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.
Coral Gables just got a whole lot spookier, and this might be our favorite excuse to grab a cocktail on Miracle Mile.
October 14, 2026
Okay, Coral Gables, THIS is how you do Halloween!
JohnMartin’s has officially brought back its Halloween Bar, and suddenly, grabbing drinks at your favorite Irish pub feels like walking straight into a Halloween movie. We’re talking cobwebs everywhere, skeletons, spooky little details, and cocktails that look like they were mixed up in a witch’s cauldron. Honestly, what’s not to love?
Tucked along Miracle Mile, JohnMartin’s has always been a go-to for a good night out, but something about a full-blown Halloween makeover makes it even more fun. The whole place is decked out for spooky season, and it’s exactly the kind of spot where you stop in for one drink and end up staying much longer than planned.
There’s something so fun about a bar that fully commits to a theme, and JohnMartin’s understood the assignment.
Cobwebs stretch across the ceiling, skeletons make themselves at home, and Halloween decorations have taken over practically every corner. It’s spooky without losing that cozy, lively Irish pub atmosphere that makes JohnMartin’s such a fun place to hang out in the first place.
And the best part? It doesn’t feel like you need some elaborate Halloween plan to enjoy it. Just bring your friends, order something fun, and soak up the atmosphere.
Honestly, we’re suckers for a good themed bar, and this one is giving us every reason to love October in South Florida.
Now, let’s talk about the drinks because obviously, we need to talk about the drinks.
JohnMartin’s has rolled out nine Halloween-themed cocktails, and the names alone are enough to make us curious.
There’s the Frozen Pumpkin Spiked Latte, because fall flavors deserve a little extra fun, the Bruised Apple Shot, and the Witches Melon Cauldron, which might win for the most Halloween-sounding drink on the menu.
And the presentations? They’re part of the fun. Think playful glassware, spooky garnishes, and cocktails that practically beg for a photo before the first sip.
It’s all a little dramatic, a little ridiculous, and exactly what we want from a Halloween cocktail menu.
Can We Make Halloween Last All Month?
Here’s what we love most: this isn’t just a one-night Halloween party.
JohnMartin’s is keeping the spooky vibes going from October 1 through October 31, which means there’s plenty of time to squeeze in a Halloween girls’ night, a fun date, or an impromptu night out.
Plus, there’s something about Coral Gables at night that already feels special. Add a festively decorated Irish pub, a few witchy cocktails, and your favorite people, and suddenly you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect October evening.
We love a good excuse to go out, and this one is practically handing itself to us.
So if you’ve been looking for something fun to do in Miami this Halloween season, consider this your sign to make a stop at JohnMartin’s.
Because spooky season is short, the cocktails are cute, and staying home can wait.
Where: JohnMartin’s, 253 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL
When: October 1–31, 2026
The Vibe: Spooky cocktails, Halloween decor, and an Irish pub that’s fully embracing its haunted era.
Our advice? Grab your friends, order something spooky, and take way too many pictures. It’s October. You’re allowed.
Sweetwaters brings coastal dining, creative cocktails and New River views to Fort Lauderdale’s newly reimagined Huizenga Park.
October 7, 2026
If your ideal South Florida evening involves cocktails, seafood, a table by the water and boats casually passing by while you decide whether you really need dessert, Sweetwaters Fort Lauderdale may have just figured you out.
SFL Insider got an early look at the brand-new waterfront restaurant during its VIP opening celebration, and honestly, this is exactly the kind of place that makes living in South Florida pretty fun.
Sweetwaters officially opens October 12 inside the newly reimagined Huizenga Park, right where Las Olas Boulevard meets the New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. And while the food definitely deserves attention, you have to start with this location.
Because it is really good.
The nearly 10,000-square-foot restaurant was designed to take full advantage of the waterfront, with a huge indoor dining room, open kitchen, raw bar and two outdoor terraces. One patio stretches toward the New River while the other faces Huizenga Park, so basically, pick your view.
For the opening celebration, guests moved around the restaurant with cocktails in hand while trying passed hors d’oeuvres, chef-curated stations and selections from the raw bar.
Which, for the record, is a pretty excellent way to introduce yourself to Fort Lauderdale.
Okay, But Let’s Talk About the Food
Executive Chef Nicco V. Salanitro and Culinary Director Matthieu Godard are behind a menu that leans into Sweetwaters’ South Florida setting with seafood, sushi, shareable dishes and some menu items that clearly aren’t interested in being boring.
You can start relatively civilized with Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, made with mango, tangerine, ponzu and pickled Fresno, or the Castaway Roll with shrimp tempura, sashimi, avocado and yuzu aioli.
Or you can immediately commit.
The Grand Seafood Tower arrives loaded with East and West Coast oysters, chilled shrimp, mussels, clams, tuna tartare, crab salad and half a Maine lobster.
Yes. Half a lobster.
There is also a Chef’s Sushi Tower stacked with signature rolls, spicy tuna crispy rice, nigiri, sashimi and tuna crudo.
And things only get more interesting from there.
The Whole Crispy Local Snapper comes with coconut-cilantro rice and aji verde. Lobster Spaghetti pairs an entire Maine lobster with spicy tomato vodka sauce. The Pink Brick features wagyu flat iron with black truffle butter and chimichurri and gets scorched tableside.
But our attention immediately went to two words:
Nuggets & Caviar.
They are exactly what they sound like. Free-range chicken nuggets topped with yuzu crème fraîche, Osetra caviar, gold flakes and lime zest.
It’s fancy. It’s ridiculous. We want it.
And apparently vegetables are allowed to have personalities here too, because one of the sides is literally called Spinach, But Sexy.
We appreciate the commitment.
@RomainMaurice
Save Room for a Cocktail. And Probably Dessert.
The cocktail menu is equally playful.
Tiffany combines tequila, bergamot liqueur, citrus and coconut and gets finished with limoncello sorbet and white pearls. Paid Vacation mixes passion fruit and tarragon-infused vodka with purple basil and Szechuan flower, while Cloud Nine brings together ginger-infused vodka, yuzu sake and orange-ginger tea with lychee caviar and citrus-aloe foam.
And because Sweetwaters apparently understands that sometimes we shouldn’t have to choose, there’s an Affogato Martini with vodka, espresso liqueur, espresso and a scoop of Madagascar vanilla bean gelato.
Dessert isn’t exactly subtle either.
Going Bananas is a giant shareable sundae with brûléed banana, chocolate, strawberry and vanilla bean gelato, salted caramel, candied pecans and cherries.
Then there’s Miss Trunchbull, an 11-layer chocolate cake.
If you know, you know.
@RomainMaurice
This Might Be Your New Las Olas Happy Hour Spot
Sweetwaters comes from Specialty Restaurants, the family-owned hospitality group behind Miami’s longtime waterfront favorite, Rusty Pelican. This is the company’s first Fort Lauderdale restaurant and its first Florida expansion beyond Key Biscayne.
But Sweetwaters doesn’t feel like it is trying to recreate Miami in Fort Lauderdale.
The restaurant feels made for this particular spot.
Huizenga Park, the Riverwalk and the New River are right outside, and the restaurant was designed so you can move between the dining room, terraces, park and waterfront instead of feeling closed off from everything happening around you.
Chef Salanitro described the idea as somewhere guests could walk through the park, stop for oysters and cocktails while watching the boats pass and then stay for dinner after sunset.
Yeah. We can work with that.
The VIP opening brought out plenty of familiar South Florida faces too, including fashion designer Rene Ruiz, former Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado, real estate developer Ramola Motwani, developer Luis Birdman and Specialty Restaurants President and CEO John Tallichet.
But once the party is over, Sweetwaters has to become somewhere locals actually want to come back to.
And with waterfront tables, a weekday happy hour, an inventive cocktail menu, seafood towers, lobster spaghetti and literal caviar-topped chicken nuggets?
We don’t think convincing people to come back is going to be the hard part.
@WorldRedEye
Sweetwaters Fort Lauderdale Opens October 12
Sweetwaters officially opens October 12, 2026, at 58 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. Even better, happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the bar. Sweetwaters_Pre-Opening Release… Sweetwaters_Pre-Opening Release…
So yes, we got to see Sweetwaters before everyone else.
Now it’s your turn.
Grab a table outside, order something from the raw bar, get a cocktail and stay long enough to watch the New River change as the sun goes down.
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Forget sweater weather. Palace Miami Beach’s new Fall Harvest Menu is bringing pumpkin season to South Beach, and one dish was genuinely one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.
September 4, 2026
Miami has never needed changing leaves, chilly temperatures, or a reason to order another cocktail.
So when Palace invited us in for an early taste of its new Fall Harvest Menu, launching September 21st, I was curious. Pumpkin on Ocean Drive? Sure. Pumpkin in cocktails, arepas, gnocchi, tres leches, and flan?
Now you have my attention.
The idea is actually perfect for Miami. Palace wanted to capture that nostalgic feeling of fall for a city where September still feels very much like summer. Rather than throwing pumpkin spice into everything and calling it seasonal, the kitchen challenged itself to use actual pumpkin across cocktails, savory dishes, and desserts in ways that made sense for the Palace.
And after tasting the menu, I can tell you this: do not dismiss this as a pumpkin-spice gimmick.
Because I am still thinking about that gnocchi.
Let’s Talk About This Gnocchi
I need to start here because pretending otherwise would be dishonest.
The Brown Butter Pumpkin Gnocchi was not simply my favorite dish on the menu.
It was one of the best things I have ever eaten in my entire life.
Yes, I realize how dramatic that sounds.
I stand by it.
Roasted pumpkin, Parmesan, crispy sage, and pancetta come together with brown butter in what can only be described as a ridiculously good bowl of fall comfort food.
It is rich. It is savory. It has that warm nuttiness from the brown butter, saltiness from the Parmesan and pancetta, and just enough pumpkin to make the whole thing unmistakably seasonal without turning dinner into dessert.
And the crispy sage? Do not underestimate the crispy sage.
This was one of those dishes where I took a bite and immediately had to make sure everyone else at the table understood what was happening.
If you order one thing from this menu, order the gnocchi.
Actually, Palace, I have a request: please don’t take this one away when fall ends.
Yes, We Had to Try the Pumpkin Espresso Martini
If there was ever a cocktail designed for Instagram in September, this is probably it.
The Pumpkin Espresso Martini combines fresh espresso, Licor 43, and house-made roasted pumpkin syrup.
Palace predicted this would be one of the stars of the new menu before it even launched, and I understand why.
The important distinction here is that this isn’t simply an espresso martini buried beneath pumpkin spice. The roasted pumpkin syrup makes it seasonal while the espresso and Licor 43 keep it firmly in cocktail territory.
It feels like fall.
It also feels like Miami.
Which is basically the entire point.
Then Palace Put Pumpkin in a Margarita
Because of course they did.
The Harvest Pumpkin Margarita takes reposado and roasted pumpkin, adds Ancho Reyes and finishes everything with a Tajín-cinnamon salt rim.
And I love that Palace didn’t make its two pumpkin cocktails variations of the same drink.
The espresso martini leans into cozy fall flavors. The margarita goes straight back to Miami with tequila, chile and Tajín.
This is pumpkin season with absolutely no intention of putting on a cable-knit sweater.
Burrata, Hot Honey and Pumpkin Walk Into an Arepa…
This might be one of the more unexpected combinations on the menu.
The Pumpkin & Burrata Arepa brings together hot honey, toasted pepitas and crispy sage with pumpkin and burrata.
And this is where I started appreciating what Palace was trying to do with the menu.
Pumpkin isn’t being treated like a flavor that automatically needs cinnamon, sugar and whipped cream. It’s an ingredient.
That was intentional. Palace’s team told us they specifically didn’t want pumpkin to feel forced. They started with dishes and flavors that already made sense for the restaurant and incorporated pumpkin where it could complement them rather than take them over.
That philosophy makes a lot more sense once you’re actually sitting there eating your way through the menu.
And then you remember you’re on Ocean Drive.
In September.
Eating pumpkin and burrata.
Miami is weird. I love it here.
Save Room. Seriously.
Just when you’ve eaten enough pumpkin to reasonably believe you’ve reached your limit, Palace brings out dessert.
And apparently, no, you have not reached your limit.
The Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake layers those fall flavors with mascarpone, dulce de leche and candied pecans.
Then there’s the Pumpkin Coconut Flan, finished with coconut caramel, toasted coconut and candied pepitas.
I particularly like the decision to bring coconut into the flan because this menu works best when it stops trying to imitate fall somewhere else and starts asking what fall should taste like here.
Pumpkin and coconut?
On South Beach?
That makes sense.
This Is What Fall Looks Like in Miami
There is something inherently funny about celebrating fall in South Florida.
Our leaves aren’t changing.
Nobody needs a fireplace.
And if you wear the cute fall outfit you saved on Pinterest in September, you’re probably going to regret it before you make it from the parking garage to the restaurant.
But we still want the season.
That’s exactly what Palace tapped into.
“Miami is full of people who grew up somewhere else,” the Palace team explained, noting that there’s a nostalgia surrounding fall even when South Florida’s weather refuses to participate. The Fall Harvest Menu is their way of bringing some of that feeling to Ocean Drive.
And honestly?
I’ll take brown butter pumpkin gnocchi over sweater weather.
Come for Palace. Stay for the Food.
Palace obviously doesn’t need an introduction when it comes to entertainment. The restaurant has built its identity around the larger-than-life drag experience that has become synonymous with the venue.
But there’s another message behind this menu that Palace clearly wants people to hear:
Pay attention to the food.
The team acknowledges that many guests initially know Palace for its drag and entertainment, but they want the cocktails and dishes to become just as memorable as the show.
After this tasting, I get it.
Because I expected a fun seasonal menu.
I did not expect to leave contemplating how quickly I could reasonably return for another bowl of pumpkin gnocchi.
And yet, here we are.
What You Absolutely Need to Order
If you’re heading to Palace for the Fall Harvest Menu, the Brown Butter Pumpkin Gnocchi is non-negotiable. I don’t give “one of the best things I’ve ever eaten” status lightly.
The Pumpkin Espresso Martini is the obvious cocktail order if you want the full fall experience, while the rest of the menu proves pumpkin deserves considerably more culinary respect than we’ve given it after years of turning it into coffee syrup.
The Fall Harvest Menu launches September 21 at Palace Miami Beach, bringing pumpkin cocktails, savory dishes, and desserts to Ocean Drive.
No sweaters required.
Just please save me some gnocchi.
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