Nestled in the heart of Miami’s vibrant Brickell neighborhood, La Mar by Gastón Acurio offers an exquisite dining experience that takes guests on a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of Peru. The restaurant, created by renowned Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio, brings the authentic taste of Peru to Miami with an elevated twist. La Mar is known for its emphasis on ceviche, fresh seafood, and other signature dishes that showcase the rich, bold, and varied flavors of Peruvian cuisine.
With its stunning waterfront location, exceptional service, and an innovative menu, La Mar has become a sought-after destination for food lovers who want to experience the essence of Peru in the heart of Miami. This review will explore the restaurant’s atmosphere, food, drinks, service, and overall dining experience to help you understand why La Mar by Gastón Acurio is one of Miami’s finest dining spots.
Ambiance and Design: A Modern and Stylish Peruvian Oasis
From the moment you step into La Mar by Gastón Acurio, you are transported to a sophisticated and stylish space that reflects the vibrant and colorful essence of Peruvian culture. Located inside the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Brickell Key, La Mar offers a spectacular setting with breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay. The sleek, modern design of the restaurant blends Peruvian influences with contemporary flair, creating an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere that suits both casual dinners and special occasions.
The interior is elegant and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in an abundance of natural light and offer panoramic views of the Miami skyline and the bay. The design features elements that nod to Peru’s natural beauty, with touches of warm wood, vibrant colors, and handwoven textiles that bring the spirit of the Andean highlands and coastal Peru into the space. The spacious dining room is complemented by an outdoor terrace, where guests can dine al fresco while enjoying the warm Miami breeze and spectacular views.
The restaurant’s ambiance strikes the perfect balance between chic sophistication and relaxed elegance, making it ideal for everything from romantic dinners to lively group gatherings. Whether you are seated indoors or outdoors, La Mar creates a beautiful environment that enhances the dining experience.
Cuisine: A Celebration of Peruvian Flavors
At the heart of La Mar by Gastón Acurio is the celebration of Peruvian cuisine—a rich tapestry of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques that reflect the diversity of the country’s geography and cultural influences. From the Pacific coast to the Andes, Acurio’s menu showcases traditional dishes with modern interpretations that highlight the natural beauty of Peruvian ingredients.
Ceviche and Causa: The Stars of Peruvian Cuisine As one of the main attractions of La Mar, the Ceviche here is an absolute must-try. The restaurant offers a variety of ceviches, with the Ceviche Clásico being a signature dish. This traditional ceviche is made with fresh, high-quality fish marinated in a tangy citrus mix of lime and bitter orange juice, accompanied by Peruvian red onion, cilantro, and spicy chili peppers. The ceviche is served with crunchy corn kernels ( cancha), sweet potato, and lettuce for texture and balance. The dish is light, refreshing, and perfectly executed, showcasing the complexity and simplicity of Peruvian flavors.
Another standout ceviche option is the Ceviche de Atún, which includes tender tuna tossed with a variety of Peruvian herbs and sauces, creating a unique and mouthwatering variation of this classic dish.
The Causa Limeña is another signature dish that highlights Peru’s love for potatoes. This cold appetizer is made with mashed Peruvian yellow potatoes, avocado, and various fillings such as crab, shrimp, or tuna. The layers of creamy potatoes and fresh, delicate seafood flavors make for a refreshing and satisfying dish that is a quintessential part of Peruvian cuisine.
Pescado y Mariscos (Fish and Seafood): Fresh, Flavorful, and Exquisite Given its coastal influence, seafood plays a central role at La Mar, and the restaurant excels in offering a range of seafood dishes that are both creative and flavorful. One of the top choices on the menu is the Pargo Rojo (red snapper), which is expertly grilled and served with a flavorful chimichurri sauce and roasted vegetables. The fish is perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior, making it a standout dish.
Another crowd favorite is the Tiradito, which is similar to ceviche but with thinly sliced fish, typically served with an array of herbs and a spicy ají amarillo sauce. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish makes it both exciting and satisfying for seafood lovers.
If you’re craving a more substantial seafood experience, the Mariscos al Palo (grilled seafood) is a wonderful option. A variety of seafood such as octopus, shrimp, and scallops are grilled to perfection and served with a zesty herb sauce that enhances their natural flavors. The dish is simple yet bold, allowing the freshness of the seafood to shine.
Pachamanca and Asados: Peruvian Grilled Meats For meat lovers, La Mar offers traditional Peruvian dishes with a focus on bold flavors and unique preparation methods. Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian dish, involves slow-cooked meats (typically lamb or pork) that are seasoned with aromatic herbs and then cooked underground, creating a smoky, tender result. While Pachamanca isn’t a dish you find everywhere, La Mar does an outstanding job of bringing this Peruvian classic to life with incredible flavor.
Anticuchos, skewers of marinated meat, typically beef heart, are another Peruvian delicacy that appears on the menu at La Mar. The anticuchos are tender, flavorful, and served with a side of Peruvian corn and potatoes, adding authenticity to the dish.
Rice Dishes: A Fusion of Peru and Asia La Mar also features an innovative take on traditional Peruvian rice dishes, especially its Arroz con Mariscos (seafood rice). This comforting, flavorful dish combines rice with a medley of fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and rich spices. The restaurant takes a modern approach to this classic, incorporating Asian influences with bold flavors and unique ingredients, making it a standout dish for both Peruvian and Asian cuisine fans.
Drinks: Craft Cocktails and Classic Pisco
La Mar by Gastón Acurio boasts a carefully curated drink menu that emphasizes Peru’s most famous spirit, Pisco. The Pisco Sour is the restaurant’s signature cocktail and is a must-try for those new to this South American delicacy. Made with Pisco, egg white, lime, sugar, and bitters, the Pisco Sour is frothy, tart, and balanced, with a slight sweetness that makes it the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
For a more adventurous drink, try the Chilcano, another Peruvian cocktail made with Pisco, ginger ale, lime, and bitters. The drink is refreshing, slightly spicy, and ideal for those looking to explore the nuances of Peruvian flavors through cocktails.
La Mar also offers a selection of craft cocktails, wines, and cervezas (Peruvian beers) to complement your meal. The drink menu is thoughtfully designed to pair well with the fresh and vibrant flavors of the food, ensuring that each dish is complemented by the perfect drink.
Service: Attentive and Knowledgeable
The service at La Mar by Gastón Acurio is impeccable. The staff is friendly, professional, and attentive without being intrusive. They are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations or answer any questions you may have about the dishes or ingredients. The staff’s expertise ensures that guests have an informative and enjoyable dining experience, as they guide you through the intricacies of Peruvian cuisine.
The pacing of the meal is also well-managed, with each course arriving at the right time, allowing guests to savor the flavors without feeling rushed. Additionally, the restaurant is able to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences with ease, ensuring that every guest feels taken care of.
Pricing and Accessibility: Upscale Dining with Value
Given its location at the Mandarin Oriental and the level of cuisine, the pricing at La Mar by Gastón Acurio is on the higher end of the spectrum, but it offers good value for the quality and experience. Appetizers such as ceviches and causas range from $15 to $30, while main courses such as seafood and grilled meats range from $30 to $50. For those looking to indulge in a truly luxurious experience, La Mar also offers tasting menus, which allow guests to sample a range of dishes for a more premium experience.
For a fine dining restaurant in Miami with stunning views, exceptional service, and innovative food, the pricing is quite reasonable, especially considering the freshness and quality of the ingredients used. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option in Miami, the experience at La Mar is well worth the investment for those looking for an extraordinary culinary journey.
Why La Mar by Gastón Acurio Stands Out
La Mar by Gastón Acurio stands out not only for its commitment to presenting the best of Peruvian cuisine but also for how it elevates these dishes with refined techniques and modern interpretations. The combination of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and beautiful presentation, along with its unbeatable location by the water, makes it a must-visit destination in Miami. Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable seafood experience, exploring Peruvian flavors for the first time, or simply enjoying the views, La Mar offers a dining experience that delights all the senses.
Final Verdict and Rating
La Mar by Gastón Acurio delivers an exceptional dining experience in Miami, capturing the rich flavors of Peru with style and sophistication. The combination of stunning views, inventive cuisine, and flawless service makes it one of the top fine dining spots in the city.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
La Mar is a standout choice for anyone looking to experience the best of Peruvian cuisine in Miami. The bold flavors, stunning presentation, and elegant ambiance, along with the top-notch service, make it a top destination for special occasions, business dinners, or anyone craving a sophisticated culinary adventure.