Las’ Lap Is a Breath of Fresh Air on South Beach
Finally, a South Beach restaurant that isn’t sushi, steak, or Mediterranean on repeat
It’s not often we walk out of a new South Beach restaurant genuinely impressed, but here we are. Las’ Lap, the Miami offshoot of New York’s popular rum bar, lands with chef Kwame Onwuachi running the kitchen and delivers a modern Caribbean restaurant that feels fresh and new, not forced.
Onwuachi is one of the most decorated chefs to hit this city in years. He’s got the number one restaurant in New York, a movie in the works, and a Top Chef title under his belt. With that kind of résumé, expectations were sky-high. Luckily, the food backed it up.
The Space: The former Life House Hotel got a complete makeover. Inside, it’s all deep plum wallpaper, mirrors, and velvet banquettes stretching down the narrow dining room. Outside, the patio overlooks the Collins Canal and might be one of the nicest spots to eat on the beach right now. It’s breezy, lush, and covered in fans that actually work. So much breeze I had to move seats because I got cold. In Miami. Outside. That never happens.
What to Eat & Drink: The menu is short and smart, maybe a dozen dishes total. The Escovitch crab claws are a must, tangy with pickled onions and carrots, and just enough heat on the back end to wake you up. My husband’s allergic to crab, so I got the whole plate to myself — shoot, I sure do hate when that happens. The oxtail Cuban takes a sandwich we’ve all eaten a hundred times and makes it interesting again, layering tender oxtail on top with beef bacon and gherkins cutting through the richness. Lamb ribs fall apart at the touch of a fork. The Rasta Pasta bucatini does a Caribbean spin on clam pasta that somehow workse. The charred dorade, laid over coconut curry with shishito peppers and rice and peas, is a stunner that ties it all together.
Cocktails are strong, tropical, and creep up on you. Trust. The Smoke on the Water with mezcal, watermelon, and lime goes down too easy. Even the espresso martini gets a twist, served in a classic “We Are Happy to Serve You” cup as a cheeky nod to New York.
The crowd was a total mix. Think big Caribbean families, awkward double dates, hotel guests, locals who made the trip over. A DJ spun throwback hits that would make any elder Millennial excited. Everyone looked like they were having a good time.
Don't Miss: The Escovitch crab claws, oxtail Cuban, and charred dorade. Rum cocktails are mandatory.
Perfect For: Date nights that feel like mini vacations. Locals ready to give the beach another shot. Anyone who wants Caribbean food done right.
Expect to Pay: Around $80 to $100 per person with drinks.
How's the parking? The Daydrift Hotel valet is the easiest option, and for once, it’s worth it.
@laslapmiami // The Daydrift Hotel, 2216 Park Ave., Miami Beach