Shanea Savours: Cipriani (Downtown Miami)
For the past few years one of Miami’s top hot spots and a magnet for celebrities, hipsters, and fashionistas has been Cipriani Downtown, located at 465 Brickell Ave in the Icon Building. The gorgeous nautical-themed dining room, designed by Michele Bonan, is backdropped by the beautiful bayside setting – one of the most stunning in Miami. The ceilings are high with gorgeous Murano chandeliers, walnut wood-paneled walls, and crisp white tablecloths and cloth napkins which is a rarity in this city.
To be honest I have been several times and some evenings the food is better than others. Last night for me was exceptionally good. I guess I ordered the right things and the kitchen was happening.
The Bellini is a tradition here and they are quite popular, by the glass or pitcher. The martinis are good, but they are served in very small wine glasses. Ditto for the wine. I am sorry but, if you are ordering a good bottle of wine and are spending a lot of money the proper size and type of glassware is important.
People complain about the small chairs and low tables. Is it me or did I see a change in the table height? My knees fit underneath no problem.
Last night I had the Maine lobster salad to start and it was very good. For my main I had a plate of the sweetest langoustine but for $46 there was not that much meat in them. The gnocchi was a standout as were the veal chop cooked to a pink perfection and a huge veal Milanese. All these dishes come with a small salad. I suggest ordering some side vegetables. You have to be careful what you order here. Not everything is perfect. I also enjoy the veal ragu pasta, the carpaccio, and the Dover sole.
Cipriani Downtown, Miami
All of our desserts were great. We enjoyed the lemon tart, chocolate cake and the vanilla meringue. They also have a great soft serve ice cream too. The appetizers are in the mid $20 range and the mains are in the mid $40 range. This is not an inexpensive evening. We had exceptional service this time and were not rushed, which can happen here.
And if you are looking for a scene, this is the place. Dress to impress as the crowd is quite glamorous.
Recommend.
Happy Dining, Shanea
I may not be a professional writer, but I consider myself a professional eater. I love to eat, read about food, travel, shop, take in the arts, and explore new places. Focusing mostly on Toronto, my home base, Miami, my second home and New York and Italy where I travel to the most, while also featuring other places I’m fortunate enough to visit, I’ll share with you my most savoury tidbits along the way. Happy Dining!
