FEAST OF FRILLS

The entrance immediately sets the scene: guests traverse a 30-foot-long red carpet to enter Habibi, a newly opened supper club along the riverfront. Inside, they’re greeted to a visual treat of glorious excess: crystal chandeliers, silk tapestries, and velvet booths in shades of pink, royal blue, and teal. Belly dancers and percussionists shimmy in the background as diners dig into a Moroccan-French menu, from miso-honey glazed sea bass skewers to whole roasted cauliflower. A robust cocktail program pulls influences from North Africa and the Mediterranean, and includes signatures like the Moroccan Margarita, made with harissa-infused pineapple. Be sure to save room for Turkish mastic ice cream, scooped tableside. 452 NW N River Drive, habibimia.com

CRUISE CONTROL

Perched above Sea spice the celebrity favorited brasserie along the Miami River sits Air, a mega-exclusive private club fashioned after a superyacht. With sweeping 180-degree views of the river in the background, the by-invitation-only space features teak-lined floors, bright blue velvet seating, snow white tables, and sparkling chrome accents. The main dining area is anchored by a custom white and chrome bar, and a DJ booth was inspired by a yellow submarine. A sea-forward menu pairs perfectly with premium champagnes and top-shelf cocktails: think bluefin tuna, caviar, and koji-cured salmon. 412 NW N River Drive, airmiami.com

HIGH ROLLER

In October, Setai Miami Beach, the five-star Eastern-infused hotel housed behind a classic Art Deco facade circa 1937, unveiled its latest dining concept: Japón. Led by executive chef Vijayudu Veena (who also steers Setai’s Asian-fusion favorite Jaya), the zen-inspired restaurant is a stunning example of authentic Japanese excellence. Décor is lush and bold, marked by a patterned wooden ceiling, tasseled lanterns, porcelain feather tiles, and an array of traditional Japanese artwork. There’s also a private dining room that can seat 14, plus an open-air courtyard, featuring a traditional pagoda, hand-painted murals, and nanodo doors. Sashimi, nigiri, maki rolls, grilled meats, tempura, and signatures like Chilean seabass are all on the menu, plus more than 40 sakes. 2001 Collins Avenue, thesetaihotel.com

HOLIDAY CHEERS

What was born in 2014 as a spontaneous, yuletidethemed cocktail pop-up in NYC has since become an international sensation, spreading holiday cheer through over-the-top, Santainspired specialty drinks. In 2018, the Miracle experience landed in the heart of downtown Miami, and it’s back again this year, taking over Calle Ocho from November 26 through December 26. The pop-up concept will serve a new crop of festive, cheekily named cocktails (think Elfing Around and the Christmapolitan) in kitschy glassware against a glittering backdrop of holiday décor. miracleinmiami.com

ART & SOUL

Every December, thousands of art aficionados from around the globe descend upon the Magic City for Art Basel, featuring hundreds of exhibitions, events, and discussion panels with leading voices in art and culture. But the visual splendor extends beyond the scope of Basel-specific experiences, too, including Faena Art Week. For the 12th year, the six-block Faena District will come to life with dizzying installations, large-scale works, and multimedia performances. Be sure to check out Alaskan artist Nicholas Galanin’s massive beachfront installation titled Seletega (run, see if people are coming/ corre a ver si viene gente), an ode to society’s responsibility to future generations. Entry and all events are free to the public. faena.com