6 Miami restaurants that are elevating the takeout experience
Let’s face it, everyone is feeling a bit glum, what with coronavirus settling into its role as that much unwanted guest that refuses to go away. We’ve heeded to the phrase “the new normal” although life feels anything but normal these days. Dining out, a favorite pastime of pre-pandemic days, has shifted as well, with demand for takeout skyrocketing as a result of those weary of visiting establishments or unable to do so because of new regulations in place. While enjoying a stellar meal from your beloved haunt may not fully translate at your dining room (or in front of the tv), some restaurants are going the extra mile to make sure the takeout experience is a memorable and enjoyable one. Below are some top picks.
LPM Restaurant & Bar
Perhaps travel to the Côte d’Azur is not a possibility at the moment, but that does not mean a delectable meal of petits farcis niçois, veal-stuffed Mediterranean vegetables or côtelettes d’agneau ‘Vivienne’(grilled lamb cutlets with smoked eggplant), cannot be enjoyed at home in charming style. Fans of this downtown eatery will recognize the trademark table décor (a bottle of olive oil, tomato, lemon and freshly baked baguette) that arrives free of charge with each takeout order, allowing diners to recreate their own LPM moment at home. What’s more, each order comes in a canvas tote that is hand painted by a staff member, making each a unique work of art. There’s also a curated Spotify playlist to add to the mood.
1300 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami
305-403-9133
La Mar
Receiving a takeout box from this modern Peruvian is as joyful as finding a neatly wrapped present under the Christmas tree. While there is no paper to tear, the tidy box comes tied with twine, adorned with a colorful bow along with a festive sticker stating both the name of receiver and preparer of the box— small feel-good details that go a long way. There’s also the date and time of delivery and another sticker sealing the box shut. Diners hand-pick the contents, which can include some of Chef Diego Oka’s beloved ceviche, like cebiche carretillero (snapper, shrimp, octopus, sweet potato, choclo, cancha and spicy leche de tigre), sushi rolls (we have a weakness for the roll acebichado, made with salmon, avocado, sweet potato, creamy leche de tigre, chalaca) and warm dishes like lomo saltado, arroz con mariscos and huac and cheese—an inventive spin on mac and cheese using the traditional Peruvian huancaina sauce.
A special Peruvian Independence box will be available from July 26 to August 2 for $99 to celebrate the liberation of Peru from Spain (July 28). The meal will feature traditional Peruvian dishes: cebiche carretillero, causa de pollo, papa a la huancaina, anticucho de corazon and arroz con mariscos and an alfajor cake. Drink includes chicha morada or two Cusquenas beers. Click here to head to the restaurant’s website.
500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami
305.913.8358
Poke OG
Takeout sushi at this downtown locale (which also has a space in Wynwood’s 1-800-Lucky food hall) is almost too pretty to eat. The selection, which includes a choice of rolls, sashimi and sushi, arrives in a decorative box that begs for a spot on your Instagram feed. There’s also an assortment of sauces like honey truffle soy and yuzu ponzu and a paintbrush to dip and coat your meal to your heart’s whim. Salmon and tuna fans will be smitten by the Rainbow Road box which comes with a hearty variation of the two fish along with shrimp, hamachi and edamame. The vegetarian option, called the “Roll it Up” has rolls like avocado; cucumber, salted plum and shiso; and pickled daikon radish, among others.
161 S.E. 1st St., Miami
Sushi boxes are available for takeout and delivery on UberEats or Postmates from the Downtown Miami location.
Li’s Dim Sum
Chef Raymond Li (formerly at Palmar and El Cielo) has teamed up with his father to create both dumplings and shumai like shrimp and black truffle, pork shumai with red vinegar soy and vegan-friendly king trumpet and watercress. There are plenty of other items beyond dim sum. Try the blue crab spring rolls (five-spice blue crab, cabbage, scallions, pickled ginger and coriander served with a ginger sweet and sour sauce) and Li’s Shanghai cold sesame noodles which are coated in an addictive sesame dressing with extra Szechuan oil on the side if you’re tempted to increase the heat. Those who have followed Li’s career will tell you his smashed cucumber salad is not to be missed. Takeout presentation is thoughtful, with Chef Li running down from his apartment (if you’re lucky he’ll bring his adorable 2-year-old son to say hello) donning the contents of your order in a black bag with the chef’s last name scripted in Cantonese. Easy to follow preparation instructions are tucked inside as well.
To place an order call or text 954.673.1535 or DM on his Instagram account.
Omakai Sushi
You’ve likely heard of omakase, the chef-curated sushi experience which literally translates to “I’ll leave it up to you.” While this tradition tends to be an intimate encounter between a skilled itamae and a handful of patrons gathered around the sushi bar, Executive Chef Aaron Pate (raised in Hawaii and trained in Tokyo) has recreated an equally unique feast with his “Home-Akase,” an elegant, sleek takeout box housing fresh selections of maki, sashimi and nigiri along with detailed descriptions of each. Colored photographs removes any guesswork and color-coded sauce pairing suggestions for the three variations of soy is included. Diners can choose from 3 boxes, depending on appetite and budget—OMA Lite, OMA and OMA Deluxe. Click here to order.
2107 NW 2nd Ave., Miami
786-579-9995
Fiola
Mark your calendars for upscale Italian takeout with this Michelin-star Coral Gables gem. The restaurant (scheduled to re-open on August 13) will be offering white glove delivery of its indulgent Italian cuisine. When you want to feel like royalty (or just celebrate Tuesday) order the Sea Bucket, a generous portion of shrimp, lobster, clams, mussels, snow crab, andouille sausage, potatoes, corn on the cob, signature Adriatic spice mix and fresh herb bouquet. The order arrives packed in a cooking pot with detailed cooking instructions and ready to be boiled on a gas stovetop or grill in your backyard at home. The Sea Bucket serves four, comes with Calabrese aioli, cocktail sauce and lemons, for those wanting something extra to dip or squeeze on their food. Make sure to order a to-go cocktail kit like the Mr. A Negroni, which uses pineapple-infused rum for a tropical spin to sip on while dinner cooks.
1500 San Ignacio Ave, Coral Gables
305-912-2639
This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 12:00 AM.