Amid the dark and steely palette of the high-rise buildings on Downtown Miami’s Brickell Avenue, a new restaurant is adding a sun-kissed, inviting — and very delicious — vibe. Claudie, the latest hit from Riviera Dining Group (the powerhouse behind Mila and Casa Neos, among others), embodies the group’s dedication to blending lifestyle and hospitality — this time with a focus on the South of France.
Photos by RUBEN PICTURES
Hemingway’s Hilltop
Diners can begin the journey to the French Riviera on the expansive patio encased in lush greenery, comfy seating and a multitiered fountain at its center, evoking a plaza in a charming European town. I visited at the peak of summertime, when the weather hovered close to triple digits, so I opted to dine inside, but I made a mental note to return when the weather cools off.
Inside, the restaurant glows with a golden light, as an army of young servers dressed in black zip around, making sure every table’s needs are met. A dazzling bar shimmers like a mirage on one end, while on the other, the open kitchen showcases French-inspired dishes that live up to the restaurant’s buzz.
Guiding the kitchen’s vision is Riviera Dining Group Head of Culinary Chef Michaël Michaelidis. If his name sounds familiar, that’s because he’s worked at top fine dining establishments such as Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse and Joël Robuchon. Inspired by Chef Roger Vergé, he has crafted a menu that combines the charm of Côte d’Azur with Miami’s see-and-be-seen energy.
Truffle Toupie Macaroni
Begin with a cocktail. Lured by the name, I chose Hemingway’s Hilltop, an earthy drink that includes Rémy Martin 1738, Calvados, Bénédictine, red berries, vermouth, porcini mushrooms, grape skins and almonds. It was woodsy and not too sweet, the kind of drink I could easily picture the famed novelist sipping while typing one of his masterpieces.
The amuse-bouche, a mint-colored liquid in a shot glass, arrived as a sultry singer began weaving her way between the tables, trailed by a guitarist and a roaming percussionist, so I missed the description. Still, I caught refreshing notes of cucumber and diced apple that made it irresistible. Warm, crusty baguette slices arrived just as our server reappeared clasping a bundle of fresh sage and thyme. She dutifully clipped the sprigs with scissors onto a dipping plate, then doused them in extra virgin olive oil — a beautifully fragrant tableside ritual that emphasized the freshness and flair of the approach.
Appetizers are plentiful: Marinated Sweet Bell Peppers with smoked paprika oil, Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho with basil foam and Black Angus Beef Tartare served with pommes gaufrette — thin, waffle-patterned potato crisps that practically melt in your mouth. A section wholly dedicated to raw seafood showcases a Branzino Carpaccio made with lemon, fennel and fresh tarragon — a refreshing new take on a fish so often served cooked at restaurants.
Also featured is a 4 oz. Burrata Di Puglia with fig, tomato and basil oil and Fried Mediterranean Squids with tartare sauce and Espelette pepper, a mildly spicy chili pepper from southwestern France. Traditionalists will enjoy Claudie’s Escargots: six tender morsels that arrive in their shells bathed in Burgundy, garlic and parsley butter — an irresistible sauce to soak up with the crusty baguette.
In true South of France fashion, an entire section of the menu is dedicated to fruits de mer, beginning with Ice Chilled Oysters (East and West Coast), Manila Clams, Large Prawns or — for those having a hard time deciding — the Plateau De Fruits De Mer, which offers a selection of everything. Petrossian Caviar with warm blinis is available to those possessing the mindset and budget to fully embrace the Riviera lifestyle.
Guanaja 70% Chocolate Mousse
It would have been easy to leave — and leave satiated — at this point. But the menu is simply too tempting, the ambience too inviting and the wines every bit as memorable as the cocktails that kicked off the meal. My guest and I forged ahead, opting for Cavalieri Rigatoni Pasta, served with lemon cream and a generous dollop of caviar, and the 12 oz. Entrecôte Wagyu & Frites. If that doesn’t feel like enough beef, there’s also a 50 oz. Wagyu Porter House and a 32 oz. Australian Wagyu Tomahawk. Sides like Sautéed Seasonal Mushrooms, Provençal Saffron Rice and Truffle Pomme Purée pair nicely.
Those craving fish for the main course will find an international selection that reads like a United Nations roll call: salmon from the Faroe Islands, loup de mer from Greece, Dover sole from France and grilled daurade royale from Spain.
All are prepared on the restaurant’s oakwood open grill. If steak or fish aren’t your fancy, the Roasted Chicken Supreme or Rack of Lamb hit the mark. Both are made with the same meticulous care showcased in the other menu items.
By this point in the meal, it’s clear that Claudie revels in indulgence. What better way to do so than to end with an array of formidable desserts? Our table enjoyed the Guanaja 70% Chocolate Mousse, which arrived like a fortress ringed with delicate chocolate sticks — perfect for dipping into the rich center. The Sicilian Pistachio Ice Cream is a towering swirl of creamy delight sprinkled with golden praline, Etna olive oil and tiny edible flowers. It easily serves four, but my guest and I happily rose to the challenge, eating swiftly before it toppled over.
Claudie has personality to spare. It’s gorgeous, excessive in all the right ways and ideal for impressing out-of-towners, romancing a date or simply treating yourself because you can. There’s no question it’s a splurge — but one worth every bite.
Claudie is located at 1101 Brickell Ave., S-113, Miami. For more information, call 305-990-1101 or visit claudierestaurant.com.