Best Day Ever: Chef Ivan Barros shares his go-to Miami restaurants

• He worked in kitchens across the country, including New York, New Orleans and Los Angeles, before returning to Miami as the executive chef at Amara at Paraiso.
• Today, he's the co-owner and executive chef of Magie Wine Bar.

We caught up with Chef Barros to ask him what he does — and where he likes to eat— when he isn't creating dishes for Miamians to enjoy.

• Here's what he had to say:

☀️ Morning activity: Mornings usually kick off with a sweat session at Legacy Little River, followed by a much-needed coffee stop at Imperial Moto.

• Then it's off to Magie to check in with the team and see what projects need attention.

🍳 Favorite breakfast spot: Tinta y Café. It's perfect for a quick egg sandwich at the bar. Or Jimmy's Eastside Diner … if you know, you know.

🐶 Afternoon activity: My wife and I love taking our two dogs for a walk through Morningside Park.

🍕 Ideal lunch: A slice from Bar Bucce or a crispy grouper sandwich at The Citadel.

• Honestly, though, anything from Michael's Genuine Food & Drink always hits the spot.

🌴 Evening activity: Evenings are usually spent hanging out in the backyard, planning for events, activations and new ventures!

🍷 Perfect dinner spot: If we're not hosting friends at home, we'll swing by Magie for wine and snacks. Then cross the bridge to SoBe for pasta at Macchialina, and maybe a nightcap at Bar Kaiju.

🥰 The bottom line: We're lucky to be surrounded by so many incredible bars and restaurants in Miami.