Beyond the Runway: Where to Eat, Drink, and Recharge During Miami Swim Week
- tfmslima3
- May 19
- 3 min read
Updated: May 26
Every year, I promise I won’t get swept up in Swim Week—and every year, I do. Not for the catwalks or the parties, but for the in-between moments: coffee runs, spontaneous brunches, and late-night meals where real connections happen. These four spots are my favorite escapes between the madness.
1. Bon Bouquet Café
Photo: Courtesy of Bon Bouquet Café
There’s something almost cinematic about stepping into Bon Bouquet Café. Maybe it’s the sun-drenched interiors filled with soft pastels and fresh flowers, or maybe it’s the hum of conversation between models, stylists, and tourists alike. This South Beach gem offers a French-inspired menu that’s light, colorful, and effortlessly chic—just like Swim Week itself.
Don’t skip the avocado tartine (served on thick, rustic bread) or their fresh açai bowls topped with edible flowers. If you're in a rush, grab a lavender latte and croissant to-go—but if you have time, sit on the outdoor patio, people-watch, and let the day unfold.
Website: Bon Bouquet Café
Address: 1661 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
Phone: (305) 763-8230
2. Panther Coffee
Photo: Courtesy of Panther Coffe
When you've been up since 6 a.m. prepping for a show and still have four more to go, nothing hits quite like a cold brew from Panther Coffee. Tucked into the Sunset Harbour neighborhood, this indie coffee roaster is the unofficial headquarters for creative types who need caffeine and a low-key vibe.
What sets Panther apart isn’t just their expertly roasted beans (though those are excellent)—it’s their attitude. There’s no pretense here, just good coffee, good music, and good conversation. Bring your laptop and review show notes, or cozy up with a friend and rehash last night’s party. Either way, it’s a welcome breather in a week that rarely pauses.
Website: Panther Coffee
Address: 1875 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach, FL
Phone: (305) 677-3952
3. Cecconi’s Miami Beach
Photo: Courtesy of Cecconi’s Miami Beach
If Swim Week had a secret garden, it would be Cecconi’s. Hidden behind the unmarked doors of Soho Beach House, this Italian restaurant feels like a respite from the fast pace of the fashion calendar. Twinkling lights hang above an open-air courtyard where you can dine under the stars, sip on prosecco, and forget for a moment that there’s a guest list waiting somewhere else.
The menu is timeless and elegant—handmade pastas, crudo, grilled seafood—and the service is impeccable. It’s where you go to impress a client, toast a successful show, or simply indulge in a slow, elegant meal that reminds you why you came to Miami in the first place.
Website: Cecconi’s Miami Beach
Address: 4385 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL
Phone: (786) 507-7902
4. News Café
Photo: Courtesy of News Café
No list of Swim Week essentials would be complete without the iconic News Café. This Ocean Drive mainstay has been open since the '80s, and while the crowd may change with the seasons, the energy remains pure Miami: eclectic, vibrant, and open to all.
News Café is open 24/7, which means it’s there for you after the afterparty—or before your 5 a.m. call time. Their menu is massive (think everything from omelets and burgers to Greek salads and key lime pie), and the sidewalk seating gives you front-row views of Ocean Drive’s ever-entertaining parade. More than once, I’ve sat here nursing an espresso and watching a swimsuit-clad influencer take a dozen selfies before her mimosa even arrived.
It’s a scene, yes—but it’s also a place with heart. And that’s what keeps me coming back.
Website: News Café South Beach
Address: 800 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL
Phone: (305) 538-6397