Restaurants

UMA Cantina Peruana – REVIEW

Published

1 year ago

February 12, 2025

McKaela Lulic

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.

Related Topics:ceviche chalaquita cocktails Featured Peruvian Peruvian Food Seafood squid Sushi UMA Cantina Peruana

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McKaela Lulic

McKaela Lulić is a South Florida-based writer and MBA student who covers the region’s arts, culture, and nightlife. When she’s not discovering Miami’s most creative corners, she inspires students as a substitute teacher and explores new ways to blend storytelling, education, and community.

Restaurants

Arc Culinary Where Every Bite Gives Back

Published

1 hour ago

June 20, 2026

McKaela Lulic

This intimate chef-driven tasting experience in Broward blends elevated cuisine, live culinary artistry, and a mission that transforms lives.

June 20th, 2026

Not every memorable night out in South Florida happens at the trendiest Miami hotspot or the newest Fort Lauderdale restaurant. Sometimes, the most unforgettable dining experiences are hidden in places you’d least expect.

Arc Broward’s Arc Culinary is one of those rare gems.

More than just a dinner reservation, Arc Culinary delivers an immersive chef’s table experience where guests enjoy thoughtfully curated multi-course meals while watching talented chefs prepare and present each dish right in front of them. The result feels part fine dining, part live performance, and entirely unforgettable.

With limited seating and rotating themed menus, every event feels exclusive like being invited to an intimate dinner party hosted by some of South Florida’s most passionate culinary talent.

The real magic begins once the first course arrives.

At Arc Culinary, dinner becomes an experience. Instead of dishes quietly appearing from behind kitchen doors, guests get a front-row seat to the craftsmanship behind every plate. Watching the chefs work adds a level of connection and appreciation that transforms the meal into something far more interactive and personal.

For its recent Fresh SoFlo Summer Flavors dinner, Arc Culinary showcased a four-course tasting menu celebrating seasonal Florida ingredients with elevated technique and thoughtful presentation.

The evening began with a refreshing Florida blue crab starter served with avocado, ruby red grapefruit, hearts of palm, and a bright key lime vinaigrette. Light, citrusy, and beautifully balanced, it captured South Florida summer on a plate.

Course two brought a stunning pan-seared Florida snapper, perfectly crisp on the outside and paired with sweet corn purée and blistered cherry tomatoes. The standout element, however, was the sauce. A swap to miso chili oil added layers of umami, subtle spice, and richness that completely elevated the dish. It was one of those bites that makes the entire table pause.

The third course featured a beautifully cooked grilled filet mignon, served with roasted summer peppers, shaved fennel, arugula, and key lime chimichurri. Rich yet balanced, it delivered the kind of bold, satisfying flavor you hope for in a main course.

Dessert ended the evening on a classic South Florida note: a stunning key lime tart that was equal parts creamy, tart, and sweet.

While the food alone makes Arc Culinary worth visiting, what makes the experience truly special lies beyond the plate.

Founded in 1956, Arc Broward has spent nearly seven decades serving individuals with developmental disabilities and life challenges throughout Broward County. The nonprofit supports individuals from ages 1 to 91, offering programs that include education, employment services, behavioral health support, residential programs, and family resources.

Arc Culinary operates as one of Arc Broward’s most innovative social enterprises, using food as both a source of funding and a pathway to opportunity.

Proceeds from dinners, private events, catering, and culinary programming directly support Arc Broward’s life-changing services while also helping create hands-on training and workforce opportunities in hospitality and culinary arts for individuals with special needs.

In other words, this isn’t just dinner.

It’s a chance to support inclusion, independence, and meaningful opportunity—all while enjoying an exceptional meal.

That’s what makes Arc Culinary so special: you come for the chef-driven menu, the intimate atmosphere, and the creative flavors, but you leave with something deeper.

In a region filled with restaurants competing for attention, Arc Culinary offers something increasingly rare a dining experience that feels personal, purposeful, and genuinely impactful.

Because at Arc Culinary, every course tells a story and every bite gives back.

Learn more about Arc Culinary and upcoming dinners