Several girlfriends’ birthdays are coming up and now I know the new restaurant that’s a wonderful new choice for a dinner celebration, Bagatelle Miami River. Many restaurants say they’re “an experience” but this one really is: the lovely outdoor terrace inspired by the golden age of the Cote d’Azur with view of the river and Miami skyline; eye popping presentations, many tableside; delicious cuisine from Michelin trained chefs; live music; and warm, friendly service. And then there’s the Sunday brunch in a large bar area with cabanas, live music and dancing, with “a beach vibe”.
If you had gone to the Miami Beach Bagatelle (I have and gave it a very good review), you’ll see that Bagatelle Miami River is different. It has what they call the “house”, an indoor dining area with its own bar , the terrace with high ceiling and handsome umbrellas; and the “beach” , a large bar area with cabanas and 192 foot dock (they waive docking fees for those arriving via a premium charter service). As you can imagine from a restaurant that is in some of the world’s glam capitals like Saint Tropez, St. Barts,Mykonos and London , it has its glam element.
Corporate executive chef Rocco Seminara who has worked alongside legendary names Alain Ducasse and Joel Robuchon presides over a menu of French Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the French Riviera. We found a number of exciting dishes we’ve never seen on Miami menus before, a very good thing, and those are the ones we gravitated toward. The menu is divided into sur la pouce, le cru (raw bar), caviar, seafood platter, salads, pate, meat, fish, cut selection (premium meats), sides and desserts.
We started our feast at Bagatelle Miami River with a stuffed potato with seasonal black truffle and wild mushrooms with the black truffles grated on the top once served, a sight to behold. Mr. W had the polenta made with candied tomatoes and black olives, a dish one seldom finds here. For my entrée I had the whole 2 pound branzino, the fish of the day.
It was fileted tableside and was incredibly fresh, melting in my mouth and delicately seasoned with lemon leaves.. It was served with creamy mashed potatoes and a small green salad. We had to try the whole free-range chicken infused with tarragon, baked in an aromatic salt crust,again prepared tableside, opening up t he crust which literally peeled off. Quite a presentation. The chicken was tender, moist and flavorful, and served with roast potatoes and cherry tomatoes. Both of these entrees are for two to three people.
At the urging of one of the managers at Bagatelle Miami River we had the lemon tart. I had thought oh well, another lemon tart but when it arrived I understood why his excitement. It was delicious and very different looking. We teamed it with their signature Tropezienne made with Madagascar vanilla and lace crepes with banana cream, amber rum and dulce de leche.
As you can imagine, they have a mixology program and a solid wine list. A glass of wine starts at $22 (5 ounce pour) and bottles at $95 . Most cocktails are $24; mocktails, $16.
Dinner for two with two appetizers, two entrees, two desserts and a cocktail or glass of wine should run you from $250 to $300 including tax and service.
Bagatelle Miami River being a restaurant for celebration, as you can imagine there’s live music as well as a DJ. We went at 7 pm and left at 9 p.m and the music was moderately loud, acceptable for a conversation. After 9:30/10 the party gets going with the music turned up and, on weekends, I’m told, dancing on the tables. Live music is Wednesday through Friday. Dinner is served five nights a week (closed Monday and Tuesday) and on Sunday there’s brunch 12 to 8 p.m. The earlier hours are for families and later comes the party. Valet parking is $30 and there’s street parking nearby.
Plans call for three levels with a private indoor dining room and event space on the second floor and a third floor rooftop thjat will turn into a speakeasy in the coming months.
Bagatelle Miami River, 311 NW South River Drive, Miami
