It was bound to happen sooner than later. The downtown area of Miami long known as the Central Business District has a catchy new name, "NoBri". As the area continues to add new restaurants, bars and lounges, it has become a popular dining and social destination. The area is bordered by NE 2nd Street on the North, the Miami River on the South, Miami Avenue on the West and Biscayne Bay on the East.
View NoBri Neighborhood in Miami in a larger map
For years this area went almost dark after 6pm, but with all the new residents in the immediate area, including those in the condo towers, One Miami, Met 1, 50 Biscayne, Everglades on the Bay, The Lofts and Lofts II, it is time to christen this area with a trendy name to reflect this young and vibrant neighborhood.
It appears that Ocean Drive magazine was the first to coin the term "NoBri' and the term has quickly caught on. You may read their article here, Local TV station WSVN Channel 7 touted the new name in their "Style File" segment this past weekend, and highlighted a few of the great dining options. Check out their video here
On a personal note, I would also like to sing the praises of NoBri. I have had the pleasure of dining at several of these great restaurants and think they offer fabulous food at value prices. My favorites include
CVI.CHE 105, which offers the freshest fish and other flavorful Peruvian dishes. Lomo Saltado...Yum! It also has a 'see and be seen' vibe
Fratelli Milano - brotherly love has rarely resulted in such mouthwatering pastas. And homemade desserts too! No wonder it is always packed at lunchtime. Easier to get a seat at dinner.
Sparky's Roadside Barbeque - Humble food with surprisingly intricate flavors and high quality ingredients. And don't miss the Banana Pudding!
Sandwich Bar - only open 9am to 5pm, original and classic combinations. If you try this place, you will never eat a SubWay sandwich in downtown again. For added value, ask for the Soup and Soda combo, only $1 extra.
Angel Thai - a hidden gem, tucked into a small courtyard, it almost feels like a side street in Bangkok. The food on the other hand is totally the real deal, authentic and delicious.
And if you are lucky enough to live in the downtown area, all of these restaurants will deliver for free, subject to a minimum spend of course.
