A welcome addition to the culinary scene in Miami for its elevated “American” cuisine with a twist, the intimate and welcoming atmosphere, and its talented and charming Executive Chef and Partner James Taylor with a background of Michelin starred restaurants is The Joyce Miami on Espanola Way in Miami Beach. It also boasts the distinction of having the first entry of the year for my “best dishes of 2025” list, latkes with caviar.

With only 45 seats along with bar seating  and a speakeasy atmosphere in an emerald green, it’s truly an intimate space. The friendly and professional staff also impart a tone that makes diners feel very much at home. With one of the co founders being an art collector, the walls are graced by several rotating works from his collection, including pieces by Picasso and Basquiat.

The menu is divided into chilled, starters, salads, entrees, sides and this being American, of course, a selection of fine steaks as well as desserts.

We started with the amazing crispy latkes. Instead of the traditional flat shape like a pancake, these are like a bird’s nest. This mean’s there is more area for crispiness but somehow they also manage to be soft and chewy inside with a rich flavor of potato. Each is topped with 5 ounces of Ossetra caviar (3 pieces for $62).

For entrees the Shanghai firecracker chicken with three kinds of chiles caught our eye, but unfortunately I’m sensitive to spicy these days so had to pass on that. The alternative, grilled brick chicken, turned out to be delicious too. It looked like a chicken paillard but was so much better – crispy on the outside and tender inside with a seasoning that gave it a different and yummy zip ($38). We couldn’t leave without trying one of their steaks, opting for the Chicago cut, a 16 ounce Margaret River ribeye. It was full flavored, melt in your mouth tender and perfectly seared ($98). If you want to go for the gold, there’s an A5 filet mignon ($138).  For sides we loved the sauteed brussels sprouts with a horseradish honey mustard and the charred broccoli (each $16).

Our favorite dessert was the  coconut cake with cashew ice cream. Had to control ourselves to not eat the whole thing ($16)!

There is an extensive wine list of over 100 labels and cocktail program designed by a Japanese mixology master. A glass of wine (5 ounce pour) starts at $18. By The Glass Bottles start at $58 while our By The Bottle List starts around $150; cocktails are $20.

For the latkes or two other starters, two entrees (excluding steak), two sides, one dessert, a glass of wine each, expect to pay $225 plus tax and tip.

Adjacent to The Joyce Miami is The Window at The Joyce with casual outdoor dining serving American street fare including, crafted burgers, chicken sandwiches and more.

The Joyce Miami is open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday from 6 pm. to 11 pm. 448 Española Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139