Maple and Ash Miami is luxe—from the stewardship of its two-star Michelin chef/partner Danny Grant and the contemporary-meets-Old World décor, to the rich ingredients in its appealing menu and attentive service. Although it’s only been open for three months, word is already out about this fine dining destination. When I visited, all 240 seats were taken, and its handsome lounge-meets-speakeasy, The Studio, was buzzing as well—many celebration dinners, especially anniversaries, I was told. I’m already planning a return visit, especially since they just launched a $98 three-course chef’s tasting dinner (per person).
Maple and Ash Miami enjoys a prime location in Miami Worldcenter—across Biscayne Boulevard from the Kaseya Center, next to a Metro station, and near the Arsht Center and several museums. Maple Hospitality Group, which owns and operates Maple & Ash restaurants in Chicago and Scottsdale, has made a major commitment here with this two-story, 22,000-square-foot venture. The space includes the luxe restaurant, the lounge called the Studio, and a more accessibly priced concept on the way.
The décor has a regal feel, with burgundy walls, wood accents, and tall candelabras gracing the tables. The menu is divided into six categories, alongside another that showcases the brand’s irreverent spirit. Titled “I Don’t Give a F@k,” it’s a $225 tasting menu that “invites guests to surrender to the chef’s imagination.”*
As soon as guests are seated, they’re served a delicious complimentary welcome cocktail made with Grey Goose vodka, lemongrass, lemon juice, and dry vermouth. Then it was on to the fire-roasted seafood tower—a combination of Maine lobster, king crab, scallops, prawns, oysters, and Manila clams, all hearth-roasted and finished with garlic butter and chili oil. After I had eaten much of the seafood, the team brought out house-made conchiglie pasta, which they mixed into the remaining sauce—a welcome surprise. Alongside that, they served a shot of botanical herb Chartreuse with an oyster topped with caviar.
Next up was the decadent Wagyu experience: premium American Wagyu beef carpaccio that literally melted in my mouth, topped with pieces of king crab and a touch of caviar. Choosing a salad was tough—with options like wedge, heirloom lettuce, or Caesar—but I opted for a riff on the classic Caesar. Instead of croutons, they use savory sprinkles: a mixture of brown-butter panko, crispy shallots, crispy garlic, and cured egg yolk. Topped with Romaine and Parmigiano Reggiano, it redefined what a Caesar salad means to me.
When I heard the American lamb chops came from Colorado—my favorite and notoriously hard to find—there was no contest when it came to choosing a meat entrée. Four perfectly cooked chops graced my plate, served with a rich lamb jus. I threw caution (and calorie counting) to the wind, which I rarely do—but it was worth it. My side dishes were the potatoes au gratin and Madeira-roasted mushrooms. The potatoes were easily one of the best dishes I’ve had all year—absolutely over the top, made with fonduta, Manchego cheese, and fontina. The mushrooms got the luxe treatment too, finished with Madeira aioli and fines herbes.
This menu called for a dessert as showstopping as the rest, so I chose the flambé. A globe of chocolate, filled with ice cream and peanut butter crunch, appeared solid—until it was drenched in a hot sauce of butter, brown sugar, and rum, then flambéed tableside. Amazing. A couple at the table next to mine ordered the Sundae Tower, which looked like serious competition. Presented in a four-tiered dish (typically reserved for afternoon tea), it was reimagined as a decadent dessert filled with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice creams and every topping you could imagine.
As you know, I seldom write much about beverage programs—but the one here, curated by a team of no fewer than five, is outstanding. In addition to classic and signature cocktails, they offer wildly creative options made with premium spirits and a touch of irreverence. Take the IDGAF Old Fashioned (you can guess what that stands for), made with Glenfiddich 21-Year Pedro Ximénez, maple reduction, Amaro, chocolate truffle bitters, and 24K gold.
The wine list also includes some rare and unexpected finds, like Vega Sicilia from Spain, which I rarely see on menus. But what really caught my eye was this: Have you ever seen five-figure bottles of wine on a restaurant menu and wished you could just try a sip? Here, you can. For example, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Échezeaux 2012 is listed at $5,000 a bottle, but they offer a 3-ounce pour for $625 or 6 ounces for $1,250. I asked one of the managers if people actually order it—and he said yes, several times a week.
They do something similar with rare spirits, including Casa Azul Alta tequila (1 ounce for $250) and Louis XIII cognac served in a Baccarat decanter, available in pours ranging from a half-ounce for $125 to 2 ounces for $500.
And now, a note about the new Summer Chef’s Tasting Menu at Maple and Ash Miami—$98 per person, plus tax and tip. It’s offered Sunday, and Tuesday through Thursday. Guests select one dish from each course, and the menu also includes a fire-roasted seafood tower for the table. Starters range from the Heirloom Greens & Summer Vegetables Salad to decadent Lobster Dumplings or the Wagyu Carpaccio with truffle, king crab, and Kaluga caviar—the one I had and absolutely loved.
Mains include elevated classics like Fire-Roasted Chicken, Mediterranean Branzino, and a fiery Lobster Spaghetti, with optional upgrades like a 6 oz. Filet Mignon. Dessert offerings strike a perfect balance of nostalgia and flair, including a Piña Colada Crème Pie, Chocolate Cake with caramelized banana, and the over-the-top Sundae Tower.
If you opt for the a la carte menu expect to pay $160 per person plus tax and tip. Add on to this a cocktail for $23 to $24 or a glass of wine (6 ounce pour) that starts at $16; bottles at $69.
Maple and Ash Miami is open Tuesday – Sunday from 6 pm to 10 pm; Friday and Saturday to Midnight.
There’s a garage nearby at Miami Worldcenter and valet parking for $25 for 3 hours. As I mentioned, there’s also a Metromover station nearby but now, due to renovations, it closes at 10 pm.
Before dinner have a walk around Miami World Center, Miami’s new destination within a destination. For the scoop click here.
