Photo by Craig Denis
Named after the Frenchman who rode alongside George Washington in the Revolutionary War, Lafayette Steakhouse is said to be inspired by the enduring bond between France and America. But step inside the sleek, seductive space in Brickell, and that history gives way to a setting that feels closer to the gilded glamour of a Jazz Age speakeasy than anything rooted in wartime restraint.
Parker Heritage Loaf
Photo by Lorenzo Franco
The restaurant is a study in maximalism, where sumptuous textures, moody hues and museum-worthy artworks create a space that feels both indulgent and immersive. A grand piano, dim lighting and a wraparound balcony lined with tables further heighten the clubby, after-dark allure.
Be sure to start with the Parker Heritage Loaf, which arrives piping hot alongside smoked, whipped butter blended with grain mustard and tarragon. Follow with favorites like Crispy Rice & Beef Tartare, Truffle Pizzeta and Crispy Blue Crab Croquetas. The Caesar Salad is prepared tableside, with generous slivers of anchovies to deliver that signature briny, umami-rich depth.
Crispy Rice & Beef Tartare
Photo by Lorenzo Franco
As good as the shareables are, there’s no mistaking that you come here for the steak.
From a delicate 8-ounce Filet Mignon to a perfectly marbled 16-ounce Boneless Ribeye, each cut arrives with a deeply caramelized crust from a proper sear. A trio of sauces — Au Poivre, Chimichurri and the house Lafayette Steak Sauce — are also available, while sides such as Pommes Frites and Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes, the latter made with French butter and fleur de sel, reveal the Gallic influence. Fish, whether Yuzu Chilean Sea Bass or Miso Glazed Salmon, shows the kitchen’s range beyond meat.
It’s practically mandatory for a steakhouse to serve a decent New York–style cheesecake, and Lafayette does that and then some. Large enough for two, it’s crowned with a tart red berry compote that pairs well with the creamy, silky center. For chocolate fans, there’s the Ultimate Lava Cake, a half-baked cookie with hazelnut praline and vanilla ice cream that is warm, rich and a comforting way to end the meal.
Butcher Special
Photo by Lorenzo Franco
A generous wine list is joined by well-made cocktails with playful names like California Dreaming, Light My Fire and Born To Be Wild, while classics like martinis hold their own.
Throughout the meal, the service is polished and attentive, with dishes arriving at a steady pace and friendly servers who know when to check in without hovering. And, while many spots in Miami at this level can come with steep price tags, the bill at Lafayette Steakhouse feels surprisingly reasonable, given the restaurant’s Brickell address. For example, the Butcher Special, a 34-ounce American Prime Tomahawk for two served with Parker House rolls, two sides and a signature sauce, is $150 — a deal that’s hard to beat. Come between 6 and 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and you can enjoy happy hour bites like the Lobster Roll, Truffle Croque Monsieur and Wagyu Beef Sliders, all $15 or less, along with $10 cocktails — a steal in this town.
Lafayette Steakhouse is located at 1111 S.W. 1st Ave., Miami. For more information, call 305-535-0065 or visit lafayette-miami.com.