Mandrake Miami Review – A Scrumptious & Sultry Experience
When you enter into Mandrake Miami you kind of feel like you should have frolicked in. This restaurant is like a euphoric fantasy setting with a sleek sexy AF aura enchanting you. We felt an Asian Alice in Wonderland vibe that we adored. Mandrake is a new restaurant-and-lounge from the owners of Kiki on the River. Mandrake Miami brings top notch modern Asian cuisine, high-energy vibe and sophisticated ambiance that the group has mastered with their various projects. Conceptualized by nightlife pro Roman Jones, Aris Nanos & Mark Lehmkuhl; who created the one-of-a-kind design, Mandrake is both an escape from the ordinary and a unique setting unseen on South Beach.
Comprised of multiple distinct spaces, the 5,000 square foot restaurant features a sushi bar, a formal dining room and a lush outdoor garden patio, making it a sincerely difficult choice as to where to sit for proper eyegasm maximization.
Walking through the turquoise-colored front doors adorned with antique Chinese door knockers feels like stepping into the covert underground hideaway of an Asian restaurant in a bustling metropolis. A life size gold statue of a gorilla greets guests at the main bar while teal-colored subway tiles and Chinese neon phrases adorn the wall. A sushi bar helmed by NOBU alums will churn out a menu of traditional sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls alongside Izakaya-style small plates.
There is a well-curated selection of sakes by the glass and bottles as well as a selection of Japanese beers; and of course, wine by the glass or bottle. Mandrake’s cocktail program pays homage to hip hop culture with named cocktails including the Future Hendricks (Hendricks Gin, St. Germain, Fresh cucumber, mint, matcha tea, lemon) and the Meek Dills (Belvedere Vodka, Soho lychee liquor, Fresh Dill, lime).
We also enjoyed the Duck Gyozas Pan seared with ponzu kaffir lime leaf & Eggplant & Shishito with Ginger miso sauce and over course gold flakes sprinkled atop. Mandrake has some superb sauces so ask your waiter to try their favorites.
Another winner is the Sake Nashi with Salmon, Asian pear & truffle salt!
In the main dining room, fresh nigiri and sashimi cuts flown in daily along will be offered alongside tempting maki rolls including Spicy Bluefin Tuna, Maine Lobster Tempura and the Mandrake Roll featuring crab, salmon, hamachi, blue fin tuna and a creamy jalapeno sauce. Small Izakaya-style plates will run the gamut from slow cooked Pork Belly (with achara sauce), Shrimp & Scallop Wontons (steamed with chili broth) and Duck Gyozas (pan seared with ponzu kaffir lime leaf). Larger main dishes include a Pan Seared Chicken (ginger soy sauce, edamame puree, baby corn), a Whole Fish Tempura (sweet & sour, ginger scallion sauce) and a Grilled 32-ounce Tomahawk Ribeye Steak (28-day dry aged with mustard seed sauce, gochujang sauce, rocoto negi sauce, shiso chimichurri sauce).
We loved our Mandrake experience! It was fun, sexy and we were dancing in our seats from the superb music. It is literally and figuratively an intoxicating experience!
Mandrake Miami is open for dinner six days a week, Monday – Saturday from 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. For reservations visit www.mandrakemiami.com or call (305) 397-8036
