Photo Credit: Mandrake Miami
Miami never fails to deliver the best of dining and entertainment, oftentimes in the same location. And the hot spots keep rolling in—this time with Roman Jones, Aris Nanos and Mark Lehmkuhl’s brand-new restaurant and lounge, Mandrake, located on 23rd St. in the heart of Mid Beach.
Photo Credit: Paul Stoppi
Mandrake delivers exquisite modern Asian cuisine in a killer atmosphere. Beautifully designed with three distinct spaces—a sushi bar, formal dining room and lush, outdoor garden—each area of the hip restaurant brings forth a new exciting (and picturesque) setting. Upon entering, guests will emerge into the sushi bar area, which features a life-size gold statue of a gorilla, golden and walnut seating and playful Asian umbrellas flanking the ceiling. Guests will then be led through a vintage Chinese-style wooden entry juxtaposed against whitewashed brick and Bougainvillea and illuminated by red LED lights with Chinese phrases adorning the wall.
Photo Credit: Mandrake Miami
Gorgeous dangling Japanese cherry blossom branches decorating the ceiling and a dramatic velvet drape build up the hype as diners enter their second experience in the grand dining room. A color palette boasting magenta, purple and turquoise complement the wooden furniture and rich greenery dresses the enticing dining room. The focal point features an Instagrammable rhino head sculpture with the phrase “Me So Horny” illuminated by LED lights—both playing on the restaurant’s theme and the provocative atmosphere of the trendy spot.
Photo Credit: Paul Stoppi
Photo Credit: Mandrake Miami
And finally, the last destination is the beautiful green outdoor garden, which makes for the perfect al fresco dining experience. The floors are finished with beautiful white and green subway tiles, and dim candlelight illuminates the room. Eye-catching purple orchid trees dangle from the ceiling, complementing the delicate bamboo light fixtures and fuschia seat cushions.
Photo Credit: Paul Stoppi
And while the decor is strikingly beautiful and certainly memorable, it is undoubtedly on par with the cuisine that the team is serving up. The menu features favorites of modern Asian cuisine with their own signature flair—from delicious fresh sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls coming out of the sushi bar helmed by Nobu alums, along with small izakaya plates. Highlights include Kuromame—edamame seasoned with black Hawaiian salt; Eggplant and shishito peppers in a fresh ginger-miso sauce; Crispy Alaskan King Crab with lemongrass tartar and spicy tamarind sauces; the fan-favorite Sake Nashi seasoned with Asian pear and rich truffle salt; and the fresh Golden Eyed Red Snapper Tiradito with a zesty yuzu lemon sauce. Other favorites highlighting the fresh delicacies of the restaurant include the Crispy Rice, which comes deconstructed three ways—with octopus, crab or bluefin tuna; Alaskan King Crab with fresh Uni Inaniwa noodles, served with dashi and eel sauce; and the steamed Shrimp and Scallion Wontons.
Photo Credit: Paul Stoppi
And for the mains, the menu offers two shared options—Whole Fish Tempura or the juicy, Grilled 32 oz. Tomahawk Ribeye Steak (28-day dry aged with mustard seed sauce, gochujang sauce, rocoto negi sauce, shiso chimichurri sauce). If you prefer to have it all to yourself, there are also two delicious options, including the Pan Seared Chicken Breast or the Grilled Beef Tenderloin.
Photo Credit: Paul Stoppi
Of course, with any great dinner party restaurant, there must be inventive libations to match the menu. And cocktails are definitely something that the spot does best, offering an assortment of creatively titled concoctions that bring a taste of fun pop culture to the menu and go down nice and smooth. Two of our favorites include the Future Hendricks made with Hendricks Gin, St. Germain, fresh cucumber, mint, matcha tea and lemon and the Meek Dills with Belvedere vodka, Soho lychee liquor, fresh dill and lime.
Photo Credit: Paul Stoppi
For a lively night out complete with a gorgeous ambiance, delicious food and innovative cocktails, Mandrake serves as the ultimate Miami dining destination to offer guests an all-encompassing hospitality experience. Mandrake Miami is open for dinner six days a week, Monday – Wednesday from 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.; Thurs-Sat. 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. For reservations visit www.mandrakemiami.com or call (305) 397-8036. Follow Mandrake Miami on social media, @MandrakeMiami.
Mandrake Miami
210 23rd Street
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Photo Credit: Mandrake Miami
