Swan

It is hard not to be charmed when you take your first steps into Swan, the new Design District restaurant that is every bit as pretty as you may have heard. The restaurant’s owners—Pharrell (yes, that Pharrell) and Miami kingpin David Grutman—hired design stud Ken Fulk to create the rosy dining room and he sure earned his paycheck. Since the restaurant opened its doors in November 2018, crowds have been big in both size and Instagram followings—not unexpected for a Grutman-lead concept. Inside, conversation can prove a tad difficult between the volume of the music (mostly hip ‘80s beats) and the chatter from Swan’s main bar. If it’s a nice night, an outside seat in the equally gorgeous courtyard might help with that. The French chef Jean Imbert is the boss in the kitchen but the menu does not adhere to any one country. The price point can be a little garish. The $95 spaghetti (blame the osetra caviar) and $145 ribeye are jarring but not entirely necessary unless you feel like living large. One or two small plates and a side should be enough to satisfy an average appetite. Most menu items are familiar enough (Is there any trendy Miami restaurant not currently serving octopus and burrata?) and some are quite inventive. The Corn Corn Corn—a creamy blend of polenta and brown butter with a sprinkle of popcorn—is a creative effort. It’s Pharrell's favorite, apparently, but seems to have diners split 50/50 on its efficacy. There is an electric feeling to this place, though, and its personality fits in perfectly with the booming neighborhood it calls home. After dinner, take a trip to the plush upstairs lounge, Bar Bevy, to keep the party going.