had a reservation for four made weeks ago to celebrate a birthday. the night before, the restaurant cancels it due to "renovations" (a silly excuse, as if people have surprise renovations pop up out of the blue). a shame--was looking forward to this. and with a Michelin star you think they would at least call to explain instead of an automated e-mail via Open Table. doubtful i'll spend the effort to go back. hopefully this doesn't apply to the rest of the miami starred restaurants. because this is, actually, a very typical miami thing to do. especially annoying given the very strict cancellation policies of restaurants like this ($100/person fee for changes, late cancellations, or no shows). ‍ read more

How many people got screwed Valentine's Day by El Cielo? Well 1 here ‍ It's been so long since I wanted to go to this restaurant. I made my reservation on January 10th and called to reconfirm again on February 3. They called me 3 days before Valentine's Day to tell me they only had availability for 6 p.m. or 10 p.m. My original reservation was for 8:30 p.m. Thank you El cielo and your wonderful team that ruined my V-day because I couldn't find any other restaurant!. read more

This is what you call fine dining...my friend and I absolutely loved everything! The food, attentiveness, ambience, décor, fountain outside, and feedback. I came across this restaurant on an article I read in Narcity called 30 bucket list Miami restaurants you need to try if you haven't already, then I noticed it was a participating restaurant for Miami Spice and I had to come to check it out. Let me just say everything was delicious and I'll definitely come back to try their journey menu that consists of about 10 plates including appetizers, entrees, and dessert for $89. We both ordered as an appetizer the potato milhoja (curry pork with white cheese foam). As entrée my friend picked the farmer's chicken and Colombian atollado rice and I had the grilled salmon with creamy coconut rice. Dessert we shared the dulce de leche and mango/chocolate. We were both very delighted with the food. The restaurant has a wine tasting that consists of either 3 glasses of wine for $49 or 5 glasses of wine for $85. We opted not to do the wine tasting and just had 1 glass each. I can't wait to come back to explore their other menus - restaurant is great for special occasions, just because, dates, friends, and family. read more

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So terrible. Inedible sugar coated food. Every dish was coated with loads of sugar and salt. The meat was over cooked and inedible. Literally rubber and dog crap would taste better. This was the worst meal I ever ate in my life. read more

Fine dining described by Latin American chefs. This place is all about the experience. You go in hungry for food and come out haven undergone a whole journey. I must say that although the food was tasty, the service really does bring everything else to another level. My friends and I had the journey which has a variety of plates and we also choose the 3 wines. They have a full bar but they also recommend to do the 5 wine selection since it pairs best with the menu. The menu changes every 3 months so nothing to get bored about there! I would recommend the restaurant and come back but next time I would probably either go hungrier or order a smaller meal since there was a lot of food and although it's small plates I probably only had one bite off my last two plates! read more

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Really nice place to go dance with your partner or with friends, I definitely recommend it!

Sugar! Everything has way too much sugar. Feel like I'm at a candy store. The most expensive candy store on earth. Tiny bites of candy. $1000. Not worth it at all. The vibe and energy suck. Wow wish I had just gone to any other restaurant nearby. Ughhhh. read more

The first time i came here was in 2019 it was lovely and interactive. The food was great the experience was amazing. The attention was great! I probably spent $400 or so maybe less. Now to 2022 post pandemic.. i made a reservation for a birthday celebration. I was running late and literally rushed to the place everyone was really nice about it we sat down and the food started coming out. We decided to do the wine pairings and it was amazing! At some point someone came out to show us the lamb and how its cured using chocolate. There was crab shaped empanadas which we love! We were keeping track of the items coming out but towards the end they stopped coming and we were sat there for a while without finishing the menu. Someone finally came around after about 20mins and offered drinks. I realized they forgot the whole coffee/dessert experience.. I let them know and they sort of questioned me about it like they didn't believe me. At that point it had been over 3 hours so asked if i could just pay and leave but i guess when reminded they decided to go ahead and finish. So they did end up doing the coffee and desserts but at that point we were exhausted. I don't even think they really apologized for forgetting about us which really took away from the experience. Thats the reason why i decided to do 3 stars considering the price was over $900 for everything. read more

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This has been one of the hardest restaurants to review. Lets start with the good because there was a lot of good, the concept of the restaurant is a food journey through modern Colombian food. We chose the "experience" which is the full one and had 10 plates. The concept is great and it truly is alot of fun. Despite it being very small plates you eat enough that by the ene of the night you are full. The service was second to none and the star of the night was the champagne tasting. You drink four different champagnes throughout the meal for $120. Legitimately the best bang for your buck you start with Möet Chandon and work your way to the Dom Perignon. They opened freah bottles for all four champagnes and generously filled the flutes. Was great. Now, the food. Nothing was exceptional and only the salmon tartare in an apple fettuccine was bad. It was a disappointment because the menu is rather unambitious despite the restaurant itself being very ambitious. The dishes were simple, however plated stunningly, and nothing in the menu made me want to order more. It was just like, okay is the next one gonna be better. Its not that food wasn't tasty or poorly cooked, it was just there. It generated apathy and thats the last thing you want from a tasting menu. The little soup with the truffled poached egg was just okay and was one of the more creative things. Deserts and the yuca were the best parts of the meal which is a red flag. All this to say I had a great time, my family is Colombian and we took my grandmother for her 75th birthday and it was a lovey evening. The food just wasnt great while everything else was. read more

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This place is not just a dinner but an experience. Best option is to order from the pre-fixed menu to take advantage of the full experience which is approximately $200 per person and does not include drinks or gratuity. This place does not disappoint. Very creative chef! Bravo for always delivering an amazing experience to the table. read more

El cielo is a quaint and beautiful restaurant inconveniently located behind a residential building in downtown Miami. It's a 20 course prefixed menu with some ingenious food experiences that were truly unique visually and sensually. Being that there are 20 courses, you are going to get some home runs, some double plays, some punts, barely make it to first basers, and some strike outs. One of the most exquisite items I've tasted in my whole life are the bunhuelos, the corn and caviar, and the ceviche. Some of the best visual experiences I've ever had on my life at a meal was the coffee service in the mountains of Colombia (all of these experiences were at dinner, at this restaurant, in a two hour time frame). I absolutely hated the chocolate hand massage, not because the chocolate did not taste good (it did), but because they had me rubbing it all over my hands and licking it off of my fingers lol. It was a bit embarrassing and made me feel awkward. The green mango popsicles tasted terrible. I would say it was an extremely memorable experience especially when I received the bill for $1,000.00 at the end of it for a party of two. It was a once in a lifetime experience. I won't be back but I am glad I did it once. read more

El cielo took me to cloud 9 (figuratively of course) and I loved every second in the clouds. My mom was born and raised in Barranquilla so Colombian food speaks to my heart. El cielo takes my childhood and everything I love about Colombia and creates an art. I was so lucky my boyfriend took me here for my birthday dinner. It was truly a privilege to try and experience each masterpiece. From the Chocotherapy to the Cafetal I encourage you to order "The Journey" and enjoy a feast for the senses. Juan Manuel Barrientos, thank you for blessing us with your creativity and talent. read more

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SLOW. I've been ti el cielo in Medellin twice and the Miami place is a big let down. We got the Miami spice menu on a Wednesday and it was ok. It took 1.5+ hours to go through an appetizer, main course and dessert. The ambience is well bad. It's very bright and has gaudy ceiling fans. The chicharrón was very disappointing though the ribs were good. I would never pay $300 for a long course here. Cocktail - ancho Reyes was good read more

Visited this restaurant for our 9 year aniversary and the food was absolutely decadent. I had some reservations before trying this restaurant because the hubby is a big eater and had never truly had a tasting experience but, he absolutely loved it! We did the "Experience" and practically needed to be wheelbarrow out. The duck, I still dream about! I do not say this lightly as this was probably the best duck I've had in my life, perfectly cooked and the flavors perfectly balanced to compliment each other. The drinks were just as great as the food and may I say perfectly strong. No watered down drinks here. However, I will say that our waiter was a bit less enthusiastic than you would expect at a restaurant like this but we all have our bad days and the food more than made up for that! read more

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Very good. Good service and the 12 dishes were fine. Lots of variety and good wines. The pairings were great and totally different items. Hot cold shots coffee dry ice. Neat tricks and large plates were used. Great location for restaurant on the waterway behind Brickell. When i Miami, Fl get there for sure. read more

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This restaurant has high aspiration. They have a 10 and four item menu and an al la carte menu. The meal starts out with a very nice Tree of Life bread with a creamy cilantro butter. The flat bread is suspended by copper wires above a rock. The hearts of palm soup however was tasteless and an unappetizing beige color. The cazuela with grouper was very good. The yuca gnocchi was a bit pasty, but good. The chocolate desert was very good. Service was also good and there were some decent wines on the menu. read more

The decor is stylish and lovely. The staff was wonderful to us. My boyfriend and I went to the bar for happy hour and ladies night back in January of this year. If dollar bellinis wasn't already a dream, it turned out these were infused with lychee, which was something beyond delightful. The ceviche with passionfruit sauce is now my answer to the question of what I would choose for my last meal. Barbara was an absolutely wonderful bartender. She was so kind to us and so tolerant of my wanting to film all my silly videos of the smoky drink she made for my boyfriend (There's a glass container involved, and I believe also burning cinnamon). This is now in my top five favorite restaurants I've ever been to. read more

Absolutely a robbery. The taste of the food is awful. The duck is the worst amén the only enjoyable part is the wine taste and rose thing, the rest is nothing. People don't waist your money. There aren't any fancy in any of there plate for the money you pay. read more

Could be the worst dining experience in Miami! My friends and I booked a table for a la carte menu- which is served in the patio. However, it was crazy windy outside and the restaurant did not have any walls or wind blocker/screen. We asked to sit inside as my friend was pregnant and she did not feel well- we were not allowed to have an indoor table unless we pay for the menu. We had no other choice but to walk away because of this rude behavior. read more

El Cielo is more than a restaurant serving you a meal. It is culinary theatre in which you are the audience and even part of the performance. It is truly a gastronomical experience, and highly recommended. It is pricey, to be sure, but worth every penny, and suitable for a "special occasion" splurge that you save up for. The menu consists principally of one of several tasting menus. We opten for the full experience, aptly titled the "Experience." It brought about 9 courses (including 4 mains and 3 dessert courses) plus an additional 3 or 4 "mini courses." There is a 3-glass and a 5-glass wine pairing. We did the 5-glass. I won't ruin the surprise. The whole experience begins with something quite unconventional and whimsical that I dare say is unique in my dining experience. And there is a big finish at the end that demonstrates the menu's dedication to detail and the chef's intention to use the meal to share and evoke memories and experiences using all the five senses. The restaurant is described as "modern Colombian fusion," but that would not do justice and would give you an unduly narrow impression. Rather, the courses and ingredients can be better described as intending to evoke visions, landscapes, and cultural touchstones from a Colombian perspective. The amount of food was appropriate, despite some initial reservations about the high number of courses. And the wine service was generous, but not binge-inducing. You leave with a feeling of satisfaction, relaxation, and that special feeling of having just returned from a trip abroad or having just seen a thought-provoking stage show. Ingredients are of high quality. The menu is inventive, accessible, and varied. The courses are very well executed. There is a focus on sustainability, and for that reason there is no beef on the menu. The dining room is small but not at all claustrophobic. Reservations are a must, in my opinion, and make them well in advance especially if you have more than 4 in your party. The decor gives a feeling of lightness, of airiness, and of comfort, just as the name of the restaurant implies. The dining room is an environment of absolute comfort. Service is very personalized and attentive. The servers are knowledgeable and have an excellent understanding of what the chef is driving at. They make the participatory elements of the experience really work. There are no Michelin-starred restaurants in Miami. But El Cielo is probably not far off the mark. With some minor tweaks to a couple of courses to truly distinguish them into "signature" status, a modest improvement in the wine selections, and some tightening up of service, this restaurant is every bit as good as the best in the country. As it is, it may well be the best meal in Miami. For the same or perhaps a little more than the price of the average high-end steakhouse or seafood dinner, El Cielo takes you on a unique gastronomical voyage. El Cielo truly elevates the Miami gastronomical scene. read more

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We had a reservation at 8:30pm. When we arrived they told us they were very full and that we had to wait a bit, unusual for a restaurant of this caliber but we figured it shouldn't be too long. Long story short we waited for an hour and decided to leave, not exactly how we pictured our anniversary date going. To be fair the staff was apologetic and courteous and served us a glass of prosecco on the house while we waited. While I understand that sometimes these situations arise, i don't believe it's acceptable for a restaurant that charges over $100 per person given we had a reservation. We'll see if we get to try it another time... read more

This place is very expensive and the food is not great for the value , it's only one set menu , which fir people that might not love duck or seafood is a problem , the portions are very very small and not amazing for $225 a person not worth it read more

Underwhelming for the price of the "Experience Menu". Nice view of the water though. This would have been a 4 or even 5 star review if it wasn't presenting itself as top tier fine dining. Food was alright but for $200 per person for the experience, we were expecting to be blown away. There were a few interesting dishes, Nothing was bad or poorly cooked but it largely lacked wow in the flavor department. Nice presentation though. Cocktails lacked imagination and were pretty basic. We ordered 3 different ones and they all had foam on top. While I like foam, this didn't make the 3 seem varied enough. And they looked and tasted like I could make these at home with my mediumly stocked bar cart. For $200 per person, I was expecting impeccable service and attention to detail around the entire experience but what we got was just ok. Service was alright. I didn't love seeing waiters walking around with their masks below their nose or even mouth. Our server came to our table with his mask below his mouth, said he was vaccinated and if we were more comfortable, he'd put the mask on. I would have much preferred that he started with the mask on and then gave us the choice. With 12+ courses, I knew this would likely take 2 hours but there seemed to be a bit too much time between some courses. I know that could be the kitchen not necessarily the server. There were other areas of the dining experience that were lacking attention to detail. The music was a bit loud and made it challenging to hear the server explain the dishes (while not wearing a mask so can't blame that). While I won't deduct points for it, the music was also super basic electronic songs usually remixes of popular songs. It was like the music on TikTok videos (and I love TikTok)... but on loop for 2 hours. There was also a tree in the back that was placed a bit too close to a speaker that would vibrate with every bass note... The wayfinding to locate the restaurant once at the building could have been better. There was a sign at the front that said El Cielo... over some cars that were valet parked which had us thinking... ok so how do we get there? I paid with the InKind app that I loaded with money before going ( as suggested by a text from the restaurant). That didn't make it clear that it can't be used for tip so I had to use my credit card for the rest (which wasn't shocking but would have been nice to know before though I mostly fault the app for that). After paying and signing my receipt, the house manager took my receipt.... and then I had to ask for a paper receipt for my records. Needing receipts for expenses is pretty common so I felt that I shouldn't have had to ask. Most of the things I noted are small but I expect t's crossed and i's dotted from restaurants in the fine dining space. read more

Amazing place! I came here for a special occasion and it is truly an exceptional experience. I would recommend this to anyone! Being Colombian I appreciate the chef's unique and special twist on the cuisine. The place is also simply and beautifully decorated. read more

Mu fiancée take me to El Cielo for my biethday on 10/03. By far the best restaurant I have been in Miami with this concept. We went with "the experience menu" and I can tell you don't think you are going to leave hungry. Is a pre fix tasting menu and half way the menu I was full! The service, presentation and the flavor of the food was amazing. The chocotherapy was very funny and a surprise so be sure to use the warm towels and clean you hands! I want to go back to try the new menu which change every 4 months! I have an amazing a delicious dinner at el cielo! read more

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There are three hallmarks of modern fine dining: intention, invention, and execution, and El Cielo accomplishes all three with aplomb. Beginning with the chocotherapy ritual (which is simultaneously shocking and delightful) the meal takes you on a journey that plays to the senses and emotion. A guaranteed stop for me on every Miami trip. read more

I was very excited to try this restaurant for the experience, molecular/gastronomy concept, and for the famous Colombian chef. This is not your traditional dining experience by any means. In order to fully enjoy the experience you need to have an open mind and appreciate the concept. I would describe the experience more like visiting an interactive modern art museum than sitting down to have dinner. The chef takes you through a journey as he calls it, which stimulates all of your senses and pays homage to his country of Colombia. Expect the unexpected! I don't want to give anything away, because to me the best part was not knowing what was coming next (like any good journey). All I can say is that it was truly an unforgettable experience and for that I give it 5 stars! Yes it is expensive and the portions are small, although you get about 10 during the night, but that is all part of the experience- do not expect to sit down to a huge meal- that is the least of it! I think the bad reviews here are due to false expectations, so I warn you again, go in with an open mind and you will have a fabulous, unforgettable night! If you love Colombia like I do, you'll appreciate it even more :) read more

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We were excited to try El Cielo because Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos' other restaurants are top notch. We visited on a Friday night during their soft opening, and we were promptly seated in the nearly empty restaurant. As our meal progressed, the restaurant began filling to capacity. As soon as we were seated, our waitress brought a carajillo drink and explained how it was made. My party had not done research ahead of time, so we were unaware it was a prix fixe menu with wine pairings. This was not explained up front which left us all a little confused. The menu or "journey" consisted of 15 small plates or "moments" at a set price of $187 and was handed to us after the third moment. At first, our server gave us a very detailed explanation on how each moment was prepared, but as the restaurant became more crowded, the server would only show up to deliver each moment and leave. This is understandable, but they shouldn't have spoiled us at the beginning. Don't dine here if you are in a hurry as our meal lasted 3.5 hours. The moments came out quickly in the beginning, but as the night went on the gap between courses stretched to 20 minutes. The food itself was quite flavorful with an impressive and imaginative presentation. Colombians should be proud of Barrientos' playful take on traditional dishes ranging from empanadas and croquettes, chicken and mash, to an egg shell with cream cheese in it. El Cielo has a sophisticated and chic atmosphere featuring high end finishes and an excellent air conditioning system. They are also planning an outdoor seating area where boats can dock and enjoy brunch or small bite to eat. Their adventurous menu concept entices your senses through each moment, so come with an open mind...and wallet! The staff is polished and attentive, and the food is unlike anything I've seen in Miami previously. However, at this price point, diners should expect nothing short of perfection. read more

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So I have to admit, I was a little biased when I first went to this restaurant, because the whole molecular gastronomy trend feels like a great way to raise the price on a meal while lowering the sustenance. However, from my first course at elcielo I was immediately proven wrong. I went here for a work event so we had a tasting menu of 10 courses which included everything from "The Tree of Life" (a cheesy polenta dough ball that was divine when dipped in a Chilean hot sauce) to "The Smoking Cow" (beef sushi-esque bites that were served in what appeared to be a tableside smoker). The entire meal was avant garde, but the kicker was the "Chocotherapy" course where you wash and massage your hands in chocolate and are then encouraged to lick it off. I am not ashamed to say I acted like I was a 1 yr old with a birthday cake because that was some of the best chocolate I've ever had. My favorite course of the evening was the "Muchochocolate" which was almost like a deconstructed Mississippi mud pie served in a tumbler and is probably one of the top 5 desserts I've ever eaten. I highly recommend this restaurant for a special occasion or a large group; the stories you'll have will live on for weeks. read more

Put all your senses to work and experience a unique combination of organic and molecular cuisine that makes good use of colombian products, under a quiet and dignified ambiance with respectful and well informed staff. The 15 courses our group chose was simply spectacular!! read more

Fine dining at its finest. Sometimes when you come to this type of restaurants the food is good but not great or you end up wondering what did you spend your money on. Or even better you try to convince yourself that is for "the experience" but this is NOT the case of el cielo. Beautiful venue and beautifully crafted gourmet food that represents our country... the journey menu is enough for you to be filled. I think it was about 13 course between appetizers, entries and dessert. All tasty. All a perfect blend of different flavors and textures. Some of my fav where gosh I think all actually.. The tree of life - the yuca bread WOW--- so amazing I was hooked on that.. Over all an amazing experience and it was totally worth the money. Will definitely be back when I am in town. read more

Estevan is world class. One of the best restaurants I've been to in Miami excellent food great service with a beautiful view of the water must must stop five stars read more

This is my very first time finally trying this place. I have to say it is a 5 stars restaurant. The environment, the service, food presentation & price are very perfect. I have no complaint about this place. It went beyond my expectations. Our server was very kind to explain every little question we had about the menu. The flavors were WOW! You could also sit outside by the bay and watch the boats pass by. Very comfortable place. Highly recommended. read more

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Amazing experience! The concept, creativity and quality of the food is great! Service is perfect, attention to detail and professional. Have not seen service like this in Miami yet. Professional without the attitude. We met the Chef, Juan Manuel Barrientos, great, young guy! Super nice! We went for our anniversary dinner and they put red petals all over our table, really nice touch! I would recommend this place to anyone visiting Miami. They have to fix-priced menus. One more affordable than the other, however I do believe the place is not over-priced. You get good food, amazing experience, and great service. Here are some of my pics read more

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I thought food was ehhhhhh The presentations were pretty cool The parking sucked Loved the setting on the miami river The wine list wasn't ready when I went and the pairing wasn't the best read more

Elcielo - Colombian Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Known for it's one of a kind cuisine, El Cielo Restaurant by Juan Manuel Barrientos almost lives up to it's name. At least when it comes to the liquid nitrogen flowing across the tables that is. It's one of Juan Manuel's many fascinating delicacies, known as moments. The journey, as described on their menu, consists of 13 different moments, all of which have been created by Juanma to give restaurant-goers a breath-taking dining experience. You start off with a shot, then you move on to the Chocotherapy (seen above). For a few minutes, you are taken back to your childhood days when you couldn't help but eat chocolate and make a mess while you were at it. That's exactly what Juanma wanted to portray with this moment. The exact instant of that childhood memory when our hands and faces were smeared in chocolate. You see, El Cielo is not just about dining. Shoot, I'd even go on to say that El Cielo isn't about dining at all! It's far from that. It's actually about Juan Manuel's firm belief, that dining is not just about the bite that goes into your mouth. El Cielo is about waking up your senses and your emotions! It's about how you present yourself and your dishes. Using molecular gastronomy techniques, the chef ensures that guests not only enjoy flavorable dishes through the sense of taste, but also through other senses and emotions that would have most likely stayed dormant elsewhere. read more

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This place is VERY unique and surely stands out from other top-notch places. I'm shocked to find Yelpers have only averaged 3 stars! If you would like a unique dining experience (with psychological techniques used), this is your place. They won't let you leave without their Choco Therapy or rose petal finale. Our server, Hubert, was very knowledgeable and accommodating. Must-haves: Roasted corn soup (incomparable) and their spicy ice cream guava dessert. If you decide to go, enjoy! read more

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4 1/2 stars Exceptional dining experience ! Having been in their Medellin and Bogota restaurants this Miami version lived up to my expectation. Our entire group enjoyed the many variety of dishes in their tasting menu. Only criticism (loss of 1:2 star) is that the staff while good should be great to insure the utmost from this type of dining experience read more

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Let me begin by saying that the restaurant was beautifully decorated and we were warmly welcomed by the staff. Although the meal took quite some time we were prepared for 15 "experiences" as they call them. We were even fortunate enough to meet the chef and hear a little bit about his training and how he develops these incredible creative and flavorful dishes. When I asked how he came up with each dish he explained how he has a full lab where he has developed over 1500 different recipes! Of the 15 courses, it would be near impossible for me to choose a favorite. I really enjoyed the "tree of life" which was a beautifully presented yuca bread with a coconut milk dipping sauce as well as the warm sweet and savory crab creme brûlée. I would certainly recommend this restaurant to anyone that really enjoys a culinary experience from beginning to end. This is NOT for someone who wants to be done with dinner in an hour. Go with a good group or someone you don't mind talking too for 3 hours. Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos is truly an innovator and I would love to visit one of his restaurants in Colombia or perhaps visit El Cielo again. read more

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Worst experience ever. How is it possible that yesterday was my girlfriend birthday. I decide to take her to the restaurant to celebrate her birthday and also to propose. the reservation was made for 8 people At 9pm. I even received 2 confirmation text from the restaurant (I have prove of both text). Some of her friends were from out of Miami and they came down just for her birthday and when I we get there the surprise was that the restaurant was CLOSED. This is unacceptable. I read more

Elcielo - Text from the restaurant - Colombian Near Me - Miami, Florida

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