Miami Didn’t Need Another Hotel Restaurant. Then José Andrés Showed Up
José Andrés plants Aguasal at the Andaz with crudo, lamb chops, and a zucchini soup worth ordering twice
José Andrés is back in Miami Beach and he didn’t come quietly. His new restaurant Aguasal just opened inside the Andaz, with Bar Centro upstairs and the Bazaar set to follow soon. Translation: mid-beach is suddenly a place you’ll actually want to eat.
The Space: If you’ve been eating in Miami a while, the room might look familiar. Back when the hotel was The Confidante, this was Michelle Bernstein’s Seagrape, then Bird & Bone. Walking in gives a little flashback, but the redesign matches the new Andaz vibe. Teak furniture, stone floors, and plenty of greenery make it feel fresher and more coastal than before, with a terrace that begs for a long dinner and prime people watching.
What to Eat & Drink: We started with the snapper crudo, which was ridiculously fresh. The beef tartare was another standout, served with little lettuce leaves so you can build your own bites. The zucchini soup is the sleeper hit of the menu and honestly the dish everyone should order. My friend loved it so much she made the whole table get their own bowls. For mains, the lamb chops are perfectly roasted and fall into the “don’t share, get your own” category. The harissa-glazed carrots deserve equal billing. And if you’re rolling deep, the tomahawk is the way to go: It’s huge, delicious, and perfect for a group. Desserts are playful, with interactive touches that end things on a high note.
Don't Miss: Go upstairs. Bar Centro’s cocktails are theatrical and delicious, and if you’re chasing an Instagram moment, this is where you’ll find it.
Perfect For: A dinner that feels like a treat but won’t leave you rolling your eyes at the scene. Showing off José Andrés to someone who’s still telling stories about the Bazaar’s liquid olives.
Expect to Pay: Dinner lands in the $80 to $110 range per person, unless you spring for the tomahawk, which feeds a group and clocks in at $150. Cocktails upstairs hover in the high teens.
How's the parking? It’s a Miami Beach hotel, so valet or rideshare unless you enjoy circling Collins until you lose your will to live.
@aguasalmiami // Aguasal inside the Andaz Miami Beach, 4041 Collins Avenue, Mid Beach