Ariete*
- Kira Jabri
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Miami, FL
March 26th, 2026
On our final stop on the second leg of our self-created (and still not sponsored 😊) Jabri Restaurant Week, we knew it had to be one of our favorite places in Miami, Ariete. Tucked into Coconut Grove, this Cuban-American concept layered with French technique never disappoints and continues to be a place we return to time and time again.
There are so many dishes we love here, but this time we decided to go with the tasting menu so we could experience a little more of everything (and never go to Ariete without the wine pairing). They were kind enough to let us try a new preparation of foie gras, and it was one of the most memorable bites of the night. Truly unlike anything we’ve had before a Cuban-inspired foie gras that felt completely unique to Ariete. The foie gras plantain canelé with duck fat maduro and sour orange caramel was layered, balanced, and just memorable. Another standout was the tamal with braised rabbit, corn velouté, and spring onion, just wow.
We love Ariete not just for the food, but for how it makes you feel. It’s the kind of restaurant where you can show up elevated casual or a bit more dressed up, and it all works. The service is consistently warm, friendly, and polished without ever feeling overdone. And Adrian Lopez, is simply one of the best sommeliers. Every time we visit, we walk away having learned a million new things about wine and sake.
The only disappointment of the night wasn’t what we had, rather, it was what we didn’t. We still haven’t experienced the duck press. As non-locals, we always find ourselves choosing between the menu and committing to the duck, and somehow the menu keeps winning. That said, watching the tableside duck press is an experience in itself, one we’ve now postponed more than once. Maybe next time… and perhaps Carmine will stage???
November 2nd, 2025
We often find ourselves in the same delightful dilemma when revisiting cities we don’t frequent often: do we return to a restaurant we’ve loved or try something new? Miami, in particular, always tempts us with both. Fortunately, we’ve learned that balance, the blend of discovering new places while returning to old favorites, is what makes our Jabri Fine Dining journey so rewarding.
Ariete is one of those restaurants we simply can’t skip when we’re in Miami. Each visit teaches us something new, reminding us why Chef Michael Beltran’s Cuban-inspired cuisine, refined through French technique, continues to evolve in exciting ways. The service remains outstanding warm, attentive, and perfectly in tune with the food.
This time, we chose the tasting menu and couldn’t resist adding one of the evening’s specials: the Enchiloob Pasta—pappardelle stuffed with Key West shrimp in an enchilada sauce. Having never encountered a stuffed pappardelle before, curiosity got the best of us. Channeling our inner Ruth Reichl (Kira finished Comfort me with Apples on the plane), we’d describe it as a luxurious seafood pasta cloaked in the spice and soul of a comforting enchilada. Fun, unexpected, and absolutely memorable.
The menu opened with grilled oysters whose aroma alone could be bottled and sold as perfume. These weren’t dualing oysters but companions, one topped with uni butter and parmesan-lime breadcrumbs, the other with bone marrow, herb oil, and scallion powder. Both were exceptional, sparking a lively family debate over which one reigned supreme. We were a house divided.
Ariete’s tasting menu offers just the right amount of adventure and just the right amount of food. Each course feels thoughtfully composed, balancing flavor and texture without ever becoming heavy. It’s the kind of menu that keeps you excited for what’s next, with each dish showcasing a distinct creative twist rooted in the restaurant’s Cuban-French identity.
Dessert at Ariete is never an afterthought. A trio of sweets arrived: Candy Cap Flan, Mamey, and Corn Affogato. Emma was treated to her own alcohol-free version, and in true family fashion, we accidentally broke protocol when Carmine poured the espresso sauce over the wrong dessert. It was meant for the affogato, not the flan, but the happy mistake turned out to be delicious. Perhaps we’ll see our version on the menu someday.
When in Miami, for food that surprises, service that delights, and hospitality that never wavers. Ariete remains a must.
March 27th, 2025
We hadn’t planned on discovering one of Miami’s most impressive dining experiences. Tucked in the heart of the charming Coconut Grove neighborhood, Ariete wasn’t on the itinerary. But after deciding to skip back-to-back French meals, we made a last-minute switch, and it turned out to be nothing short of extraordinary.
From the moment we stepped inside, it was clear that Chef Michael Beltran had created something truly special. Ariete isn’t just about beautiful plates and elevated flavors, it’s about precision, passion, and a team that operates in perfect sync. From the thoughtful service to the impeccable execution, everything felt two-Michelin-star worthy. Although Ariete has proudly maintained its one-star status for the past three years, we all left saying the same thing: this place deserves a second star.
Ariete offers two tasting menu experiences. After enjoying their Ossetra Caviar with crème fraîche and boniato blinis, we opted for the Versos Clásicos, paired with the reserve wine pairing—and were blown away by the creativity, depth, and seamless flow of each course.
Versos Clásicos
GRILLED OYSTERS
bone marrow, chive | uni butter, parmesan
CRUDO
baja kampachi, local star fruit, jimmy nardello relish
THE FARMER
seasonal vegetables, goat cheese espuma, pepita soil
FOIE GRAS
sour orange temptation caramel, plantain pavé, cocoa nibs
VENISON
truffle twice-baked potatoes, foie gras sauce Diane, wild mushrooms
FLAN
candy cap mushroom, sambuca crema, coffee crumble
We can't recommend the wine pairing highly enough. We were fortunate to meet Adrian Lopez, Wine Director of the Ariete Hospitality Group, whose perfectly curated pairings elevated the entire experience. His knowledge and passion added another layer to the evening, and we even tried sake from a Masu box, a first for us. Of course, we snapped a few photos and jotted down bottle names to add to our cellar and remember the night.
We all walked away saying the same thing: Ariete is going on the rotation. It’s more than just a local favorite, it’s a destination. We can’t wait to return, and we’re calling it now:
two stars are not only deserved—they're inevitable.