Imagine stepping into a restaurant gilded in playful, modern lines with an aesthetic equally appealing in both the location and the plates. We’re talking about Le Jardinier, the stunning contemporary eatery drawing fans of design and exceptional cuisine since opening in the upscale, chic Wynwood neighborhood in 2019.
Designed by award-winning French architect Pierre-Yves Rochon, Le Jardinier sets a South Florida tone with its expansive 64-seat lush outdoor patio — a favored location long before the pandemic made eating outdoors de rigueur. Step inside and you’ll be transported to a futuristic scene of “The Jetsons,” if George Jetson had the budget for plush emerald-green chairs, unique light fixtures and a stunning vertical garden in tune with the name of the restaurant, which is French for “gardener.” Accents of green (like those gorgeous chairs) serve as an homage to the vegetable-driven food focusing on using the highest quality vegetables, seasonal ingredients and fresh herbs. An illuminated spiral staircase leads to L’Atelier, Le Jardinier’s sister restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine.
You may want to begin your experience at the bar. Sip signature cocktails like Let Me Talk To Ruben (a blend of various rums, banana, pineapple, spices, lemon and clarified milk), Fantage — tequila Blanco and mezcal infused with Espelette peppers, ginger, mandarina and black salt or the refreshing Rhubarb and Tonic (gin, dry vermouth, rhubarb cordial and tonic water) while relishing the stylish design. Circular accent lights behind glass shelving cast a warm glow over both coveted spirits and tidy plants, all against the backdrop of an onyx marble wall.
Those who suspect a vegetable-forward menu may fall short of a worthy culinary experience will quickly be proven wrong.
Under the extraordinary expertise of Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli the eatery’s culinary director and Chef de Cuisine Seth Blumenthal (from Alter fame) dishes like golden beets, red beet mostarda, goat cheese, granola and cocoa nibs instantly reveal the superior level of dining one embarks on at Le Jardinier. The menu changes frequently, relying on the seasonal availability and utmost fresh ingredients available.
Our lunch visit began with Sunchoke Veloute and Chips, (a sultry, rich soup served with maitake mushrooms and grilled winter apples,) and Burrata with Kabocha Mousse, Charred Kale and Almond Gremolata, accompanied by confit shallots and red wine poached apples. Main courses included Spelt Risotto with Mimolette (an aged cheese hailing from Lille, France), Winter Vegetables and Chips. Don’t pass up the option to add black truffle. The Tricolor Cauliflower salad with pickled raisins, crispy capers and Parmesan is not only beautiful but playful to the palate between varied textures and sweet and sour notes. Those craving protein can ask for grilled chicken to be added to the dish. Pescatarians will favor the fresh presentation of Le Jardinier’s Florida Mahi Mahi With Charred Scallion Soubisse and Leeks. The mellow sweetness of the sauce paired with the leeks serves as the ultimate complement to the perfectly cooked local fish.
Don’t be fooled: not all dishes are dainty. For those seeking big and bold flavors, the Housemade Cavatelli with Lamb Ragu and Variations Of Parsnip is an eloquent play of gamey meat, rich sauce and hearty parsnips. Teeter towards excess and add black truffle here as well. Bavette Au Jus with salsify, escarole, horseradish and turnips hits all the happy notes with steak fans. It all washes down nicely with a muscular Bordeaux, something Head Sommelier Henrique Castillo will be happy to guide you on.
Wrap the experience up with desserts like the Passionfruit Kumquat Tart — a delicate and delightful ode to tropical flavors and bright citrus — or the Exotic Coconut Mousse with soft salted caramel and raspberry sherbet.
Le Jardinier is located at 151 NE 41 St., Suite 135, Miami. For more information, call 305-402-9060 or visit lejardinier-miami.com.
