Live in Miami long enough, and you’ll start pining for the places that were. I sound like my mother visiting a new restaurant, waxing nostalgic about the ones that came before. It happened to me recently when I walked into the new Andaz Miami Beach (the former Thompson) on my way to Aguasal—José Andres’ new Spanish restaurant—where I half expected to find the same moody lighting and midcentury modern décor I last remembered. Instead, the refreshed lobby gave way to a coastal modern dining room lit in glowing amber. It was the best kind of surprise, Aguasal’s charm snapping me right back to the present.
The vibe: Earthy and modern in oak and teak furnishings with woven accents and lush tropical greenery grounding it all in Florida. Inside is hushed and intimate, ideal for small groups and dates, while outside feels more laid-back—think large parties, families and hotel guests grabbing a casual bite.
The food: The name Aguasal derives from the Spanish term for saltwater, so expect lots of seafood on the coastal Mediterranean menu. A few highlights include the whole snapper served two ways—crudo with preserved lemon dressing and fried with tarar sauce and zhoug. Mussels Saganaki and a dramatic chilled seafood platter also delivered. For the meat-and-potatoes crowd, there’s a perfectly cooked rack of lamb served alongside harissa carrots and eggplant puree, plus a hanger steak with Cypriot potatoes that our group really liked.
The drink: The Greek-leaning menu prominently features Mastiha, which is subtle enough for anyone with an anis aversion but still distinct if that’s your preferred profile. I recommend the Wild Thyme Daisy with tequila and mezcal and a dash of za’atar for a Mexico-meets-Middle-East moment.
Time Out tip: Don’t be afraid to brave a balmy night outside. The terrace is breezy, the bathrooms are close and outdoor tables get a view of the pool’s oculus windows, flooding the restaurant with natural light.