Restaurants
UMA Cantina Peruana – REVIEW
A Foodie’s Guide to Uma Cantina Peruana: Dishes, Drinks and Ambiance.
February 6th, 2025

If you’re looking for authentic Peruvian flavors served with a touch of elegance and flair, Uma Cantina Peruana is the place to be. Nestled in Aventura, this upscale yet welcoming restaurant blends classic Peruvian dishes with contemporary techniques, making it a hotspot for food lovers and adventurous diners alike.
I had the chance to explore a thoughtfully curated tasting menu, complete with fresh seafood, bold spices, and show-stopping cocktails. While I only tried one item from each section of the menu, I couldn’t help but admire the other beautifully plated dishes that passed by our table. However, when it came to drinks —we made sure to try them all.
The Basics:
- 📍 Location: 16395 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami Beach, 33160
- 🍽 Cuisine: Peruvian with Japanese fusion influences
- 💰 Price Range: $$ – $$$
- 🍸 Alcohol: Yes, including signature cocktails, wine, and prosecco
- 📅 Reservations: Recommended for peak hours
First Impressions:
The ambiance at Uma Cantina Peruana is just as carefully curated as its menu, offering an immersive dining experience that blends modern elegance with coastal Peruvian influences.
A Striking Interior Design
Upon entering, the dramatic lighting and deep, moody tones immediately set the scene for an intimate yet lively atmosphere. The backlit bar is an absolute showstopper, showcasing an array of vibrant spirits and glassware, while the ceiling is adorned with intricate metal fish sculptures, creating an oceanic feel that connects back to Peru’s rich seafood culture.
The thoughtful decor choices, from the soft, ambient lighting to the plush seating, make Uma an ideal setting for a romantic date, a chic night out, or a gathering with fellow food lovers. Despite the high-energy environment, the space still maintains an air of sophistication and exclusivity.
With stunning aesthetics and an electric yet refined vibe, Uma Cantina Peruana isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience.
Plato Fuerte (Main Course Selections)
Since I was only sampling one dish per section, I chose wisely—and each dish delivered an experience worth talking about.
What We Tried:
🔥 Ceviche Clásico ($24.00) – A Citrusy Wake-Up Call
Uma’s ceviche clásico wasn’t just a dish—it was a celebration of freshness. Made with corvina fish imported from Peru’s Pacific coast, it was bathed in a fiery leche de tigre marinade that packed bright citrus but balanced the perfect level of acidity. The crunch of red onion, nuttiness of choclo (Peruvian corn), and velvety soft sweet potato balanced the tangy punch, creating a dish that woke up my taste buds in the best way possible.

🦪 Conchas Batayaki ($29.00) – A Sweet, Spicy, and Savory Dream
These seared scallops were topped with Dinamite sauce, a creamy and slightly spicy topping that amplified their natural sweetness. Served with chalaquita (a fresh salsa) and sweet potato, the dish struck a perfect balance of umami, brightness, and caramelized depth. The scallops were perfectly cooked, with a beautiful sear and melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re a scallop lover, this is the one to get.

🦆 Arroz Chiclayana ($34.00) – Comfort Food, Elevated
A Peruvian take on fried rice, this dish combined succulent duck breast with cilantro-infused rice, avocado, egg, squash, choclo, and chalaca. The duck was tender with a crisp sear, while the rice was herbaceous and aromatic. Every bite had a layered complexity, with the earthy duck, bright cilantro, and fresh salsa working together beautifully. It was hearty, flavorful, and packed with textural contrast, making it one of the most satisfying dishes of the night.

What We Didn’t:
🍣 Lima Roll ($22.00) – A Sushi Fusion We Wish We Tried
This Japanese-Peruvian fusion roll blended the creamy textures of salmon, cream cheese, and avocado with crispy bread crumbs, topped with rocoto aioli and eel sauce. It looked like the perfect combination of crunch, heat, and umami richness, and we regretted not ordering it. Next time, it’s definitely on the list!
🥩 Anticucho de Corazón ($28.00) – A Peruvian Classic We Wanted to Try
A dish deeply rooted in Peruvian street food culture, this grilled beef heart skewer looked incredibly tender and full of bold, smoky flavors. Though we didn’t get a taste, it’s definitely something I’d try on a future visit.
🍝 Pasta Negra con Langostinos ($36.00) – A Bold, Umami-Packed Dish We Missed
While we didn’t get a chance to try this dish, it looked incredibly rich and decadent. The squid ink pasta, infused with a lobster base and topped with shrimp, parmesan cheese, lime, and cilantro, seemed like the perfect combination of bold umami flavors and delicate seafood sweetness.
Postre (Dessert)
🍮 Suspiro Limeño ($16.00) – Sweet, Silky, and Oh-So-Satisfying
This dulce de leche custard, topped with fluffy meringue, was the perfect way to end the meal. The custard was luxuriously smooth, rich, and full of caramelized sweetness, while the airy meringue added a light contrast. Every bite felt like a spoonful of pure indulgence, making this a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Bebemos (Drinks) – We Tried Them All

🍸 Lima Moon – The Star of the Show
If you want a drink that’s more than just a drink, order the Lima Moon. It arrived inside a smoked cage, which was dramatically lifted to release a fragrant cloud of smoky aroma. The cocktail itself was fruity and aromatic, featuring lychee on top, adding a subtle floral note to the overall experience. The contrast of smokiness and sweetness made this a must-try, and it’s easily one of the most Instagram-worthy cocktails I’ve ever had.
🍊 Chilcano Toronjita – A Refreshing Citrus Kick
A Peruvian classic with a twist, this Chilcano featured pisco and ginger ale, with an added grapefruit infusion for a zesty, slightly bitter contrast. It was bright, bubbly, and incredibly refreshing, pairing well with lighter seafood dishes. This was the perfect cocktail for those who love crisp, citrus-forward drinks with just the right amount of effervescence.
🥂 Prosecco – Classic & Crisp
A glass of Prosecco was the perfect way to cleanse the palate between bites. Its effervescence cut through the richness of the dishes, making it an excellent companion to seafood and creamy sauces. Simple, classic, and always a good choice.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Visit?
Even though I only tried one dish per section, every item I sampled was executed beautifully, and the ones I didn’t try looked just as enticing. The drinks were expertly crafted, each offering a unique experience—whether it was the theatrical Lima Moon, the citrusy Chilcano Toronjita, or the classic Prosecco, every sip felt intentional and well-balanced.

UMA Cantina Peruana. photo by McKaela Lulic
Would I return? Absolutely. From the high-quality ingredients to the elevated cocktails and immersive ambiance, Uma Cantina Peruana is more than just a meal—it’s an experience.
📍 If you’re in the area, make a reservation—this is a place worth experiencing for yourself.
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UKIYO Miami Beach Brings Luxury Conveyor Belt Sushi to Lincoln Road
UKIYO Miami Beach Is About to Make Conveyor Belt Sushi Seriously Sexy
September 2, 2026
There are new restaurant openings we want to check out, and then there are the ones that immediately make us think: I NEED TO GO.
UKIYO is definitely the latter.
Opening this October at 818 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, the newest concept from NOAH Hospitality Group takes Japan’s iconic kaiten, or conveyor belt sushi, tradition and gives it a Miami makeover.
We’re talking premium seafood from Japan traveling through the dining room on a custom-designed conveyor belt, live culinary performances, tableside cooking, a roaming dumpling cart and a gorgeous 7,431-square-foot space designed to keep the experience moving all night.
And judging by the first renderings and menu details, UKIYO already has our attention.

UKIYO’s custom kaiten conveyor belt will serve as the centerpiece of the new Miami Beach restaurant. Courtesy of Casa Medina Design Studio/UKIYO.
Not Your Average Conveyor Belt Sushi
Inspired by the Japanese concept of ukiyo, meaning “the floating world,” the restaurant is designed around movement.
The conveyor belt isn’t simply there to deliver sushi. It’s essentially the stage.
Handcrafted nigiri, sashimi and specialty rolls will continuously circulate through the dining room, while chefs work in view of guests and new creations make their way from the sushi counter onto the belt through choreographed presentations.
Live culinary performances will add another layer of entertainment throughout dinner.
NOAH Hospitality Group founder Philippe Kalifa says that sense of experience was intentional.
“For me, hospitality has never been about simply serving food. It’s about creating emotion.”
His goal? To create a restaurant people remember not just for what they ate, but for how the entire evening made them feel.
We’re listening.
The Menu Is Where Things Get Really Interesting
Executive Chef Nono Shigetomi will lead UKIYO’s kitchen, with premium seafood sourced from carefully selected fisheries across Japan and fish coming from Tokyo’s Toyosu and Tsukiji markets.
The signature Ukiyo Roll alone sounds like it deserves a visit: tuna, salmon, hiramasa and Hokkaido scallop topped with soy-glazed wagyu and umami crunch.
“Freshness isn’t our goal, it’s our starting point,” Shigetomi said. “Every ingredient is selected with intention because great sushi begins long before the fish reaches the plate.”
Beyond the conveyor belt, the menu ventures into robata, tempura, crudo, carpaccio and Japanese comfort dishes.
Expect cumin-soy glazed wagyu and yakitori-glazed chicken from the robata grill, plus a rich paitan ramen loaded with braised duck, sous vide chicken, pork chashu and pork wonton.
There’s also crispy yakisoba finished with ankake sauce and seafood fried rice made with seasoned takikomi gohan rather than standard steamed white rice.
And then things get even better.
Did Someone Say Tableside Kamameshi?
UKIYO’s traditional kamameshi will be cooked fresh at the table in individual kama pots.
The rice is prepared with dashi, soy, sake, mirin, hijiki, carrot and mushroom, then finished with grilled marinated skirt steak and a Jidori egg.
But there’s another menu feature that may have already won us over.
A roaming dumpling cart. Yes, really.
A signature House Dumpling Cart will travel around the dining room carrying a rotating selection of freshly handcrafted beef, pork, chicken, shrimp and vegetarian dumplings. Guests can choose them pan-fried, steamed or deep-fried.
We have a feeling “No, thank you” is going to be extremely difficult when a cart of hot dumplings rolls up to the table.

Japanese-inspired lanterns and warm woodwork lead guests toward UKIYO’s open culinary experience. Courtesy of Casa Medina Design Studio/UKIYO.
And Just Look at This Place
The food may move, but UKIYO’s design gives you plenty of reasons to stop and look around.
Casa Medina Design Studio is behind the 7,431-square-foot restaurant, blending traditional Japanese influences with the darker, sexier energy of Miami Beach after dark.
Rosso Lepanto stone, emerald-toned leathered marble, aged brass, handcrafted millwork and warm Japanese-inspired lanterns fill the interior. A flowing water feature reinforces the restaurant’s “floating world” inspiration.
And at the center of everything sits the custom conveyor belt.
Based on the renderings, chefs will work within the heart of the restaurant as the belt winds around the dining room, placing the food preparation directly into the action rather than hiding it behind the scenes.
It looks intimate, dramatic and just theatrical enough.

UKIYO’s dramatic bar pairs sculptural stone, handcrafted millwork and softly illuminated Japanese-inspired details. Courtesy of Casa Medina Design Studio/UKIYO.
Sushi at 10. Cocktails at Midnight?
This is still Miami Beach, after all.
UKIYO isn’t positioning itself as somewhere you grab an early sushi dinner and head home.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant plans to remain open until 2 a.m.
And that gorgeous bar suddenly makes a lot more sense.
The restaurant is being designed as a meeting point between Japanese hospitality and Miami’s international, nightlife-driven personality. Traditional techniques and Japanese ingredients form the foundation, while theatrical presentations, dramatic interiors and late-night hours give the concept a distinctly Miami edge.
It’s easy to imagine coming for sushi and staying considerably longer than planned.
When Does UKIYO Miami Beach Open?
Unfortunately, not tomorrow.
UKIYO is scheduled to open in mid-October 2026 at 818 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.
Dinner will be served from 6 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, with Friday and Saturday service continuing until 2 a.m. The restaurant will be closed Mondays.
And yes, SFL Insider will be getting an early look.
We’ll be heading to UKIYO ahead of its official debut to experience the restaurant firsthand, which means we’ll be back with the sushi, the cocktails, the space and, most importantly, a full investigation into this roaming dumpling cart.
For now, UKIYO has officially made our list of Miami restaurant openings we cannot wait to try this fall.
October, hurry up!
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Maple & Ash’s Miami Spice Menu Is Pure Luxury Without the Splurge
Some restaurants are where you go for dinner. Maple & Ash is where you go when you want to celebrate absolutely anything.
July 31, 2026
When most people think of Miami Spice, they think about trying somewhere new.
I think about finally booking the restaurants I’ve been saving for a special occasion.
That’s exactly how I felt walking into Maple & Ash for a preview of its 2026 Miami Spice menu. Known for its premium steaks, dramatic presentations, exceptional seafood, and lively atmosphere, Maple & Ash has quickly become one of Miami Worldcenter’s premier dining destinations. After spending the evening there, I can confidently say this is one reservation worth making early.
From the moment I walked through the doors, the energy was unmistakable. Music filled the dining room, beautifully crafted cocktails made their way through the restaurant, and every table seemed to be celebrating something. Maple & Ash manages to feel sophisticated without ever feeling stuffy. It’s glamorous, energetic, and unapologetically indulgent, exactly what you hope for from a modern steakhouse.
An Opening Course Worth Celebrating
The evening began with Maple & Ash’s optional Fire Roasted Seafood Tower, and if first impressions matter, this one makes quite an entrance.
Loaded with king crab, oysters, prawns, and clams finished with garlic butter and chili oil, it immediately transformed dinner into an event. It’s designed for sharing, making it the perfect way to start the evening if you’re celebrating with friends or family.
Choosing a starter wasn’t easy.
The Bluefin Tuna Tartare immediately caught my attention, pairing fresh tuna with watermelon, white soy, and crème fraîche. Every bite was bright, delicate, and incredibly refreshing.
The Lobster Bisque was equally memorable. Rich, silky, and finished with a buttery brioche crouton, it struck that perfect balance between comforting and elegant. Meanwhile, the Tableside Sesame Caesar Salad and the restaurant’s famous Dry Aged Meatballs looked just as tempting as they passed by our table.
Steak, Seafood, and Pasta That Steal the Show
If the appetizers make choosing difficult, the entrées make it nearly impossible.
Steak lovers can choose between an 8 ounce Filet Mignon or a beautifully marbled 12 ounce New York Strip, both served with black truffle pomme purée. Seafood fans will appreciate the Mediterranean Branzino, prepared with preserved lemon, Castelvetrano olives, capers, and smoked tomato for a light yet flavorful entrée.
One of my personal favorites, however, was the Lobster Mafaldine.
Featuring generous pieces of Maine lobster tossed with saffron, basil, and Aleppo pepper, the pasta was rich without feeling heavy and showcased exactly why Maple & Ash has earned such a devoted following.
For guests looking to indulge even further, there’s also the option to upgrade to an A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye, one of the most luxurious cuts of beef available.

Save Room for Dessert
Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly eat another bite, dessert arrived.
The rich Chocolate Cake, refreshing Strawberry Tres Leches, and creamy Coconut Cream Pie all make a convincing argument for ignoring the fact that you’re already full.
If you’re dining with a group, though, the real showstopper is the optional Sundae Tower. Served with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice creams alongside an assortment of toppings, it’s a playful ending that perfectly matches Maple & Ash’s celebratory atmosphere.

More Than Dinner at Miami Worldcenter
One of my favorite parts of the evening wasn’t just dinner. It was the location.
Situated in the heart of Miami Worldcenter, Maple & Ash is surrounded by one of downtown Miami’s fastest growing entertainment districts. Beautiful pedestrian streets connect restaurants, bars, cafés, shopping, and public gathering spaces, creating an atmosphere that encourages you to make an entire evening of your visit.
Whether you’re heading to a Miami Heat game or concert at nearby Kaseya Center, meeting friends for cocktails, or simply exploring one of Miami’s newest neighborhoods, Maple & Ash is perfectly positioned to be the centerpiece of your night.
With convenient parking, a walkable layout, and an ever expanding collection of dining destinations, Miami Worldcenter has quickly become one of my favorite places to spend an evening in downtown Miami.
Why Maple & Ash Should Be on Your Miami Spice List
One of the things I love most about Miami Spice is that it gives diners the opportunity to experience some of Miami’s best restaurants at an incredible value.
Maple & Ash delivers exactly that.
Between premium steaks, fresh seafood, luxurious pastas, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts elegant and energetic, it offers one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve had this season. It’s the kind of restaurant where every course feels like an occasion, and where you’ll probably find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even finished dessert.
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to experience one of Miami’s most talked about steakhouses, consider this your sign.

Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to an unforgettable dinner, Maple & Ash is one of the standout Miami Spice experiences this season. From premium steaks and fresh seafood to decadent desserts and an atmosphere that’s as lively as the cuisine, it’s the kind of restaurant you’ll want to return to long after Miami Spice ends.
Located in the heart of Miami Worldcenter, Maple & Ash is just steps from Kaseya Center, making it an excellent choice before a concert, Miami Heat game, or an evening exploring downtown’s newest dining and entertainment district.
To view the complete Miami Spice menu, make a reservation, or learn more, visit https://www.mapleandash.com/miami.
Follow @mapleandash_miami on Instagram for signature dishes, seasonal specials, and a behind the scenes look at one of Miami’s most talked about steakhouses: https://www.instagram.com/mapleandash/
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