Las' Lap Miami — Restaurant in Miami Beach

South Beach just got a little more flavorful. The James Beard Award–winning, Top Chef alum Kwame Onwuachi has landed in Miami, and his first restaurant here is as vibrant and layered as the city itself.

Kwame, whose NYC restaurant Tatiana topped just about every “best of” list last year, is teaming up with the Las’ Lap crew from the Lower East Side to bring a West Indian concept to The Daydrift Hotel. The setting? A rooftop hideaway, a canal-side patio, and a playlist worth Shazamming all night create a scene that’s pure Miami cool with Caribbean soul.

The food reads like a culinary love note to his Trinidadian roots, playfully nodding to Miami’s Caribbean community. Plates are tight, shareable, with a menu rooted in heritage and heat. Things kick off with Escovitch Crab Claws, tangy and spicy from carrots, onions, and scotch bonnet peppers, a briny wake-up call that hits just right with your first sip of rum punch.

Next comes Sticky Wings glazed in smoked pimento, jerk barbecue and hot honey, a finger-licking combo that demands wet wipes. From there, a South Beach Red Snapper Crudo, topped with guac and perfected plantain chips. Just when you think the menu can’t surprise you, an Oxtail Cuban takes center stage, layering jerk beef, bacon, Swiss cheese, and shaved truffle on toasted brioche. It’s decadent and playful, winking at Miami’s Cuban heritage.

The larger plates keep building momentum with a Bucatini and Clams dish, his Caribbean riff on linguine alle vongole. It nods to Italy in form, but the flavors speak in island dialect. Another standout is the Charred Dorade, its flaky flesh wrapped in coconut Trini curry, paired with shitto crisps and rice and peas for a dish that’s equal parts comforting and show-stopping. And then there’s the Wagyu Tasso, which feels like a finale, a luxe take on Haiti’s beloved fried pork. Here it’s reimagined with short rib, rice and peas, pikliz, and a tangy tamarind sauce that balances richness with brightness.

And the sauces? Worth spooning straight from the ramekins, no shame.

Even the name Las’ Lap carries weight. In Trinidad and Tobago, it’s the last, most electric hour before Carnival ends. That same celebratory spirit is alive here, in the music, the cocktails, and every bite on the menu.

Chef Kwame isn’t just dropping a restaurant in Miami; he’s weaving his story into the city’s own tapestry of flavors. And if first impressions are any clue, this debut is more than a meal....

Had dinner here with my girls last night.. we left full, drunk and happy. Feels more like a full restaurant than the NY location which has more of a late-night tapas and drinks vibe. The restaurant has moody lighting and the DJ keeps a good energy. This is not an over the top Miami restaurant but they do enough that it's certainly not casual; perfect balance. Our server, Alex, was funny, thorough with his review of the menu, (had a great mustache) and did not steer us wrong with drinks.

When offered water, the options are: still, sparkling, and COCONUT water... which came in the coconut! We all tried the rum punch since it's a Jamaican staple and wow, amazing! That's the kind of drink you order a few of cause it's tasty and later can't walk straight. Sneaky! LOL

As far as food, we ordered family style and overall did not have 1 bad plate. Here are my "can't miss" suggestions:

The caviar service comes as a tartare with tuna, a bunch of toppings/sauces and ROTI! The south beach snapper reminded me of a yellowtail crudo 10/10- wouldn't skip it. The wagyu griot had some of the best rice and peas I've ever had out (restaurants undercook this rice often IMO) and the griot was SO tender, there's a chance that was the best griot I've ever had- outside of a trip to Haiti. The crab claws were good, obviously a smaller portion. The oxtail cubano sandwich is a little cheesy, has a hint of spice (great twist since cubanos have none) and comes with a little sauce. I had to fight to finish my last few bites of food but still did not skip dessert.. we aren't quitters. We only tried the gelato (all 4 flavors) and while I liked them all, I can confidently say to go right to that pistachio flavors without hesitation. That's the WINNER!

Overall, not a single dish was subpar! We will definitely be back again to try a few other items we skipped.. have a little FOMO we didn't try the Rasta pasta. Next time. Love this new location! Will be dreaming of that...

This place is special.

Curiosity about Chef Kwame’s vision and reputation in the restaurant space brought me through the doors of Las Lap Miami during opening weekend in early August. The flavorful Afro-Caribbean menu and excellent service from Kayon and his team was absolutely impressive and has brought me back at least once a month since!

Even before we enter the building, the team works to ensure our evening is flawless and they always meet the mark. A special shout out to Annette who has helped curate the perfect menu and experience for a few of our birthday dinner celebrations.

Let me also take a moment to say that the decor and vibe from you enter space and see the bar and walk inward, is eclectic but elevated. The DJ sets the perfect mood at the just the right volume, so that you can vibe to music but still enjoy good conversation with everyone at your table or whoever you’re sitting next to at the bar (without losing your voice in the process).

During each of my dining experiences, there has been a genuine happiness and satisfaction with all the dishes we’ve had — The South Beach Snapper, The Sticky Wings, The Doubles, The Rasta Pasta, The Grilled Lamb, The Brown Stew Chicken, The Charred Dorade — everything is just delicious and cooked to perfection! I also have to mention that our main server Jeffrey, which we’ve been lucky enough to have on multiple occasions now, is extremely knowledgeable, attentive and just excellent overall.

I did not think it was possible but the dining experience gets better every time, with impeccable food and service from start to finish. Without a doubt, this is my new favorite restaurant in South Florida. Thank you, much love to the team and see...