Motek Brickell — Restaurant in Miami

I was drawn to Motek by its beautifully curated decor, reminiscent of a modern and elegant Greek island, which I had seen featured in reviews on social media. Being of Italian descent, I was curious to try their Mediterranean cuisine. We dined as a family—my wife, our 12- and 13-year-old children, and our dog, appreciating that the restaurant is dog-friendly.

However, our experience was far from satisfying. Visiting on Sunday, December 29th, the restaurant and Brickell City Center were extremely crowded, but we managed to get a table as walk-ins. Unfortunately, their policy of accepting all walk-ins seems to have contributed to the chaos. The atmosphere was overwhelming, with deafening music more suited to a nightclub than a supposedly elegant Mediterranean-themed restaurant.

The service was disappointing, with young, inexperienced waitstaff. The food was even more disappointing—it bore no resemblance to true Mediterranean cuisine but was instead a mix of fast-food-style dishes with sauces and ingredients akin to kebabs.

As soon as we were seated, we were asked if we wanted water. I requested a bottle of still water, only to be told they had run out! How can a restaurant run out of water? We had to settle for tap water, which felt unacceptable for a restaurant charging $90 per dish.

When ordering, my wife wanted salmon, but they were out of that too. We settled for alternative recommendations from the waiter. I requested a Sancerre wine priced at $75, but that was unavailable as well. The waiter pointed to a Greek wine as a “good alternative” priced at $70, so I agreed.

Dessert was disappointing, served in a generic store-bought container, which was far from the quality I expected.

When the bill arrived, I noticed a mandatory 20% service charge, with no option to adjust it. They don’t accept cash, and the payment terminal even prompted for an additional tip on top of the 20%, which felt misleading if you weren’t careful to read the fine print. To top it off, the wine the waiter recommended was charged at $120 instead of $70.

I pointed this out to the waiter, Michael, who spoke with the manager—a bald, muscular man—who began yelling at the waiter. I intervened to de-escalate and explained that while I could afford the most expensive wine, I was dissatisfied with the overall experience. The manager sarcastically joked that they’d assign a different waiter next time, implying incompetence, but offered no resolution—not even a complimentary dessert.

I paid the full bill and left, vowing never to return. I do not recommend this restaurant to anyone. It is overpriced, chaotic, and lacks authentic...

We work in the shopping center and were looking forward to the restaurant opening. We really missed having good Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine here. Especially since I had been to the Coral Gables location and was completely satisfied with the quality of the food there.

Motek in Brickell City Centre turned out to be a complete disappointment. I read the comments, and it felt like we were in different places from the commentators. Starting with the hostess, I had a bad impression from the first visit; she was rude and completely uninformed about anything. I decided not to dwell on it, thinking that the place had just opened.

Yesterday, a colleague and I decided to have dinner there. We were incredibly hungry and wanted a good kebab or steak. The unpleasant experience began at the entrance, the hostess seemed like she was from another planet. Despite several available tables, we explained where we wanted to sit, but she tried to seat us at the bar. Then the waiter - we repeated the menu four times, as she kept writing "ris" instead of "fries."

Then some kind of mix-up started; my dish was sent to the neighboring table. They joked that they had good news for me – the diners at the next table liked my dish, so they decided to keep it, and I would have to wait. Again, I wanted to overlook it because they had just opened.

However, the food quality was appalling. Poor-quality meat, a small piece of tomato, and one hot pepper instead of grilled vegetables in the kebab. I even found a bone in the kebab; I was scared, thinking I might have broken a tooth. Of course, I reported it to the manager. They said they wouldn't charge for that kebab.

But the thing is, I came hungry for a good experience because of the delicious food. The food was terrible, and so was the service. I do not recommend it. I understand that the place just opened, but I don't believe it will get better. Neither I nor my team will go...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Hidden Gem with the BEST Happy Hour in Miami

I’ve found the ultimate happy hour paradise right in the heart of Brickell City Center at Motek.

Let’s cut to the chase: their happy hour is nothing short of legendary. I’m talking amazing, spectacular drinks and delicious food for just $5! Yes, you read that correctly. In a neighborhood where a soda can cost you $8, Motek is a breath of fresh, affordable, and incredibly tasty air.

We tried a variety of their happy hour bites, and each one was a flavor explosion. The crispy, golden falafel and the creamy, smoky baba ghanoush with warm pita were absolute standouts. It’s not just bar snacks; it’s genuinely delicious food that feels like a full culinary experience.

But the real stars of the show are the espectacular drinks. Their $5 cocktail menu is creative and strong—no skimping here! The passionfruit mojito was refreshingly tangy, and the Arak-based cocktail offered a unique and delightful twist. You simply cannot find this quality for this price anywhere else in Brickell.

Beyond the incredible value, the service was fantastic. The entire team was attentive and friendly, but we were especially impressed when the manager, Dayan, stopped by our table. He didn’t just check in; he took a moment to passionately explain the restaurant's history and concept. Hearing about the inspiration behind Motek’s modern Mediterranean dishes and their commitment to vibrant flavors made the experience so much more meaningful. It’s clear that this is a place run with pride and a love for sharing their culture.

If you’re looking for a spot with a lively atmosphere, unbeatable prices, and food and drinks that will blow you away, look no further. Motek has earned a loyal customer in me. Do yourself a favor and...