CHICA Miami — Restaurant in Miami

Birthday dinner party of 5-although reviews are generally subjective, Miami has become a sort of Mecca for foodies with some of the best restaurants in the country (if not the world) popping up here. With that being said, being a restauranteur here competing with some of the best carries some deep shoes to fill. So here goes our subjective review: Ambiance: being the previous locale of Soyka, a restaurant and restauranteur that trailblazed the design area, it seemed Chica just kinda of piggybacked the layout and ambiance of its previous ghost. Nothing original to speak of. Menu: Our first thought was for a “next level” Mexican restaurant, the menu was actually very limited and very unimaginative. For example, if you take chef Rick Baylis’ Frontera Grill in Chicago, his menu is very interesting profiling tastes and ingredients from different parts of Mexico. We started with crispy octopus that was cooked perfectly. Crispy, served on a a bed of chopped tomatoes with dollops of an olive/mayo. Very good but every restaurant serves grilled, charred, crispy etc.,etc. octopus. Additionally we ordered yuca tostones. Again good but middle of the road nothing unusual or different. Our mains were: pork ribs, short ribs, roasted chicken and ribeye. Sides were Mexican street corn, crispy Brussel sprouts, and huacaina mash. The ribs and short ribs were very good. Nothing unusual though, but very good. The roast chicken was absolutely devoid of flavor and served room temp. It was sent back and churrasco ordered. The ribeye presentation was excellent- sliced steak served over hot rocks on a bed of uncooked black beans. The steak was chewy and flavor just ok. The churrasco was better, juicier, softer served with a chimichurri sauce and very good. The sides were excellent- street corn was really delicious, Brussels sprouts crispy with a kind of citrus-yuzu sauce, also excellent. The huacaina mash was fair at best- nothing different nor tasty. Drinks ordered were also fair. Desserts were tres leches cake and a molten lava dessert. Especially here in Miami everyone and their abuela makes tres leches so c’mon people get creative! This tres leches was missing tres of tres leches! Like dry as hell. The Molten lava however was special: a skull made out of chocolate and painted gold set on fire with liquore served with fruits and marshmallow- very very creative and unusual! So the problem for us was for the price of the meal (for 5, two of us splitting the order of ribeye) was $800 & I think the creativity of the menu and preparations mis lacking. Although we will not be going back I encourage all who read the reviews to go and try. The dinner show with fire dancers and music was excellent and a...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at CHICA in Miami, and I must say, it was an extraordinary culinary experience! From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that set the stage for a memorable evening.

The menu at CHICA is a true masterpiece. It offers an extensive selection of dishes that cater to every palate. From traditional Latin American flavors to unique and innovative creations, there is something for everyone. What caught my attention was not just the variety of dishes, but also the beautiful presentation. Each plate is a work of art, meticulously crafted and visually stunning.

One of the things I love most about CHICA is that it's the perfect place to bring friends from out of town. The lively atmosphere and the delicious food create a vibrant and unforgettable experience. It's a place where laughter and conversation flow freely, making memories that will last a lifetime.

The staff at CHICA deserves special mention. They are incredibly friendly, hospitable, and knowledgeable. From the moment I walked in, I felt like a valued guest. They are always ready to provide recommendations, answer any questions, and ensure that every dining experience is personalized and exceptional.

If you're lucky enough to visit CHICA on a weekend, you're in for a treat. They often have a DJ and performers, adding an extra layer of excitement and entertainment to the dining experience. It's the perfect combination of great food, great music, and great company.

Now, let's talk about the steak. It is truly a showstopper. Cooked to perfection, with a juicy and tender texture, it is a carnivore's dream come true. The flavors are rich and robust, and the accompanying sauces and sides complement the steak beautifully.

Whether you're looking for a vibrant night out with friends or a special dining experience, CHICA is the place to be. The combination of an extensive and beautifully presented menu, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and entertainment options make it a true gem in Miami. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Darren Fewell Luxury Real Estate Agent IG:...

Came here on a Friday night for dinner, and let me tell you, WOAH! The food was absolutely amazing and it was made better by the amazing Kayla who took care of us. A 20% gratuity is included in the bill automatically but that did not change the way the server behaved or treated us, she was absolutely amazing and very friendly/welcoming. Thank you Kayla!

We started this off with the Tuna Tartare which was pretty good, and was an indication of what the rest of the food will taste like. We each ordered drinks. I had the Cucumber Summer which was an absolute dream, i wanted to try a different drink but given how good this particular drink was, i just had to keep them coming. My wife ordered the Living My Best Life and also the Chica-Rita which she says were pretty tasty and well made. My friend had the Double Trouble which was also great.

For dinner we ordered the Wood-Fired Meat Parrillada. The entirety of the meats were just so delicious, it was wild. Very well cooked meat and very tasty as well. The Chimichurri was also delicious, not oily or garlic strong like other places.

We also ordered a side of the Arepa Basket which is nothing to rave about but it was good, the Crispy Brussels Sprouts which were also good and tasty (Coming from someone who doesn't like Brussels), and also the Truffle Yucca Tostones which were okay, i think they needed to be cooked a little longer.

I had a Cappuccino after dinner and the girls ordered a Espresso Martini.

There was also a "performance" after 9 PM. Basically two girls that go around dancing dressed like show girls from Las Vegas and also another lady performing fire tricks.

Overall, it was a great experience, great food, great service, just a great visit! We will definitely visit this spot again because even though it was all very expensive, i think it is worth it due to the quality of the food...