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.

We visited Mandolin during our stay in Miami because we love Mediterranean cuisine, and overall, it…read morewas a solid experience. For appetizers, we ordered the Ali Nazik and Eggplant Carpaccio. The Ali Nazik was phenomenal. We were given a side of bread, which paired really well with the dish. The lamb was packed with flavor, and the smoked eggplant yogurt was fire. The two complemented each other perfectly. The Eggplant Carpaccio was good as well. I will say, though, that if you aren't a fan of dishes with a heavy vinegar flavor, this may not be for you. I'd also be curious to see how this dish would taste served warm. For our entree, we ordered the Beef Souvlaki, which came with six skewers of filet mignon. The beef was perfectly cooked and very tender, so no complaints there. However, the rest of the dish didn't really stand out to me. The fries were decent, but nothing crazy. As a first-time visitor, I also feel like this probably wasn't the best dish to order if you want to get a full sense of what the restaurant has to offer. One of my biggest disappointments was that the restaurant primarily had outdoor seating. Maybe it was just the night we went, but it was extremely hot and humid, and the fans in our area weren't cutting it. It was also very dark, making it difficult to see the menus and even our food. I think better lighting, especially toward the front of the restaurant, would make a big difference. The food came out very quickly, which we appreciated. I do wish our server had been a little more helpful, though. We wanted to learn more about the menu and were hoping for some guidance and recommendations, but he didn't really guide us through the menu the way I had hoped. Overall, Mandolin was a solid experience, and the Ali Nazik in particular was a standout. I'd be interested in coming back and trying some of their other dishes to get a better feel for what the restaurant does best.

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.

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!

Nice restaurant in a cool setting under a giant tree outside!!! Given that they have a Michelin…read morestar I had expected more!!! The food seemed to have pretty muted flavors and was not exciting to eat!!! The quality seemed good but not amazing!!! Easy for vegetarians to find things to eat here. It's a nice place but wouldn't go out of my way to eat there.

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

Yalla!!!!! Another spot that I can't believe it's taken me so long to get to! My wife and I had an…read moreamazing experience checking out Amal. Being Lebanese whenever I go out to Lebanese restaurants I have a high standard having had eaten home cooked meals growing up and Amal does not disappoint. Beyond the food being amazing, the service is top notch! We were well taken care of by our server Sara and we were greeted and shown to our seats as soon as we walked in by the host. They have a BOMB Miami spice and if you pick anything else off the menu, you wouldn't have a bad time. Go check it out!

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

Smart place, excellent service and fine Greek/ Turkish in the style of texmex. Recommended…read more Impressive bar with covered outdoor and indoor seating in what looks like converted factory units. Parking awkward. Spicy tomato great. Bret salads good. Grilled branzino boned at the table and first class. Pistachio kebab very tender if a little small. All plates designed for sharing but Branzino was big!

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.

We had a great overall experience. The atmosphere was beautiful, with great music, stylish décor,…read moreand a really nice vibe that made the evening enjoyable. The food was good overall. The ravioli wasn't quite what I expected, but everything else was enjoyable. My favorite part of the meal was definitely the KAFU dessert, it was absolutely delicious and the perfect way to end dinner. The only downsides were the service and the wait time. The food took a very loooong time to arrive, and since the restaurant automatically includes a 20% gratuity, the service from our waiter didn't feel as attentive as it could have been.

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 would give this place a 10 if I could! We were staying at a hotel nearby and decided to check it…read moreout, and I'm so glad we did. The food was incredibly fresh, flavorful, and authentic. We tried the Greek salad, octopus, moussaka, and gyros, and every single dish was amazing. But what really took the experience to another level was the service--it was absolutely over the top! Everyone made us feel so welcome and took such great care of us. Whenever I'm back in Miami, I will definitely return. Honestly, I may even go back again before we leave! Highly recommend!

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!

Dinner with the Girls! We wanted to treat ourselves to vibes and good food and we got what we…read morewanted. While we went early, it was a Friday in Coral Gables; we made reservations. Always make reservations. Quick note $5 Happy about was still going until 6pm at the bar only. We were seated right away and Abby came by and checked on us right away. We all ordered the Spicy Passion and it was delicious. And then one of my friends said the words I'll never forget we have to get the Labneh Za'atar. THIS WAS INCREDIBLE. I will never not order this now. Now we were there for a good time not a long time, so we tried a little bit of everything after that. Zucchini Latkas, Beef Kufta Kebab, Crispy Chicken Schnitzel, and Salmon Skewers. We obviously ordered with our eyes and split the leftovers up. Abby was great she checked on us continuously. All in all, it was fantastic. Now that I've tried Motek, I will 100% be back (and I'll take some pictures next time).

I've been to a few different Motek locations around Miami, including Brickell, Downtown, Midtown,…read moreand Coral Gables, and the food is always really good. The restaurants are beautiful, but the overall experience still feels pretty casual and easy. I've tried quite a few things on the menu, but some of my favorites are the Prime Beef Hummus, the crispy eggplant, and the kebabs. My favorite, though, is definitely the Arayes Burger. Everything always tastes fresh, flavorful, and comes out pretty quickly. The service has always been great whenever I've gone as well. My only complaint is that I do think it's a little expensive for the more casual dining experience, but the food itself is consistently delicious. Definitely one of my favorite Eastern Mediterranean spots in Miami, and I still want to come back and try their happy hour!