Five stars, and I'm saying that confidently, even though the rice at a place literally called Rice…read morewas, ironically, the most disappointing part of the meal. And yes, I know how wild that sounds. But hear me out, because this experience was about way more than just what was on the plate.
From the moment we walked in, the energy was warm, welcoming, and honestly infectious. The staff made us feel like regulars even though it was our first time. There was laughter, conversation, and this genuine sense that the people working there actually enjoy being there. That alone already sets Rice apart. And then there was Joanne. I'm pretty sure that was her name, but even if it wasn't, she knows exactly who she is. Absolute queen behavior. She welcomed us like family, checked in on us, brought the food to the table with pride, and somehow made a casual dinner feel like a VIP experience. That level of hospitality is rare, and it deserves recognition. Service alone was a perfect five out of five.
Now let's talk food honestly. The meats were very good. Flavorful, well cooked, satisfying, and clearly the strong point of the menu. Everything came out quickly, which I appreciated, and overall the meal felt solid. The rice, however, was a bit of a letdown. I would honestly rate it around a five out of ten, which stung a little given the name of the restaurant. It wasn't inedible, just underwhelming, and it stood out because everything else was better. Would it stop me from enjoying the meal? No. Would I hope they improve it? Absolutely.
The restaurant itself has a modern feel overall. The restroom was clean, which always matters, even if it felt a bit outdated. No bad smells, no mess, just clearly maintained, and that counts for a lot in my book.
Pricing wise, this is where I paused for a second. I'm from Los Angeles, and the prices here felt very competitive with LA. Portion sizes were also similar to what I'm used to back home. Miami overall has felt slightly more affordable during this trip, so this spot landed more on the higher end for me. That said, the nonstop to go orders told me everything I needed to know. People clearly love this place, and they keep coming back.
At the end of the day, Rice earns five stars because of the people, the atmosphere, and the way they make you feel when you're there. Not every meal has to be perfect to be memorable. Sometimes it's the warmth, the laughter behind the counter, and the way you're treated that makes a place worth supporting. I may think twice if the rice stays the same, but I walked out smiling, and that says a lot.
If you value great service, good energy, and flavorful Mediterranean food with heart, Rice is absolutely worth a visit.