TL;DR
The Vibe: Stunning, plant-filled oasis in Wynwood. Perfect for groups as well as dates.
The Service: 10/10. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and seamless.
Must-Order Dishes: Lobster Noodles (rich/silky), Short Rib Fried Rice, and the Octopus a la Plancha.
The "Trust Me" Dessert: Chocolate chip cookie with cheddar ice cream. It sounds wild; it tastes incredible.
FULL REVIEW:
My favourite NY restaurant has come to Miami, offering terrific Indonesian cuisine in a stunning, plant-filled Wynwood setting.
As a large group, we were able to sample most of the menu, and I am very happy to report that it lives up to its NY counterpart - which is not always the case with transplants. Additionally, the service is enthusiastic and seamless, despite the restaurant only having been open for a few weeks. (I have been to Wayan's Hamptons pop-ups as well, and the service is always exemplary because they second part of their NYC team to all new locations to maintain consistency.)
The Food
Since I was ordering for the group, Nicole walked me through the menu to ensure we hit all the highlights (and my favs!). The combo satay platter is a great way to kick off the meal; each protein featured a different, delicious sauce. We also shared several small plates, including the tamarind citrus salad, which was zesty and refreshing; my favourite vegetable spring rolls with their simple, understated flavors and delicious dipping sauce; and the octopus a la plancha, which can proudly hold its head high in a sea of Miami grilled octopuses.
Moving on to the larger plates, the delicate red snapper with chili calamansi was beautifully presented in a banana leaf and was a big hit at the table. We were fortunate enough to snag the last order of the delicious short rib fried rice, which came with a generous amount of succulent meat. The fried chicken was crispy and very tasty, and the lobster noodles NEVER (EVER) disappoint. The noodles are rich and silky and an absolute must to share! For sides, we had the nasi goreng - a very tasty, not-at-all-oily Indonesian fried rice - and the corn fritters that I can't (should, but won't) live without.
Dessert
Dessert is usually the weakest link in Asian restaurants, in my opinion, but not at Wayan! At this point, everyone was full and nobody "really wanted dessert" (I always do, but it seems you're never supposed to admit it and hope that someone else orders it). Luckily, I was the one ordering so I got one of each.
Pandan Custard: Always my go-to. It is very smooth (think crème brûlée), not too sweet, and perfectly complemented by the passion fruit pulp.
Chocolate Mousse: Ethereal and served with avocado ice cream, which we deemed "healthy" as well as delicious as one must always look at the bright side of dessert!
Banana Sundae: Beautifully caramelised bananas, cake and ube ice cream--great, but perhaps not the top choice if you're limited on space.
Chocolate Chip Cookie with Cheddar Ice Cream: The most popular among the "non-desserters." Cheese and chocolate? Trust me, it works!
Tipples
Wayan has a full bar and a nice list of very unique cocktails and mocktails. They tend to be on the sweeter side, so ask for recommendations if you prefer a different flavour profile.
It should be pretty clear by now that I'm a fan. I confess I have been begging them to come to Miami for years. The food is outstanding, the cuisine is unique, and the team is so friendly that I feel like I am dining in someone's home. What's not to love? read more