When a restaurant that has always had one of the best brunches in town says they’ve upped their game, had could I not go to check it out? And so off we went to the MILA brunch and Miami Beach to sample it on a recent Sunday. The word had gotten out as it was full, and diners were loving it.
The brunch is an elevated buffet of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine with numerous stations, each with a different food category with lots of choices, plus specialty stations and a spritz bar.
Stations at the MILA brunch include fruit and pastry, charcuterie and cheese, salads, mezze, maki, hot meats and fish, organic eggs, robata grill and dessert. Everything is attractively displayed, and the quality is top notch.
The specialty stands are the new additions and my favorites. They include a choice of temaki handrolls made on the spot; 5 Jotas which is the gold standard of jamon iberico, hand carved by someone who was flown in from Andalucia; caviar, crème fraiche and blinis; and a gelato station with limoncello and pistachio gelato churned as you watch.
Our favorite dishes were the pork belly, roasted corn on the cob and skirt steak from the robata grill; temaki hand rolls and all the sushi choices; 5 Jotas ham; healthy and delicious green salads; lemon tartand pistachio gelato sprinkled with pistachios.
All of this at MILA brunch is included in the one price, with three options. The two-hour experience with a selection of non alcoholic beverages starts at $95 – not cheap, but considering the quality, amount of food, and the setting, it’s a good value. The champagne and rose options range from $125 to $320 (Dom Perignon) and also include a selection of cocktails.
For those who haven’t been to MILA, something about the décor and ambiance which is a big part of its appeal. There’s a handsome outdoor space with a water feature, two cabanas, and its own bar area.
Indoors is attractive, too, a contemporary, artisanal aesthetic that’s serene and warm. It’s a fusion of Japan’s Wabi Sabi philosophy and Cycladic islands design. Beautifully worked light woods undulate on the walls, interspersed with untainted stones and punctuated with sculptures, paintings and ceramic art made of metal, clay and wood.
The staff, always professional and friendly, gave us a warm welcome and sat us next to the DJ stand with a guitar player as well. In a kudo to MILA, the music was very good, and moderate in noise level, unlike so many other places.
The MILA Brunch is served Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Note that if you want fewer people, it’s best to go at the later seating, 1:30 p.m. As I mentioned, guests are advised it’s a two-hour experience so you’re expected to leave the table. Never fear, if you want to continue the party, there are two bars so you can get after lunch drinks a la carte. Or check out the Lincoln Road farmer’s market which makes for a lot of fun (make sure it’s on the Sunday you’re there) and other happenings on Lincoln Road I wrote about earlier.
MILA , 1636 Meridian Ave, Rooftop, Miami Beach, FL 33139; T: (786) 706-0744. Valet parking is available onsite There’s also a municipal garage nearby.
And in case you missed it, here’s my review on dinner. Click here.
