The restaurant issue
Momento by Ikaro, best power lunches, restaurants for a celebration, cuban coffee, pizzerias, waterfront restaurants, MORE
RESTAURANTS • First Word
Courtyard conviviality
The Skinny: Husband-and-wife team Iñaki Murua and Carolina Sánchez first made a name for themselves with Ikaro, a gastronaut destination in Logroño, Spain. This summer, they debuted their first U.S. venture, Momento by Ikaro, where they’re blending their native Spanish and Ecuadorian flavors in delightful harmony. The restaurant occupies a breezy indoor-outdoor space a few blocks from the Arsht Center downtown.
The Vibe: A cozy courtyard and warm lighting pair well with lots of wood, pops of azure, and greenery throughout. It’s all tied together by a stunning tiled bar. The lights dim after 9p, shifting the mood towards something more intimate. The largely open-air setup depends on good weather, so plan accordingly — but on the right night, it’s absolutely divine.
The Food: A blend of Spanish and Ecuadorian cuisine makes for some intriguing combinations. The starters steal the show. Among the three oyster preparations, the bivalves soaked in coconut ceviche sauce stood out — briny, tangy, and slightly sweet. And the tuna tartare with avocado and (tomato-based Andalusian sauce) salmorejo easily makes my top 10 dishes of the year — I’d return just for that.
Other highlights include the caramelized pepper with egg and potato purée, a riff on the classic Spanish tortilla, and the roasted cauliflower, which is marinated in neapia, a traditional Amazonian condiment made from cassava starch and chilies, and served in a slightly spicy brown butter sauce. The wood-fired lamb shoulder served alongside mint yogurt cream and roasted eggplant is a standout entrée..
The Drinks: Adding to the pantheon of espresso martinis, Momento’s Espresso Truffle-tini is made with tequila and truffle honey — and it’s amazing. The Tropical Heatwave is a bold, adventurous cousin of the margarita: a spicy, tart blend of jalapeño-infused tequila, mezcal, pineapple nectar, and yuzu.
The Verdict: Relaxed, fun, and tucked away from the downtown bustle, Momento is the ideal spot for a Miami winter’s day. –Katelin Stecz
→ Momento by Ikaro (Downtown) • 1306 N Miami Ave • Wed-Sat 5-11p • Reserve.
RESTAURANTS • The Nines
Power lunch
The Nines are FOUND's distilled lists of Miami’s best. Additions or subtractions? Hit reply or found@itsfoundmiami.com.
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