Heavenly temptations

Casa Vigil, Upper Buena Vista

RESTAURANTS • First Word

The Skinny: Located in Upper Buena Vista, Miami’s Casa Vigil is the first North American outpost of the lauded Argentine restaurant, specializing in elevated, meat-forward dishes with Mediterranean influences.

The Vibe: The space is divided into three levels, inspired (as at the original) by Dante’s Divine Comedy. La Cava, the dark wood dining room, is centered on an impressive wine cellar, housing over 700 labels. A grand arch anchors the space. Outside, El Patio offers outdoor seating underneath a mural of the Virgin of Carrodilla, patron saint of vineyards. She can’t turn your water into wine, but she can turn your money into the restaurant’s 1999 Château Marguax ($1850 per). El Cielo, the rooftop terrace, is paradiso with a breeze and a glass of wine. 

The Food: Chef Cesar Gonzalez Aznar blends Argentine and Mediterranean cuisine in dishes like osso buco empanadas. The scallop tartare is another standout, dressed in ponzu, topped with tobiko roe and edible flowers. For entrees, the fideuà is an Argentine variation on paella, rich with veal cheeks and garlic aioli, while a New York strip a la parilla or a 45-day dry-aged prime ribeye satisfies fundamental Argentinian steakhouse requirements. 

The Drinks: Heavy on Argentine and European reds, the list is curated by the restaurant’s founder, Alejandro Vigil, aka the "Messi of wines." On the cocktail menu, the yerba mate evokes the Argentine tea tradition, with yerba mate-infused vodka, passionfruit, citrus, and orange flower water.

The Verdict: For a divine melding of Argentine and Mediterranean flavors, Casa Vigil is a welcome import. –Katelin Stecz

→ Casa Vigil (Upper Buena Vista) • 5020 NE 2nd Ave • Sun-Wed 12-10p, Thu-Sat 12-11p • Reserve • Photo: Ruth Kim