Elia on the River — Restaurant in Miami

If I could give a zero-star rating, I would be thrilled. I chose this place to celebrate my 21st birthday brunch. I sought an establishment with great vibes, drinks, and food. I found a review from @cheyennetheblogger on Instagram. Her video, which emphasized their happy hour and her fondness for the restaurant, made it seem like exactly what I wanted. I reserved a spot and provided my card since my group had seven members. The hostess was very kind and attentive during the reservation process. Our booking was for 1:45 pm. Upon arrival, the hostess remained very pleasant and accommodating; the atmosphere was amazing, and a jazz band was playing by the river at the back. Once seated, our waiter Mark S. welcomed my family and me. We examined the menu, but there were limited options, especially for brunch. Nevertheless, everything sounded appealing. We could order drinks and an appetizer, as the entire party had not yet arrived, which I appreciated since some places require waiting for everyone. My sister and I chose from the bottomless menu, which is available for two hours. I ordered a Hugo Spritz while my sister picked a Mimosa. My first Hugo Spritz arrived, which I’d say was around 1:56 pm. My sister found her Mimosa displeasing due to the dry champagne used. She tasted mine and enjoyed it as well. Mark returned and inquired about our experience. My sister requested to switch to the Hugo Spritz, and he agreed. However, he didn’t take the Mimosa with him and walked away. We noticed him attending to other tables, but he did not come back. By the time the rest of our group arrived, my sister still hadn’t received her new drink. I think it was the manager or a supervisor who walked by, and we asked about switching the drink since she didn’t like it. Within a minute, the bus girl delivered the Hugo Spritz. At that point, my sister and I had already finished our first drinks. Our waiter, Mark, did not check if we desired another round or if we liked the switched drink. We had to seek him out to get our second drink. We all placed our food orders: I chose lamb chops, my sister selected steak and eggs, two friends opted for spicy rigatoni, another friend requested gnocchi di Sorrento, my niece wanted pepperoni pizza (we asked for half pepperoni and half cheese; he said he’d send in the pepperoni and she could remove it from one side), and my brother ordered pancakes and meatballs. Meanwhile, we took photos and reveled in the ambiance. Eventually, our food was served, and my sister and I continued to attempt to get another drink (as we had bottomless). Our waiter was still nowhere in sight. We asked a bus girl who delivered our food if we could have a refill, and it felt like I was pleading with her. She had an unfriendly demeanor. Even my younger brother wondered why she was acting so unwelcoming. She brought a Sprite for my niece but still didn’t bring us drinks. I asked her again, and she told me to wait because our drinks were on the way (I don’t think it’s appropriate to speak to a guest like that at a restaurant, but okay). When our food came, it wasn’t very impressive. I have dined at both higher-end and more casual restaurants than Elia, which offered much better food. Again, we had to repeatedly ask for more drinks, to the point where our two-hour bottomless drink window closed, and he claimed he couldn’t tab it up. We wouldn’t have been bothered if Mark had been more attentive and done his job properly. Other larger parties were celebrating birthdays as well, receiving sprinkles and having other staff members sing and cheer for the birthday person. When it was my group’s turn, he simply placed two cakes on the table, and my party sang Happy Birthday. I wish our experience matched those of other parties. It seemed like larger groups received better treatment, and I was disappointed celebrating my birthday here. I should have paid more attention to reviews instead of trusting social media influencers, who often receive compensation for...

Elia on the River is a restaurant with great potential, especially given its beautiful riverside location. The setting is undeniably stunning, with serene views and a charming atmosphere. However, the experience fell short in several areas, which made our visit less enjoyable than we had hoped.

First, our waiter, Mark, was exceptional. He was attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to make us comfortable throughout the meal. At one point, he even moved an umbrella from a neighboring table to provide us some shade, which was a kind gesture. Sadly, this effort was met with criticism from the manager, Moe, who seemed more focused on reprimanding his staff than resolving customer issues.

Our primary complaint, though, was the lack of proper shade on the terrace. We were seated directly in the sun, and despite the fact that we made our reservation two days in advance, no one informed us that we'd be sitting in such an uncomfortable position. We spoke to Moe several times, but all he could offer was that they were "waiting for more umbrellas to be delivered." As a manager, it’s his job to ensure customers have a pleasant experience, and instead of finding a solution, he seemed dismissive and uninterested in accommodating us. For the price we paid, we expected a lot more attention to detail.

Speaking of price, the meal was extremely expensive, and unfortunately, not in line with the quality of food or service. Our party of 9 ended up spending over $1,000, which included a 20% service charge. Given that we were already paying a premium, we expected the experience to match it. Instead, we felt taken advantage of, especially when it came to the upselling of off-menu items. The push for higher-priced spirits, without full transparency about the cost, was frustrating. Plus, the fact that sodas don't come with refills, at such a high price, felt like another missed opportunity to deliver value.

In summary, Elia on the River has a beautiful location, a talented waiter, and some potential, but the poor management, lack of customer care, and overpriced menu left a sour taste. It’s unfortunate because with a little attention to detail and proper customer service, it could be a fantastic spot. As it stands, though, we won’t...

🌿✨ Dining in Paradise: My Unforgettable Experience at Elia Restaurant ✨🌿

From the moment I stepped into Elia, I knew I wasn’t just entering a restaurant — I was entering a world apart. The atmosphere was nothing short of magical — warm lighting that felt like a golden sunset, soft music that whispered through the air, and a decor that struck the perfect balance between elegance and serenity. It felt like dining in a Mediterranean paradise, where every detail — from the placement of a candle to the color of the walls — told a story of passion and craftsmanship.

The menu was a masterpiece on its own. Every dish felt thoughtfully created — rich in flavor, balanced in presentation, and filled with the kind of freshness that only comes from chefs who truly care about their art. From the first appetizer to the final bite of dessert, there wasn’t a single note off-key. It was an orchestra of taste, and every plate was tuned to perfection.

But what truly defined the experience — what made Elia go from “amazing” to “unforgettable” — was Florencia. She is, without exaggeration, the soul of this place. Her exceptional customer service went far beyond politeness or efficiency — it was pure hospitality in motion.

Florencia didn’t just take care of our table; she curated our evening. Her recommendations were spot-on, her timing impeccable, and her warmth genuine. She noticed small things — a refilled glass before we asked, a perfectly timed suggestion when we were deciding between dishes, and a smile that made every interaction feel personal and sincere. That kind of attention to detail can’t be trained — it’s who she is.

In a city full of restaurants competing for attention, Elia stands apart. It’s not just the décor (though it’s breathtaking) or the food (which is divine). It’s the feeling of being seen, welcomed, and valued. And that feeling has a name — Florencia.

If you want to experience what true dining hospitality feels like — not just great food, but genuine connection — then Elia is where you need to be. I walked out not just impressed, but grateful.

A must-visit gem — a rare combination of culinary brilliance, aesthetic perfection, and human...