Midtown Miami’s dining scene is a vibrant, often loud, symphony of flavors and concepts. But amidst the clamor, Amavi Miami offers a captivating whisper of romance and refined elegance. Perched on the edge of Biscayne Bay at 3252 Northeast 1st Avenue, 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 without ever feeling intrusive. Our server, Brianna, was a knowledgeable guide; her recommendations enhanced every part of our dining journey.
Our evening began with a toast. The Prosecco Confidential—a blend of Brugal 1888, lime, mint, and prosecco—was a bubbly celebration in a glass. For a non-alcoholic option, the Soleil, with its mix of coconut water, pineapple, and fresh lemon juice, was a wonderfully refreshing start. The appetizers set an impossibly high standard. The Spanish grilled octopus was perfectly tender, served with a bright citrus fennel salad, while the artichoke tapenade was a rich, savory delight dotted with sundried cherry tomatoes and hazelnuts. As a testament to the elevation of fine dining, between courses, we received new silverware and our table was crumbed, a detail of fine dining service that 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 was a locally sourced Red Snapper, prepared with grilled asparagus. It was exceptionally tender and juicy. The slow-cooked short rib was, simply put, “Heaven” on a plate. Served with a delicate cauliflower puree, glazed wild mushrooms, confit carrots and leeks, and a tarragon veal jus, it was an unforgettable dish. To complement our entrees, the artichoke rice with wild herbs and the roasted carrots with a maple mustard beurre blanc were flawless accompaniments.
As the evening unfolded, we sampled the Lychee Cloud, a unique cocktail with lychee, lemongrass, and aloe vera. Desserts provided the perfect sweet conclusion. The Royal hazelnut bar was an exercise in pure decadence. And for a lighter finish, scoops of artisan ice cream in vanilla bean and pistachio offered a satisfying and memorable end to an incredible meal.
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. Don’t forget to snap some photos of your drinks, dishes, and the stunning atmosphere to share with your fellow foodies, tagging us @SoFloDining and the restaurant @AmaviMiami. For a special occasion, or simply a night to rediscover the magic Miami can create, its excellence is a confident, captivating whisper you’ll be thinking about for days.
