RESTAURANTS • First Word
The Skinny: Situated inside its original dining room on Alton Road, the Macchialina team opened Fluke in April, transforming the space into an oyster and martini bar for the local set.
The Vibe: The familiar warmth of Macchialina’s original exposed brick remains, now complemented by a moody black marble bar. Grab a paper menu, mark your selections, and settle in. It's refreshingly unpretentious, the kind of place where you can pop in solo for oysters and a martini, or linger with friends over a seafood tower.
The Food: House focaccia is elevated with black olive butter, while the namesake fluke crudo with tomato guazzetto transcends — the sauce is rich and refreshing, an unexpected complement to the pristine fish. The previously off-menu secret Big Macch Burger is now a fixture at Fluke with fontina, thinly sliced mushrooms, and Genovese sauce that makes most other burgers seem amateur. Rosemary salt hand-cut fries serve as a worthy companion.
The Drink: Fluke’s fantastic happy hour (5-630p) makes it one of South Beach’s best early evening destinations, with $7 martinis and that Big Macch Burger at $10. The wine program abandons Macchialina's all-Italian approach for selections that pair well with oysters.
The Verdict: Fluke delivers exactly what South Beach needs: a proper neighborhood oyster bar where locals can grab a quick bite or settle in for the evening. No reservations, no pretense, just delicious food in a space that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. –Olee Fowler
→ Fluke (South Beach) • 820 Alton Rd • Wed-Sun 5-11p • Walk-ins only.