Rolling into Miami for the F1 Grand Prix? Where to eat, stay and party

In its third year, the outrageous glitz of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix has only grown. For hardcore Formula fans, the sprint race run prior to the main event — a first for Miami and only one of six on this year’s F1 calendar — is a source of added excitement. But for those more interested in the revved up atmosphere than the standings of the Constructors Championship, Magic City is preparing for its best showing yet, on and off the track. 

Here’s a look at the best new everything to see and do in the brightest and brashest town in America during race week, starting May 3.  

Where to stay

While big things are in the pipeline — an Aman, a Bulgari and a Rosewood to name a few — nothing new and worth recommending will be open by the time the lights turn green. If you were thinking of heading to your favorite 5-star inn on Miami Beach, be prepared to fork it over: it’s $2,150 for a night at the Setai, $2,563 a night at the W South Beach and don’t even try Faena — they’re out of rooms. But you didn’t want the commute up Collins Avenue anyway. Instead, target crash pads closer to the paddocks at the Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, Aventura and Fort Lauderdale.

You can also book at the 685-room JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, just 20 minutes from the track. It’s hosting an F1 pop-up, featuring a collection of race memorabilia, and some exclusive dining and spa options for race fans. It’ll set you back roughly $1,132 a night with a four-night minimum. 

Where to eat

Restaurants are shifting into top gear this week, so make your reservations yesterday. One of the flashiest dining experiences happening over the weekend will be Carbone Beach, a so-called “Supper Club on The Sand.” Over four nights, meals masterminded by Mario Carbone will be accompanied by surprise performances (in the years past Andrea Bocelli, Wyclef Jean and Nas have all shown up). You’ll also be in fast company; boldface names like Travis Kelce, David Beckham, LeBron James, Derek Jeter, James Cordon, Serena and Venus Williams have raised a glass here — not to mention billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Ken Griffin and Stephen Ross. It’s going down at a new waterfront venue at 22nd Street and Collins Avenue this year. Oh, did we mention that it’s $3,000 per ticket?

Short of that, let Michelin be your guide. New stars were just awarded, and while L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon remains the only 2-star spot in the city, three restaurants just received a star for the first time. They include: EntreNos, a contemporary hub by chefs Evan Burgess and Osmel Gonzalez in Miami Shores; Shingo, a Japanese restaurant by chef Shingo Akikuni in Coral Gables; and another Japanese nigiri favorite, Ogawa, by chef Masayuki Komatsu in the Little River area.

For something completely new, try Lafayette Steakhouse in Brickell. It’s soft opening during race week in the space formerly occupied by El Tucán (it’s now operated by Mr. Hospitality Miami, the group known for the sexy, theatrical dining rooms at Queen Miami Beach and Marion Miami). Lafayette promises prime cuts and the “glitz and glamor” “of a bygone era.”

Where to play

Off-track, the best place to find a F1 driver isn’t yachting Monaco or lounging at Amanpuri — it’s on the padel court. Lando Norris, George Russel, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz are just a few racers who are also active players. At last year’s race, the Williams Team took the opportunity to play at billionaire Wayne Boich’s Reverse Padel club at the Miami Seaplane Base. Now you can get in on the action at the brand new Reserve Miami Design District club. The club will be opening its courts for public bookings throughout F1 week. Score. 

Where to buy

If you’re into cars and not into income taxes, you might consider settling down. The Miami curious should head to the sales office of the Raleigh, the city’s most anticipated real estate project. A complete overall of a 1940 Art Deco gem (formerly owned by Tommy Hilfiger) adds a new 17-story glass tower to the property. Designed by starchitect Peter Marino and developed by Michael Shvo, the tower has 40 residences serviced by that forthcoming Rosewood hotel. But it’s the penthouse that’s turning heads — and you’ll need a Max Verstappen-sized income to step inside. The roughly 13,000-square-foot, full-floor penthouse here is asking “over $150 million,” according to Shvo, who expects the project to be completed in 2026. If that’s a bit rich for you, three-bedroom residences start at $10 million. Oren and Tal Alexander’s Official brokerage will be handling sales.

Where to party

Singer Marc Anthony is crooning the National Anthem at the race, but that’s just the start. A-list performances are popping up everywhere. After a day at the track, head to Hard Rock Live, where Puerto Rican rapper Don Omar, and Ed Sheeren are performing. Meanwhile, DJ Kaskade is spinning at the Hard Rock’s Guitar Pool. 

Downtown at E11even Miami, the “ultra-club” is expecting its second biggest weekend of the year (after Art Basel) — “this is when Europeans come and drop $50,000 on a table,” an insider tells us. On May 3, 50 Cent is kicking the late-night party, followed by Afrojack on May 5. The club is even offering a $111,000  “Winner’s Circle” package, which comes with four nights at the Gabriel Hotel, dinner for 11 guests at the Giselle rooftop restaurant and that $50,000 table. That’s one way to empty your tank.