Restaurants

Savor the View, Taste the Coast at Olive & Sea

Published

7 months ago

October 1, 2025

Coach

Olive You Need Is Sea: Where Mediterranean Bites, Breezy Vibes, and Skyline Sights Come Together for a Waterfront Experience That’s Fresh, Flavorful and Totally Fort Lauderdale.

September 27th, 2025

🌊 Olive & Sea: Mediterranean Flavors with a Waterfront Vibe

Perched atop the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Olive & Sea takes guests on a flavorful mini Mediterranean getaway. The rooftop looks out over the Intracoastal with boats drifting by, the Fort Lauderdale skyline in the distance and a vibe that is effortlessly lively but never over the top.

Our server, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable woman, guided us through the menu with stories and recommendations that made it feel like a curated tour of the menu. Her along with other staff members had us at “hello,” and by the end, we were hooked on every dish that was suggested.

🥗 Mezze and Sides That Pop

We kicked things off with the mezze. Freshly baked kasha bread arrived with creamy baba ganoush, tangy labneh, smooth hummus, and cool tzatziki, alongside marinated red peppers and olives. Every vibrant bite hit just right and tasted absolutely fresh and full of flavor.

The sides kept the energy going. Falafels were crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, paired with tahini and a bright Israeli salad of cucumber, tomato, charred jalapeños and parsley. The subtle heat from the jalapeños was a welcomed complement, never overpowering. Each of my colleagues had a personal favorite side, but mine was the Fried Brussels sprouts, which were tossed in a screamingly tasty harissa chili oil, but with a touch of yogurt to cool things down. Also, Fried artichokes were a crowd-pleaser as a citrusy, crunchy delight thanks to lemon-preserved aioli and a sprinkle of sumac. Each plate was colorful, bold and totally Instagram-worthy.

🍤 Mains That Make Waves

Chef Yair Acevedo brings Mediterranean classics with a modern twist, all featuring fresh, locally sourced seafood and ethically chosen spices. The Faroe Island Salmon was seared to perfection, served with roasted potatoes, tahini yogurt, citrus-pickled cucumbers, and crisp shallots. The Seafood Pasta combined clams, shrimp, and sausage in a saffron clam broth with linguine, with the smoky chorizo adding just the right pop.

The Fattoush Salad brought crispy pita, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions tossed in bright sumac dressing and finished with creamy avocado. Lamb Kafta Skewers were packed with savory flavor, and Chicken Skewers marinated with za’atar and garlic delivered all the Mediterranean vibes.

🍕 Pizza Worth the Hype

We were too full to try the pizzas ourselves, but our server spilled the tea—they are a big deal. The Short Rib Pizza layers tender short rib, pickled onions, and a drizzle of harissa aioli for a savory kick. The Golden Cheese Pizza balances roasted nuts, truffle, and goat honey in a sweet and savory flavor mashup. It’s clear these pies are crowd favorites. You could say the buzz around them is off the crust.

🍰 Sweet Finishes

Dessert was a no-brainer. Baklava was flaky, nutty, and perfectly sweet, while pistachio gelato added a creamy, refreshing counterpoint. Every bite felt like the perfect Mediterranean mic drop.

🌅 The Olive & Sea Experience

Every dish is plated with care, finished with sprinkles of sumac, mint, or Mediterranean spices. The combination of rooftop views, lively ambiance, and attentive service makes Olive & Sea more than a meal—it’s a full-sensory experience.

Olive & Sea is open for breakfast daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, happy hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Friday and Saturday until 11:00 PM. Find it at 1881 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, adjacent to the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. Reservations are available via OpenTable or by calling 954-527-6716. Follow @OliveandSeaFTL on Instagram and Facebook for daily specials and seasonal dishes.

Olive & Sea. © South Florida Insider

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Coach

Coach is South Florida Insider's Owner, President, Webmaster, as well as a Reporter and Photographer covering events all over the world. Born in West Palm Beach, Coach continues to call the sunny Florida area home. He received his Associate degree from the University of South Florida, then transferred to the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism & Communications. During his journalistic career, which has been featured in local newspapers and magazines as well as national publications, Coach has also continued his love of being an educator. It’s through both endeavors that he’s actively got students interested in following in the field of journalism. Coach loves sharing the world of entertainment with others and giving people the opportunity to step out of the everyday life.

Restaurants

Takay Omakase Miami Opening on Coral Way Brings an Intimate 10 Seat Dining Experience

Published

1 month ago

March 17, 2026

McKaela Lulic

This 10-seat omakase opening in Miami is about to be one of the hardest reservations to get. Takay on Coral Way combines high-level sushi, intentional design, and a guest experience that feels personal from start to finish.

March 17, 2026

Miami, if you love a beautifully done omakase, this is one to have on your radar.

There is a new omakase concept opening this spring on Coral Way, and it already feels like the kind of place people will be trying to get into early. Takay is an intimate 10-seat experience created by founders Glen Kotlyarski and Yoni Matz, bringing together serious culinary pedigree with a very intentional, guest-focused vision.

Let’s start with the people behind it, because that is really what defines this concept.

Chef Glen Kotlyarski leads the culinary experience, bringing more than 2 decades of fine-dining expertise. His background includes the Jean Georges group and Miami’s Michelin-starred Hidden, and that level of precision and discipline is felt in every course. His approach draws from traditional Edomae sushi techniques, while staying grounded in seasonality and balance.

Alongside him, co-founder Yoni Matz brings a strong hospitality perspective shaped by years of building and operating restaurant concepts. His influence is clear in the overall experience, which is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and engaging rather than overly formal or intimidating.

And you feel that from the moment you arrive.

The space, designed by Japan based architecture firm KTX, is quietly stunning. Guests enter through a Japanese Zen garden, setting a calm and intentional tone before stepping inside. The interior blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with subtle Miami influence, featuring natural materials, soft lighting, and a sculptural wooden wave installation inspired by The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The entire room is designed to slow you down and bring your attention fully into the experience.

Takay’s omakase follows a classic Edomae style, with two nightly seatings, each centered on a 17- or 20-course progression. Seafood is flown in from Japan and paired with seasonal ingredients from local farms, allowing the menu to evolve continuously.

The experience moves through sashimi, nigiri, and composed dishes, with each course prepared directly in front of guests and thoughtfully explained. It feels interactive, personal, and immersive, making the entire evening feel intentional.

It strikes that rare balance where the experience feels polished and high-level, but still comfortable enough to fully enjoy without overthinking it.

When it opens, Takay will offer a 17-course signature omakase at $225 per person and a 20-course extended omakase at $275. Each seating includes a welcome beverage, with optional sake, champagne, and wine pairings available.

Takay is located at 2296 Coral Way in Miami and will be open Tuesday through Saturday with seatings at 6 pm and 9 pm.

In a city known for large, high-energy dining scenes, Takay introduces something a little more intimate and intentional. It is the kind of place that focuses on the details, and those are usually the ones that stand out the most.

Reservations are expected to be limited. Learn more HERE