Where to dine during the Miami Grand Prix: Max Verstappen’s favorite pasta, Lando Norris’ go-to brunch

Miami will transform into a playground for motorsport fans when Formula 1 returns to the 305 in early May. The Magic City’s dining scene is incredibly diverse, but with so many options, it’s hard to know where to book a table. Luckily, the drivers have done some of the work for you. Between team dinners, celebratory toasts, and protein-packed breakfasts, the drivers have made their favorite spots part of their race weekend rituals. From Max Verstappen’s post-win pasta to Lando Norris’ go-to brunch, here’s how to eat like an F1 driver while you’re in town.

Carbone

Mario Carbone’s celebrity-loved New York City haunt has an outpost in Miami that’s frequented by A-listers year-round. The Carbone spicy rigatoni has garnered a cult following, and one of its fans is Max Verstappen. “He comes to Carbone a bunch. I love what he does, and he likes what I do, so it’s nice to feed him,” the famed chef told me. As for how the four-time word champion celebrates? “He sticks to the classics. He wants his pasta, he’s here for carbs. He wants to cheat a little bit [because] it’s usually after a win.”

Pura Vida Miami

Whether you’re fueling up in the morning or grabbing a fresh-pressed juice on your way to Hard Rock Stadium, Pura Vida Miami’s multiple locations around the city have become a go-to for locals and visiting celebs alike. Both Lando Norris and George Russell are fans of the healthy restaurant chain, which serves up everything from colorful açaí bowls to protein-packed wraps, and have stopped by multiple times for brunch.

MILA

Mediterranean hot spot MILA is Lewis Hamilton-approved. The seven-time world champion is such a big fan that he jetted to Miami between the Mexican Grand Prix and the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2023 for dinner at the stylish haunt. We’re told his group sipped on Baron Foucher Sancerre (one of my favorites!) and ate Wagyu Gyozas, Truffle Cream Spaghetti, Potato Millefeuille, Salmon Crispy Rice, and Sweet Corn. McLaren CEO Zak Brown also visited the South Beach restaurant ahead of last year’s Miami Grand. His group enjoyed Nigiri Omakase, Madai Sashimi, Grilled Artichokes, and Crispy Brussels Sprouts, along with a few glasses of Amici Sauvignon Blanc.

estiatorio Milos

Greek restaurant estiatorio Milos has welcomed several drivers and team bosses over the past three years since F1 arrived in the 305. The team told me they’ve hosted celebratory post-race dinners featuring champagne and caviar, and in 2023, one driver even hosted a private gathering in one of their exclusivity private dining rooms.  Menu highlights include grilled octopus, lobster pasta and fish flown in daily from the Aegean.