Profile: La Mar Restaurant in Miami – A Friendly Guide

La Mar by Gastón Acurio is a Peruvian restaurant located in Miami that offers a contemporary dining experience with a stunning view of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. The restaurant features the acclaimed Peruvian cuisine of celebrity chef Gastón Acurio and is known for its high-energy setting and dramatic water views.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio is a popular destination for group dining, as it offers the perfect location for celebrating with family and friends or hosting a corporate event. The restaurant has a spacious dining room and two expansive terraces overlooking the bay, providing guests with an unforgettable dining experience. The menu features a variety of Peruvian dishes, including ceviche, anticuchos, and lomo saltado, as well as a selection of cocktails and wines to complement the meal.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, La Mar by Gastón Acurio is a must-visit restaurant in Miami. With its stunning views, delicious food, and high-energy atmosphere, it’s no wonder why this restaurant has become one of the top dining destinations in the city.

History of La Mar Restaurant

Establishment

La Mar restaurant was established in Lima, Peru, 15 years ago by Gaston Acurio, a renowned Peruvian chef. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its authentic Peruvian cuisine, particularly its ceviches and tiraditos. Due to its success, La Mar expanded to other locations around the world, including Miami.

In 2014, La Mar opened its Miami location on Brickell Key, overlooking Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. The restaurant’s contemporary design and spectacular views quickly made it a popular dining destination.

Evolution Over the Years

Since its establishment, La Mar has evolved to incorporate new culinary trends and techniques while staying true to its Peruvian roots. Executive Chef Diego Oka has brought his own unique flair to the menu, incorporating Asian influences into traditional Peruvian dishes.

La Mar has also received numerous accolades over the years, including recognition from the Michelin Guide. Despite its success, the restaurant continues to innovate and push the boundaries of Peruvian cuisine, offering guests a truly memorable dining experience.

Overall, La Mar restaurant has a rich history of success and innovation, thanks to the vision of Gaston Acurio and the talent of its chefs. Today, it remains one of Miami’s most acclaimed and glamorous dining destinations.

Location and Ambiance

Geographic Location

La Mar by Gastón Acurio is located at 500 Brickell Key Drive in Miami, Florida. The restaurant is situated within the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Brickell Key is a man-made island located in the heart of Miami’s financial district, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists.

Interior Design

La Mar by Gastón Acurio boasts a contemporary dining room with a high-energy atmosphere. The interior design features a mix of modern and traditional Peruvian elements, including colorful textiles, intricate woodwork, and handmade pottery. The restaurant’s open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs at work, adding to the overall dining experience.

Outdoor Seating

In addition to the indoor dining room, La Mar by Gastón Acurio also offers two expansive terraces overlooking Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. The outdoor seating areas are perfect for those looking to enjoy their meal with a view. The restaurant’s outdoor seating is also pet-friendly, making it a great option for those with furry friends.

Overall, La Mar by Gastón Acurio offers a friendly and inviting atmosphere with stunning views of Miami’s skyline. Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner or a group celebration, the restaurant’s location and ambiance are sure to impress.

Menu Highlights

La Mar by Gastón Acurio is famous for its authentic Peruvian cuisine that is prepared with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes that are inspired by the traditional flavors of Peru, with a modern twist. Here are some of the highlights of the menu:

Signature Dishes

• Ceviche Mixto: This is one of the most popular dishes at La Mar. It is a delicious combination of grouper, shrimp, and octopus that is marinated in leche de tigre, a citrus-based marinade that gives the dish a tangy and refreshing flavor.
• Lomo Saltado: This is a classic Peruvian dish that consists of stir-fried beef tenderloin, onions, tomatoes, and French fries, served with rice. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for meat lovers.
• Arroz con Mariscos: This is a seafood rice dish that is made with a variety of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, and mussels, cooked with rice and vegetables in a flavorful broth. It is a filling and satisfying dish that is perfect for seafood lovers.

Beverage Selection

La Mar also offers an extensive beverage selection that includes a variety of cocktails, wines, and beers. Here are some of the highlights:

• Pisco Sour: This is a classic Peruvian cocktail that is made with pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters. It is a refreshing and tangy cocktail that is perfect for a hot day.
• Chicha Morada: This is a traditional Peruvian beverage that is made with purple corn, pineapple, cinnamon, and cloves. It is a sweet and refreshing drink that is perfect for those who want to try something new.
• Peruvian Beer: La Mar offers a variety of Peruvian beers, such as Cusqueña and Cristal, that are perfect for those who want to experience the flavors of Peru.

Overall, La Mar by Gastón Acurio is a must-visit restaurant for those who want to experience the authentic flavors of Peru in a modern and elegant setting.

Chef Profile

Head Chef

La Mar Miami’s head chef is Diego Oka, a talented and engaging young chef who started his career as an apprentice at Astrid y Gaston in Lima, Peru in 2000. Chef Oka has worked with Gastón Acurio for many years and has become an expert in Peruvian cuisine. He has a playful personality and a great sense of humor, which he brings to his cooking. Chef Oka is passionate about using fresh, local ingredients and creating dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning.

Kitchen Team

Chef Oka leads a team of skilled and experienced chefs in the La Mar Miami kitchen. Together, they work tirelessly to create dishes that showcase the best of Peruvian cuisine. The kitchen team is committed to using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients, and they take great care in preparing each dish with precision and attention to detail.

The kitchen team at La Mar Miami is known for their expertise in ceviche, a traditional Peruvian dish made with raw fish marinated in citrus juices. They also specialize in other Peruvian classics, such as lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), arroz con mariscos (seafood rice), and causa (a potato-based dish). The team is constantly experimenting with new ingredients and techniques, and they are always looking for ways to push the boundaries of Peruvian cuisine.

Overall, the kitchen team at La Mar Miami is dedicated to creating a dining experience that is both memorable and authentic. They take pride in their work and are committed to delivering the highest quality food and service to each and every guest.

Customer Experience

Service Quality

The service quality at La Mar by Gastón Acurio is exceptional. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and attentive. They make sure that all guests are comfortable and satisfied with their dining experience. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and are happy to make recommendations based on individual preferences. Additionally, the restaurant has a prompt and efficient valet service, which adds to the overall convenience of the experience.

Customer Reviews

La Mar by Gastón Acurio has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers. Many guests have praised the restaurant for its excellent food, beautiful views, and exceptional service. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on OpenTable and TripAdvisor, with many customers noting the high quality of the food and the attentive service. Some customers have also mentioned the romantic ambiance of the restaurant, making it an ideal spot for a date night or special occasion.

Overall, customers have had a fantastic experience at La Mar by Gastón Acurio. The combination of excellent food, beautiful views, and exceptional service makes for a memorable dining experience.

Awards and Recognitions

La Mar by Gastón Acurio has received numerous awards and recognitions since its opening in 2014. The restaurant has been praised for its exceptional Peruvian cuisine, stunning waterfront views, and excellent service. Here are some of the awards and recognitions that La Mar has received:

• Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Award: In 2023, La Mar by Gastón Acurio received the prestigious 5-Star award from Forbes Travel Guide. This award is given to only the best hotels, restaurants, and spas in the world, and La Mar is the only restaurant in Miami to receive this honor.
• Michelin Guide Recommended: La Mar by Gastón Acurio is recommended by the Michelin Guide, which is known for its rigorous selection process and high standards. The restaurant has been recognized for its exceptional cuisine, service, and atmosphere.
• Eater Miami Awards: La Mar by Gastón Acurio has been a finalist for several Eater Miami Awards, including Best Waterfront Restaurant and Best Peruvian Restaurant. These awards recognize the best restaurants in Miami and are highly respected in the food industry.
• OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award: La Mar by Gastón Acurio has been recognized with the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award, which is based on reviews from diners who have eaten at the restaurant. This award recognizes restaurants that consistently receive high ratings from diners.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio is proud to have received these awards and recognitions, and the restaurant continues to strive for excellence in all aspects of its operations. Whether you’re looking for exceptional Peruvian cuisine, stunning waterfront views, or excellent service, La Mar by Gastón Acurio is sure to exceed your expectations.

Community Involvement

La Mar by Gastón Acurio is not only a restaurant that serves delicious Peruvian cuisine but also a business that values community involvement. The restaurant has been involved in various initiatives that aim to give back to the community.

One of the initiatives that La Mar has been involved in is the Miami Rescue Mission. The restaurant has been donating food to the mission for years. The Miami Rescue Mission is a non-profit organization that provides shelter, food, and other services to the homeless. La Mar’s contribution to the mission has helped to provide meals for the homeless and has made a positive impact on the community.

La Mar also supports local farmers by sourcing ingredients from them. By doing so, the restaurant not only provides fresh and high-quality food to its customers but also supports the local economy. This practice aligns with La Mar’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Moreover, La Mar has been involved in fundraising events that support various causes. For example, the restaurant participated in the Taste of the Nation event, which raises funds to end childhood hunger in America. La Mar’s participation in such events shows its dedication to making a positive impact on society.

In summary, La Mar by Gastón Acurio is a restaurant that not only provides excellent food but also values community involvement. The restaurant’s commitment to giving back to the community through various initiatives has made a positive impact on society.

Future Plans

La Mar by Gastón Acurio has already established itself as a popular dining destination in Miami. However, the restaurant is not resting on its laurels and has some exciting plans for the future.

One of the most notable plans is the expansion of the restaurant’s outdoor dining area. With its stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline, the outdoor area is already a hit with diners. However, the restaurant plans to add more seating and create a more comfortable and inviting space for guests to enjoy their meals.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio is also looking to expand its menu. While the restaurant is already known for its Asian-Peruvian fusion cuisine and traditional seafood cebiche, the chefs are always experimenting with new flavors and dishes. Diners can expect to see new items added to the menu on a regular basis, showcasing the freshest and most innovative ingredients.

In addition to expanding the outdoor dining area and menu, La Mar by Gastón Acurio is also planning to host more events and special dinners. The restaurant has already hosted a series of craft beer dinners featuring local breweries, and diners can expect to see more unique dining experiences in the future.

Overall, La Mar by Gastón Acurio is committed to providing its guests with the best possible dining experience. With its stunning location, delicious food, and innovative chefs, the restaurant is sure to remain a top choice for diners in Miami for years to come.