Mandarin Oriental, Miami, located on upscale Brickell Key, is home to Azul, the city’s top dining destination.  The intimate, elegant waterfront restaurant exemplifies Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to providing five-star dining experiences to hotel guests and local residents. When it opened its doors on December 15, 2000, Azul became a destination in its own right.  Designed by world-class restaurant designer Tony Chi, the 120-seat restaurant offers breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.  After an international search, Mandarin Oriental, Miami selected rising culinary star Chef Joel Huff to take the helm at Azul. 

No stranger to Mandarin Oriental, Chef Huff was Chef de Cuisine at Silks at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco. While at Silks, he garnered praise from critics and media including Bon Appetit, Wine Spectator and San Francisco Magazine. Esquire magazine named him one of “Four Chefs to Watch.”  Prior to that, Chef Huff worked at Asiate in Mandarin Oriental, New York as Sous Chef where he was cooking French and Japanese influenced cuisine.  

The moment guests enter Azul, they find themselves at the pulse of the restaurant with a magnificent white marble-clad open kitchen.  To the left, there are dramatic wine cabinets featuring Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s fine wine collection.  Floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides envelop the senses, ensuring all diners are treated to dramatic bay and city views.  Several tables are located on Azul’s outdoor terrace overlooking the bay.  A private chef’s table for up to 10 guests makes the ultimate dining experience. New wine pairings are prepared with each week’s degustation menu, matching each course with a unique flight of wine. 

Azul’s diverse cuisine features an inventive, eclectic menu created by Chef Huff.  “Beginnings,” priced from $14 to $45 include “Silver & Gold Egg” with Italian Caviar, Quail Egg cooked at 63 degrees, Caramelized Onions, Potato Espuma and Chive Oil, “Toro Blue Fin Tuna” with Iberico Ham, Basil Oil, Feta Snow and Ponzu Jelly and “Panzanella Salad” with Heirloom Tomato, California Burrata, Brioche Toast and Olive Vinaigrette.

The “Main Event” options, $45 to $85, feature Azul’s “Brioche Crusted Yellow Tail Snapper” with Cuttlefish, Chorizo Brandade and Squid Ink Charcoal and “Lamb Head to Toe” trio with Lamb Rack, Loin and Meatballs scented with North African Curried Spices and served with three types of purees – Date, Greek Yogurt and Fresh Hummus and Israeli Couscous.  The “Snake River New York Strip” features Corned Short Rib, Smoked Potato Espuma, White Asparagus, Bone Marrow and Bush Berry Au Poivre. A selection of artisanal cheeses is offered daily.

Azul's brilliant wine program, designed by sommelier Cynthia Betancourt, features more than 700 world-class wines. The award-winning wine list encompasses a mix of current releases, to classic vintages from the finest producers, with the latest boutique wineries worldwide.  Betancourt’s approach with guests is one of opening their minds and palates to sample the many fruits and tastes of the globe in a friendly and genuine manner.

At Azul, a thoroughly trained staff ensures that each individual receives the foremost in comfort and service.  Pashminas in a wide array of colors are offered to keep guests warm and reading glasses are available in a variety of strengths.

Among its many accolades received since its opening, Azul was chosen “Best Restaurant of the Year” by Esquire magazine in its 20th annual survey of the nation’s best new restaurants of 2001, as well as one of world’s “Best New Restaurants” By Conde Nast Traveler, and one of America’s 50 “Best Hotel Restaurants” by Food & Wine magazine.

Azul is located at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive.  Dinner is served from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and Azul Bar is open from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Reservations are suggested at +1 (305) 913 8254.  Valet parking; all major credit cards accepted.