Zuri Miami restaurant is a “must go” for foodies. It’s not just about the Moroccan and Eastern Mediterranean food that’s exciting and delicious (in fact it will score one of my best dishes of the year), but also about the stunning décor that recreates a Riad, a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an indoor garden and courtyard.
The quality of the food, décor and service at Zuri Miami is due to the passion and care of its two owners, Florian Mattone and Loic Paz. They’re from the south of France and grew up with North African friends with whom they shared their culinary traditions. Before opening their restaurant last October they worked at top spots including Marion and Queen, and honed their luxury credentials including very good service.
The restaurant design is a blend of North African, Mediterranean and Arabic styles in its enclosed outdoor gallery and main dining area, also with its own bar. Find handmade colorful Moroccan textiles, organic leathers, ceramic vessels in lighted wall niches, hanging plants, and lighting that adds a certain mystery.
The menu is divided into Kemia (shareable plates, most like mezze), grill, couscous, sides, tagine, and desserts. Choosing our dishes was tough: there was so much that sounded appealing. We decided on dishes that one seldom finds in other restaurants in Miami, starting off with a pastilla bel djaj, a chicken flaky pie with caramelized onions and almonds. Next up was a cheese bourek that’s a thin flaky pastry filled with feta, spinach and Meyer lemon. Both were very flavorful and light and, together with a glass of white wine, would make a wonderful lunch (alas, Zuri is only open for dinner).
Two other starters that caught our attention and are on the list for next time are the Stracciatella with marinated beet salad and the crispy prawn cigars with seasoned local pink shrimps.
We were leaning toward getting the couscous (a kind of pasta) of chicken, kefta (lamb and beef), vegetarian or the “royal” combo, served with vegetables and tfaya (caramelized onion and raisin mixture). In the end, I couldn’t resist the tagine which I’ve had and loved in Marrakech, especially when I read that the lamb tagine was made with dates, almonds and honey. A great choice, so much so that it’s on the list as a best dish of 2024. The lamb was meltingly tender and oh those dates and almonds in the rich sauce. We teamed it up with cauliflower shawarma with smoked pepper sauce which turned out to be a perfect combo, as it was a little spicy and served as an ideal counterpoint to the sweetness of the tagine.
At this point we wanted to try the merguez spicy lamb sausage but had to resist if we were to leave room for Mr. W’s favorite dessert, baklava. Here they made it in house with walnuts and pecans.There’s also house made cheesecake with rose petals, stuffed dates and others, but we couldn’t manage a single bite more. (note: the menu changes seasonally and will be changing soon)
There’s an appealing selection of cocktails ($18). Wine by the glass (5-6 ounce pour) starts at $15 and bottles from $60.
Our dinner with a cocktail each, two appetizers, tagine, cauliflower and one dessert was under $150 plus tax and tip.
Zuri Miami is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights there are belly dancers and hookahs daily. Note that the noise level on weekends can be energetic, so if you’re looking for quiet conversation, the best time to go is Wednesday and Thursday. There’s street parking and valet parking from $20 and VIP parking from $50 (in front of the restaurant). 73 NW 26th St,
Miami, FL 33127
