"Michael’s tends to do a good job celebrating mango season. This year, there are a handful of mango specials on the menu: roasted prawns with a mango habanero glaze and green mango salad, snapper crudo with mango, a cheese and corn samosa with spicy mango chutney, a gin cocktail with mango shrub, and a mango tres leches for dessert. Order them all and you will ascend to the astral plane of mango moments." - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo, mariana trabanino
"Michael’s Genuine was the first restaurant that made people want to eat in the Design District when it opened in 2006, and it’s still a reliable crowd-pleaser. It’s a great place to sit outside for brunch on a nice day or do happy hour from 4-7pm (only available at the bar). But we also like Michael’s for a proper sit-down lunch or dinner. It’s one of the few upscale options in the Design District that doesn’t feel designed for people with yacht brokers, and their mostly American menu includes some reliably good proteins. Seafood is usually the move." - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo, mariana trabanino
"Chef Michael Schwartz has earned a reputation for his dedication to excellent cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, all within a casual yet sophisticated ambiance. This classic and popular rendition is made with a beef blend of 50% brisket and 50% chuck, topped with melted Vermont cheddar cheese, house-smoked bacon, butter lettuce, and heirloom tomatoes on challah bread and served alongside a pickle and hand-cut fries. The Genuine Burger was originally only available for lunch, but due to high demand, it’s now available for dinner and brunch, too. Best for: A fancy burger" - Stacy Moya
"This Design District pioneer from Chef Michael Schwartz is as popular now as it was when it first debuted almost 15 years ago. A well-heeled crowd flocks here, but whether it's a requisite respite from boutique hopping, a spot to catch up with friends or a meal to close a business deal, this dining delight is for everyone. The courtyard is a lovely place to linger, thanks to its lush greenery, fans and heat lamps (when necessary). The interior space features concrete flooring and an inviting bar. A jazz playlist adds to the upbeat and conversation-filled air.The menu focuses on unfussy yet skillful cooking. Staples like pizza, house-made pasta, crudo, pan-roasted chicken and wood oven-roasted fish keep fans returning time and time again." - Michelin Inspector
"We couldn’t imagine Michael’s Genuine without oysters. Thankfully, we don’t have to. The Design District classic still serves a daily selection by the dozen and half-dozen—and there's also an oysters and caviar package in case you woke up today in a mood to spend money recklessly. This isn't your casual oyster spot—you'll spend some money even if you don't opt for the caviar. But it's a good option if you want to feel a little fancy and possibly have a martini or two." - ryan pfeffer