Every year, Miami Beach welcomes Miami Spice, a beloved culinary tradition that brings together food lovers, curious travelers, and locals eager to explore the city’s vibrant restaurant scene. This experience is Miami Spice, a seasonal dining program that celebrates the talent of Miami’s chefs while making fine dining more accessible. No matter if you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, Miami Spice offers a delicious opportunity to discover signature menus at premier restaurants without the hefty price tag. In 2025, Donatella Boutique Hotel & Restaurant will invite guests to enjoy a refined Italian menu crafted especially for the event in its peaceful, elegant South Beach setting.
What is Miami Spice?
Miami Spice is a citywide culinary event that showcases local restaurants through special prix fixe menus. Participating venues offer multi-course meals with thoughtfully curated dishes at a fixed price, giving diners the chance to explore new flavors without breaking the bank. Miami Spice is more than just a promotion; it’s a celebration of the city’s diverse culinary identity. The program encourages exploration and taste-driven travel, featuring everything from seafood and seasonal produce to internationally inspired dishes.
For many chefs, Miami Spice is a creative challenge and an opportunity to present their cuisine to a broader audience. For diners, it’s an opportunity to experience elegant dining rooms, new techniques, and refined recipes at a more affordable price.
When is Miami Spice?
Miami Spice runs from August 1 to September 30, making it the perfect late-summer event. These two months are ideal for those looking to explore Miami Beach without the peak tourist crowds and in a quieter, more relaxed way. The timing also coincides with the city’s cultural calendar, allowing you to easily pair dining plans with museum visits, beach strolls, or hotel stays.
The 2025 edition continues this tradition, promising another season of flavor, creativity, and culinary discovery.
How long is Miami Spice?
With a two-month run, Miami Spice gives guests plenty of time to discover and enjoy multiple restaurants. Unlike shorter food festivals, the extended schedule of Miami Spice encourages a slower pace. There’s no need to rush to get a reservation or try everything in one weekend.
If you’re planning a long weekend getaway or if you live nearby, you’ll find that the event’s timing and length allow for thoughtful, intentional dining experiences. It’s also a great opportunity to revisit favorite places or discover hidden gems you might have overlooked.
How does Miami Spice work?
Miami Spice has a simple and inviting format: participating restaurants offer two- or three-course prix fixe menus for lunch, brunch, and dinner. These menus usually feature a variety of starters, main courses, and desserts, all of which are carefully crafted to showcase the chef’s style and the restaurant’s identity.
Prices are fixed and standardized throughout the event, so you can explore without worrying about unexpected costs. Menus are often updated throughout the two-month event, offering more variety for returning guests. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially at well-known or boutique establishments where seating is limited.
Miami Spice at Donatella Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
In 2025, the Donatella Boutique Hotel & Restaurant will present an elevated Italian menu that reflects its refined approach to hospitality and cuisine. Tucked away in a serene corner of South Beach, the hotel provides a peaceful escape where guests can enjoy Italian flavors in a calm, beautifully designed setting.
The appetizer selection sets the tone with a combination of traditional and innovative preparations. Highlights include salmon tartare with a lemon dressing, shallots, and orange zest served with delicate pasta chips. Those seeking something fresh and creamy will enjoy the burrata tomato salad with petite basil, Calabrian oregano, Maldon salt, and extra virgin olive oil. Those seeking a lighter, more refreshing start will enjoy the hamachi crudo with apple, yuzu, and pickled Fresno chili, while grilled artichokes offer a smoky, herbaceous alternative. The fritto misto, a crispy mix of shrimp and calamari with basil and anchovy aioli, adds texture and brightness to the meal.
In the pasta course, technical precision meets bold flavor. The spaghetti alla Nerano combines zucchini, aged provolone del Monaco, Parmigiano Reggiano, garlic, and basil, offering a dish rooted in Neapolitan tradition. The Campanelle Pomodoro, made with D.O.P. Piennolo tomatoes, garlic, and basil, showcases the beauty of simplicity. For a zesty twist, the Amalfi Limone pairs fettuccine with preserved Meyer lemons, lemon oil, and crème fraîche. Those seeking an extra layer of indulgence may add Ossetra caviar, as suggested by the chef.
The main course selections continue the elegant theme with expertly prepared proteins. The coal-seared salmon is served with fennel, frisée, heirloom tomatoes, olives, and mint, offering a fresh, Mediterranean flavor. The coal-seared branzino is served with zucchini scapece, marinated tomatoes, and grilled lemon. Meat lovers will enjoy the 10-ounce New York strip steak, which is served coal-grilled with herb butter and roasted potatoes.
No Italian dining experience is complete without dessert. The Bavarese di Cioccolato and Delizia al Limone provide the perfect ending, combining richness with the freshness of citrus.
Why experience Miami Spice at Donatella?
Dining at the Donatella Boutique Hotel & Restaurant during Miami Spice offers more than exceptional cuisine; it delivers a full sensory experience. The hotel’s intimate design, thoughtful service, and quiet luxury create an atmosphere that sets the stage for a relaxed yet memorable meal. Whether you’re a guest of the hotel or just stopping by for dinner, you’ll experience the essence of South Beach sophistication without the usual noise and rush.
It’s an ideal choice for couples, solo travelers, or friends looking for an upscale yet serene environment. You can enjoy a beautifully composed meal and linger over dessert without feeling rushed—exactly what the spirit of Miami Spice is all about.
A seasonal celebration of taste
Miami Spice 2025 is more than a limited-time promotion; it’s an opportunity to experience the city’s culinary creativity in an accessible and thoughtful way. With its two-month duration, fixed-price menus, and wide range of participating venues, the event invites you to slow down and savor.
Those seeking a refined, quiet place to enjoy this culinary season will find that Donatella Boutique Hotel & Restaurant offers a menu and setting that capture the essence of Italian cuisine and South Beach hospitality. Make your reservation early to enjoy one of the most elegant Miami Spice experiences of the year.
