MIMI Miami is unlike other  Chinese restaurants in Miami. In fact it’s more like the kind of place you’d find in New York. The menu is creative — different, and very well curated. The stylish décor has the Chinese inspiration going in the rich,  deep red colors and to me, had hint of a speakeasy with its dim lighting and intimate space seating 80 including the bar. There’s no DJ or party scene, though the scene is still “buzzy”. The diners were most fixated on the food, and judging by the people at nearby tables, were loving it. 

As you read in my post on restaurant trends, I bemoan the fact that there aren’t more higher end Chinese restaurants in Miami, so a big welcome to the Magic City. One of the things I most liked about the menu is that dishes reflect the cuisine of different provinces of China like Hunan,  Sichuan, Hong Kong,  Guangdong  and others with a modern touch. The culinary director is David Schwartz, recipient of the 2023 Michelin Guide’s Toronto Young Chef award. Executive Chef is Braden Chong who worked at fine-dining restaurants in Japan including Kyoto’s Michelin-starred Lurra° and Tokyo’s two-Michelin-starred Sazenka. MIMI has a sister restaurant in Toronto.

The menu at MIMI Miami isn’t large, but as I said, it’s well designed,. It’s divided into raw and cooling, savory and warming, chef specials, noodle & rice,  and vegetables. .Each dish is marked with its province of origin, a nice touch.

We started with the crossed arm chicken dumplings, a standout. The wrapper was perfectly al dente, the chicken stuffing plump, and the sauce it rested in was a combination of spicy, sweet, savory, and salty ($22). Our terrific waiter Mario said the Chinese describe it as “Guaiwei” which means the everything sauce. If MIMI bottled it and sold it, I’d be first in line to get a bottle. We also had the smacked cucumber salad with wood ear mushrooms, chrysanthemum and Shanxi vinegar. The dressing was light and flavorful and the vegetables super fresh ($17).

As a second course we couldn’t pass up on one of their signature dishes, the four foot belt noodle. It’s a flat, wide noodle that’s mixed with grass fed beef, black sesame and long beans. You cut the noodle into pieces and mix it with the peas and beans.Not to be missed. ($29)

For my main course I opted for the sea bass with scallions and ginger., tangerine peel, scalded leek and cilantro. It was steamed and served whole ,though deboned and could serve two. It was very fresh, delicate and light ($58). Next time though I’m going for the hunan chili sea bass which our neighboring diners had and looked amazing ($59).  Mr. W. couldn’t decide between the Hidden crispy chicken ($34) but opted for the stirred fried lamb leg as one seldom finds that in Chinese restaurants.  It was made with cumin, cilantro and Chinese celery ($37).. For a side we chose the chiu chow green beans made with salted olive leaf, garlic and ginger. They were crisp and tasty ($16).

Next time (and I’ll definitely go back) I’d like to try the shrimp toast; the house char siu which is pork belly with wildflower honey and caramelized soybean; and the supreme fried rice with shrimp, scallop and salmon roe.

MIMI Miami is proud of their steamed cake (ma lai goh) from Guangdong. It’s made with salted egg yolk custard and sweet rice cream. I can never resist soft serve ice cream as it brings back memories of the ice cream truck that went around my neighborhood when I was young. Here it’s taken up more than one notch with coconut, mochi and peanuts. Dinner for two with a glass of wine or cocktail each, two starters, four star noodles, two entrees and one dessert will cost you about $200 plus tax and tip.  

There’s also a four course tasting menu with palate cleanser for $115 per person plus tax and tip.

Service is friendly and professional.

There’s a selection of signature cocktails ($18-$22) and mocktails ($14-$15). A glass of wine (5 ounce pour) starts at $15 and bottles start at $70.There’s sake by the glass and barrel aged varieties and magnum sized bottles for sharing.

MIMI Chinese Miami is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m.. Note that the sound level is aggressive, so if you want moderate, come around 6 p.m.

MIMI Chinese Miami, 1575 Alton Road, Miami Beach. Street parking and a garage nearby off of 15^th Street.