long weekend with Golden Hour from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Diners can indulge in half off all signature cocktails alongside $14 bites, including Patatas Bravas and Tuna Tartare, all served against Delilah’s signature backdrop of old-school Hollywood glamour and waterfront views.
Keep the Long Weekend Going with Italian Fare at dōma Wynwood
For those looking to make the most of the long weekend, dōma Wynwood will keep the celebrations going on Labor Day, serving dinner daily starting at 6 p.m. The neighborhood favorite offers a stylish setting to enjoy contemporary Italian fare, from Tagliolini al Tartufo Nero to Saffron Risotto & Braised Veal Ossobuco. For wine lovers, dōma’s striking wine wall is a destination in itself, showcasing an expansive selection with an emphasis on Italian labels.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Kid-friendly, easy-to-navigate spots for a low-stress family outing.
Gondola Rides at Casa Sensei
Make the most of Labor Day weekend on the water at Casa Sensei, where guests can pair dinner with a private Riverfront Gondola Tour for one of the most unique ways to experience Fort Lauderdale. Families can enjoy the restaurant’s signature Pan-Asian Latin fusion cuisine, from sushi boats to Korean BBQ favorites, aboard a traditional Venetian-style gondola for a scenic cruise along the Himmarshee Canal and Las Olas waterways.
Friday Sunset Music Cruise at Shooters Waterfront
Kick off Labor Day weekend on the Intracoastal with Shooters Waterfront and Water Taxi’s Friday Sunset Music Cruise. Families can start the night at Shooters with waterfront happy hour specials, live music and dockside dining before boarding the Water Taxi for a sunset cruise through Fort Lauderdale’s famed waterways. A complimentary champagne toast is served onboard as the boat cruises past waterfront homes and the city skyline. Each ticket includes a $10 Shooters Waterfront credit, making it easy to continue the evening back at the restaurant after returning to the dock.
Sunday Lunch at Mottai in Coral Gables
Gather the family for a leisurely Labor Day weekend meal at Mottai in Coral Gables, now serving Sunday lunch from noon to 3 p.m. Guests can explore Japanese-inspired dishes, including the Crab Roll with togarashi brown butter and soy wrapper, Rock Shrimp with spicy aioli and chili thread, and Kinoko Hot Pot with yuzu soy butter, egg yolk, furikake rice and chili crunch. With plenty to pass around and a relaxed setting, Mottai offers an elevated way to bring the whole family together over Labor Day weekend.
Make a Day of It at Atlantic Village
For families looking to make the most of Labor Day weekend without the hassle of bouncing around town, Atlantic Village in Hallandale Beach brings dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities together in one shaded, open-air destination. Start with breakfast or brunch at Pink Café or grab freshly baked bagels and breakfast favorites from Mitch’s Downtown, then make your way to Tee Box, a golf training center where golfers of all ages and skill levels can work on their game. Or, let the kids burn off some energy at Flippo’s Indoor Playground and Café, an indoor activity center for ages 1-14 featuring game rooms, a toddler area, a laser maze and an indoor sports court. When it’s time to refuel, families can choose from Venezuelan favorites at Doggi’s Arepa Bar, sushi and Japanese-Peruvian flavors at Sokai Sushi Bar or tacos and Mexican street food at Uptown 66. With more than 308,830 square feet of dining, retail and lifestyle experiences, Atlantic Village makes it easy to turn the long weekend into a full day of family fun.