UMA Cantina Peruana — Restaurant in North Miami Beach

Thank you Miami Spice!! If UMA didn't participate in this restaurant program we would never had known this gem was there on Biscayne just a couple of miles South of the Aventura Mall. So, we were going to try a different 3 course price fix lunch but that restaurant wasn't able to accommodate the Miami Spice special. We checked around and found a great offering at UMA. We gave them a call and they were cheery and quite welcoming. We headed over and though parking is limited, they quickly found us a spot and we strolled on in. Well, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming and beautifully designed. The finishes are tasteful and you immediately feel you are about to experience superior fine dining. Our server, Damian, was quite knowledgeable and very professional. For the Miami Spice prix fix menu we had two options for appetizers, 2 entrees and 2 desserts to choose from...since there were 2 of us, we had to try all 6 items. The most difficult part of this experience was deciding which of each we liked the best. The peruvian ceviche on top of a perfectly crispy tostone was delish as was the peruvian chicken dumpling. It was a split vote, one each. The entrees included an amazing new dish that we've never tried...a rice and bean crispy "patty" and succulent shrimp in a delish, tasty sauce. This was the fav entree of the table. Though the other entree was quite good, steak sliced thin and cooked medium, fresh fettucine and a delicious, subtle cream sauce that was quite intriquing with the added peruvian touch. Dessert was a real treat for us, since we don't normally indulge but when experiencing a Miami Spice 3 course meal, you must indulge. The Dulce Leche was fantastic with a spin of cinnamon to give it a unique and elevated flavor. Topping it wth toasted merinque brought it all home! The chocolate mousse was quite tasty, with wonderful peruvian whipped cream on top. Overall, for our first experience, UMA, gets the highest marks. We couldn't help but keep looking at the menu to see what we will be ordering the next time we visit. So many fabulous options. Thank you to Damian and all the fantastic staff, you made our first visit very memorable...

Uma

[ ] Unfortunately, my experience was not great at this restaurant. I had booked a reservation several days before today to ensure I would have a table inside where I would see the DJ playing tonight. A day later, I find in my inbox that they had cancelled my reservation and I immediately called to see why. When I called, I was shocked that the person that answered the phone only said “hello” and not the name of the restaurant or asking how she could help, I was confused because I had assumed I called the wrong number and I had to ask her if I was calling the restaurant. This should have been a red flag but I ignored it. When I asked her why they had cancelled my reservation she said that there was ongoing issues with OpenTable and that was why, I then asked her to put in my reservation in her own system and she kept insisting I sit in the terrace that the DJ would be both inside AND outside which is the main purpose why I decided to support this restaurant. I arrived to the restaurant and when I gave the host my name and was told that they ran out of tables and I had to stand at a high top to eat my dinner… I told her that was unacceptable and I made reservation several days prior to this event and she ended up finding a table for us. Nothing is more frustrating than waiting 30 min just to be served water (meanwhile mosquitos are viciously biting you) and then not being able to order food until an hour later after seating and receiving all your food before your drinks. The DJ was never outside (they just blatantly lied) and we had to approach several people just to be able to order and when we were given the check, no discount and automatic tip included. DISSAPOINTMENT. Would never recommend this place, you’re better off visiting Ceviche 105 or Aromas de Peru which are able to handle all parties and continuously provide great...

UMA Cantina Peruana offers a truly delightful dining experience, with a rich and flavorful menu that stands out for its authenticity and taste. The ambiance is equally impressive, featuring beautiful decor and tasteful tableware that complement the overall vibe of the restaurant. The attention to detail in both the atmosphere and presentation is clear, making it a visually appealing place to dine.

The service was top-notch as well, with our waitress being particularly attentive and dedicated, ensuring we felt well taken care of throughout the meal.

However, there was one major issue that significantly affected our experience: an overwhelming invasion of mosquitoes. It was truly hard to believe how many there were, and it made the dining experience very uncomfortable. The staff acknowledged the problem, apologizing for the situation, but despite this, we still paid full price, including a 20% service charge, to eat surrounded by mosquitoes non-stop. This is simply unacceptable for a restaurant of this level. It’s unfortunate, as the restaurant is new and has so much potential.

UMA should address this issue as soon as possible, as it detracts from the otherwise lovely experience. Additionally, they should consider compensating customers who make the sacrifice to dine in such conditions. It’s a shame, because the restaurant has everything else going for it, and resolving this issue would make it truly...