Kiki on the River in Miami is a Waterfront Aegean Paradise

Nibbling on buttery grilled octopus, I melt into breezy Miami evening, watching the row of docked boats rock with the ebb and flow of the river. Scanning the beautiful patio, my eyes twinkle beneath the garden lights illuminating the restaurant’s bright white and blue décor. Would I like to transport myself to the real Santorini? Sure. But, for a taste of Greece in Miami, I’ll take it.

Kiki on the River, the upscale Greek eatery settled along the Miami River in Downtown Miami, offers a modern spin on old world flavor. The waterfront garden atmosphere balances trend-setting design choices with a relaxed vibe, strewn with dangling lights against lush greenery, popping against the prominently white and blue accents. As a nod to the space’s former life as a fish market, the patio also has a coastal influence, delicately mixing the serene hills of Santorini with the bustling Miami experience.

The menu is a delight with Greek Mediterranean fare mixed with Asian, Italian and local Miami flavors and inspiration. Begin with a taste of the raw bar with east or west coast oysters, Hamachi or tuna sashimi. For a splurge, go for the seafood tower, a mountainous heap of Alaskan King Crab, Maine Lobster, Jumbo Shrimp, Assorted Oysters, Green Lip NZ Mussels, and, of course, all the fixings.

For appetizers, look no further than the Octopus. Braised in olive oil, and served with red onion and capers, the octopus is grilled to buttery-soft perfection. The Kiki Chips are the restaurant’s take on a bar food favorite — Kettle Chips served with tzatziki. Simple, but delicious. Another must is the Pikilia assortment of Greek-style spreads served with house-made pita bread.