Photo Credit: sbe
With sbe now adding the Miami Beach Delano into its lengthy rolodex of Miami hotspots, it’s also revamped the iconic hotel to bring a new lively haute dining destination to the city, offering up something unique to the scene: a gourmet fusion of Argentinian and Japanese cuisine. Upon first hearing this, one might think this combo may be a bit strange, questioning how the two diverse menus would come together organically. However, the result is truly impeccable and dish after dish continues to stun with bold flavors, beautiful presentations and artfully crafted cocktails. This restaurant is destined to be one of Miami’s best.
Photo Credit: sbe
The interior still incorporates the emblematic Miami style design first envisioned by design extraordinaire, Philippe Starck, with beautiful tones of white and greens, set inside the stunning outdoor terrace overlooking the pool and courtyard. The modern feel of the restaurant perfectly offsets the rustic, authentic Argentinian cuisine being fired up in the kitchen, setting the stage for a truly unique dining experience that incorporates both art and cuisine beautifully.
Photo Credit: sbe
The menu features two different sides, one predominantly Argentinian, and one with more Japanese dishes like fresh sashimi, sushi and other seafood dishes. Executive chef Jose Icardi helms the kitchen, using his Argentinian background and also his previous experience spearheading the kitchen at Katsuya to deliver both cuisines. Both sides complement one another perfectly, and can be enjoyed by mixing up the courses between the land and the sea.
Photo Credit: sbe
Starting with the Crudos y Aperitvos, standouts include the Ceviche–created with a spicy leche de tigre and cilantro; the Smoked Salmon Cone made with a sugar cone and topped with caviar and wasabi; and a personal favorite, the Eggplant Tostada with pesto and garlic aioli. The empanadas must be tried, baked to a crisp and bursting with flavor from cantimpalo sausage and pickled apple, served with a side of avocado spread.
Photo Credit: sbe
Next, the larger plates are a home-run, smoked over the grill and cooked to a crispy perfection. Two of the must-tries include the Chorizo served with a fennel salad, as well as the 10 oz. Rib Eye, which comes straight out of the grill served on a hot stone plate with the spicy chimichurri sauce.
Photo Credit: sbe
The star of the show is of course the dessert, which comes out in the spot’s signature hand-painted “bicicletas” (which come all the way from Argentina). Dessert is a champagne-lemon sorbet, created right in front of the table as it undergoes a special process with liquid nitrogen, artfully plated in a glass bowl shaped like a fish. And it’s not all for show–the dessert is actually delectable, from its perfectly sweet flavor and smooth texture, offset by the rich dark chocolate placed within the platter.
Leynia is now fully open for biz, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m., seven days a week. If you haven’t done so yet, you must go now and try the new gem out for yourself–we promise, it won’t disappoint. To make a reservation and for more information, find everything here.
