Amazonico restaurant Miami on Brickell Avenue is THE restaurant and nightspot to top now. I know that’s saying a lot, but it’s well deserved. My friend and I were wowed. It’s the fifth Amazonico worldwide, and the most elaborate, joining its sisters in Monte Carlo, Dubai, Madrid (the first) and London. The Spanish owners spared no expense, as in an estimated cost of construction and décor of $30 to $40 million, and spent it well. The three story restaurant, lounge, rooftop bar joining 4 other bars, impressive private dining rooms and now nightclub has only been open since October 27 and on a recent Saturday night there was a waiting list of 1000 couples.
As its name implies, the Amazon River and its surrounding countries is the theme which informs the cuisine, cocktails and décor ,an exuberant rainforest experience of being in the jungle with its deep greens, volcanic stone, dark tropical woods and woven textures. The first floor is an expansive indoor/outdoor main dining room with an open kitchen, retractable roof, and two bars, anchored by a stage that features live bands every night .
Up a mirrored staircase is the bar and lounge, a less formal atmosphere with a stage hosting resident DJs and percussionists. There’s also a sushi corner. The third floor is a dramatic rooftop bar complete with a glowing Peacock Bar, LED paneled DJ booth and lush tropical design. You have your drink surrounded by Brickell’s skyscrapers and say to yourself, this is Miami!
The rooftop bar at Amazonico restaurant Miami would be a special place to come on its own, or before or after going someplace else (it’s open until 2 a.m weekdays and 3 a.m. weekends) though note they only take walk ins, no reservations.
Newest addition is Selva nightclub inspired by its Monte Carlo counterpart. Entertainment includes the likes of Vanjee, GENESI, Nic Fanciulli, Grossomoddo, Josh Baker, Omar+ & Obskur with special guest DJs to be announced. There’s no minimum or cover but reservations are exclusively with booking a table through the website.
We started with one of their signature cocktails, most with their own figurative custom made glass – from the popular monkey and peacock to the jungle bell mojito and leche de pantera. They also offer a clever boat filled with shot glasses, 4, 6 or 12 glasses ($24, $36, $72 respectively).
Order one of the specific list of “boat” cocktails like an espresso martini and they’re served in the shot glasses, ideal for parties. We tried five of them and liked them all – playful and tropical twists on standards like the negroni and old fashioned and delicious. Cocktails are priced from $18 to $26. Note, too, that the dinner plates are custom designed, each with an image of a tropical bird or animal.
The menu is divided into salads and vegetables, raw and marinated, sushis and makis, Amazonico bites, woks, fish and seafood, charcoal grilled meats, sides and desserts.
We started with the Ensalada Amazonica, a refreshing and different choice from the usual offerings on fine restaurant menus with mango, avocado, confit tomato, kalamansi and citrus. It was light and tasty. For my main course I had seen the picanha rodizio grllling on the spit in the large open kitchen. It looked so good, I opted for that and was glad I did. It was perfectly done and super flavorful. My friend said it was the best she had eaten in Miami.
We also ordered the guacho de langosta — Maine lobster with semolina orzo pasta and coconut bisque risotto along with wok fried vegetables, which we enjoyed. Dessert was a winner: the crème de choclo which is corn crème brulee, coconut sponge and corn meringue . The sommelier helped us choose a delicious full bodied Rioja wine from among an impressive list of 380 wines from Spain, France, the US and South America. A glass of wine starts at $14 (5 ounces) and bottles at $60 with most in the $80 to $100 range.
Next time on my list to try at Amazonico restaurant Miami is one of the fish dishes, especially one made on the vertical spits you can see in the open kitchen .Choices include Dover sole, the wild Spanish sea bream cooked over an open fire and centollo con caviar — Alaska king crab with summer leaves and Nikkei dressing. Also on the list are the Okeechobee Wagyu rib eye, arroz chaufa with red, black and white whole grain rice, grilled duck and fried egg, and definitely the signature dessert, pina rostizada which is roasted caramel glazed pineapple with coconut ice cream.
With one appetizer to share, one entrée each, a cocktail and glass of wine each and one dessert, expect to pay about $250 to $300 plus tax and tip. Note that, as I mentioned, you can also just come and enjoy one of their amazing cocktails and light bites in the rooftop.
Service is excellent and friendly. Amazonico restaurant Miami is open for dinner seven days a week from 6 pm. For more information and reservations go to: https://www.amazonicorestaurant.com/miami/ .Note that reservations can only be made 30 days in advance. There’s valet parking for $25.
