BÂOLI Miami — Restaurant in Miami Beach

Good news is that service like this seems to be coming to an end in Miami, bad news is that there are a handful, or maybe slightly more that still exist. This place was The Place To Be, back in the day. When the new owners (Riviera Dining Group) took over, the service definitely went down. Apparently one of the old partners is still on board, but management overall is pretty horrible. We were here for the first time in a long time, a few months ago, because a friend and his wife insisted on trying out "a spot from back in the day." The food is mediocre, the service, or at least our server, was great (his name was Fahd), and as a favor to him we left a good review, and frankly gave him a very generous tip on top of the mandatory 20% or whatever it is they charge, but more of an "A for effort" situation, than us being blown away by the food, or an old dusty, musky storage unit, turned into a "lounge". That said, we flew into Miami last second, as we do quite a bit, wanted to have dinner with some music, vibe etc, and they were one of the few places that had openings (now we know why), so we booked and figured, one meal, not a big deal. My sister and her husband were flying in for over 15 hours, to meet with us, and there were 10 minutes late. The extremely rude hostess, Sofia, refused to let us sit down, even though I explained to her that we're aware of the "2 hour rule" and happy to meet any minimum spend-requirement (within reason, maybe $1k - $1.5k, considering we spent that last time we were there). She spoke to another hostess who literally came out to us and said the same exact thing. I asked her if I can please speak to the manager. She brought out the general manager, Nadine Fayad, who based on her approach and demeanor, may be a bit confused about her position, and social standing, considering said position to be the culmination of her career. Her approach was to tell me all about the restaurant business, and basically how ignorant I am for even asking, even though again, her 2 concerns about the 2 hour time limit and the minimum amount spent was repeatedly addressed; her repeated response was that she is the queen of Miami and if I would like the honor or dining in this musky storage faculty, I will do as she says :) Silly, to say the least. We obviously walked out, made one phone call and had the best table at Bagatelle, within 10 minutes. As a business owner myself, I wanted to let someone in their corporate office know, that one of the managers has taken on a chief of chiefs role and talking down to clients. Spoke to Rob Blassi, at a recommendation of a friend from Miami. He's the Chief People Officer (whatever that means) and unfortunately he also simply repeated one-liners about restaurant policy, how all clients are treated equal, money doesn't matter etc. Even though at the restaurant level, Nadine repeated over and over again, concerns about people sitting down and drinking water etc. Long story short, very poorly managed and run establishment, mediocre food, upper higher end prices, in what looks to be a storage cellar for the building it sits under - no windows, low ceilings etc. Crammed, musky feel... Again, good service and a smile go a long way, but you def. don't get that either. Do yourself a favor and try a different establishment. Plenty that are 10 times better than this place, in every aspect including food, drinks, atmosphere, vibe, music, and def. not...

So we are visiting for a friends birthday and decided to kick it off here! So first of all there's a ton of vibes here. Ton of photo opportunities and very pretty place. You can't beat the service as well. Slow to start not gonna hold you but the rest was pretty smooth. I will say at least four times the wrong food was brought to us- and honestly that's not on us lol. Like we kept sending stuff back and then at one point we really didn't know something wasn't ours as we were trying new things here. So one of my friends tried it and later they came back to say it wasn't ours. But at this point we literally kept getting the wrong foods! The drinks are definitely crafted cocktails so I love that for us. My homegirl said the steak was the best steak she had allll year! Which is a huge compliment because she lovessssss steak and definitely pays attention to flavor. Everyone enjoyed their food. I got the drink called the rainforest I think which was made with gin and it was yummy! The branzino to me was, like eh good but not great. The chimichurri wasn't the most flavorful and honestly for $75 I would expect a more explosive flavor. But my friend said that I have to weigh in ambiance and service into the price of the fish so I guess altogether it's worth if because you have music, a few servers etc. but I wouldn't get again. The girls walking around dancing were a vibe, they also have bottle service and some pump it up music. Bathrooms hella pretty and they have people in there keeping it clean. Also they have this birthday surprise worth $100 and if you love someone well it's a cute basket. My homegirl clearly has Mugga cuz they came out singing with this huge dessert platter- had fruit on it, like a creme brûlée and some other things. Fruits weren't sweet but like I said there's a selection of things to choose from. But overall everyone in the group raved about the food. The asparagus wasn't a fan fave - pretty tasteless but one would like if you want to just preserve the taste of unseasoned asparagus. Overall a must try! It's definitely a great fine dining experience! My friends loved the music, how cute it was and the options to pop some bottles. They pack your food up for you as well. Oh and there's someone who takes your photos and you can buy. I bought our group photo for $30. Kinda expensive but eh. And they said that they can also send you the digital copy when you message them on Instagram so...

Baoli Miami is an absolute gem that I recently had the pleasure of visiting. From the moment I stepped into the venue, I was swept away by its enchanting atmosphere and the promise of an extraordinary experience.

The culinary journey at Baoli Miami is nothing short of exceptional. The menu offers a tantalizing array of flavors that left me craving for more. The Edamame Hummus was a unique and delicious starter, while the Beef Tenderloin Satay was succulent and perfectly cooked. The Avocado Salad provided a refreshing burst of flavors, and the Charred Bok Choy added a delightful twist to the meal.

The attention to detail and culinary artistry at Baoli Miami is truly commendable. The Sushi Sampler was a work of art, beautifully presented and showcasing the freshest ingredients. However, the star of the show was the Whole Roasted Branzino. It was cooked to perfection, with a crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh that melted in my mouth.

The service at Baoli Miami is top-notch. From the moment I arrived, the staff went above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. The doorman greeted me warmly, the hosts were gracious, and the waitstaff was attentive and knowledgeable. Their dedication to providing exceptional service truly elevated the evening.

Baoli Miami also boasts an impressive selection of signature libations that are a must-try. I had the pleasure of sipping on 'The Muze' and 'The Rainforest,' both of which were expertly crafted and packed with delightful flavors. The 'Thai Break' cocktail was a personal favorite, with its invigorating blend that transported me to a tropical paradise.

To conclude the evening, Baoli Miami's divine desserts were an absolute treat. The exotic fruit assortment was a refreshing and light option, while the Creme Brulee was heavenly and indulgent. The Mango Ice Cream, with its velvety texture and rich mango flavor, provided the perfect ending to a memorable meal.

Baoli Miami seamlessly blends together unrivaled epicurean delights with an ambiance that sets the bar high for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're seeking luxury dining, incredible cocktails, or a vibrant party atmosphere, Baoli Miami has it all.

I highly recommend Baoli Miami to anyone looking for a truly exceptional dining experience in a stunning setting. Prepare to be captivated by the opulence, flavors, and impeccable service that await you at...