at YAYA
Todd Zimmer, an Executive Chef formerly from Prime 112 and a sous chef from Morocco, a waterside location with its own dock, a menu that interestingly embraces all of the Med and heavy on seafood. I was intrigued by the sound of YAYA Miami. Off my Italian friend and I went and glad we did, especially after devouring the risotto with lobster and caviar butter and the Jumbo stone crabs, among the first of the season. That alone would be reason enough for return visits.
On the bay in North Miami with an outdoor patio offering water and skyline views, YAYA Miami bills itself as offering coastal cuisine. And that they do, very well. They also offer a membership for Miami’s boating community complete with marina access with 14 boat slips, and a private dining room.
The menu is divided into raw bar and raw, cold mezze, hot mezze, seafood platters and towers, salads, entrees, sides and desserts. We particularly liked the variety of fish, ranging from the usual to whole Spanish dorado, charred octopus, swordfish milanesa, to a Maine lobster cobb salad for 2 to 4. Meat lovers won’t be disappointed either. What caught my eye was the Colorado half rack of lamb. For my taste, the best lamb in the US is from Colorado, and it’s difficult to find anywhere (I had read there are issues because of the drought in the Midwest).
We started with the roasted beets with feta and pistachios which were tasty and perfectly cooked ($10). Next up were two jumbo stone crabs that were so meaty I’m spoiled forever in that department ($90). The third course was the lobster risotto that was packed with fresh, juicy lobster chunks ($55).
For dessert we had another reason for a return visit: the hazelnut milk chocolate torte. It had an appealing mixture of textures and tastes, with the dark chocolate devil’s food cake, crunchy gianduja chocolate mousse and hazelnut brittle ($18). It was made for chocoholics. WE also tried the olive cake made with Meyer lemon and served with blueberries, Chantilly cream and pine nut pralines that we enjoyed ($15).
Next time at YAYA Miami I’d like to try the steamed little neck clams with Spanish chorizo, crushed tomatoes, white wine and fresh herbs ($18): the Arayes burger mde with beef & lamb, harissa ketchup, tahini sauce and torchi ($25): and the loaded Greek truffle fries (fries are topped with Parmesan, Feta, za’atar, roasted garlic Greek yogurt aioli and parsley) $24.
Designed by Miami’s own Saladino Design Studios, the space is light and airy, enhanced by the use of natural materials and a high ceiling.
They offer a range of signature and classic cocktails ($18) and mocktails ($14). A glass of wine (5 ounce pour) starts at $11 and bottles at $45.
photo credit WRE
For one mezze and one entree each, plus a glass of wine and one dessert, expect to pay $170 at YAYA Miami plus tax and tip.
Service is attentive and friendly.
Valet parking is offered for $15 which includes tip.
It’s open for dinner from 5 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday brunch. YAYA Miami , 7999 NE Bayshore Court, Miami 33138.
And while you’re in the neighborhood,you may want to go over to Little River to explore. Check out my post on A Day in Little River.
One Response
Had a birthday dinner there and we were really surprised and impressed with the service, ambience and food. Agree with everything Karen wrote as we tasted a few of the same but, also ordered the below and it did NOT disappoint.
Next time at YAYA Miami I’d like to try the steamed little neck clams with Spanish chorizo, crushed tomatoes, white wine and fresh herbs ($18): the Arayes burger mde with beef & lamb, harissa ketchup, tahini sauce and torchi ($25)