Getting Shady at La Sombra Restaurant & Lounge

Collins Ave hosts many worthy cafes, restaurants, and places worth visiting for a bite. Just this year, at the courtyard of the Fairwinds Hotel opened one of my new favorites. La Sombra Restaurant & Lounge brings a shady oasis with scrumptious fare and drinks to South Beach. The lush tropical ambiance offering a escape from the bustling scene. Plants hang and palms sway above, and at dusk the twinkling lights come on for added romance.

Sips

The bar’s backdrop is a mural that also displays gorgeous botanical scenery, and makes quite the “IG shot”, though the whole place is picture-worthy. Even the Alcoholic Cocktails, like the Tropical ( Bacardi, Pineapple Juice, Banana & Passionfruit Purée) served in a glass resembling a pineapple. We also couldn’t help but take a few pics of the Sombra‘s glorious ombre color before sipping it down. This nectarous coconut-mango blend is a Miami summer refreshing dream. They also serve wine, beer, and virgin cocktails like the Blackberry Ginger Splash.

Eats

Or indulge in a breezy lunch/dinner with a varied menu featuring land, sea, and veggie items. Divided into small plates, main courses, salads, and burgers/sandwiches, the many options and shareable bites have something to offer everyone and makes a great choice for groups. I specially love the diverse cultural influence, with choices like exotic Pad Thai, Italian-inspired Garlic Fettuccini Pasta, even America’s beloved Cheeseburger. Also setting out to fulfill those plant-based with a Homemade Vegetarian Burger.

Menu Highlights

Ceviche

( Daily local catch, jicama, mango, pineapple, cilantro, red onions, Serrano peppers in a passionfruit tiger milk & toasted hominy kernels) La Sombra gives this refreshing classic a fruity twist. The fresh morsels of fish soaking up the tropical sweetness. My friend normally doesn’t do seafood because she finds it chewy. Fortunately, I can’t relate. But unfortunately for me, she actually found the texture here acceptable so I had to share…

Truffle Mac & Cheese

( Orrechiete Pasta in a Three-Cheese Sauce and Black Truffle Oil) Some save the best for last, but I won’t do that to you. I waited too long before finding this edible masterpiece, and you deserve better. You deserve to bite into rich, yet not-too-heavy goodness. And though I’m an absolute cheese monster, there’s nothing I hate more than a dish that is so overpowered by it, that none of the other flavors come through. This Mac actually had the right amount of cheesy creaminess while highlighting the nuttiness from the Truffle Oil.

Hungry for more multi-cultural food and lush scenery? Check out our review of Vista by clicking here.

Hummus & Pita

Made from scratch and accompanied by char-grilled pita bread and Kalamata Olives. This vegetarian plate is perfect for the whole table to snack on. Though my love of hummus runs deep and this has been my go to “at-home post-workout reward”, here it tastes creamier, fresher and just the right amount of tangy.

Local Catch

( Daily fresh catch of the day, in a Bercy sauce, accompanied with Cauliflower- Fennel Puree & Charred Rapini ) The daily catch was Branzino. The sauce was amazing, but the slightly flaky meat stands out on its own. Though perhaps the most impressive taste for me was the Fennel Purée. Making sure I got some of the savory mash and delicate fish in each bite.

Sweets

We shared La Sombra Chocolat Fondant ( Valrhona Chocolate, Caramel Pecans, Vanilla Ice Cream). I still can’t believe this dessert similar to a lava cake, is completely gluten-free. But we drew the line with the Creme Brûlée. Each ordering, finishing, and breaking the caramelized crusts of our own! There’s also Nutella Creme Puffs so make sure to leave room for some suga’.

La Sombra offers exceptional programming including Happy Hour everyday from 5PM to 7PM and open bar on Monday through Wednesday from 7PM to 9PM for $20 per person. Guests can enjoy Live Music starting on Thursday nights. On Fridays and Saturdays, La Sombra offers Complimentary Drinks for Ladies from 8PM to 9PM. Finish the weekend with 90s movie night starting at 8PM on Sundays.