La Mar
Diego Oka, a talented apprentice of Gastón Acurio, manages the cuisine at La Mar. Oka often changes the menu based on his inspiration from travel and the changing seasons. His whims have given place to iconic dishes like the chicha morada beef, which is carefully cooked and seasoned with traditional Peruvian ingredients, and the tiradito bachiche, which is snapper delicately dressed in aged parmesan cheese.
Presentation is important at La Mar, not to be outdone by the restaurant's singular viewpoint. For example, arroz chaufa is brought tableside, steamed fish is unwrapped in front of you, and pisco sours are served with the restaurant's brand emblazoned on them, among other surprises.
- What is it? Gastón Acurio’s renowned Peruvian restaurant inside the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, where the supremely talented Diego Oka runs the show.
- Why we love it: It takes serious talent to skillfully execute the complicated raw dishes La Mar puts out daily, and chef Oka’s got it in droves. His precision and technique are on display in every ceviche and tiradito adorned by foams and edible flowers. La Mar’s waterfront patio is another sight for sore eyes, offering diners a 360-degree vista of Downtown and Brickell. Swoon.
- Time Out tip: Oka revamped the menu last fall after nearly two years, and he pulled no punches, adding instant favorites like a tuna tostada over a locally made blue corn tortilla and conchitas a la parmesana—plump jumbo scallops served on a nacre half-shell and drizzled with creamy aged parmesan cheese. And not quite new but new-to-us, La Mar’s ceviche bar is open for dining. Grab a seat and watch Oka and his talented team get to work on your meal.
Google Rating: 4.3/5.0
Address:500 Brickell Key DrMiami
Phone: 305-913-8358
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11:30am–3:30pm & 6–11pm; Sun noon–3:30pm & 6–11pm
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/fine-dining/la-mar-by-gaston-acurio
