If beautiful views of Biscayne Bay and a stunning Asian interior by Tony Chi are what you seek, Azul at Mandarin Oriental Miami is here just for you. Azul has been the crown jewel of South Florida’s dining scene since it opened its doors December 2000 and was named one of “Top 50 Hotel Restaurants” for two consecutive years by Food & Wine magazine, as well as “Best New Restaurant in America 2001″ by Esquire. Azul’s opening helped position downtown Miami as a serious dining destination for savvy visitors.
Azul’s kitchen is helmed by Chef de Cuisine Joel Huff. Chef Huff honed his craft at Tydes Restaurant and Coral Café in Santa Barbara, and also served as Chef de Cuisine at Saam at The Bazaar by José Andrés in Beverly Hills.
Huff was Chef de Cuisine at Silks at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco, and as Sous Chef at Asiate in Mandarin Oriental, New York cooking French and Japanese influenced cuisine.
Chef Huff’s cuisine at Azul captures elements of modern European cuisine with American and Asian influences. Huff is a California native and studied at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, California.
A great deal of Azul’s charm is its captivating design. As guests enter, they pass the magnificent white marble-clad open kitchen, which encompasses the restaurant’s raw bar. Floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides treat diners to dramatic views of the Biscayne Bay and Miami skyline. In addition to the beautiful 120-seat dining room and several tables strewn across the outdoor terrace, Azul features a private dining table for 10, reached by crossing an interior footbridge. Beautiful lace metalwork, hardwood floors and pristine white linens help set the scene for one of Miami’s most acclaimed haute dining experiences.
Azul is located at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive. Dinner is served from 7pm to 11pm, Monday through Saturday. For reservations, call (305) 913 8358.