Paya may very well offer the best value in fine dining in Miami; the $75 tasting menu offers 10 courses that will fill even the most voracious of appetites and in a way that would make even the most stringent foodies weep at the flavors and presentations. The staff is beyond friendly and attentive, often stopping by and not only checking on you but also to simply converse about your meal, opinions on the food, or chat about whatever you want to bring up. That is a level of personalness that just doesn't exist in most restaurants or even the service industry. The decor is soft and inviting; intimate; it has a soft, yellow lighting and the rest of the environment is meant to contrast the lighting. It's a nod to not only the owners' backgrounds and roots, but also to the old school fine dining environments. It set the stage perfectly for what was to come. The tasting menu is 10 dishes and is served in 4 courses (apps, small plates, entrees, dessert), served in a 3 plate course until dessert which is 1 dish. Each dish is unique in its own right, yet contrasts from the others so you don't get fatigue from a single flavor or style. For example, the app course that I had was a wahoo ceviche, a shrimp and green papaya salad, and an endive and sharp cheese salad (served in wrapped endive leaves). They all worked together, but offered vastly different textures and contrasting flavors while feeling like an orchestra working together in your mouth. This experience continued through the entrees and I cannot opine on the dessert (rum cake) because I took it to go because I was so full... which has never happened to me in a tasting menu before. Paya is not only worth consideration in a saturated market of fine dining in Miami, it is one that should be prioritized and experienced as an indulgence of senses and flavors. While it may seem expensive in a vacuum, it is 33-50% cheaper than a slew of other tasting menus in the city and offers more courses for that cheaper price. read more

After his stint with Mamey, I became a fan of chef Niven Patel. He is also known for the popular Ghee. I like that many of his ingredients are sourced locally at his farm where he trains his team on food quality. I think it does add something extra to the dishes. This is his new elevated Caribbean fusion cuisine, which I was excited to try and didn't disappoint. I went for the miami spice and ordered a few extra apps. Dim lit interior. Nice music soundtrack. Amazing menu. I enjoyed the roti starter as well as the scallop dish which had great presentation and flavors. The papaya salad was also a hit. For the miami spice starter I tried the ceviche which has great presentation and quite flavorful. As for the main, I got the fish in curry which was a table favorite! The rum cake was his signature dessert like in Mamey... however, unlike Mamey they didn't pour the sauce at the table and mine felt a little lacking something. I think the table pour was nicer and had a little more generous pour. Overall I'd recommend and return. read more

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My boyfriend & I came to Paya for our anniversary dinner & honestly, everything about it was such a great experience. From the moment we walked in, the hosts were extremely welcoming and seated us at a really nice table with ambient lighting. The music wasn't too loud, which I loved. Even though the restaurant was pretty full and most tables were taken, we were still able to have an easy conversation without shouting over each other. Our waitress helped us pick a bottle of wine, and we also tried two different cocktails that were both really good and came in a timely manner. We did the Monday tasting menu ($50 per person for 11 tastings) and every single dish was delicious. What really stood out to me was the timing, each dish came out at the perfect pace. Nothing felt rushed, and we never waited too long either. The staff was also really attentive. They were on top of clearing plates, giving us fresh utensils, and making sure everything felt seamless. It honestly made the whole experience feel special. Would 100% recommend this place- everything from the vibe to the service to the food was on point. Definitely a great spot for a date night or a special occasion! read more

Paya Miami - Brugal Rum Cake - Desserts Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

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I don't say this often, but this restaurant is a 10/10. The service is amazing, and the food is fantastic--it's truly a hidden gem! The grilled Brie cheese was incredibly good, and both the ceviche and lamb chops were bursting with flavor. What I loved most was how well-balanced and flavorful each dish was! The menu is simply perfect. And just when you think it couldn't get any better, the rum cake is out of this world! The steak was cooked to perfection, and the chicken masala was rich and flavorful. I don't understand why more people don't know about this place; it's definitely worth a visit! read more

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Came here for a date night, super cute little area! The bar was packed but had a lovely table outside. The service was quite slow, but so is everything on the beach right lol? We had the wahoo ceviche (honestly thought this was kinda meh, just wasn't tasty), the shrimp and papaya salad was great as well as the lemongrass glazed fish... but the real winner of the night? The tamarind lamb chops! It was so tasty I wanted to eat the bones too lol. I wish they were just a little bigger but they are considered an appetizer. Just make sure you try them!! read more

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Took my friend here for her birthday and we both really enjoyed the 10 course chef tasting menu that had a bit of everything, and was priced very reasonably, especially for Miami Beach. The standouts were the duck confit lumpia (freshly fried, great sauce), farm greens salad (nice tropical notes), sea bass (perfectly cooked, lovely lemongrass coconut curry), skirt steak (very good chimichurri sauce), rum cake (warm, crispy outside, soft inside + birthday candle was a nice touch) and chocolate mousse (light with fun chocolate chip textures). Some minor comments - the papaya salad was refreshing w/ tamarind twist, but a touch bland, I was expecting a bit more fish sauce umami. The gnocchi was pillowy with tasty rich sauce, but served at the same time as the steak and fish, so was a bit cold by the time I got around to it - would suggest staggering the drop of the hot food entree courses. Service was stellar and the ambiance has a casual, but classy island vibe. Overall, would definitely recommend if you're looking for a fresh, innovative, tropical-inspired experience! read more

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Nice little spot on the beach. Took an adventure with a few friends for miami spice. We originally had 4 guest reserved and another arrived late, they were very good about accommodating with seating. The staff were very friendly. The food overall was very good and by the end of the course. The space is very chic great for small group or date night. Overall very solid Miami spot, easy go too read more

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Loved the food and ambience. I was very disappointed in the waitress every time we asked if they could substitute or take something out, we were told that could not be possible. The food was very good. I was a little upset. In the fact they charged us for extra bread for the steak tartare it came with three small pieces of bread I asked for extra bread they charged another four dollars. read more

This was such a cute spot near the beach. My bf and I did the tasting for 75 pp. I hear the dishes rotate and ok Mondays it's 50pp . The bites were delicious! The lamb chop stole the show. I would definitely come back but opt out of the tasting because I would definitely know my two dishes of choice after the tasting ! read more

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For starters: I cannot stop thinking about this scallop crudo, served with a fresh sliced peach, and a little jalapeño for a kick. Wow. Truly could have ate 10 more of these. Okay moving on to the tuna tartare. Flavors were nothing memorable, needed salt, but the actual fish was super fresh. Not pictured, The crab cake. This was one of the most unique bites of the evening, had some sort of curry spice in it that paired fabulously with the freshdiced mango piled on top. And now for the mains: fresh catch with a lemongrass curry. I was drinking this sauce up. Insane. Skirt steak, flavor was there, temperature was not. Needed more char. overall, this was a fun dining experience, and side note, you can actually have a conversation in the place without screaming at the person across from you. Highly recommend. read more

Paya Miami - Scallop crudo tuna tartare - Desserts Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

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Outstanding food and service here people. So what you get is a very unique dining experience mixing island flavours with Latin flavours as well. Highlights (everything was) grilled Brie sandwich, the endive salad, the skirt steak with wonderful potatoes, the cauliflower (ask for the spicy sauce if you can handle it) and desserts that were incredibly well made (key lime tart and the rum cake.) It all works so well. They offer a happy hour everyday at the bar from 5:30 to 7 and this really is the way to go if you want to try different things at a reduced price. It was a parade of fantastic taste bud inducing euphoria. They do offer valet parking, or you can park on the street or nearby garages and walk it in. Reservations always recommended. So good, so ready to go again.... read more

Delicious food and amazing service! Visited for the first time for Miami Spice but will definitely be coming back. read more

Paya Miami - Grilled cheese and ceviche - Desserts Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

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You must try the 10 course tasting menu!! The sizes of each course were more than enough food for the 3 of us. Every single dish we had was thoroughly enjoyed from the papaya salad to the brie grilled cheese with mango jam to the fish, steak, and cauliflower. $75/person for the tasting menu. The ambiance of the restaurant is also such a vibe. Great for a date! read more

First time here and I literally could not even wait until I left to leave a review- AMAZING! Like the most phenomenal restaurant from beginning until end. Kelly at the bar is a HUGE part of that but whatever magic is happening at the kitchen- my tastebuds are eternally grateful. The drinks are also heavenly. We came for happy hour and trust me, beyond happy. Highly recommend everything but whatever magic we got for reference-- truffle Brie grilled cheese, summer corn fried rice, yellowfin tuna crudo, mango salad, hibiscus sour, and celestial. I couldn't even pick my favorite thing. Each thing was more spectacular. Highly recommend everything read more

Paya Miami - Desserts Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

I had an incredible dining experience at Paya in Miami Beach. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was electric--gorgeous décor, vibrant music, and a coastal-chic vibe that made the entire evening feel special. We ordered the mussels and the tuna crudo--both dishes were beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. The attention to detail in both flavor and plating was impressive. Service was seamless throughout the night; our server was warm, knowledgeable, and ensured we were taken care of from start to finish. What stood out most was the level of hospitality. You can tell the management team holds a high standard, and it reflects across the board. Alexandra Borges leads with excellence and it shows in the way her team operates--Paya is in very good hands. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy top-tier dining with a sexy, elevated vibe in the heart of Miami Beach. I'll definitely be back. read more

Andy at the bar is amazing !!! The drinks were so yummy we tried several off happy hour . Guava mojito was my favorite. Even with one hand ( crazy he was bit by a shark ) read more

Amazing service, incredible food, beautiful interior & atmosphere! Especially recommend the happy hour.

I should have written this review right after my wife and I ate here, sorry, I don't remember all the specifics, but I do remember that the entire experience was amazing. The restaurant feels elegant yet cozy and welcoming. We came during happy hour and sat at the bar. The bartender was fun and engaging without being intrusive, he gave us space to enjoy a quiet early dinner but was knowledgeable and entertaining when describing the menu. From the beautifully crafted drinks to the food, everything was outstanding. We shared a truffle grilled cheese and the chef's soup, both of which were incredible, flavorful, creative, and the grilled cheese somehow even felt "light." We also shared a chicken curry and a wagyu burger, both cooked to perfection. For dessert, I believe we had the coconut key lime pie, which was the perfect finish, especially paired with an espresso. read more

Super cool new spot on Miami Beach! It's such a vibe inside. My favorite dish was the fish in coconut curry!

Excellent food, very nice service. It's designed really nicely, and easy to park. A good local crowd. And nice to have flavorful food. The Monday tasting menu is an incredible value. read more

This restaurant is a hidden gem! It is such a value in a place where so much is overpriced. The 10 course tasting menu has a little bit of everything. Spicy, sweet, savory. Standouts to our group were the papaya salad, the lamb chops, the skirt steak, the curried fish, and the rum cake. Also, we got the Jell-O shots, which were an elevated, foodie take and nothing like the ones we grew up with. They were so fun! We will definitely be back to this beautiful and delicious restaurant. read more

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Absolutely love this place. The inventiveness, technique and execution of the kitchen, the flavors and the quality of ingredients of the food, I did not expect. And my hopes were high coming from the restauranteurs who have brought us Ghee Kitchen and Erba. The dining room is elegant but laidback. The service attentive, the bartenders experienced. Seriously this is exactly the kind of vibe which is the hardest to pull off, a neighborhood joint which makes one feel at home, the food is familiar but with delightful surprises which your palate never knew it missed before. We had the ceviche with a coconut leche de Tigre, beef tartar, grilled cheese, a local grouper filet in green curry, skirt steak, key lime tart and rum cake. Not one miss in the bunch. read more

This was an excellent find! The interior is beautiful, but the patio is even more impressive, despite the cooler weather. The heat lamps did a great job. The atmosphere is peaceful yet classy. The service was quick, and the staff was very helpful. Everything we ordered was flawless--delicious, and we enjoyed every bit of it. I highly recommend it! read more

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Wonderful place! Highly recommend the duck lumpia, the fried mushrooms, and the scallop crudo. Divine!

Everything was fantastic!! I don't know how this place doesn't pack out!! Food was delish!! Tasty and we presented!! The original seat that we're putting us in. We did not prefer, so they were very accommodating in receiving us in a table that was more suitable for us. We waited at the bar and the bartender was super friendly ordered an fantastic drink, and sat and chatted for a while. After we were seated, our waiter was fully attentive with helpful suggestions. The only that I could give is that we ordered a dessert for our birthdays and he had suggested two different ones and we thought we picked one but he ended up bringing us both of them and we were charged for both. Considering everything else was so fantastic we decided not to say anything. But just make sure you clarify your order and check your check because things aren't inexpensive as you imagine now great restaurants are often pricey. read more

We had such a nice time the first time, the food is so original and delicious....we went back again two days later. The noodles, lamb shank, mango curry and cucumber salad were all fantastic. The icing on the cake, they were very accommodating to our gluten free guests. read more

Every single thing we ordered was amazing. So much flavor - get the wagyu tartare or mussels or ceviche. Also there's fun fancy Jell-O shots. Coming back for Happy Hour! We sat at the bar, Nati is super sweet. read more

Loved this place! Food top tier. Service was incredible. Loved the vibes. Would totally go back on a nice cool spring night for a drink.

Absolutely incredible dining experience from start to finish at Paya. Service from Ariel and staff was excellent, they made us feel at home. Most importantly I had some of the best dishes of my life at this place. Scallops, lamb chops, wagyu tartar, chicken, rum cake were all incredible. Go with a big party so you can try everything. 10/10 read more

Paya Miami - Hogfish was tasty too. Huge portion - Desserts Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

If you don't go here you're stupid. Some of the best food in Miami. Great service. Very beautiful. Go.

Excellent food and service. We had the special tasting menus for the table. It was great. Just the right amount of food and all very tasty. Cocktails also good. read more

I must say that this was one of the best meals I have ever had in Miami Beach (I am a local and I eat out a lot). First we made a reservation at the outdoor terrace, which has a lovely tropical garden atmosphere and soft (not LOUD) music in the background. But the food was what really knocked us out. We began with each of us sharing the incredible brie and truffle grilled cheese with mango sauce. If you like grilled cheese (who doesn't?) please try this, you will never forget the crispness of the bread (from Sullivan's Bakery in Miami), the creaminess of the cheese, the sweetness of the mango. Then we shared salad, the endive and the papaya, both delicious. For entrees, my catch of the day, tilefish, was a huge piece of white fish with lemongrass and coconut curry, and I can't remember the last time I had an entree this tasty. My husband loved his big heritage pork chop with Redland guava as did our friend who ordered the peri peri chicken. Our other friend had two hot appetizers in place of an entree enjoyed the generous portion on mussels and the FIVE lamb chops. We are so pleased the Chef Patel, whose other restaurants including Ghee we have admired, has come to South Beach. On Mondays a $50 tasting menu is available and we will try it soon. Bravo! read more

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This place has been open for almost a year and we just discovered it. Amazing food, eclectic menu, stellar service. Will definitely be going back. read more

Amazing service at the bar from Naideline. The Happy Hour deals are the best in Miami Beach. Fun atmosphere and the drinks at the bar are tremendous. We were in from out of town but if you want the best deal in Miami Beach.....it's here! read more

Went for dinner. Host, waiters and ambiance were great, friendly and on point. Food, in general, was expensive and lacking. It seemed as though everything from the Negroni through the dessert had too much sugar in it. Also, for their prices, the dishes lacked and creativity. I mean, it's hard to mess up three lamb chops on top a maduro in Miami Beach. A brie grilled cheese in sickeningly sweet mango puree, seriously? And, good luck tasting Duck Confit in those rolls. As well prepared as the small piece of skirt steak for 42 bucks, the bland chicken with the sweet boniato mash and greasy flavorless undercooked broccolini was hardly worth 32. Finally, the rum cake, although tasty in a little puddle of sauce still tasted like countless others and may have benefitted with perhaps a little heating up to make it worth its 16 dollars. Overall, this restaurant could be great. It's pretty and their staff and bar are wonderful and that outdoor space in back is very nice. They just need to work on their food. read more

Great flavors in a chill and relaxed atmosphere. Reasonable pricing. The beach needs more non pretentious food forward places like this. Great drinks too. Gem for Miami Beach. read more

Easily the best meal I've had in a WHILE! The farm green salad, lamb chops, lemongrass glazed catch of the day and the peri peri chicken were delicious. Loved the Caribbean flavors and the menu options. The catch of the day was one of the best fish entrees I've ever had. Service was great and the manager was very helpful. read more

Took my girl here for her bday. You take a bit of a chance going to a restaurant the 4th day it has been open. But I was excited after seeing the menu. First off,the space is vibrant, beautiful, comfortable with a touch of elegance. The staff were so friendly, sincere and professional. We had the tasting menu which I was so happy they offered. The food matched the space. Vibrant, beautiful, elegant, comfortable, all that. Favorites were the truffle grilled cheese (comfort),papaya salad (vibrant), tilefish (elegant) , rum cake. I rarely leave a review. But Paya deserves one. I know MIA is a competitive market for restaurants, but this one earned my praise. I wish them success. We will be back. read more

I love this new restaurant in South Beach! The shrimp with grits and lamb chops are a MUST try!

I had such an amazing experience at the bar with Sarinya. She was very knowledgeable about the menu. She is very attentive, funny, and sweet! She recommended a few appetizers that I absolutely love as well and the hogfish. The mussels were so good. The ambient was lovely. Thank you Sarinya! We will definitely come back! read more