Cantina La Veinte

Mexican doesn’t get the high-end treatment nearly as much as Japanese and Chinese cuisines do, but that’s all changing at Cantina La Veinte. Don your best stilettos or suit for dinner at this swanky, Brickell spot that’s hip and trendy rather than stuffy. You’ll shell out more than you’re used to at your neighborhood restaurant for guacamole and margaritas, but the variety you’ll find within both will make it well worth the extra bucks. Where else can you order Oaxacan house-made guacamole sprinkled with grasshoppers (chapulines)? Executive chef Santiago Gomez is the man behind the bold menu that takes diners through seldom-explored areas of Mexican gastronomy. His preparations of king crab tacos, duck breast confit and octopus sautéed in the style of pork carnitas are flawless and taste even better than the traditional dishes Americans are used to.   

Time Out tip: Cantina’s margaritas are among the best in Miami, but at $16 and above, they’re pricey. Fortunately, ladies can sip on them for free at the bar every Wednesday from 5pm to 10pm. Sorry, fellas.