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Florida’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant continues to wow long after the passing of its namesake chef. Located above Le Jardinier—up a long, circular staircase—the group’s other Miami restaurant, L’Atelier serves a refined French menu, available à la carte or as a tasting menu, with the latter being our preferred choice.
The food: The food is precious but substantial; a hundred tiny bites do add up and—with this being a French restaurant and all—the copious amounts of butter are sure to satiate. Technique drives the menu, with many of the proteins served atop intricate broths and delicate sauces—and you’ll see foam appear more than once. The care put into each preparation makes dishes like the heirloom tomato and roasted beet salad and the scallop with cilantro broth, coconut emulsion and calamari the best versions of themselves. Desserts exhibit the same extravagance but are a bit more playful, such as the glossy red mushroom set on a bed of crispy cocoa that’s actually a Black Forest crémeux.
The drink: Cocktails are complex and seasonal, featuring fresh ingredients and housemade syrups and flavorings. But the extensive wine program is where L’Atelier really shines, with an impressive selection of French wines by the glass and bottle, which the sommelier is happy to help you navigate.
The vibe: Upscale, elegant and buzzy, L’Atelier offers fine dining without the pretense. The moody, red-and-black color palette leans a bit nightclubby, while the high-tops and counter seating lend some casualness to the experience.
Time Out tip: Don’t be intimidated by L’Atelier’s accolades and tasting menus—dining here can be accessible. In the summer, take advantage of prix-fixe seasonal offerings as well as Miami Spice, which runs throughout August and September. At other times of year, sidle up to the counter and let your server create an à-la-carte experience, which they’ll be more than happy to do.