Over-the-top Miami restaurants

The originality and stout flavors at some of Miami's restaurants make each meal an experience to anticipate; this holds especially true at Barton G’s and Azul. These are two fabulous restaurants perfect for celebrating a special occasion or creating a lasting vacation memory.


Azul (500 Brickell Key Drive): Since the opening of the Mandarin Oriental Miami, Azul has been heralded as one of the best restaurants in Miami. Chef Michelle Bernstein gained international recognition and put Azul on the map before starting her own ventures. Nowadays, Chef Clay Conley, keeps Azul at the top of its game. The seafood dishes are nothing less than spectacular -- the grouper ceviche robust and tart, softened with the taste of sweet potato; the soft-shell crab delicately fried and glazed; the yogurt marinated swordfish tender and succulent; the halibut sweet and light. Meanwhile the sommelier suggests phenomenal choices.


Barton G (1427 West Avenue): It’s Cirque de Palate at this bedazzling gastronomic circus. Each dish and drink offered at Barton G is uniquely delivered in a theatrical display -- from the swinging pendulum of Voodoo Shrimp to the slithering, flashing electronic fish accompanying the Flash Dance Grouper to the swordfish on a sword to the cotton candy dessert that resembles the wig of Marie-Antoinette. The ornate presentation stimulates all five senses in tandem, wowing audiences for this over-the-top dining experience. Gimmicks aside, the food itself merits attention for its robustness and innovative flavor sensations. The drink menu escalates mixology to a new level of imagination with the use of genuine vodka popsicles as alcoholic diffusers. Bring a camera and a huge appetite. Barton G. is a 5 minute walk from the Mondrian South Beach.


- Paul Rubio