Sunny Isles is getting a reputation for oddly named restaurants. The latest one is called LIQUE (pronounced lee-cue), which we might imagine is how a French person might refer to a bar-b-que. At any rate, they have taken a space next to Duffy’s in the strip mall on 163rd and spruced it up with fun decor, pumping music, St. Tropez-style outdoor dining, and a yacht docked out back. In other words, it’s a slice of South Beach in Sunny Isles.
LIQUE’s menu is large and varied, ranging from the requisite snacks, salads, and shared appetizers to a full raw bar, robata grill, sushi, caviar, capriccios and, of course, large plates. In other words, there is a whole lot of food on offer. Seafood may well be what they do best, however, as we favored a Whole Grilled Branzino with ponzu citrus mushroom sauce over our Korean Ribs, which fell off the bone, but were too salty. Salads are interesting and portioned correctly (although the kale in our kale salad was a bit big and unruly to eat), while appetizers like the Crispy Grilled Mediterranean Octopus and the Ahi Tuna Carpaccio are both favorites.
Outside by the water is the place to sit, and no matter how hot it is—that’s were everyone will be. It’s covered and has fans so even the most hot-blooded patrons should be able to handle it. After the main courses, guests are invited to have dessert (we suggest bananas brûlée) and champagne aboard the cute, 63-foot yacht docked behind the restaurant, which is also available for private charter and parties.
If those are not enough destinations on property, there is also LIQUE Lounge next door, which is a cigar bar and hookah lounge perfect for either feeling like your in South Beach without leaving Sunny Isles, toking up … or both! If you want to see the place during the day, come on weekends fro brunch where they serve a Short Rib Eggs Benedict, Grilled Banana Bread and Challa Bread French toast with pecan marscapone and blueberry syrup.
One bonus over any location? LIQUE has free docking and valet parking for diners.
Haute Cuisine
September 4, 20156 New York Eateries to Check Out During Labor Day
