Artisan baking represents the perfect balance of science and culinary tradition. While the croissant is universally recognized as a French staple, it actually originated in Austria as the kipferl before arriving in Paris during the 1830s. Today, masterful laminations and slow-fermented sourdoughs define the modern luxury bakery experience. Photo: dbakers Sweet Studio Miami features a vibrant collection of pastry studios blending traditional European techniques with bright coastal flavors. At Miami Living, we explored the city to identify the most exceptional destinations for freshly baked goods. Discover Miami Living's favorites in our latest guide to elevated cafe culture. Archetti's Bakery Photo: Archetti's Bakery Located in the lush enclave of Upper Buena Vista, this boutique bakery redefines mindful indulgence. The shop specializes in beautifully crafted, allergen-friendly pastries, offering an entirely vegan and gluten-conscious menu that refuses to compromise on flavor or texture. From delicate seasonal fruit tarts to rich, plant-based brownies, the offerings are visually stunning and highly refined. It serves as a peaceful, health-conscious retreat for those seeking premium baked goods in a highly aesthetic outdoor shopping village. Address: 5040 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137 Phone: (305) 849-5259 Website: Official website. Instagram: @archettisbakery Baker and Barista Photo: Baker and Barista Operating just north of the Design District, this intimate cafe is celebrated for producing some of the most meticulously laminated pastries in the city. The display case highlights incredibly fresh daily creations, ranging from classic almond croissants to unique pistachio variations and delicate olive oil cakes. The space is small and heavily focused on culinary execution over expansive seating. It draws a dedicated crowd of early risers who demand flawless technique and exceptional specialty coffee. Address: 4582 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137 Phone: (786) 721-2300 Website: Official website. Instagram: @bakerandbarista__ Casa Bake Photo: Casa Bake Tucked away in South Miami, this charming destination brings an authentic slice of contemporary French baking to South Florida. The bakers prioritize high-quality ingredients to craft elegant fruit tarts, rich brioche, and perfectly golden croissants. The interior feels minimalist and deeply authentic, allowing the vibrant colors of the handmade desserts to stand out. It provides a highly specialized, artisan experience for locals who appreciate classical European pastry techniques executed with precision and care. Address: 7165 SW 47th St, Ste 316, Miami, FL 33155 Website: Official website. Instagram: @casabakemiami dbakers Sweet Studio Photo: dbakers Sweet Studio Positioned in Midtown Miami, this vibrant studio treats pastry design as an architectural endeavor. Founded by talented twin bakers, the shop is famous for its intricate macarons, towering custom cakes, and visually captivating cream puffs. The bright, modern interior mirrors the colorful and highly imaginative nature of the menu. It remains an essential destination for those seeking highly photogenic, playful desserts that deliver equally impressive, complex flavor profiles for high-end celebrations. Address: 3501 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137 Phone: (786) 310-8763 Website: Official website. Instagram: @dbakers_miami Frudeco Bakery Photo: Frudeco Bakery Situated in the Ebb and Flow development, this boutique elevates the concept of traditional baking through stunning floral and fruit arrangements. The brand gained immense popularity for its signature tart cakes, which are shaped into letters or numbers and meticulously decorated with fresh berries, macarons, and edible flowers. The storefront itself is elegant and inviting. It is the ultimate resource for sophisticated, highly tailored dessert centerpieces meant to impress at elite private events. Address: 8212 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33138 Phone: (786) 569-4450 Website: Official website. Instagram: @frudeco La Boulangerie Boul'Mich Photo: La Boulangerie Boul'Mich With a beloved location on Coral Way, this bustling artisanal cafe successfully merges traditional French baking with subtle Latin American influences. The expansive menu features everything from buttery, flaky croissants to highly comforting gourmet sandwiches on fresh artisan bread. The atmosphere is warm, energetic, and highly community-driven. It perfectly serves clients who want a reliable, elevated breakfast or a refined lunch in a space that feels both cosmopolitan and deeply welcoming. Address: 1242 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145 Phone: (305) 858-1080 Website: Official website. Instagram: @laboulangerie_boulmich La Vie Belle Boutique Café & Cuisine Photo: La Vie Belle Boutique Café & Cuisine Located near Lincoln Road, this chic Miami Beach establishment delivers a pristine modern European cafe experience. The beautifully appointed interior features elegant lighting and sophisticated decor, matching the exquisite presentation of their baked goods. Guests can enjoy perfectly crafted coffee alongside decadent morning pastries and thoughtful brunch plates. It acts as an incredibly stylish, relaxed retreat for those looking to escape the high-energy coastal crowds and enjoy an unhurried, luxurious morning ritual. Address: 334 20th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Website: Official website. Instagram: @laviebellemiami LADURÉE Miami Design District Photo: LADURÉE Bringing centuries of Parisian heritage to Miami, this opulent salon represents the absolute pinnacle of luxury confectionery. Famous globally for inventing the modern double-decker macaron, the boutique offers a visually stunning array of pastel treats housed in beautiful, gilded boxes. The pastel-hued interior provides a glamorous atmosphere for enjoying afternoon tea. It is an indispensable stop for fashion enthusiasts needing a sophisticated, highly traditional sweet break while exploring the surrounding designer flagship stores. Address: 140 NE 39th St, Suite 137, Miami, FL 33137 Phone: (786) 275-6621 Website: Official website. Instagram: @ladureeus Neoklasik Modern Artisan Bakery Photo: Neoklasik Modern Artisan Bakery Positioned on Miracle Mile, this sophisticated venue blends traditional Turkish bakery classics with highly advanced modern culinary techniques. The pastry team exhibits profound dedication to premium ingredients, resulting in intricately layered Mediterranean desserts and delicate baked goods. The elegant environment attracts a refined clientele who appreciate global flavors, warm hospitality, and visually stunning sweets crafted with absolute precision. It is a highly elevated addition to the Coral Gables dining landscape. Address: 366 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134 Phone: (305) 615-9940 Website: Official website. Instagram: @neoklasikmiami Zak the Baker Photo: Zak the Baker Operating as the beating culinary heart of Wynwood, this independent Kosher bakery holds immense prestige, frequently earning James Beard Award recognition. The rustic, industrial space functions as a true artisan workshop where patrons can watch the intricate sourdough fermentation process unfold. Famous for its thick, crusty loaves and incredible babka, the shop balances massive daily volume with uncompromising, handmade quality. It remains a mandatory pilgrimage for serious bread connoisseurs visiting South Florida. Address: 295 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127 Phone: (786) 294-0876 Website: Official website. Instagram: @zakthebaker By ML Staff. Selection by Camila R. S. Azeredo. Photos: Featured Venues / Provided by each featured venue in this story.

Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center will mark a decade of community impact with its 10th annual signature fundraiser, The Mane Event. Sponsored by Baptist Health, the anniversary celebration takes place on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the organization's five-acre facility, located at 6105 SW 125 Avenue in Miami. The gathering expects to host more than 200 attendees for an afternoon centered on local commerce and equine therapy awareness. Tatiana Castillo and Bear The program combines seasonal shopping with educational demonstrations highlighting the center's core mission. Attendees can browse products from over 20 local vendors, including Neptune’s Boutique, Boards by Shore, Miami Learning Experience, Gypsey Ofelia, Bella Paz, Jacqui’s Pearls, Cocoa Couture, and Soy Delicious. Offerings cover fashion, accessories, gifts, home decor, and specialty food items. The afternoon also features live music, a fashion show, wine tastings, food pairings, and a silent auction. Beyond the marketplace, visitors can tour the facility, interact with the center's specially trained horses, and observe live therapeutic riding demonstrations. Equine-assisted programs provide targeted physical and emotional benefits for children and adults with disabilities or special needs across South Florida, aiding in motor skills, physical strength, communication, and independence. All proceeds generated from ticket sales, silent auction bids, and direct donations go toward funding Whispering Manes' ongoing therapeutic programs. Due to space constraints at the equestrian center, total ticket sales are limited to maintain an intimate event setting. Tickets and donation details are available at whisperingmanes.org/me2026tickets. By ML Staff. Photos/Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center.

Prada has unveiled its Stride women’s shoe collection for the new season, highlighting designs that combine distinctive style with everyday practicality. According to the brand, the line is built around strong contrasts that define bold shapes while maintaining functional wearability. The collection features modern volumes that reinterpret classic silhouettes, including loafers and ankle boots, which are updated with oversized soles and recognizable Prada details. The Stride range is available through Prada’s official website, where customers can explore the selection and view the latest women’s arrivals. Additional new women’s products are listed in the brand’s women’s new in section, and men’s items are featured in its men’s new in category on the same platform. By ML. Photo(s)/Prada

Givenchy Paris has introduced a preview of its Fall Winter 2026 menswear collection, focusing on elevated wardrobe staples and contemporary footwear. The collection features a curated selection of wool overshirts with a checked reverse, Couture Seam pieces, and leather Puffy Yard sneakers designed for the upcoming cold season. Ready-to-wear items and footwear are presented as part of the broader Fall Winter 2026 menswear line, reflecting the brand’s focus on structured tailoring and technical detailing. The Fall Winter 2026 menswear collection is available in selected Givenchy boutiques and online at Givenchy.com. By ML. Photo(s)/Givenchy Paris

Versace has introduced new graphic print designs as part of its Fall Winter 2026 collection, expanding its seasonal range with bold visual motifs. The latest pieces feature graphic motifs that reflect the brand’s characteristic attitude and design language, with prints appearing across ready to wear and accessories. The Fall Winter 2026 graphic print offerings are now available in selected boutiques and on versace.com for global customers. By ML. Photo(s)/Versace

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami is launching a fall Tech Lab Club that introduces children ages 7–12 to the science and technology of animation through a series of hands-on sessions. Inspired by the museum’s upcoming special exhibition The Science Behind Pixar, the four-session Tech Lab Club invites participants to explore how science, art, and technology combine to bring animated characters and stories to life. Guided by Frost Science educators, children will learn core concepts including 3D modeling, animation, lighting, and rendering, then apply these skills by creating their own 2D animation project using laptops and digital tools provided by the museum. The program consists of four immersive sessions scheduled for October 4 and 11 and November 8 and 15, running from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and includes lunch and a T-shirt for each participant. Families can register online and museum members receive discounted Tech Lab Club registration. By ML. Photo(s)/Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Polka dots are returning as a central visual theme in the latest Dior collection, with the House highlighting the pattern in a new series of pieces for the upcoming season. Since Christian Dior’s first haute couture collection in 1947, polka dots have appeared regularly in the House’s designs. Initially linked to men’s accessories, the founding couturier adopted the pattern across his work and described it as "always in fashion," helping to establish it as a recurring Dior motif. For Autumn Winter 2026-2027, creative director Jonathan Anderson is revisiting this signature motif in a new sequence of dresses and accessories. The designs explore fresh interpretations of the dot pattern while maintaining its connection to the House’s heritage. More information on the House and its collections is available at Dior’s website. By ML. Photo(s)/Christian Dior Couture

Join Maison Yoga and W Miami for Skyline Flow, a special community yoga session held in the hotel’s Great Room, surrounded by views of Downtown Miami. The event takes place Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at W Miami, 485 Brickell Avenue. Tickets are $18, with refunds available up to 24 hours before the event begins. Attendees should bring their own yoga mat and towel. Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026 Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Location: W Miami, 485 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL Tickets: $18 Cancellation: Refundable up to 24 hours before the event Tickets: SweatPals By ML Staff. Photo/Courtesy of W Miami. Photo/Junseong Lee/Unsplash

Chanel is inviting clients and their guests to its boutique to discover the Sublimage Les Extraits skincare line and build a customized nighttime routine focused on skin rejuvenation. During the visit, guests can explore concentrated formulas in the collection, including the new Sublimage L’Extrait Baume Regard, which is designed for the eye area and is presented as part of a comprehensive evening ritual. The Baume Regard is promoted alongside Sublimage L’Extrait de Nuit as a coordinated duo intended to provide restoring benefits to the complexion when used together at night. Interested clients can book an appointment to experience the Sublimage Les Extraits ritual in person at the boutique. By ML. Photo(s)/CHANEL

The Nikki Spoelstra Play Forest officially opened Saturday, August 15, marking the debut of The Underline's first designated playground amenity in South Miami. Located adjacent to South Miami City Hall at 6130 Sunset Drive, the new space gives children and families a dedicated destination for outdoor play and connection with nature, made possible by a $500,000 gift from Nikki Spoelstra to Friends of The Underline. The Underline's newest section and amenity opened to families with a lively ribbon cutting celebration featuring a kids concert, face painting and microforest plantings. The Play Forest includes log balance beams, stepping logs and natural play elements for climbing, balancing and exploring, along with musical chimes and sensory trail features. The design uses natural materials rather than traditional playground equipment, and connects directly to The Underline's bike and pedestrian path. "This space is really about play, nature, curiosity, belonging and togetherness," said Nikki Spoelstra, a third generation Miamian inspired by childhood memories exploring Fairchild Tropical Garden with her grandmother. "I wanted to create something where children and families could feel that same sense of wonder of discovering something just around the corner, and of following your curiosity to see where it takes you." "Nikki Spoelstra's generosity, combined with the collaboration of our municipal and county partners, is exactly the kind of public-private partnership that makes spaces like this possible," said Eulois Cleckley, CEO of Friends of The Underline. "This is what The Underline is built on." The grand opening celebration ran from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and included a live family concert by Jam with Jamie as part of the Levitt BLOC Miami Music Series, along with face painting and arts and crafts. Families in attendance had the first opportunity to explore the new playground, which sits directly behind the South Miami Branch library. The Underline's horticulturalist team was on site, guiding attendees as they planted trees and vegetation in the microforest adjacent to the park. The event included participation from Mack Cycle and Fitness, the Miami-Dade Public Library System, Baptist Health, Epic Party Entert ainment, The Doodle Sisters, Pura Vida, Playa Bowls, State of Kid, Café Con Lu and Sweet Lichi's. Representatives from the City of South Miami, the City of Coral Gables, Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis's office, Commissioner Ralph Rosado's office, Miami-Dade County, and NV2A-Central JV were among those in attendance. Photo Credits: Avant Garde Media and Friends of the Underline

Mac’s Club Deuce is marking its centennial in 2026, providing a timely starting point for exploring Miami’s oldest bars. Across Miami-Dade, drinking spots with roots stretching back decades still serve neighborhood regulars and visitors. Their histories include long closures and changes of address, so an original opening date does not always mean uninterrupted service. These six bars appear in order of their original beginnings, with reopenings and relocations noted along the way. Mac’s Club Deuce Address: 222 14th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Opened in 1926 as Club Deuce, this South Beach bar took its current name after Mac Klein purchased the business in 1964. Its connection to Miami’s television history runs through Miami Vice, whose production added neon lighting that stayed in place after filming. The series also held its final wrap party here, according to Mac’s Club Deuce’s published history. The curved bar, pool table and jukebox remain central to the room. Mac’s accepts cash only, opens daily at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 a.m. Its two-for-one happy hour runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Ball & Chain Address: 1513 SW Eighth Street, Miami, FL 33135 Ball & Chain first opened in 1935, decades before its stretch of Southwest Eighth Street became widely known as Little Havana. Its documented musical history includes performances by Billie Holiday, Count Basie and Chet Baker. The original business closed in 1957; the address subsequently housed other businesses before Ball & Chain’s revival in 2014, a return covered by Miami New Times. Today, the venue combines Cuban food and cocktails with live music and dancing. Its official calendar lists daytime performances as well as evening programs, making it useful to check the lineup before deciding when to visit. Fox’s Lounge Address: 6030 S. Dixie Highway, South Miami, FL 33143 Hank and Betty Fox opened Fox’s Sherron Inn in 1946. After decades of service, the South Miami bar and restaurant closed in 2015. Chris Hudnall and Randy Alonso reopened it in 2022, restoring a gathering place whose regulars remembered both the dim interior and its food. Resy’s account of the revival documents the seven-year gap and the effort to preserve familiar dishes. The Fox’s Lounge menu still includes martinis and Manhattans alongside Original Thumb Bits, the longtime snack of seared beef on toast, served with au jus. Dinner options include a French dip and steak au poivre. Fox’s opens at 4 p.m. daily, and reservations are available through its website. Happy’s Stork Lounge & Liquor Store Address: 1624 79th Street Causeway, North Bay Village, FL 33141 Happy’s has roots in the 1950s; the business identifies 1953 as its founding year. Its history spans the causeway connecting Miami and Miami Beach, where it operated for decades as both a neighborhood lounge and a liquor store. In 2023, it moved west along the causeway into a larger space, a relocation documented by The Infatuation. The current Happy’s Stork Lounge & Liquor Store continues that combination at its new North Bay Village address. Rasoi Indian Kitchen supplies food, with Indian dishes and bar options including wings and burgers. Older guides may still point to its former location at 1872 79th Street Causeway. The Taurus Address: 3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 The Taurus traces its identity as a Coconut Grove bar to 1969. Its history includes a reopening in 2009, documented by the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District. The cottage has served several purposes over time, including a teahouse and roadhouse, making the building’s history distinct from the age of the bar itself. Now part of Ariete Hospitality Group, The Taurus centers its drinks offering on beer and whiskey, with food available alongside the bar service. The Coconut Grove directory lists whiskey flights and house-infused whiskey shots among its offerings, as well as burgers and wings. Churchill’s Pub Address: 5501 NE Second Avenue, Miami, FL 33137 Founded in 1979, Churchill’s became an important stage for Miami’s underground music community. The Little Haiti pub closed in 2020 and reopened in September 2025 after a five-year hiatus. WLRN’s reporting on the reopening describes its role in supporting emerging musicians and the South Florida bands that performed during its return. Live performances remain central to Churchill’s Pub, whose website lists upcoming shows and links to ticketing. Visitors should check the individual event listing for the lineup, admission price and door time before heading to the pub. By Luiz Porto/ML Staff. Photos courtesy of each business/venue

Scuba diving in Miami can mean exploring a coral reef in less than 30 feet of water or visiting a freighter near the 100-foot mark. Between the reefs off Key Biscayne and the historic wrecks of Biscayne National Park, the area offers options for newer certified divers, experienced divers and companions who prefer snorkeling. Rainbow Reef These seven Miami Living picks are reached by boat. Depths are approximate, and the right choice depends on your training, recent experience and conditions on the day. Emerald Reef Location: Offshore from Key Biscayne Depth: Approximately 15–26 feet at the county's mooring sites Emerald Reef comprises three patch reefs with hard corals, sea fans and sponges. Miami-Dade County identifies the areas around its moorings as West Emerald, also called Cuban Freighter Reef, North Emerald and Emerald Reef. Grunts and barracudas are among the fish documented here. For photographers interested in smaller marine subjects, local operator Diver's Paradise highlights the reef's rocks and hiding places as opportunities for close-up photography. Ask which part of Emerald the boat plans to visit, since the name covers several reef patches. Rainbow Reef Location: South of Government Cut, offshore from Miami Beach Depth: Approximately 17–28 feet at the county's mooring sites Rainbow Reef offers a shallow reef setting with hard corals, sponges and schooling fish. The county identifies its southern moorings as shallower areas with snorkeling opportunities, making this a site to discuss with an operator when planning an outing for both divers and snorkelers. The reef also serves as a coral restoration and research site. Visitors may encounter numbered tags or monitoring stakes, which should remain undisturbed. For readers interested in the work happening beneath Miami's waters, that conservation activity adds context to the dive. Neptune Memorial Reef Location: Approximately 3.25 miles east of Key Biscayne Depth: Approximately 40 feet Neptune Memorial Reef combines an artificial reef with a memorial site for cremated remains. Designed as an interpretation of Atlantis, its underwater architecture includes archways and columns that have become surfaces for marine growth. The setting makes it a choice for divers interested in submerged structures and underwater photography. The reef's visitor information page lists local dive operators and instructions for private boats. Visitors must use moorings rather than anchor on the reef, and fishing and collecting are prohibited. Its structures contain memorial placements, so divers should treat them with the care appropriate to a burial memorial. Sheri-Lyn Wreck Location: Offshore from Key Biscayne Depth: Roughly 100 feet; confirm the planned depth with your operator The Sheri-Lyn is a freighter sunk in 1987 and later broken into two major sections by Hurricane Andrew. Its separated hull gives this dive a different character from Miami's shallow reefs. Tarpoon Lagoon lists the wreck at 97 feet, substantially deeper than the other sites in this guide. This is a selection for divers with training and experience appropriate to the depth. Diver's Paradise also lists the wreck among its Miami dive sites and notes opportunities to observe small invertebrates around the structure. Discuss the route, conditions and certification requirements before reserving a trip. Alicia Wreck Location: Biscayne National Park Depth: Approximately 16–20 feet at the park's listed moorings The Alicia was a 345-foot iron-hulled steamship traveling from Liverpool to Havana when it sank in April 1905. Today, its remains form part of Biscayne National Park's Maritime Heritage Trail, giving divers a connection to the commercial shipping routes that once passed along this coast. Despite the relatively shallow mooring depths, the National Park Service identifies Alicia as one of the trail's sites best explored with scuba equipment. Ask specifically about Alicia when arranging a park dive, since a general snorkeling excursion does not establish that this wreck will be on the itinerary. Half Moon Underwater Archaeological Preserve Location: On a shoal off Key Biscayne Depth: Approximately 8–10 feet The Half Moon began life in Germany in 1908 as a racing yacht named Germania. After changing owners and uses, it wrecked during a storm in 1930. Its remains now lie within a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve, with portions of the vessel only a few feet below the surface. That shallow setting makes Half Moon worth considering for snorkeling as well as scuba. The attraction is the surviving yacht and its history, rather than a deep descent. Arrange boat access and have the operator assess conditions before entering the water. Mandalay Wreck Location: Long Reef, Biscayne National Park Depth: Around 10 feet at the park's listed moorings The schooner Mandalay ran aground on Long Reef on New Year's Day in 1966 while returning toward Miami from a Bahamian cruise. Its remaining framework lies in the eastern part of Biscayne National Park, where the National Park Service identifies it as a particularly suitable wreck for snorkeling. For companions who want to see a shipwreck without scuba equipment, Mandalay is a useful option to ask about. The Biscayne National Park Institute offers snorkeling excursions, but captains select locations according to weather and sea conditions. A particular wreck is not a guaranteed stop. By Luiz Porto/ML Staff. Photos courtesy of National Park Service