August 2025 sorry to report that CHICA has closed.
Elevated Mexican cuisine stars at the “New” CHICA Miami. I liked the sound of that, especially since it was coming from celebrity Chef Lorena Garcia whose food and standout presentations I’ve always liked. Together with Miami based 50 Eggs Hospitality’s Culinary Research Director Chef Rishi Kumar they created a new menu of these Mexican inspired dishes along with CHICA’s signature Latin favorites from South and Central America. With this exciting culinary news in mind, I was happy to return, this time with Peter Rabbino who won my recent blog contest and a chance to join me for a media dine.
First off, the décor and ambiance which are special since, no surprise, they were done by star designer David Rockwell. The decor has rich wood paneled walls and furniture, ceiling greenery and flattering lighting. Soaring double-height restaurant impart an elevated yet approachable atmosphere with tropical hues and regional inspirations ranging from Venezuela and Mexico to Cuba and Peru.
A central focal point of CHICA Miami is the bar with bar to ceiling shelves displaying some of the extensive liquor offerings, all attractively lit. As a part of the bar there are small tables with comfortable chairs and small sofas that, thanks to a window wall that can be raised, is open to the air. Adjacent to that are high top tables that hug the side of the restaurant.
We did a deep dive of the menu, trying ten dishes no less. Several got my highest ranking — standouts, including one to be named one of the best desserts of the year which I’ll highlight (too many to describe them all).
We started with a signature CHICA favorite, the tasty Handmade Piloncillo Asado Negro Arepas served with Braised Short Rib, then on to the new and novel Mexican “mezze.All five plates were delicious, though my favorite of the group was the Yucatecan pumpkin seed hummus that tasted like a crunchy peanut butter with zip. The guacamole was one of the best renditions I’ve had– creamy, thanks to the cotija cheese, and a little garlicky. The house made corn tostadas and crudites paired well with the Oaxacan pasilla salsa and salsa negra baked goat cheese spread. Hmmm have to order this combo for my next dinner party.
The ceviche de coco with seasonal fish, coconut calamansi, mango, cashew picada fresno and cilantro was fresh and delicately seasoned. Typical of the unusual combos in the new menu was the hibiscus and strawberry king salmon aguachile. Sweet and spicy aguachile was teamed with charred strawberries, avocado and smoky hibiscus chile crisp. It looked like an abstract expressionist painting.
Another favorite was the smoked cauliflower. Often in menus these days one finds roasted sliced cauliflower coated with spices, good, but not exciting. This smoked cauliflower salad sets a new standard with the flavorful mixture and different textures of cauliflower, crispy chickpeas, cucumbers, mezcal raisins, morita peanut salsa macha all in a yogurt agave dressing. Plus, it was brought to the table in a glass cloche which, when removed, out came smoke. I don’t eat octopus, but Peter gave it high marks, calling it tender and crispy, another novel combo of spicy chayote, daikon salad, uni crema, hazelnut, herbs and achiote seasoning.
One of the two wow presentations of the evening went to the wagyu picanha a lo trompo, pieces of wagyu beef skewered and resting in a whole pineapple, seasoned with chile padron, Oaxacan pasilla salsa and escabeche. An exciting departure for meat lovers.
The show stopper, one of my best desserts of the year is “The Corn”. Resting on a mini grill out came what I thought was corn on the cob. I put the fork in and lo and behold it was creamy, delicious strawberry flan cheesecake with crunchy graham crackers chili crumble and filled with raspberry tajin.
Signature cocktails are made with premium tequila and mezcal including Tequila Fuenteseca, Komos Extra Añejo, Rey Sol and Miel de Terra Añejo Mezcal, which were all specially picked to pair with CHICA’s new dishes. In addition to their famed CHICA-Rita, their new tequila forward cocktails include La Lavanda, a sophisticated smoked lavender martini, the Spicy Mamacita, a strawberry jalapeno highball.
A glass of wine starts at $12 and bottles at $67.
The restaurant also features CHICA Miami Nights, a lively dinner party Thursday through Saturday nights featuring live entertainment including a DJ and dancers.
Located at 5556 NE 4th Court, CHICA Miami is open seven days a week for lunch and features a weekday prix-fixe lunch menu price at $25, dinner, happy hour and weekend brunch. There’s valet parking for $8 and street parking. For reservations, restaurant buy-outs and more information visit chicarestaurant.com
And while you’re in the neighborhood you may want to make it an afternoon and visit the cool shops at Upper Buena Vista. To learn more, click here.
One Response
This sounds really intriguing and in an interesting spot. After spending a week in Mexico City, I am much more aware of creative Mexican fare. I just tried Los Felix, and I have to say this sounds at least as good. Prix fixe lunch is a brilliant offering as well. Thanks for making us aware.