It’s almost unprecedented that Mr. W and I find all the dishes we eat in a restaurant exceptional along with the ambiance and service. New Lafayette Miami from the owner of Miami Beach’s opulent restaurant Queen describes themselves as “blending the allure of speakeasy culture with the refinement of European elegance promising an extraordinary culinary journey”. This is no hyperbole. And though they say they’re a steakhouse, you can find more for non meat eaters.

I’ve never met the French born Mathieu Massa,  of Mr. Hospitality, owner and operator of Lafayette Miami.  I’m sure,though, that  he’s a perfectionist, and insists on going with the best: the French chef Kylian Goussot whose pedigree includes Michelin starred  restaurants  alongside luminaries like Joel Robuchon and Jean-Georges Vongerichten; the pastry chef Nelson Mendoca  who worked beside Alain Ducasse; and one of the managers who served us used to be with La Tour d’Argent in Paris.

Lafayette Miami was inspired by the legacy of Major General Marquis de Lafayette who  worked alongside General George Washington, and the two symbolize the bond between France and America.

Mathieu collaborated with Escala Forma Studio on the design, carefully selecting artwork that’s a combination of vintage and contemporary, teaming a rich deep toned color scheme with fine woods and leather upholstery, and low level ambient lighting. All give  the restaurant a sense of intimacy in its two floors, one a balcony. A centerpiece is a grand piano where a musician performs nightly alongside a singer on Saturday night.

The menu at Lafayette Miami  is divided into caviar service, starters and salads, raw and chilled, specialty cuts, land and sea, sides and vegetables and desserts.

We ordered the brioche loaf that was served piping hot with tarragon butter, one of my stars in an upcoming post on the best restaurant breads in Miami. Mr. W raved about his burrata encircled with oh so tender grilled octopus, tender inside and crispy outside, that he said is the best he has eaten anywhere in Miami $29. I opted for the Caesar salad prepared tableside. It was delicate and flavorful, lightly covered in dressing thanks to Paul’s deft hand.$22

Since we seldom find milk fed prime veal chop on the menu, Mr. W opted for it and found it glorious, tender and perfectly medium rare, with a refined red wine reduction.$83  I chose the diver scallops that tasted fresh off the boat (and had indeed arrived the same day). They were combined with a novel and wonderful blend of toasted hazelnuts, golden squash, Castelvetrano olives, and crisp allium.$29 As sides we had the charred local broccolini prepared with pistachio, Fresno chilies, crisp garlic and lemon zest $16 and a decadent creamed corn with black truffle, lime and 24 month parmesan $16. Next time at Lafayette Miami  we’ll have one of their prime steaks with one of their five sauces.

Not surprisingly, dessert was in the best tradition of French patisserie. We had the valhrona chocolate peanut sensation with soft caramel and peanut praline ice cream and I thought I was in Paris. $16

They have an extensive wine list as you can imagine – 600 different kinds ranging from $72 to $16000. A glass starts at $18 (6 ounce pour). Cocktails range from $18 to $24.

The music level is just right, retro sounds early in the evening,  and there was a well dressed crowd the night we went.

For one glass of wine each, bread, one appetizer and one entree each, one side and one dessert expect to pay $250 plus tax and tip.

There’s valet priced at $27 and a nearby garage.

Lafayette Miami is open Tuesday through Saturday  from 6 p.m.