With Miami being one of the hottest destinations for the post pandemic public, Coconut Grove located on the bay just south of Brickel does not disappoint. With the revitalization of the Grove neighborhood, its new and trendy places are drawing crowds from across the globe. Amal Miami brings the finest in Lebanese cuisine to the newly restored location.
From the Hotel de Paris in Monaco opening a new Lebanese restaurant, it is no surprise that Amal’s grand opening, on Main Highway, which is the heart of the Grove, brings sophistication to the sunny city. A new worldly sense of culture and cuisine brings luxury in fine dining to Miami.
Chef Wissam Baki does not disappoint as his combination of traditional Lebanese spices with contemporary presentation allow for sharable plates that create the ultimate culinary vision. Having spent time in Kuwait, Lebanon, and across the Middle East, Baki understands the true combination of coastal flavors with fine herbs that allow for succulent taste found in some of his most noted dishes such as the Truffle Rakakat, a precise combination of crispy truffle cheese pastries drizzled in honey with mint and pistachio.
To start the evening in the 180-seat modern venue decorated with pastel pinks, tropical greenery and tiered bamboo lanterns, the trio dips are a must and do not disappoint. Made fresh, the fine flavors of the hummus, baba ghanoush, Muhmmara, a fire roasted red pepper dip, are accompanied by warm and freshly baked pita.
With a full menu of Lebanese favorite dishes which include several types of skewers like the “pistachio kebob” featuring minced beef and lamb seasoned to perfection with a house blend of spices, tastebuds will tingle. The menu has favorites for all including Black Cod with tahini, cilantro, pine nuts and lemon. Other dishes include jumbo grilled shrimp complemented by a carefully curated dipping sauce.
Not only does the venue and the menu transport one to a faraway land but the cocktails create a feeling of warmth for Lebanon. The Phantom Fortune, an Amal staple, combines Kettle one, Liquor 43, Pomegranate Grenadine, Lemon juice, vegan egg white and raspberry powder. With over seven signature cocktails, the drink menu uses infused passions to liquify the taste of Lebanon. Specialty drinks include flavors like Jallab Rose water syrup to Butterfly Pea Powder. Unique zests are experienced through taste to transport the restauranteur into an immersion of local Lebanese culture. In addition to cocktails a vast assortment of Lebanese wines can be found on the menu.
The team behind Byblos and Meet Dalia of Miami, Ink Entertainment, is known as Canada’s leading lifestyle and entertainment company. Founded by Charles Khabouth, the team brought Amal to Toronto before its takeover of Coconut Grove and they are not finished adding to Amal’s charm. At the end of the summer a new 5,000 square foot rooftop lounge will feature custom bamboo seating, a full-service bar and stunning views of Miami and Biscayne Bay. Hookahs will be available upon order and late-night relaxation with music will be the focus of the new night lounge.
Amal means hope and the ultra-sleek, cleanly modern and refreshing venue truly brings an optimism to not only Coconut Grove but all those who seek refuge through culinary experience. Amal creates a sense of hope in all those who seek to be stimulated by worldly culture and luxury.
