LeBron, ‘Housewives,’ and South Beach party-goers love this Miami River spot. You probably will, too

By Miami Herald

Dining doesn’t get any more waterfront than at Kiki on the River, which literally is on the Miami River. Get lucky enough to score a coveted dockside table and you could hit the side of a passing cargo ship — and there are many — with a tennis ball. Bougainvillea and lush vines festoon the expansive Christmas-tree-lighted outdoor deck, the center of which is a bustling bar.

The setting couldn’t be more charmingly Miami.

The place is a high-end restaurant with ambitious and authentic Greek food, yet it has elements of a nightclub. This isn’t surprising because one partner is Roman Jones, who in a previous life was the club king who founded South Beach’s Opium Group and once opened a nightspot that featured beds.

Clubby features include a popular all-day Sunday party that will remind South Beach veterans of the Sunday Soiree at the Raleigh Hotel back in the day — including the $17 signature cocktails and a lenient outdoor smoking policy. We say this because on one of our visits, one slick fellow had ladies on either arm, and all three were smoking cigars. Management was apologetic over our obvious discomfort, but we have to say that if you’re going to blow cigar smoke into our Greek salad, you’d better be prepared to pay for it.

When it opened in April, Kiki joined next-door neighbor Seaspice as waterside dens of decadence where you can arrive by yacht. LeBron James hosted an entourage here during his much-ballyhooed Miami nostalgia tour this summer. You might spot a “Real Housewives of Miami” alumni on any given night, and the check will really catch the attention of all but the highest of rollers, particularly if your party is drinking.

The outdoor setting and proximity to the river isn’t all glory and greatness, however. In the summer, it’s hot, and the ample fans buzzing throughout the deck don’t really do the job. If you sit in the eclectic indoor dining room at night, with its leather Chesterfield sofas and seashell chandeliers, you’ll feel like you’re in an over-air-conditioned parlor, cozy but dark and lonely compared to the euphoric scene outside. If it’s a rainy night, they might decide to close the restaurant altogether, which happened on a recent Tuesday (well, it was Tuesday).

Start with the tomato salad. It features fat, juicy, ruby red tomato quarters, crisp cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and a big block of feta cheese, which you crumble yourself as you go.
Start with the tomato salad. It features fat, juicy, ruby red tomato quarters, crisp cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and a big block of feta cheese, which you crumble yourself as you go.

The menu is the purview of executive chef Steve Rhee, who opened another tony Greek restaurant, Estiatorio Milos, in Miami Beach a few years back. It is heavily focused on appetizers, with which you can build a sumptuous meal without ever considering an entree — perfect for sharing things. There’s also a raw bar that features a $229 seafood tower.

Fresh bread is passed with good olive oil, but you’ll want to go slow and start with the tomato salad. It features fat, juicy, ruby red tomato quarters, crisp cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, oregano, red wine vinegar and olive oil and a big block of feta cheese, which you crumble yourself as you go. Big enough to split, this is a must-get.

Deliciously salty kefalograviera cheese is lightly floured and pan-fried to make a classic saganaki, a dense appetizer that you will want to share lest you fill up 15 minutes into the meal. Keftedakia are Greek-style meatballs served with a sharp ladolemono sauce, olive oil, lemon, mustard and the inevitable Greek touch of oregano. The sauce is the perfect foil to the garlicky, beefy (if dryish) meatballs.

The hits keep coming. Our chicken souvlaki skewers were served hot and curling with steam, the rich tzatziki and ladolemeno sauces spot on. An ample serving of charred octopus, braized in olive oil, gets welcome jolts from fried capers and red onions, with a sprinkle of parsley adding more color. The octopus was tender and deeply flavorful. Crab cakes are straight-ahead Maryland Eastern Shore, with Old Bay seasoning aioli a nice touch (on one visit, our crab cake arrived tepid). You can try a single grilled sea scallop ($7) or jumbo shrimp ($6), if you just want a taste, and both are done well.

Entrees include a generous serving of expertly grilled lamb chops, a perfectly grilled half-chicken and a trio of fish grilled whole. Our lavraki, Mediterranean sea bass, was delicate, drizzled with olive oil and herbs, served with standard lemon potatoes (they’re available as a side dish, but we say go for the horta, sauteed spinach).

Grilled scallops at Kiki on the River as a lunch entree are for the lighter eater, as there are only two, but they’re big and well seasoned.
Grilled scallops at Kiki on the River as a lunch entree are for the lighter eater, as there are only two, but they’re big and well seasoned.

One clever way to try Kiki is to come at lunch, when every day but Sunday there is a $24.99 fixed price menu including starter, entree, and dessert. Much of this menu is repurposed from the dinner menu, but one thing that is not is the seafood salad, the best item we tried here. It’s a typical mix of octopus, calamari, shrimp and not-so-typical conch, but then the fun begins: You get shaved asparagus, quinoa, a preserved lemon vinaigrette, a bit of chili oil and POW! salty-briny giant caper berries with their stems.

Tuna tartare is another great one, elevated by Fresno peppers and an avocado puree, with sambol and crispy shallots. Grilled scallops as a lunch entree are for the lighter eater, as there are only two, but they’re big and well seasoned. Toasted couscous is the go-along, with ladolemono as the finisher.

Baklava is a good finish, served with mixed berries, but in the interest of prolonging the party, you’ll want to get s’mores. They’ll bring a tabletop firepot, a batch of marshmallows, thick chocolate sauce and Graham crackers, and you do the work — toasting the marshmallows and building your classic s’mores at this new classic on the Miami River.

Ocean Drive Lists Kiki On The River in Top 10 Places With Seasonal Fare

By Ocean Drive

Tis the season for pumpkin spiced lattes and chunky sweaters, and even though South Florida is devoid of any fall weather, our kitchens are definitely not! Our hungry palates can’t wait to savor the spices and warmth of the season’s main ingredients. Rolling out some exquisite dishes that are perfect for the season, these SoFlo restaurants are showing us that fall-infused cuisine is available to all foodies in the Magic City.

Kiki on the River

Get a taste of fall along the Miami River at the romantic and cuisine-forward Mediterranean hotspot, Kiki on the River. The restaurant is rolling out a robust Grilled Lamb Chops entree, accompanied with Yukon gold potatoes that are cooked in lemon juice, Greek oregano, olive oil, and bay leaves. Not missing out on the action are the Lamb rack and t-bones, which are marinated in garlic, rosemary, and olive oil brings to life the seasonal flavors of Greece. 450 NW North River Dr., Miami, 786-502- 9244

R House Wynwood

Situated in the culinary and cultural heart of Wynwood, R House is churning out a Butternut Squash Risotto that will have you salivating at every bite. Arborio rice is cooked in a house-made veggie broth with butternut squash, thyme, and parmesan cheese. Another fall perk? Chef/Owner, Rocco Carulli, will be launching, ‘Rocco’s Risotto’ every Thursday night, which will feature a chef’s selection of risotto for two, paired with a bottle of Italian Wine. The restaurant features a live DJ from Friday-Sunday, and their famous Drag Brunch every Sunday. 2727 NW 2nd Ave., Miami, 305-576-0201

Sweet Liberty

If you are one of the lucky few in South Florida with a fireplace, I say crank up that AC and sit in front of a fire with Sweet Liberty’s Sweet Potato Chili, a seasonal favorite. Made with chipotle, red and black beans, shiitakes, sour cream, and aged cheddar, this dish is a hearty, flavorful, and a well-suited meal for fall. Don’t miss an opportunity to check out some seasonal cocktails, as Sweet Liberty was just voted one of the best bars in the world. 237 20th St., Miami Beach, 305-763-8217

Mr.Chow

With a world-renowned Peking Duck recipe on their menu, Mr. Chow, located at the W Hotel South Beach, delivers when it comes to seasonal dishes. Try their new Crispy Duck Salad prepared by Chef Hiu Pan Lee. It combines a trifecta of fall elements like fresh vegetables, pine nuts, and crispy duck, really encompassing the essence of autumn in South Florida. Need a full-bodied wine to compliment the salad? Try Mr. Chow’s own Cabernet Sauvignon for extra flavor. 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-695-1695

Graziano’s

Just because we can’t feel fall in the air, doesn’t mean we can’t feel it in our bellies. At family-owned Graziano’s, the Coral Gables hot spot that has been serving classic Argentinian fare for over 50 years. The cult classic, Lechoncito (pork), is a popular selection on their menu. Cooked over an open flame, it is served with chimichurri and salsa criollo and the pork is deliciously spiced without being overpowering on the palate. Succulent and rich, the lechoncito is right up there with fall’s favorite dishes. 394 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables, 305-774-3599

Soul Tavern

If healthy and gourmet are at the top of your ‘fall dish’ must-have list, then Soul Tavern’s Soulful Ramen with plant broth, yam noodles, mushrooms, seasonal veggies, and sesame paste will do your body (and your soul) good. Nothing beats a hearty bowl of ramen to warm your spirits up during the fall season, and the Soulful Ramen is full of flavor and earthiness. You have the option of adding a marinated organic, pasture raised egg to this vegetarian concoction. Here’s to conscious eating this season! 1801 West Ave., Sunset Harbour, 305-925-0799

Verde Miami

Pizza gets the fall treatment at Verde Miami, located inside the PAMM. Offering sprawling bay views in a minimalistic setting, Verde is the best backdrop to enjoy their seasonal Butternut Squash and Fig Pizza. With all the main flavors of fall in one slice, the pizza is lightly sautéed in butternut squash and fresh thyme for that kick of freshness. The dough is then topped with a dash of olive oil, extra butternut squash, Gorgonzola and fontina cheeses, fig, caramelized onion and more fresh thyme. It is then finished off with lightly toasted hazelnuts and la Saba, which is a traditional Italian grape that is closely similar to a balsamic reduction. Enjoy it with a glass of red and some art. 1103 Biscayne Blvd., 305-375-8282

Beaker and Gray

One of Wynwood’s hottest restaurants also happens to have one of the best go-to fall dishes this season. Beaker & Gray’s Pumpkin Gnocchi is so loved by foodies, it’s offered on the menu beyond fall. Made with pork rib, manchego, and red shiso, the gnocchi’s combination of potent ingredients like shiso and manchego mixed with the semi-sweetness of pumpkin, make it an ideal seasonal dish that exudes all the tastes of fall. It will make you forget the 90-degree weather outside. 2637 North Miami Ave., Wynwood, 305-699-2637

Hakkasan Miami

This chic Cantonese eatery inside the iconic Fontainebleau Hotel is giving its diners a taste of fall every Saturday and Sunday during lunch with their scrumptious Crispy Pumpkin Puff. The dumplings are stuffed with butternut squash, royal trump mushroom, carrot, yam bean, lotus root, and zucchini. These bite-sized appetizers are a fresh burst of fall flavors with style. 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 877-326-7412

Sushi Garage

Simple dishes don’t lack flavor and such is the case with Sushi Garage’s crispy Pork Belly dish. The entree comes with three pieces of braised pork belly with a mustard sudachi vinaigrette, served over fried brussels sprout leaves, nashi pear, and pickled radish. Fresh ingredients combined with the clean execution of the dish, give the pork belly front-and-center attention while electrifying the senses with its balance of sweet (thanks to the pear) and salty (mustard oil). Japanese cuisine just gave new meaning to Fall. 1784 West Ave., Sunset Harbour, 305-763- 8355

Diplomat Prime

Innovation and fine dining are at the top of the list at this upscale seafood and steakhouse located inside the newly renovated Diplomat Beach Resort. Specializing in fresh catches, Diplomat Prime is introducing a fresh North American Black Bass for their fall menu. Combined with sweet potato curry, caramelized butternut squash, root veggie kimchi, black garlic, pickled beech mushrooms, and Korean chili, this Black Bass is a seasoned to perfection with classic fall ingredients that give it an exotic flavor. Compliment it with a with a Manhattan and go to bed happy. 3555 S. Ocean Dr., Hollywood, 954-602-8331

Tanuki

A juicy piece of meat is synonymous with fall, and Tanuki Tavern’s Braised Wagyu Short Rib is bursting with bold flavors. Instead of cooking the meat in a French-style beef broth with Demi-glacé, it is braised in dashi with traditional Asian spices. Carnivorous foodies will delight in the fall-off-the-bone tenderness of the cut. Accompanied with creamed potatoes and crispy shallots, this modernized Asian-infused creation is the quintessential comfort food for the season. 1080 Alton Rd., Miami Beach, 305-676-8602

Jack’s Miami

Cool temperatures make a plate of spaghetti the ultimate coveted fall dish of the season. Jack’s Miami knows the way to our seasonal hearts because they’ve introduced the Pasta Puttanesca to their new menu. Though simple in preparation, the homemade pasta puttanesca is bursting with big flavor and complimented with anchovy paste, kalamata olives, hot red pepper flakes, homemade marinara sauce, and capers. Grab a seat in their cozy outdoor patio and don’t forget to wash it down with a full-bodied Italian Wine. 2426 NE 2nd Ave., Edgewater, 305-640-5507

Mare Mio

Tucked in the picturesque streets of Española Way, Italian trattoria, Mare Mio, is treating its diners to the wonders of fall cooking via their pumpkin ravioli. Garnished with asparagus tips and finished with a pink cream sauce, this exquisite dish makes you forget the high temperatures. The blend of semi-sweet pumpkin and the sharpness of the sauce are an ideal combination of flavors that find balance all while delivering taste. 447 Española Way, Miami Beach, 305-397-8950

Kiki on the River – Aquatic Romantic Dining

By Hedonist Shedonist

Photos are by ChatChow

Heralding a new dining experience on the Miami River, Kiki on the River, is Miami’s newest indoor/outdoor new dining destination. Romantic and contemporary, the riverside restaurant embraces the hospitality and spirit of the Greek islands with the service and style of a romantic island garden restaurant & lounge. We swooped in for a late lunch and were tremendously impressed. The aquatic setting and exquisite decor profoundly enchants your dining experience.

The gorgeous design was envisioned and executed by Mark Lehmkuhl’s Ghosthouse Creative Group in collaboration with Jay Wall of Thirlwall Design. This is a serene setting where the Mediterranean meets Miami and its River. Kiki is lush, exotic, tropical and refined. Walking into the restaurant elevates you. 

The interior dining room features ceiling to floor windows and luxurious drapes wrapped around steel and concrete original beams and columns that frame a glass-enclosed olive tree. A royal blue wall is outfitted with toffee-leather banquette seating while the lounge or “living room” features rich leather chesterfield sofas, a bookcase lined with leather-bound tomes, vintage lounge chairs, seashell chandeliers and Ikat patterned stools for a cozy cocktail spot. You will not want to depart from this supple setting.

The kitchen at Kiki is helmed by Executive Chef Steve Rhee, an industry veteran who opened Estiatorio Milos in Miami Beach in addition to three years serving as sous chef at Estiatorio Milos in Las Vegas. Rhee’s creative, yet approachable, dishes reflect the bounty of seafood that comes from the Mediterranean as well as an array of meats prepared simply on the grill.  Everything is made in-house and many of the fresh ingredients come directly from Greece, including the spices, herbs and olive oil.  Plates stay true to their ingredients, allowing flavors to shine without heavy sauces and creams.

Serving lunch and dinner daily, and a ridiculously festive Sunday weekend brunch, Kiki offers a selection of time-honored Greek favorites and innovative dishes, all made from scratch in-house. For this restaurant, Roman Jones wants to honor the life of the Miami River, with that sense of meticulously-scuffed elegance that only a windswept island can provide. We came in for their generous $25 prix-fixe set menu of three courses and were huge fans of everything!

The journey at Kiki begins with an array of delightful Pikilia (Greek spreads) that include tzatziki, homemade hummus, and a roasted baby eggplant spread. Homemade pitas made daily accompany the platter. The warm pita was on point and we can never get enough sauces and spreads. 

The Classic Greek salad made with tomatoes and topped with a plank of creamy feta was fresh and superb. The special feta was remarkable and the tomatoes so plump and juicy. A perfect salad to open up your palate.

The Grilled whole Mediterranean sea bass with fine herbs, lemon and olive oil was perfectly cooked and insanely fresh.We can never get enough capers to complement a sultry Branzino.

During Miami Spice Kiki on the River shall have the following menu:

 

MIAMI SPICE MENU 

Salads and Cold Apps:

Classic Greek Tomato Salad
Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onions, Green Peppers, Greek Oregano, Feta Cheese, Olive Oil

Watermelon Salad
Compressed Watermelon, Grape Tomato, Baby Arugula, Kalamata Olives, Cucumber, Mint, Lime Vinaigrette

Dakos
Grated Tomato, Torn barley bread, Garlic, Olive Oil, Feta Cheese, Greek Oregano

Horta Salad
Baby Kale, Marinated Cucumber, Red Onions dressed with a Pomegranate Vinaigrette, topped with Marinated Anchovies

Grilled Halloumi Cheese Platter
Grilled Halloumi cheese, white balsamic marinated grape tomato, grilled zucchini, eggplant, onions, topped with basil, parsley, and olive oil

Hot Apps:

Grilled Octopus
Olive oil braised Octopus, Red Onions, Greek Oregano, Fried Capers, Fava Puree

Shrimp Saganaki
Shrimp, Grated Tomato, Garlic, Greek Oregano, Parsley, Feta Cheese, Olive Oil

Barbouni
Crispy Fried Red Mullet, Lemon, Olive Oil, Served with Skordaila Spread

Entrée:

Pan Seared Scallops
Served with Asparagus pureed Orzo Pasta

Organic Chicken
Lemon, Jalapeno, Rosemary Marinated and served with a Summer Medley of Vegetables and Bomba Rice

Lamb T-Bone
Lamb Marinated in garlic and herbs served with Bacon, Herbed, Roasted Purple Potato

Pasta Avgotaraho
Angel Hair Pasta, English Peas, served with a Lemon Butter Sauce, topped with Shaved Avgotaraho

Dessert:

Baklava
Traditional Baklava, served with Assorted Berries

Fruit platter
Selection of fruit, served with frozen grapes

Gelato
Assorted gelato flavors, topped with baklava crumble, chocolate straws

Huffington Post – Spots to Spice in Style

Miami Spice is the perfect time for culinary admirers to cure their curiosity. Restaurants all over the magic city offer a price-fixe lunch ($23) and dinner ($39) menu to help drive more business. Typically taking place during August and September, the annual program has been extended until October to help local businesses who were financially hurt by hurricane Irma. Not only is it an opportune time for Miami residents to try new restaurants but, it’s also ideal for tourists enamored with dining out for a deal.

This year 236 restaurants are participating to date and 40 joining for the first time. Newcomers include Bazaar Mar by the legend Jose Andres, BRAVA by James Beard Award Semifinalist Brad Kilgore, Estefan Kitchen, Fi’lia by Michael Schwartz at SLS Brickell and another brilliant Stephen Starr expansion, Upland.

Since Spice is a great chance for a test drive, we recommend going somewhere irresistibly opulent that’s easy to fall in love with. When in Miami, it’s go big or go home. There are some seriously swanky spots to spice at and we’ve narrowed down the most stylish.

Leynia

Buddakan, Katsuya and Makoto alumni Chef Jose Icardi is fusing his Argentinean background and Japanese experiences at the iconic Delano Hotel. Since this is an SBE Group prodigy, Leynia has gone above and beyond to produce an appropriately theatrical show. Expect roaming bicycles in place of dessert carts, scents from the rustic allure of an open flame grill and a personalized grill at your table (according to the dish). Glide through the same sleek white hallways Franklin Delano Rooverselt walked down to enter Leynia. Relive the glory days and gawk at the Art-Deco beauty around you and sit outside to spot action on the grill.

Miami Spice must: Matambre (stuffed flank steak)

Kiki on the River

The Greek isles recently invaded Miami River by introducing a new Mediterranean concept helmed by Milos alumni, Chef Steve Rhee. Guests are encouraged to sit on the outdoor patio and delight in a sunset surrounded by white drapes and garden greens with steel and concrete original beams and columns. Inside, the walls hang portraits of operating partner Roman Jones’ Greek family. Throughout the inspired seaside village, whitewashed walls of the rustic warehouse interior also pay homage to the original fish market that occupied the space for the last several decades. Not only does this enviable space serve some of the most refreshing and simple Mediterranean fare but, it captures one of the most desirable nightlife scenes in Miami.

Miami Spice must: Grilled octopus

Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill

Brothers Bruce and Eric Bromberg, have expanded their Blue Ribbon empire to Miami and just in time for their 25th anniversary. The duo carried the concept to the magic city by agreeing, “There is such a strong connection between New York City and Miami, and we have been looking in this area for many years. We have looked at different opportunities over the years but the Plymouth Hotel just resonated with us.” As a refreshing alternative without the Miami Beach flash, Blue Ribbon embodies a true Japanese sushi bar with a sexy and unpretentious New York feel – their omakase also happens to be one of the best in the city. Before you head into the restaurant, make a pit-stop at the hotel lobby bar to dream of your tiki bar days.

Miami Spice must: Oxtail fried rice

Pao by Paul Qui

We will use any excuse we can to visit the cultural epicenter, Faena. The visual plan was executed by Baz Luhrmann where Miami’s first luxury hotel, Saxony Hotel once sat in 1948. Located in the dome space of the architecturally stunning land the decor is a marriage between natural elements and modern sophistication. Helmed by Top Chef winner, and James Beard Award winner Chef Paul Qui, the decor fills a patterned gold leaf design on the ceiling and walls that compliment walnut wood tables, dark brown leather banquettes and mid-century style chairs with black leather seats. If this space wasn’t luxurious enough, do a double take over Damien Hirst’s gold-leaf unicorn sculpture.

Miami Spice must: Beef tartar laab

SOURCE

Fine Greek Cuisine at Kiki on The River

By Resident

Miami’s Greek Gods & Goddesses have a new to place to go.

Kiki, not to be mixed up with kinky, is affectionately named after the Greek grandmother of one of the partners, Aris Nanos. The other three local partners include longtime Miami nightlife pro Roman Jones, the brainchild for this new river eatery, hospitality veteran Lee Lyon, and club impresario Mark Lehmkuhl. Jay Wall of Thirdwall Design helped to conceptualize the space with Lehmkuhl.

A Miami River longtime property investor, Kent Kay entrusted his land here that was a former 100-year-old fish and tackle place to be transformed by this team of Miami nightlife magicians. So now the rapidly emerging Miami River has yet another new hotspot and day spot for dining, lounging, and overall schmoozing. Sundays are the see and be seen day for the scenesters when the spirit of the place elevates way above sea level with cool DJ sounds while liquid libations like “Loose as a Goose” get the temperatures rising.

Kiki on the River really gets it right when it comes to putting a modern spin on traditional Greek cuisine and décor. Executive Chef Steve Rhee runs the kitchen at Kiki with a perfect Greek restaurant resume having opened Estiatorio Milos in Miami Beach and prior served as sous chef at their Vegas venue. Homemade items all made from scratch in-house include time-honored Greek favorites with a twist. His menu serves up Mediterranean classics like the charred octopus, grilled whole fish and lamb chops plus a New York sirloin and lobster pasta. But that’s jumping the gun…for starters there’s the Pikilia platter with a bunch of dips that are definitely Greek to me; Melitzanosalato (roasted eggplant), Tzatziki (yogurt/cucumber), fava (yellow split peas, roasted garlic & shallots). My favorite appetizer is the Saganaki which is Greek cheese lightly fried and served flaming at your table, absolutely a gooey, chewy decadent delight! Fried zucchini and eggplant chips are de rigour along with of course grilled octopus. Plus, there’s Keftedakia, a Greek-style meatball dish to indulge in. Yes, of course, there’s a Greek salad with a slab of fresh feta over locally grown greens and tomatoes. And my first choice for sides is Kiki’s fries with lemon, oregano and lots of drizzled feta cheese on top. If you want to be good, there’s always the assortment of grilled veggies or mushrooms to choose from. Dessert is a Greek affair with traditional Greek yogurt topped with thyme honey and toasted walnuts or the not so Greek S’mores that you cook yourself tableside. For lunch, there’s a prix fixe menu making it super affordable to try a bit of everything. Service is superb which is a Miami rarity. There’s even an authentic Greek ‘Host with the Most’ named Spiros. Tell him Hope sent you!

Kiki on the River is not just about dining. Soak up the ambiance inside or out while sipping on a “Miami Heat” (Acai liquor, fresh raspberries, lime, bitters, edible orchid), “Moscow Mule” (my favorite: ginger beer with a cayenne pepper kicker) or the “Mediterranean Escape” (Gin, ginger liquor, fresh dill, cucumber, lemon). Moet is on the menu, but no need for champagne spraying here. The vibe is much more laid back Greek island-like than St. Tropez insanity.

The outdoor terrace is filled with leafy vines and bougainvillea and has a big square bar front and center. Casual seating overlooks the Miami River straight ahead. Guests are welcome to arrive by boat. Several bright primary colored oversized straw chairs are also strategically placed near the entrance. Inside, there are floor to ceiling windows, leather chesterfield sofas, vintage lounge chairs and seashell chandeliers There’s a second cozier bar in the back as well as a living room-like sitting area overlooking the river with candelabras and shelves of books. It’s an intimate indoor space where table hopping and saying hello to your fellow Greek Gods and Goddesses is easy.

End with Ouzo and find the gondola ride on the river to take you home.

Enjoy Mediterranean Island Inspired Cuisine at Kiki on the River

By Savor Tonight

Kiki on the River is a new indoor/outdoor dining experience on the Miami River offering a selection of time-honored Greek favorites and innovative dishes, all made from scratch in-house. The contemporary riverside restaurant embraces the hospitality and spirit of the Greek islands with the ambiance of a romantic island garden restaurant & lounge.

The kitchen at Kiki is helmed by Executive Chef Steve Rhee, an industry veteran who opened Estiatorio Milos in Miami Beach. Rhee’s creative dishes showcase Mediterranean seafood as well as an array of meats prepared simply on the grill.

Everything is made in-house and many of the fresh ingredients come directly from Greece, including the spices, herbs and olive oil. Plates stay true to their ingredients, allowing flavors to shine without heavy sauces and creams.

The journey at Kiki begins with an array of Pikilia (Greek spreads) and Mezedes (shared plates) and salads, such as its deliciously fresh Greek salad with imported Feta cheese.

An extensive raw bar includes an assortment of oysters, caviar, shrimp cocktail, ceviche and a tuna tartar made with Moscato reduction, chives, and cara cara orange.

Menu highlights include octopus, gorgeously charred and dressed with capers and olive oil, and Lavraki – grilled whole Mediterranean sea bass with fine herbs, lemon and olive oil.

Rounding out the savory options are lamb chops, a roasted half chicken and a half rack of baby back pork ribs, served with Horta (swiss chard salad), and finished with Ladelemono sauce.

Kiki on the River is located at 450 NW North River Drive, Miami, (in the River District)

Drinking Guide to Rum Cocktails All Around Miami

By Thirsty

Miami is home to some of the best rum cocktails around – and the city’s sensational rum drinks are creations inspired by the sweet spirit’s diversity – silver, spiced, dark, aged or over-proofed.

White or silver rum is great in a mixed cocktail, such as in tropical drink favorites – Cuba Libre, Daiquiri, Pina Colada and Mojito.

For a spirit-forward cocktail, a barrel-aged dark or gold rum can stand-in for any traditional whiskey-based cocktail—such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

We put together this exotic selection of rum cocktails collected from bars in, and around, Miami:

LURED TO MYKONOS AT KIKI ON THE RIVER

Ingredients: Bacardi 8-year Rum with Falernum Aperol, pineapple coconut juice and creole bitters; garnished with toasted coconut shavings and dried pineapple.

450 NW North River Drive, Miami (River District), kikiontheriver.com

MI VIEJO AT PM FISH AND STEAK HOUSE

Ingredients: Flor de Cana 7 Year Rum, muddled figs, honey and a splash of sparkling Fantasia Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut.

CLUB PARADISE AT THE ANDERSON BAR

Ingredients: Ron Zacapa 23, Don Q rum, and Back Room (housemade) horchata, over crushed ice, then garnished with grated nutmeg and tropical flowers.

MADURO MAI TAI AT GLASS & VINE

Ingredients: Spiced rum, orgeat, vanilla and banana liqueur.

AGUA DE COCO AT RUSTY PELICAN

Ingredients: Bacardi Coconut, coconut water, coconut syrup, lime and mint.

KAIZOKU AT DRAGONFLY IZAKAYA AND FISH MARKET

Ingredients: Big Cypress Orange Spiced rum, Umeboshi (pickled Japanese plums), Busnel Calvados, St Elizabeth Allspice Dram, lime juice, citrus bitters and egg white.

Miami.com Features Kiki on the River in 12 Favorite Miami Spice Restaurants

By Miami.com

Don’t gamble with your dining dollars during Miami Spice.

With nearly 240 restaurants participating in the two-month dining promotion by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, naturally, some restaurants will do better than others at offering the best bang for the buck at $23 for lunch and brunch, $39 for dinner.

We asked several writers to share their experiences as we reach the halfway point. The promotion runs through Sept. 30.

Kiki on the River

What we had: The Miami Spice menu at Kiki (only available during dinner), showcases their most popular dishes. We started our meal with the grilled octopus appetizer (olive-oil-braized octopus, red onions, Greek oregano, fried capers, fava bean puree), which was tender and perfectly seasoned with the right amount of salty flavors. For our main course, we indulged in the pan-seared scallops. They were a generous, filling and hearty. The asparagus pureed orzo pasta was a well-balanced side dish to the entree. We went traditional with the restaurant’s most popular dessert, the baklava, a sweet taste of Greece.

Who should go to this venue: Not lacking in romance factor, Kiki also manages to offer chic riverfront dining with personality and flavor. Mediterranean lovers who like good food and a trendy scene should add Kiki On the River to their list. The food measures up to the hype. This is a great spot for a date, to celebrate a special occasion, and a girls’ night out.

— Kathy Buccio

12 Favorite Miami Spice Restaurants

Haute Living Lists Kiki on the River as Best Place to Enjoy Happy Hour with a View

By Haute Living

Start your weekend right and head to the Miami River for happy hour with unbeatable views as you sip on inventive libations and Greek bites while the sun sets. Every Friday, the hot spot offers complimentary Greek mezzes, a menu of delicious appetizers, Frosé, and other cocktail specials. With their Have a Kiki on Me deal, guests can mingle with others by purchasing each other drinks—if you buy one for a friend, the bartender will send you one back on the house.

Kiki’s Kiss

By South Florida

Where:

  • Kiki on the River,
  • 450 NW North River Drive, Miami; 786-502-3243,

KikiOnTheRiver.com

What:

House-made strawberry and rhubarb yogurt combined with Facundo Bacardi rum, lemon and strawberry make Kiki’s Kiss. The drink is topped with cocoa powder.