Midtown Miami’s dining scene is a vibrant, often loud, symphony of flavors. But amidst the clamor, Ziva Miami (3252 Northeast 1st Avenue) offers a captivating whisper of romance and refined elegance. Perched near Biscayne Bay, this new culinary gem is a special occasion spot from the moment you step inside. The atmosphere is a masterful blend of rich textures and understated luxury, brought to life by the unique combination of a live violinist, a DJ, and a mesmerizing fire show.
The service is just as polished as the decor—attentive and anticipatory. Our server, Brianna, was a knowledgeable guide who enhanced our dining journey. We started with a toast: the Prosecco Confidential—a blend of Brugal 1888, lime, mint, and prosecco—was a bubbly celebration. For a non-alcoholic option, the Soleil was wonderfully refreshing. The appetizers set an impossibly high standard. The Spanish grilled octopus was perfectly tender, and the artichoke tapenade was a rich, savory delight. As a testament to the elevation of fine dining, our table was crumbed between courses—a detail neither of us has experienced in quite a while.
A light and vibrant kale and quinoa salad provided a fresh interlude before the main courses took center stage. The Catch of the Day, a locally sourced Red Snapper, was exceptionally tender and juicy. The slow-cooked short rib was, simply put, “Heaven” on a plate. Served with a delicate cauliflower puree and glazed wild mushrooms, it was an unforgettable dish. To complement our entrées, the artichoke rice and the roasted carrots were flawless accompaniments. We ended with the Royal hazelnut bar, an exercise in pure decadence, and scoops of artisan ice cream.
Amavi, Latin for “I have loved,” is more than a restaurant; it’s an elevated dining experience that will have you coming back for more. For a special occasion, its excellence is a confident, captivating whisper you’ll be thinking about for days.
The ultimate FOMO moment comes from delaying your visit and missing out on the unforgettable slow-cooked short rib and the polished, anticipatory service, all while enjoying the mesmerizing atmosphere created by the live violinist and fire show.
Essential Details
| Cuisine | Mediterranean, Elevated Fine Dining, Special Occasion | |
| Address | 3252 NE 1st Ave Suite 109, Miami, FL 33137 | |
| Contact | Phone: 305-728-0516 | Web: AmaviRestaurants.com | |
| The Hook | Masterful ambiance (live music, fire show), slow-cooked short rib, tender grilled octopus, and polished, attentive service. | |
| Tip | Make reservations in advance. Great for special occasions. Try their Zero Proof offerings. Plenty of reasonable parking nearby. |
Author: Chef Diaz
With over 40 years of hands-on experience in the hospitality industry—beginning his journey shucking clams on the Jersey Shore boardwalk—Chef Dan has built a career dedicated to culinary authenticity and independent food journalism. As the Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Editor of SoFloDining, he champions an uncompromised reviewing standard. Under his direction, the publication relies entirely on unannounced visits, self-funded meals, and multi-year municipal health inspection records, rejecting paid endorsements and staged influencer promotions in favor of true culinary craftsmanship. Beyond editing and publishing the brand's digital magazine editions, Chef Dan expands SoFloDining's reach across multiple media channels. He hosts the weekly video interview series "Who's at The Chef's Table," produces syndicated podcasts, and manages an extensive network of regional community dining groups across South Florida and the Florida Keys. Whether he is scouting roadside gems along the Overseas Highway, advocating for independent restaurant operators, or collaborating with his wife and business partner Doris, Chef Dan remains a passionate, trusted voice celebrating the diverse food culture of South Florida.
