Don’t act shocked that people actually eat in Miami. They do, really. We swear. If you don’t believe us, consider the following and see for yourself.

If you’re here anytime from October through May, Joe’s Stone Crab (11 Washington Avenue, South Beach, FL 33139, +13056730365) is a must – the stalwart of good crustaceans, Joe’s is a landmark that doesn’t take reservations and has no reservations about saying so. The Restaurant (1427 West Avenue, South Beach, FL 33139, +13056728881) is the Cirque du Soleil of nouveau American food.

For some scene with your shrimp, Big Fish (55 SW Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33130, +13053731770, www.thebigfishmiami.com) is the place to go for priceless views of the Miami River and downtown skyline, while not so far away is a view for a price at Azul (500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL 33131, +13059138254), the tour de force Mandarin Oriental Miami eatery that’s beyond exquisite.

For arty instead of chi-chi, 190 Restaurant (190 NE 46th Street, Miami, FL 33137, +13055769779) it is, where Haight Ashbury meets Miami and a $15 all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch is a magnet for hipsters from all points of the city. For cheap, delicious Cuban fare with equally appetizing ambiance, go to Versailles (3555 SW 8th Street, Little Havana, FL 33135, +13054440240), another of Miami’s culinary landmarks not without its own brand of Cuban kitsch.

If you prefer to explore on your own, consider South Beach and Coral Gables, two hotbeds of epicurean activity where there’s a restaurant for every taste and budget.

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