Photos Courtesy Of Casa Neos
A well-dressed gentleman wearing white trousers, a navy blazer and suede loafers stood watch by the entrance, setting the tone for the dress code (“elegant chic”) and serving as my first clue that dining at Miami’s Casa Neos would be a memorable experience.
Palermo Cocktail
Lobster Pasta
Once inside, my guest and I were directed to an elevator leading to the main dining room. Casa Neos, situated along the Miami River, offers several experiences in an upscale, bohemian-luxe setting: the members-only MM Beach Club on the first floor, the restaurant on the second and the Casa Neos Rooftop above, reserved exclusively for private events.
All of it is wrapped in a Zen-like air of exclusivity and relaxation, with neutral tones, lush foliage and large windows overlooking the superyachts docked outside. Just as we sat down, our server greeted us with a warm smile and a polished explanation of the restaurant’s ethos: to be transported by the feeling of kairos, an ancient Greek word that Casa Neos defines as “being in the right place at the right time.”
It’s an easy message to embrace amid plush banquettes, attentive service and a serene waterfront view. Add to that freshly baked focaccia and the Solara, a signature cocktail featuring 818 Reposado Tequila, papaya, sesame and coriander bitters, and the night was already off to a strong start.
Self-described as “Mediterranean-inspired,” the expansive menu spans the coasts of Greece, Italy, Spain and beyond, with dishes like Hummus, Fritto Misto (calamari, prawns, turmeric-piquillo emulsion and lemon), Whole Seabream and 8 oz. Wagyu Beef Skirt Steak with Casa Neos spices and harissa mojo rojo.
Two tasting menus — Epicure and Gourmet — offer an assortment of popular dishes like Zucchini & Eggplant Chips, Pulpo Carpaccio, Spicy Yellowfin Tuna, Whole Branzino and Black Truffle Pasta.
Portions are small and meant to be shared. We began with the Casa Neos Mezze (a sampling of hummus, baba ghanoush, muhammara (red pepper spread topped with walnuts), served with crudités; Citrus Madai Snapper with charred blood orange, jalapeño, balsamic pearl and ponzu sauce; Black Truffle Arancini; and Carpaccio di Wagyu al PepeNero. The latter has the option of adding caviar.
There’s also a creative selection of sushi rolls with unexpected combinations that could easily stand alone as a meal. Take, for example, the Faroe Island Salmon with herb tabouli, preserved lemon and basil zhug; the Crispy Mushroom with enoki tempura, charred broccolini, coriander and mint; or the Paella Maki with shrimp, Ibérico chorizo, saffron and smoked pimentón aioli. We ordered their newest addition: A5 Wagyu ‘Aburi’ Maki with spiced salsa verde and white sesame sauce vierge.
Wagyu Ribeye
Faroe Island Salmon
If it’s fish you are craving, Florida Red Snapper, Whole Branzino and Faroe Island Salmon are among the options.
Meats include the Beef Tenderloin, Herb-Marinatinated 12 oz. Wagyu Ribeye and Australian Rack of Lamb with red pepper gremolata and fresh citrus. Sides include Sicilian Ratatouille, Crisp Patatas and Grilled Asparagus with ricotta, lemon zest, extra-virgin olive oil and Espelette pepper.
Our eyes, however, were drawn to the Pasta selection, where we spotted the Black Truffle Pasta (linguini, Parmigiano Reggiano, chives and shaved fresh black truffle) and the Lobster Pasta (grilled Maine lobster, spaghetti, San Marzano tomato, bisque emulsion and basil). Unable to choose, we ordered both — and were glad we did.
To end on a sweet note, the Gianduja Piemonte Panna Cotta arrived, layered with toasted coconut praline and caramelized gavotte crisp and topped with smoked vanilla gelato — the perfect, decadent finale to a luxurious meal. All that was missing was a moonlit sail on one of the yachts docked outside. Since that wasn’t an option, we settled for planning our next visit.
Casa Neos is located at 40 SW North River Dr., Miami. For more information, visit casa-neos.com.