Set the Scene
Housed in Coconut Grove’s iconic Mayfair House Hotel and Garden is the beautifully designed Mayfair Grill. Just steps from Cocowalk, yet tucked away on a quiet street, I loved how the restaurant spills out onto the sidewalk for al fresco dining. The restaurant often opens its glass windows to allow for breezy indoor dining. Paralleling the host stand is a curved bar with under-bar lighting and little UFO-looking lamps proportionally spaced along the bar. Copper-colored wood trimmings can be seen throughout the restaurant, providing comfort and sophistication.
The open kitchen is in the main dining area, showcasing the wood-fired grill that Mayfair Grill is known for. A cappuccino machine in the corner reminds guests of the restaurant’s Sunday brunch, the only day of the week they’re open before 5pm. I opted to sit in Mayfair’s other outdoor space, the hotel’s lush open-roof atrium. Between the fountains, the jungle-esque ambiance, and ability to see the stars and planets (I spotted Jupiter), I forgot I was in Miami.
What’s the Food Like?
Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli, an acclaimed chef from popular Miami establishments, has now brought his talents to Mayfair Grill. The menu isn’t extensive, which I honestly prefer. Short, sweet, and perfected. Every section, from starters to mains to dessert, has fewer than eight items. Vegetarians, pescetarians, and carnivore-lovers can rejoice, as there is something for everyone on this menu.
I started with the black truffle and potato croquetas with crème fraîche. With so much Cuban influence in Miami, croquetas are common menu items, but this one had a twist. They were tiny, the size of half of a finger, crispy on the outside, and creamy on the inside. I enjoyed dipping them in the crème fraîche. I quickly devoured them in less than five minutes.
I also ordered the wood-grilled dates as a starter since I had heard they were a fan favorite. As an Arab, dates have always been more than just food to me, they're a taste of home and nostalgia. The dates at Mayfair Grill caught my attention for their unique combination. Rather than wrapping bacon around them, they were made with whipped sheep’s milk cheese, hazelnut, and grape saba. It was a refreshing deviation from the classic dish.
As main dishes, I wanted to try a seafood dish cooked on the infamous grill as well as a pasta dish, okay, maybe two, because I’m a sucker for pasta. The wood-fired scallops were perfectly textured, neither rubbery nor meaty. The lobster ravioli was my favorite dish from the entire meal. The lobster was incredibly fresh inside squid ink ravioli and had a garlic scampi sauce, With coconut sorbet and key lime curd for dessert, it was a light and refreshing way to end such a satisfying dinner.
What Can We Expect From the Drinks?
Mayfair Grill has a complete list of wines and spirits, but I got the sense that the cocktails were not to be missed. I was excited to see a passion fruit spritz on the menu, another unique offering. For a passion fruit and an Aperol spritz lover, this was the perfect marriage of the two. Light and refreshing, and it kept me going for the entire meal. I did have a difficult time deciding between the cocktails, though. The King of Miami was my runner-up pick. It’s with tequila and mango liquor, another one I’d think would be a refreshing drink alongside a heavier meal. But also, Miami is warm all year round, so it’s never a bad idea to have a refreshing libation.
Final Thoughts
Mayfair Grill is an underrated spot in Coconut Grove with a lot of personality. Between outdoor dining, indoor dining, and dining in the open-air atrium, there is a variety of ambiance. It’s a great place for a date night or a special group occasion. In fact, there was a large engagement party while I was there. The new chef has made some great changes to the menu, and they offer a $55 three-course chef’s tasting menu with an optional $25 wine pairing. What a steal!
Fast Facts
Location: Coconut Grove - 3000 Florida Ave, Miami
Cuisine: American
Pricing: $$
Takes Reservations: Yes–via OpenTable
Our Favorite Drinks and Dishes on the Menu: Lobster Ravioli, Wood-Fired Scallops, Key Lime Sundae, Passion Fruit Spritz
The Attire: Smart casual
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 5-10:00 pm; Friday – Saturday: 5:00-11:00 pm; Sunday Brunch: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm; Happy Hour Tuesday – Friday: 5:00-7:00 pm. Mayfair Grill is closed Sunday night and all day Monday.
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