If you have ever been to Amelia’s 1931 in Miami, get ready for a new experience. Chef/restaurateur Eileen Andrade has transformed this once tiny Cuban-inspired diner into a sophisticated fine-dining experience featuring classic Latin flavors mixed with Asian influence.
The restaurant opened in 2017 as a small Cuban diner named after Andrade’s abuela.
After COVID-19 hit, she decided to take over the space next door (formerly a laundromat) and transformed the 50-seat restaurant. The original footprint which served as the main entrance is now the living room lounge. Today it seats close to 130. In a nod to its past, the hostess/reception area has the look and feel of a drycleaner, complete with a wall of cleaned and bagged clothes that serve as a curtain through which guests enter the dining room.
The menu, too, has changed. Small plates include Umami Butter Escargot with Cuban Bread Points and Col Morada (red cabbage) with Granny Smith apple, avocado, red onions and chives. The main menu offers several tempting treats such as Boniato Gnocchi with Rocoto Cream Sauce, Toasted Panko and Herbs or Steak Frites — grass-fed sirloin served with fries. The dessert menu tempts with Dirty Dee’s Peach Cobbler, Coconut Cheesecake with an Oreo Crust and a not-so-classic Cuban Timba (a snack made with guava paste and cream cheese on bread or crackers) made here with coconut cream cheese mousse, guava and a Maria cookie.
Amelia’s 1931 is located at 13601 S.W. 26th St., Miami. For more information, visit amelias1931.com.