When Art Basel made its South Beach debut, in 2002, Nina Johnson was interning at Bernice Steinbaum Gallery. Miami wasn’t yet on the art world map—dealers considered it a sleepy beach town where galleries like Steinbaum’s represented under-the-radar local artists.
Johnson decided to strike out on her own five years after her internship. She opened a small space in the Wynwood district called Gallery Diet. By 2015, she’d renamed it after herself and relocated to a larger, sun-filled space in Little Haiti. “I chose it because it had a sense of place,” she told Cultured magazine in 2022. “When you walk in, you’re like, ‘Okay, I’m in Miami.’”
Today, Johnson is considered an industry fixture, and represents artists like Judy Chicago, Madeline Donahue, Katie Stout, and Derek Fordjour. Here, the gallerist shares some of her favorite spots in her native city.
Sunny’s Steakhouse
The new Sunny’s is all you need to know! Steak, oysters, martinis, a mix of indoor and outdoor seating … it’s the best vibe, punctuated by the loveliest staff in the business. I would go just to see their wonderful hostess, but once you have a chilled Manhattan with a Parker house roll as a snack, you’ll never want to leave. (sunnysmia.com)
ZeyZey
ZeyZey embodies the quintessential Miami vibe. It’s outdoors, has a relaxed, “come as you are” atmosphere, and often features live music and dancing. (zeyzeymiami.com)
The Cleat
The Cleat on Key Biscayne is worth the journey if you’re after a stunning sunset and a Piña Colada to end them all. (lighthouserestaurants.com)
Fly boutique
Fly Boutique is a true gem that has outlasted Miami’s many waves of gentrification. They have a great selection of men’s and women’s clothing—it’s the perfect spot if you need a last-minute outfit. (instagram.com)
Vara
Vara is a gorgeous vintage shop not far from the Miami River. It’s a new business, but the owner has a brilliant eye for fashion, with a particular focus on the ’90s. (shop-vara.com)
Pérez Art Museum Miami
José Parlá’s current show at PAMM is a must-see. It’s José’s homecoming, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him back. (pamm.org)
Rubell Museum
The Rubell Museum has always been a destination, but it’s even more so with the recent addition of a Miami outpost of the Los Angeles restaurant Jon and Vinny’s. What’s not to love? (rubellmuseum.org)
South Pointe Park
South Pointe Park is the Miami of your dreams. Stroll by the rollerbladers and Cumbia musicians while hearing the distant horns of the cruise ships leaving the port. It’s in the heart of South Beach, so come prepared for a scene. (miamiandbeaches.com)
Legion Park Farmers Market
Legion Park’s farmers market is the best place to get fresh juice on a Saturday morning. (miamiandbeaches.com)
