Photo courtesy Beth Dunlop

Works by Cosima von Bonin and Allora & Calzadilla from the de la Cruz Collection/Photo courtesy of the de la Cruz Collection (top). The Fratelli Lyon Restaurant in the 4141 Design showroom / Photo courtesy Fratelli Lyon (middle). Outdoor seating at the Mandolin Agean Bistro / Photo courtesy Mandolin Agean Bistro (bottom).

Beth Dunlop is the contributing architecture critic at The Miami Herald and was editor-in-chief at their HOME Miami magazine and HOME Fort Lauderdale. She has also written several books about architecture in Florida.

Best New Architecture
Miami Design District
“Until recently, I had an office in the Miami Design District, and I continue to stroll those streets, ducking into a plaza (Enzo Enea's Rainforest Lounge or Oak Plaza) and window shopping in the showrooms where in such spots as 4141 Design (which includes the restaurant Fratelli Lyon) you can sit in furniture that you might otherwise have to see in a design museum."

Best Historic Architecture
“I'm a detourer, always, and I can say that the residential side streets of Miami Beach, Miami, Miami Shores, and Coral Gables offer many visual delights—little  gems of houses in the Mediterranean, Deco, early modernist, or eclectic revival styles.  In terms of pastimes, South Pointe Park at sunset is a favorite. I never tire of the Miami Beach boardwalk—best early in the morning or at twilight. “

Best Museums and Galleries
de la Cruz Collection
“Be sure to see the atrium of the Moore Building and the new de la Cruz Collection. Likewise,  I love Wynwood [neighborhood] for its edgy, urban feel and the galleries and museums in it.”

Best Restuarants 
Captain Jim's
“For the freshest seafood served (as much of the best fresh seafood is) with almost no amenities and not much atmosphere, go to Captain Jim's at [12950 West Dixie Highway] North Miami.”

Tamarind Thai
“Tamarind Thai on Normandy Isle in North Beach has amazing Thai food created by a chef from London. "

Mandolin and Buena Vista Bistro
“A newcomer with a delightful garden is Mandolin, which offers Greek-Turkish food, and is down the street from another little jewel, Buena Vistra Bistro, which is French. "

“I have always tried to patronize chef-owned restaurants that source locally and are environmentally conscious: Michael's Genuine, Michy's, Talula, Timo, Red Light, Pacific Time.   Sadly, the lovely Creek 28 closed for the summer but watch for it on a later trip to Miami.”