It’s a challenge to find a reasonably priced restaurant in South Beach with delicious food and a menu with a lot of dishes you want to try , an attractive ambiance that works for casual and casual chic dress, and a festive but not party vibe. Leave it up to the talented, professional duo behind Coyo Taco and 1-800-LUCKY to pull it off. Welcome to Serena Restaurant at the new Moxy South Beach Hotel.
A modern interpretation of traditional Latin and different regional Mexican cuisines is the name of the game here. The open-air rooftop restaurant is styled around a domed cast iron canopy strung with twinkling lights meant to evoke the markets of Mexican towns. Whatever kind of seating you like you’ll find – comfy sofas, stuffed banquettes, swinging barstools, and wrought iron chairs and oh those vibrant colors.
Designed by the Coyo Taco Group partners including Chef Scott Linquist, who is well traveled throughout Mexico, the menu reflects various regional cuisines. One of the things he’s most proud of are the white yellow and blue corn he and his chefs source to make tortillas the traditional way. You find the three varieties throughout the menu offerings. The menu is divided into aguachiles (traditional Mexican ceviche), cocteles (seafood cocktails), starters, tostadas, sopes, quesadillas, huaraches, main dishes and sides. There’s also a separate dessert menu.
We started with the verde aquachile from Sinaloa which I chose to have with cobia ($17). You choose the mixture of finely sliced vegetables in a “chile water” made of chiles, citrus juice, herbs and aromatics . Then add your seafood or vegetarian addition. It was a favorite — light, perfectly seasoned, and the fish couldn’t have been fresher. Of course we couldn’t pass up the chunky guacamole made of Hass avocado just a touch spicey, and served with warmed and freshly made chips ($14 for two). It was one of the better versions I’ve had in town.
Mr. W opted for the huitlacoche quesadilla. Made with the firm, almost crunchy, blue corn tortilla (note, don’t expect the soft flour one you usually find), it was open face, topped with the traditional corn mushroom mixed with shitake, Mexican cheese, chile de arbol and epazote ($15). I chose the blue corn huarache, Nopales. It was an unusual combo of grilled cactus, roasted poblano chiles, tomato, radish, cilantro, avocado and queso fresco ($14). We then shared the guisado, another favorite. It’s a short rib adobo marinated for 24 hours and served in its natural juices Oaxaca style. So tender and tasty, it came with roasted baby potatoes, and chayote ($28).
There are lots of dishes I’d like to try next time at Serena restaurant including the white corn picadillo sope made with ground turkey cooked with peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, olives, raisins, pine nuts and spices ($14); chorizo huarache made with blue corn masa, spicy pork sausage, refried beans, aged cheese and Mexican crèma ($14); and the grilled cactus and shrimp with achiote marinated jumbo gulf shrimp, cactus salad, avocado and lime vinaigrette. Another favorite was the Torta De Camote cheesecake topped with spiced piloncillo (uinrefined cane sugar) with apple cider syrup.
Another word about prices. There was nothing in the menu over $28 and most dishes were in the mid to high teens, so it’s a great place to go with a group of friends, some of whom are watching their budget. Plus, the dishes are shareable.
Not surprisingly there are exciting signature cocktails. We loved the cherry red rubio punch made with mezcal, hibiscus, rosemary and lime with a slight smokey flavor. Other popular ones are the refreshing pepinazo made with tequila, cucumber cordial, ginger and lime and the serena margarita ($14 each). Wines are sold by the glass, from $12 to $15, including a Mexican Cabernet Sauvignon from Chateau Domeq. A pour is 6oz. Beer is $7 and of course, find the cult favorite, Mexican coke.
I coveted a copy of the wonderful playlist, the rhythms of emerging Latin American musicians. And better yet, the noise level was just right. Expect live music by up and coming local acts and on Sunday the Golden Tingz Susnet Hour will feature live DJs.
Serena Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and brunch on the weekends. There is valet parking ($25) and municipal garages nearby.
Serena Restaurant is the first of six new dining and drinking venues to open in the Moxy. To come are a seafood restaurant and raw bar, mezcal lounge and taco stand/bodega (market) in the lobby complemented by Bar Moxy and a rooftop bar for hotel guests and private events.
Moxy South Beach is located at 915 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information or to book, visit moxysouthbeach.com / https://www.serenamiami.com
Serena Tel. 305-306-0776
2 Responses
Looks and sounds delightful.
Thanks Karen! Have just been wishing for an interesting Mexican restaurant !! That seems to be a fit…