Semilla is the South Beach French Favorite That's Stood the Test of Time
13 years in South Beach is basically a human light year
South Beach restaurant years are beyond dog years. They’re like fruit fly years. Last a decade, and you’re a legend. Go beyond that, and you’re probably part vampire. Not that I’m accusing Semilla’s Fred Joulin of secretly sleeping in a crypt. But the chef/owner knows something about restaurant longevity that most people don’t, helming one of the best French restaurants in Miami since 2013.
The secret to Semilla’s success is a mix of great food, consistent service, and being the kind of place locals want to keep coming back. If you eat there once, Fred remembers you by name. He might even remember what kind of wine you drink. The prices are reasonable, the staff doesn’t turn over, and there’s not an ounce of pretension in the place – a seemingly impossible achievement when running a French restaurant.
The scene: Semilla sits at the line just above Brasserie, and just below gourmet French restaurant, with French photos and framed posters on the wall and a walk-in…
