Consistently in my list of the top restaurants has been Novikov Miami. Since it opened I’ve probably been there a dozen times for lunch, dinner and brunch if not more. I even went to their restaurant at the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. Though dinner is fun and buzzy, my favorite time is lunch, so I didn’t hesitate to go back recently with Mr. W to try their updated 3 course $30 business lunch menu which has always been a great deal by a number of criteria. After our wonderful experience and great value, it has risen to the top of the lunch list.
First, something about the ambiance. The design consultant was Adam Tihany who has worked on high profile hotels around the world. On entering, you’ll see a stylish bar with backlit lighting to the right, and a whimsical Nick Cave sculpture to the left, part of the curated art collection. But what really grabs the attention is the Chinese red wall, a backdrop to fresh fish and shellfish that glistens, it’s so fresh. A large open kitchen turns out to be five kitchens for its Asian menu — sushi, robata, dim sum, wok and duck. At lunch there’s low level music, perfect for conversation and a buzzy atmosphere with its business and leisure dinners. It also gets its share of celebrities. The day we were there we saw a “regular”, superstar reggaeton singer Nicky Jam. There’s also an outdoor dining terrace, but to me, inside is the place to be.
The three course menu at Novikov Miami has a varied and appealing selection for starters, appetizers and entrees. Portions are a good size. It features popular favorites, and then new appetizers and entrees that are available for a supplement ranging from $5 to $15 which I found reasonable considering the dishes. I started with what I always order, the cucumber tataki, thinly sliced cucumber arranged like a spiral with a very flavorful housemade dressing topped with chili flakes. Mr. W opted for the white miso soup, perfect for a chilly day in Miami.
I passed on two appetizers usually on my list, shrimp and cilantro dim sum and the brussels sprouts and crispy pork to try the Hamachi yuzu truffle maki, a new item.
It had their signature sauce, completing the picture for a standout roll. We also had the new duck and foie gras dim sum, something I haven’t seen anywhere else. It was downright decadent.
This time no robata grilled branzino or chicken katsu curry which we often get and like. I opted for the star of the lunch, the half Peking duck for just a $15 supplement, what usually costs $68 at dinner! The portion size was solid, the skin crispy, and the duck oh so tender. I was in heaven. We also had another new item, the yuzu miso black cod, which was very fresh and perfectly cooked with a delicious sauce, leaving the Mongolian beef, another new addition, for next time,
Desserts are additional, ranging from $14 to $21. The big deal here is the dessert platter, the chef’s selection, for $19. Our favorites were the double chocolate lava cake and the lemongrass crème brulee. If you’re looking for a “wow’ in presentation, get the dragon fruit ceviche under strawberry foam.
No surprise given the quality of Novikov, they have a mixologist and list of signature cocktails including the Wasabi Martini which seemed to be flying out of the bar it was so popular. A glass of wine starts at $15 and a bottle at $50. Signature cocktails are $19.
Service under the restaurant manager Valeria, is very good and friendly. Try to get Manuel Pena as your waiter and say we sent you!
Parking is $8 for lunch and $17 for dinner.
Novikov Miami, 300 South Biscayne Boulevard (T.305-489-1000). it’s open for dinner seven nights a week and for lunch Monday through Friday.
