Once in a while, you stumble upon a culinary gem that leaves a lasting impression—and that’s precisely what happened when I visited *Bistro 8* in Miami’s vibrant Little Havana, at 2069 SW 8th Street. From the outside, it’s unassuming, tucked in a modest strip plaza next to the famous Sanguich sandwich shop. But when you step inside, you’re welcomed by a bright, vibrant atmosphere. The decor is an eclectic mix of warm pinks and teal blues, creating a visually striking aesthetic. The space covers 1,700 square feet with seating for 40 diners, plus 10 at the bar. The terrazzo floors are complemented by touches of greenery, contemporary glass sphere lighting, cozy booths, and tables beneath a vaulted dimly-lit ceiling, setting the perfect backdrop for a memorable culinary experience. An old-school playlist adds to the welcoming atmosphere, adding a touch of charm. The ambiance is only part of what makes Bistro 8 so unique. General Manager Frankie Padilla adds his personal touch by visiting each table and ensuring a warm, friendly dining experience. But the real highlight here is the food—under the culinary leadership of renowned Michelin-star Chef Pancho Ibanez, formerly of the prestigious Pujol in Mexico City (ranked among the World’s 50 Best), this restaurant offers a masterful combination of bold Mexican flavors prepared with refined French techniques. The menu is divided into categories like Entradas (appetizers), Principales (main courses), Ensaladas (salads), Sopas (soups), and Postres (desserts). Our meal started with an unforgettable amuse-bouche: a freshly made corn tortilla topped with salsa and piled high with parmesan—simple, but an incredible preview of what was to come. We savored a delicate king crab brioche with tangy tartar sauce, a tiradito kampachi with fermented lemon and green onion, and a dreamy corn tostada, topped with deep-water shrimp, refried black beans, and salsa macha. Feeling health-conscious, we opted for a quinoa, arugula, spinach, avocado, and pumpkin seed salad—but next time, I’ll throw caution to the wind and choose from the indulgent options on the menu, like lamb rack, short ribs, duck carnitas, or pork belly. For the main course, we chose the catch of the day—a beautifully grilled Branzino with adobe zaramdeado and roasted tomato salsa. It came with homemade tortillas, which we used to craft perfect little tacos—pure joy in every bite. The cocktail menu was equally impressive, offering many agave-based drinks and grains. I couldn’t resist a refreshing watermelon mojito, and there were also great non-alcoholic options and a selection of wines to pair with your meal. There are three enticing dessert options, and while they all sounded delightful, we chose the chocolate mousse with burnt macadamia nuts and fresh grapefruit sections. But the star of the show was the *Flan de Naranja*—a silky orange flan topped with Ossetra caviar, delivering the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. Food creates lasting memories, and my experience at Bistro 8 is one I will certainly hold dear. Recommended.
Happy dining,
Shanea
03/13/2025
