As far as weekend traditions go, you’ll find brunch is pretty sacred for most people. There’s not a storm, a traffic jam or a monumental hangover that’ll keep some from driving to a restaurant for a $20 plate of eggs Benedict and a pitcher of mimosas. In Argentina, an entirely different ritual takes hold on Sundays—the asado. At its core, it’s a barbecue of grilled meats cooked over a parrilla, a grill heated with wood or coals. But the simple meal is also so much more as we came to find out at Orilla Bar & Grill, the South Beach restaurant at Urbanica Hotel bringing the South American custom to Miami.
Parillada Sundays is the South of Fifth spot’s answer to whatever type of feasting you subscribe to on Sundays—brunch, red sauce, a roast. Served all day, the shareable spread includes a six-ounce flank steak, a seven-ounce New York steak, four lamb chops, two chorizos and a half grilled chicken all cooked to perfection in the Josper oven. Once done, the meat is set on a sizzling, coal-fired grill and brought to your table to finish searing and keep warm. It arrives with four different sauces:—romesco, pivre, chimichurri and criolla—and any two sides of your choosing. Your server will tell you which meat to dip where but don’t be afraid to go rogue, especially if ordering the French Fries Provencal as an accompaniment. You’ll want to dip them everywhere. The whole thing (meats, sauces and two sides) clocks in at $120 and is large enough to feed two to three people. As a table of four, we supplemented the parillada with a couple of Empanadas, the Fish of the Day and their signature Black Rice Paella dish.
Several drink specials are available with the parillada, including bartender Rodrigo Tubert‘s Alta Mimosa, a take on the classic but with rectified orange, Szechuan cordial, and Argentinian Extra Brut, and the Orilla Spritz, a citrusy mix of Aperol, grapefruit, cucumber juice, and Las Perdices Extra Brut. Not on special but worth sipping at any price is the Fat Negroni, an unctuous blend of Oxley gin, sweet vermouth, smoked Italian pancetta and Campari. The cocktail is sold in limited quantities, which is probably for the best considering its pork content and the unlikely chance you’ll be able to limit yourself to just one of the flavorful drinks.
Too full on our meal and multiple rounds of cocktails, dessert wasn’t on our radar and so we let the server take the reins. The first thing to arrive was a stunning Tropical Pavlova adorned with cutouts of papaya, passion fruit and pineapple plus all sorts of edible flowers, acai and hibiscus. The activated charcoal pavlova was delicate, with a blend of textures and naturally sweetened fruit to balance out the sugary base. We followed it up with a slice of Ice Cream Cake dipped in chocolate that was basically the perfect brownie leveled up with creamy vanilla ice cream and more chocolate—because more is more with chocolate, always.
The simple and perfectly executed plate of grilled meats is a revered tradition for Argentineans. Our server explained that families back home come together every weekend to enjoy a meal similar to what we were experiencing. Looking around, you got a sense that it wouldn’t be long until more Miamians spent their Sundays...
Read moreOrilla Bar & Grill in Miami is a hidden gem that transports you to a world of coastal bliss. From the moment I entered, I was captivated by the restaurant's unique blend of nature-inspired decor and open dining concept, which seamlessly brought the outdoors inside.
The culinary journey at Orilla was a revelation. Starting with a crisp glass of prosecco, my taste buds were primed for the gastronomic delights that awaited. The bread, a perfect combination of crusty exterior and soft interior, was a delightful beginning. And oh, the tiradito de pulpo! The delicate flavors of the octopus dish truly captured the essence of the sea.
But the real star of the show was the wagyu cheeseburger. Cooked to absolute perfection, each bite was a juicy symphony of flavors that left me wanting more. The prime rib eye steak was equally impressive, with its tender and succulent texture. The knowledgeable waitstaff recommended a fantastic Malbec wine that complemented the steak impeccably, elevating the entire dining experience.
The sides were no less impressive. The French fries provençal were a delightful twist on a classic, while the heirloom tomatoes added a burst of freshness to the meal.
And let's talk about the desserts! The pavlova, a colorful and artful creation, was a sensory delight that showcased the chef's attention to detail. But the real showstopper was the baked Alaska, a true masterpiece that left me in awe.
Aside from the exceptional cuisine, the service at Orilla was remarkable. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made me feel like a valued guest. The warm and inviting ambiance created a relaxed atmosphere where I could truly unwind and enjoy the experience.
Whether you're looking for a place to meet friends, host a business gathering, or enjoy a romantic date, Orilla Bar & Grill is the ideal destination. With its coastal-inspired charm, impeccable food, and outstanding service, this restaurant has certainly won a special place in my heart. I'm already counting down the days until my next visit to this...
Read moreWe need to say that this restaurant and dining experience is everything you hope for in any restaurant.
The ambience, the host, the food, people sitting around us...it was such a casual atmosphere while being elegant in its own way.
The real Rockstars are Ludovica and Diego who steered us correctly from the moment we sat down. You can see that this establishment has truly created a "family environment" around team members and though it's work, they absolute care about one another and all of them want your evening experience to be elevated beyond your expectations.
Ludovica has a level of professional, kindness, and patience that is rare to find in this industry. She is super educated on the restaurant and the entire menu and feeds of the personallities of her guests. She truly feels like a friend by the time the night is over. Diego, not only assisted every aspect of our night, but he made us feel like apart of the team. And talk about a gentleman who loves where he is at and who he gets to work with. And for what it's worth, if you are not in the habit of introducing yourself to those that are a part of any establishment you get to experience, you're missing out. Because people everywhere have the most amazing personal stories and backgrounds. And if we don't ask, we don't get to learn. Thanks to Orilla and their entire team. And Diego and Ludovica always know that the extra effort and personal touches you make sure you do are really noticed and are a huge part in making OUR night so amazing.
John and...
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