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Inside Kimpton EPIC, Where Miami Views Meet Big-City Escape

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Kimpton EPIC Miami Hotel Blends Skyline Energy, Coastal Dining and a Staycation State of Mind. Perched above the downtown rush, this sleek escape delivers balcony views, bright flavors and playful Miami swagger.

June 4th – 5th, 2026

Downtown Miami does not exactly whisper. It glows, honks, sparkles, hustles, reflects off glass towers and reminds you every few minutes that someone nearby is either heading to a very important meeting or a very unnecessary cocktail. Sitting right in the middle of that rhythm, Kimpton EPIC Hotel manages to feel connected to the city without being swallowed by it.

The hotel’s location is one of its biggest strengths. During a conversation with the EPIC team, Yvette Davalos, Director of Sales and Marketing, described the property as being “nestled between the waterways,” close to Brickell, Wynwood, the beach and the city’s major cultural and entertainment stops. That positioning makes the hotel work for both business travelers and leisure guests, but it also gives locals a strong excuse to treat downtown Miami like a destination instead of just a place to fight traffic.

That balance is what makes EPIC interesting. It has the sleekness of a downtown hotel, but the bones of a resort-style escape. Guests have access to the pool, spa, the restaurant Area 31 on the 16th floor, Zuma downstairs and a walkable location near Bayside, Brickell, museums and the Kaseya Center. In other words, you can make the stay as lazy or as ambitious as you want. Miami will happily let you do either, then charge you for parking.

One detail that quietly makes a big difference is that every room includes a private balcony. The hotel offers a range of accommodations, from double rooms and kings to junior suites, one-bedroom suites and presidential suites, but the balcony remains a consistent perk across the property. That matters in Miami. A balcony gives the room breathing space. It gives you somewhere to step out, watch the city lights flicker, take in the water or skyline, and pretend for a few minutes that you are the type of person who always has charcuterie and wine delivered to the room.

The hotel team even made the case for the city view at night, noting that while water views shine during the day, the skyline gives off that twinkling Miami energy after dark. It is a fair point. Ocean views can fade into blackness at night, but city lights keep performing long after sunset.

That sense of place carries upstairs to Area 31, which is one of the property’s strongest personality pieces. Hotel restaurants can sometimes feel like they exist because someone had to put food near the elevators, but Area 31 feels more intentional than that. The team described it as chef-inspired and seafood-driven, with a menu that changes often while still staying connected to the restaurant’s coastal Miami identity.

Dinner started with drinks that brought some personality before the plates even arrived. The cocktail menu skips the stiff hotel-bar energy in favor of names like Spritz, Please, Blame Miami, Thanks A Lot, Cousin and You Up?, which might just be the most Miami cocktail name possible. I went with the Sin-63, made with Singani 63, Italicus, lemon, rose water bitters and strawberry syrup. It had a flavorful balance, with citrus, floral notes and gentle sweetness playing together without any one ingredient elbowing the others out of the way.

My colleague tried the Sky Might Fall, one of the zero-proof cocktails, and it was nice to see the nonalcoholic side of the menu treated with care. Too often, zero-proof drinks feel like someone panicked and poured juice into a fancy glass. This one looked and felt like it belonged at the table.

Service helped the meal settle in right away. Our server, Marcus, was friendly, informative and gave a helpful lay of the land beyond the food itself. He did not simply point at entrées and vanish into the Miami mist. He helped frame the restaurant, the property and the experience in a way that made dinner feel tied to the larger EPIC stay.

The first dishes leaned bright and polished. The Tuna Tataki arrived with furikake, umami soy sauce, crispy wonton chips and seaweed salad. Visually, it had that deep ruby color and clean presentation that immediately fits a seafood-forward Miami restaurant. It was elegant without being precious, which is always appreciated when you still want to actually eat the thing rather than just photograph it from four angles.

The Burrata was one of the early standouts. With heirloom tomatoes, strawberries, greens and balsamic, it could have easily drifted too sweet or too busy, but instead it found a clean, refreshing balance. The heirloom tomatoes were a game changer, especially with the sweet tartness of the strawberries. Nothing overpowered anything else. The fruit gave the dish lift, the tomatoes brought freshness, and the burrata kept everything creamy and grounded. It looked like a plate made for Miami sunlight.

From there, Area 31 moved into heartier territory without losing its coastal thread. The Yellowtail Snapper brought the kind of whole-fish presentation that briefly stops the table. Served with mashed potatoes and a citrus vinaigrette salad, it had drama without becoming fussy. The crisp fish, creamy potatoes and bright salad created a nice contrast, giving the dish both comfort and freshness.

The Lamb Chops went in a more traditional, grounded direction. Layered with chimichurri and served with potatoes and a Turkish yogurt-style cream sauce, they brought char, richness and heartiness to the table. Where the snapper felt coastal and lively, the lamb felt deeper and more familiar, the kind of dish that does not need to reinvent itself because it already knows what it is doing.

Together, the meal showed why Area 31 works inside this hotel. It can be light and seafood-driven, colorful and seasonal, or hearty enough for someone who came to dinner with serious intentions. The restaurant does not feel detached from the hotel’s identity. It feels like an extension of it: elevated, scenic, polished, but still relaxed enough to enjoy without needing to speak in a whisper.

Breakfast brought a quieter but still thoughtful touch with an array of fresh juices. The lineup included a green juice made with honeydew melon, celery, green apple and cucumber; fresh Florida orange juice; and a beet-and-pineapple combination. Our server noted that they were freshly squeezed, which gave the morning a bright start and made it feel less like a standard hotel breakfast routine. It is a small detail, but the kind that fits the property’s wellness-meets-Miami feel. Also, anytime breakfast makes you briefly consider going for a run afterward, even if that thought lasts only four seconds, it deserves some credit.

EPIC also seems to understand that a hotel in downtown Miami has to speak to more than one audience. It has to work for travelers flying in, couples looking for a weekend escape, business guests, cruise-adjacent visitors, eventgoers and locals who want a staycation without crossing Alligator Alley or pretending Orlando traffic is “part of the adventure.”

That local angle appears to be a major focus moving forward. The hotel team discussed upcoming plans for Area 31 after the World Cup, including a renovation, a new executive chef, updated food menu and more mixology-driven cocktail program, while still preserving the restaurant’s core identity and legacy in the Miami dining scene. They also emphasized the importance of making the restaurant appealing not just to hotel guests, but to the local market as well.

That ambition makes sense. Area 31 already has the views, the hotel connection and the downtown location. With the right refresh, it has a chance to feel newly relevant without losing the familiarity that longtime Miami diners may remember.

Beyond the rooms and restaurant, Kimpton EPIC adds personality through details that keep it from feeling like another sleek tower with nice sheets. The team mentioned rotating local artists through an artist-in-residence program on the 16th floor, including a FIFA-inspired installation using rubber ducks as part of the artwork. It is quirky, unexpected and very Kimpton giving proof that luxury can have a sense of humor without lowering the thread count.

That may be the best way to describe the overall EPIC experience. The hotel has the expected pieces: skyline views, polished rooms, a strong restaurant, pool, spa, access to Brickell and downtown attractions. But its stronger moments come when those pieces feel alive. A balcony with city lights. A server who knows how to tell the story of the place. A cocktail called You Up? sitting on a serious menu. A burrata dish that lets strawberries and heirloom tomatoes flirt without making it weird.

Kimpton EPIC Hotel works because it understands the version of Miami it is offering. This is not the sleepy beach escape and it is not the overplayed neon postcard either. It is downtown Miami from above: water nearby, towers glowing, dinner unfolding on the 16th floor, and enough style to make even a one-night stay feel like you stepped into a sharper version of your own city.

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

  • Kimpton Epic Hotel © South Florida Insider

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.

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Golden Crunch, Serious Tenderness at Huey Magoo’s

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Huey Magoo’s brings made-to-order chicken, crave-worthy sauces and a surprisingly strong grilled game to West Boca.

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Palace Miami Beach Fall Harvest Menu Brings Pumpkin Season to South Beach

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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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Truluck’s Balances Seafood, Service and Spectacle.

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Truluck’s Strengthens its South Florida Seafood Dynasty with its Three-Crab Flight, Wildly Popular Halibut, Expert Pairings, Tableside Desserts and Atlantic Glamour. (more…)

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Applebee’s Goes Big, Bold and Cheesy

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Applebee’s Piles on Molten Cheese, Crispy Cheeseburger Tacos and Candy-Colored Cocktails While Keeping Value and Community at the Heart of the Neighborhood.

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UKIYO Miami Beach Brings Luxury Conveyor Belt Sushi to Lincoln Road

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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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Ella Coffee House Finds Its Boynton Beach Rhythm

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Two longtime customers bring house-roasted coffee, scratch-made food and a genuine neighborhood spirit to Ella’s first franchise location.
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Playa Largo Defines Island Time in the Keys 

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From Floating Sunset Bonfires and Calm Florida Bay Waters to Memorable Dining and Genuine Hospitality, Playa Largo Captures Everything Travelers Love About the Florida Keys.

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Maple & Ash’s Miami Spice Menu Is Pure Luxury Without the Splurge

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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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