From the moment you walk into Mandolin Aegean Bistro, it feels like you've been transported to a…read morecharming village in Greece. The beautiful outdoor setting creates such a unique and relaxing atmosphere that you almost forget you're still in the city. The food was outstanding. The grilled meatballs were flavorful and perfectly cooked, and the cheese saganaki was absolutely delicious. But the real star of the meal was the beef souvlaki--it was incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor. And I have to mention the fries that came with it. They were honestly some of the best fries I've ever had, and definitely not something I expected to be raving about at a Greek restaurant! This was an amazing dining experience from start to finish, and I can't wait to come back and explore more of the menu.

I'd like to start by saying that I'm really disappointed at people in Miami that say this is a good…read morerestaurant. Mandolin's food was mediocre at best. We had made reservations a week ahead of time which is recommended by them, and it worked perfectly. We called them to let them know we were running a little late and they were happy to hold our reservation for a few more minutes and it was great because this restaurant does get packed. Service is attentive and friendly... where they lost me was actually the quality of the dishes. Greek salad... was very sad. Overly ripped tomatoes, almost spoiled. Fish of the day sandwich (gyro style) was bland. It needed seasoning. NOT Good. Grouper from their specials... also flavorless. It comes over orzo which was overcooked. (Gummy)... and so on. I don't often have to write bad reviews but in this case I feel it is necessary. Way overrated. Way overpriced for the quality. Definitely not a restaurant I would recommend to anyone.

My husband and I found this restaurant on Instagram and, honestly, we were a little hesitant…read morebecause so much of what you see on social media can be misleading. But we were craving Mediterranean food, so we decided to give it a try and we're glad we did. The food was really good, and John took care of us. His recommendations were excellent and definitely made the experience even better. The atmosphere was nice, and I recommend making a reservation, especially if you want to make sure you can see the belly dance show on Saturdays. The only downside for us was that the chairs were a bit uncomfortable. Other than that, we had a very good experience and would definitely come back.

Coming in, the smell of the restaurant was incredible. Fragrant, and aromatic. Immediately captured…read moreby the ambiance and trans-lounge music. We were sat Immediately, unknowingly, we were sat right next to the unisex bathroom when there were other tables available in the restaurant. Not good. Great service from our server, Felipe, who was superb! Very attentive and professional. The lamb chops were delicious! The Moscow Mule yummy. Dessert was a flop. The baklava was gross. It was a cheap version made with what appeared to be croissant as opposed to philo. No honey. Dry and tasteless. I do not recommend.

Cuisine very flavorful and visually appealing and very good service. A return visit is a must!!read more

Interestingly, everything I looked at and thought, "there's no way this will taste good," turned…read moreout to be absolutely amazing. Every single dish was incredibly delicious. I would give it 100/100000! I was in Miami for a short 3-day trip, and I ended up coming here all three days. Highly recommended!

Let me start with the hostess; Beautiful and beautifully dressed. Absolutely lovely...the wait…read morestaff was excellent and they made excellent recommendations. Service was impeccable. The food was really good and had nice presentation and the cocktails were delicious. We had baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves , and zucchini and eggplant chips to start. The chips were definite standouts and were scrumptious! Main entrees were kebabs of meat and shrimp. Perfectly seasoned and well cooked Lychee and lemon drop martinis and for dessert the date cake and Kanafe Yummy all around The restaurant is beautifully decorated and wonderfully lit so the ambiance is excellent whether celebrating a birthday or on a date. Will definitely be back

I had been excited to try Amal for years. I actually worked in the neighborhood when they were…read morebuilding it during the pandemic, then moved away and never got the chance to go until now. For context, I worked in fine dining in New York and Miami for almost 20 years, so I notice the details immediately, hospitality, management presence, the energy of a room. You can usually tell pretty quickly what kind of operation you're dealing with. We were a party of five. I arrived with my four-year-old son and was greeted warmly by the hostess. That warmth ended instantly. Standing directly behind her were two managers in suits blocking the main entrance. Both looked straight at me and my child and said absolutely nothing. No hello, no smile, no acknowledgment. Anyone in hospitality knows that moment sets the tone. As an Arab woman who grew up around a culture where hospitality is everything, it was already a bad sign. We were seated outside and the vibe stayed cold. Unfortunately, the food matched it. We ordered a lot because I genuinely wanted to give the kitchen a fair shot. I grew up eating Lebanese food and what stood out most was the lack of soul. Everything felt flat, like it needed salt, lemon, brightness, that warm Mediterranean seasoning Lebanese food is known for. The tabouli was especially shocking. A $20+ tabouli with no bulgur that was so roughly chopped it was basically whole parsley leaves and slices of onion. Any Lebanese auntie would die at the sight of it. At one point I asked our server if they had harissa or any kind of spicy sauce. She said the only option was Sriracha. In a Lebanese restaurant that charges $18 for a tablespoon of hummus. An Asian chili sauce as the only option. What made it even stranger is that harissa is listed on multiple dishes on the menu, so it clearly exists somewhere in the building. I asked for the Sriracha anyway out of desperation for flavor. It never came. Same with ketchup for my toddler's fries, it took three requests. Throughout the meal I walked around the restaurant several times taking my son to the bathroom, looking around the space, even going upstairs to the lounge. Not a single person acknowledged us. Not a host, not a server, not a manager. The bar is right by the entrance and every time we looked over at the bartender and bar manager, just blank stares. At one point we were clearly standing there confused looking for the bathroom in an empty restaurant and still had to say "Excuse me, where is the bathroom?" Wild. Later I walked up to the bar myself to ask if they carried mezcal. After dinner I went back to order one. Same energy--zero warmth, zero engagement. And this is with an automatic 20% gratuity already on the bill. The mezcal was a $25 two-ounce pour and I still had to ask for an orange slice garnish because no one offered it. Empty bar, two people behind it, and I still had to request it. Also worth noting, our reservation was at 5:45pm and the restaurant was practically empty. Yet I didn't see a single manager walking the floor, greeting tables, or checking on guests. I had talked this place up to my party because I'd been so curious about it for years, and it was honestly a huge letdown. If you know Lebanese food and understand Middle Eastern warmth and hospitality, this probably isn't the place for you. Expect cold, almost nonexistent hospitality and food that feels stripped of the soul that makes Lebanese cuisine special. The space is beautiful. I'll give them that. Everything else felt like a very on-brand Miami disappointment, what happens when you give people a beautiful restaurant, expensive food, automatic gratuity, and no leadership. From the lack of authenticity and attention to detail, it's hard to believe anyone truly Lebanese is behind this operation. If anything, it feels more like a polished money grab. Honestly, it might have been less jarring if they just called themselves "Mediterranean" like so many other places in this city. But if you're going to call yourself a Lebanese restaurant, the culture and hospitality should actually be there.

Some of Miami's most beautiful waterfront restaurants are easy to miss, and Yaya's Coastal Cuisine…read moreis one of those hidden gems that's absolutely worth discovering. Tucked away in a quiet corner on the water, the moment you walk in, you're transported into what feels like an eclectic Mediterranean cave. The warm textures, glowing lights, and tranquil atmosphere instantly set the mood. It's unexpected, inviting, and the perfect escape from the city's hustle. But let's talk about the real star--the food. I had the chance to experience both the Miami Spice dinner menu and Sunday brunch, and honestly, I couldn't pick a favorite dish if I tried. Every plate was beautifully presented, full of fresh coastal flavors, and had its own unique twist. Whether you're craving seafood, brunch classics, or something adventurous, there's truly something for everyone. What makes Yaya's even more special is the experience. Thank you to Angel who is a dear friend and the guy to go see....grab a table by the water, watch the boats drift by, and if you time it right, enjoy a magical full moon night complete with live DJs and mesmerizing fire dancers. It's dinner with a show, Miami style. If you're looking for more than just a meal--for a place that captures the energy, beauty, and waterfront magic of Miami--Yaya's Coastal Cuisine deserves a spot on your list. Come hungry, stay for the ambiance, and let the night surprise you. I promise you its worth every penny!

I visited Yaya Coastal Cuisine for brunch and unfortunately had a very disappointing experience due…read moreto the service. Our server, Anthony, was largely absent throughout the meal. We repeatedly had to go out of our way to flag someone down just to order drinks or check on our food, while noticing that nearby tables were consistently attended to without issue. It genuinely felt like we were being overlooked, which made the entire experience frustrating and uncomfortable. What made matters worse is that gratuity was automatically included, so we were forced to tip for service that simply did not meet even basic expectations. I'm not one to leave negative reviews, but this experience stood out for the wrong reasons. I hope management takes this feedback seriously and works to ensure all guests receive equal attention and service.

Let me start mentioning that Luana our waitress was amazing! Five starts to her!!!…read moreThe food was also great and came really quick. The drinks were amazing! At least mine was very exotic and non traditional! The place was beautiful but the tables were too close together. It deserves 5 star for sure e

First before I forget let me give a special thank you to our server - Mel! She was an absolute doll…read more& so patient with our group. Overall the staff was very attentive & accommodating with our needs. From the moment we walked in & the moment we walked out there was nothing but friendly faces. Came here after baby girl's graduation from the U & took advantage of their Miami Spice Menu along w/a few items from their regular menu. You cannot go wrong & don't let the pick two cold & pick one hot item options foo you! It was plate after plate after plate of good food! So much was taken home! Also, go for their pitcher of sangria w/the white wine! Sooooo very refreshing considering the hot days of summer here in Miami. Now it is Wynwood & parking is hit or miss depending on when you go but they do have a valet parking option in case you would like to use them w/ease.

Such a great experience here. The manager was very nice, super welcoming and made us feel…read morecomfortable right away. We didn't originally want to sit at the bar, but we ended up doing it and it actually turned out great. The place is cozy and beautiful, and the live music was such a nice touch. It really added to the whole experience. The food was excellent everything we had was on point. The only thing I'd suggest is offering small sides of tzatziki or hummus with dishes. That would make it even better. Overall, amazing hospitality and a spot I'd definitely come back to.

The ambiance is great, very nicely decorated with a nostalgic touch and darkish colors…read more I went there with two friends for dinner, and we liked it a lot. The service was on point, and the servers were friendly and very attentive. We ordered three cold appetizers (hummus, artichoke hearts, and watermelon salad), one warm appetizer (baked feta cheese), a lamb main dish to share, and a bottle of wine. The portions were good, and the food was tasty. Everything was fresh and well combined. TIP: They have free parking spots across the street; check with the staff.

Wow this place was such a vibe! The ambiance was beautiful, the energy was great, and it felt like…read morethe perfect spot for a night out. Everything we ordered was packed with flavor and cooked so well, but the lamb was definitely the standout for me. It was incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor, the kind of dish where every bite just melts. We also loved the other dishes we tried and the sides complemented everything perfectly. Definitely a spot I'd come back to for both the food and the overall experience!

We came for a late dinner on a Saturday night and were delighted to find reservation availability…read morefor the 3 of us still. We were whisked inside to the intimate, dimly lit interior with a DJ table tastefully tucked away in the back of the space. Service was welcoming but overall, not quite as warm and attentive as I've experienced at other places in town. We started off with the Turkish Manti Dumplings, which were the standout of the night. The complexity yet restraint of flavor, balancing indescribable buttery, roasted, earthy notes with a touch of umami and subtle tanginess from the yogurt. The Mezze Sampler was a nice option for trying three of the dips. All very tasty, but I've had slightly better elsewhere. The Sweet Jeweled rice was the other standout with flavor and textural variety that made each bite pop. I found the Roasted Brussels Sprouts undercooked and lacking the same level of flavor as the other plates. The weakest dish of the evening. The Grilled Whole Bronzino got top marks from the meat eaters at the table. Overall, 4/5 stars for a delicious meal but with tough competition around town limiting my ability to hit that 5.

I returned to this restaurant after a few years (previous review below) - and it's still so great!…read more This time around to my surprise they expanded - I was introduced to a new floor plan, decor, and staff, all were incredible! The restaurant is now two floors, has different dining seating, and is beautifully decorated, which makes you feel like you've been transported to Greece. The food was a hit this time around as well- I especially enjoyed the moussaka!

Meraki is a beautiful restaurant with truly authentic and delicious Greek food! And I'm Greek, so…read moreyou can take my word for it ;) While it may seem slightly off the beaten path right off Flagler, it's very conveniently located by the Knight Center metro stop and a very easy walk from the bridge. Also, the atmosphere they've created both indoors and outdoors really draws you in: beautiful foliage, gorgeous decor, and inviting decor. They play amazing Greek music to set the mood at a very reasonable volume so you can still hear your party. I've been for lunch during Miami spice and recently for dinner. Everything I've had was delicious with tons of flavor and huge portions. Both times I took enough leftovers for another meal! I especially love their zucchini fritters and their spread plate. All their spreads are so fresh and flavorful but their hummus especially was soo good. My husband and I shared the meat platter for two for dinner and enjoyed everything on it - the loukaniko was especially delicious! For dessert, you can't miss the galatoboureko, a sweet custard dessert with the flaky phyllo dough you know and love from baklava. Service was fast and friendly. Highly recommend for a lunch date or dinner date and it's super versatile: great for friends, families or romantic dates. Don't miss this beautiful restaurant in downtown!

What a great find! We were in the area and searched Yelp. This location popped up…read more We were there during happy hour and enjoyed the outdoor patio. The happy hour menu was fantastic with all $5 plates. We ordered drinks and a couple items. Then ordered more. Awesome tasting food as well as the service. There is a parking garage directly connected and the restaurant does add 20% service tip. This spot is now in our favorites list. Make sure you stop by and give them a try. Enjoy!

Motek is easily one of my favorite restaurants! Every meal I've had there has been incredible, but…read morethere are a few dishes that keep me coming back. The crispy cauliflower appetizer is an absolute must-order, and their warm pita with tzatziki is so fresh and flavorful that I could honestly eat it on its own. My favorite entrée is the salmon with the lemon potatoes--it's cooked perfectly every time, and the lemon potatoes are absolutely divine. To top it all off, their gelato is the perfect sweet ending to the meal. The only thing I miss is their coffee menu. They used to have more coffee options, and I was disappointed to see that they've narrowed it down to just Turkish coffee. I would love to see some of the other coffee drinks make a comeback. Even so, the food is consistently amazing, the atmosphere is beautiful, and Motek is still a place I'll happily recommend to anyone looking for a delicious meal.