The famed hotspot and iconic restaurant, Pastis, hailing from the Meatpacking district of New York City, has set its culinary roots in Wynwood, Miami, at 380 NW 26th Street. Evidencing a trend where the allure of New York’s culinary gems are migrating south, Pastis now joins the likes of Carbone, Sadelle’s, Red Rooster, Lucali, Hometown BBQ, Tacombi, Rao’s, Sushi by Bou, Momosan and Dirty French.
Pastis is a testament to the success of this culinary migration, boasting a consistently packed house. The sprawling establishment accommodates approximately 130 seats in its charming patio and an additional 170 seats indoors, embracing a quintessential, French bistro ambiance. The decor, features mosaic tile floors, white subway-tiled walls, oversized framed mirrors, wooden cafe chairs, and vibrant red leather banquets. Warm globe lights reminiscent of its New York counterpart illuminate the space, along with French flower sconces, creating an atmosphere that mirrors its Big Apple sibling, albeit with the unique addition of a tree-lined patio, characteristic of Miami.
Pastis offers a lively, nostalgic atmosphere, characterized by a bustling outdoor bar and a spectacular indoor curved zinc bar, both bustling with patrons. While the acoustics could benefit from improvement, the energetic atmosphere is enhanced by background jazz music. Now turning to the culinary delights, Pastis is open seven days a week, serving lunch, brunch, and dinner with a diverse menu to cater to every palate.
The menu encompasses a range of options, from seafood and classic French dishes like French onion soup, steak tartare, escargot, burrata, and crudo to a variety of salads and sandwiches. Highlights include a warm shrimp salad, lobster Cobb salad, salad nicoise, a croque monsieur, and a cheeseburger. Steak enthusiasts can indulge in steak and frite options like a New York strip, a filet, or ribeye served with crispy fries. If I’m being honest and I know you like me to be honest, the steak was not cooked to order. I ordered a medium rare, and it came more like medium well. The extensive menu continues with entrees like duck confit, moules and frites, grilled branzino, half-roasted chicken, chicken paillard, and a Gruyère omelette to name a few. A plat du jour is offered daily, with our option being duck a l’orange.
Accompanying the meal is an extensive wine list, predominantly French, boasting over 300 vintages. Classic cocktails, beloved favorites from NYC, and new Miami additions like a mojito and a margarita with orange marmalade, grace the menu. Cocktails are priced in the $18-19 range. Traditional desserts such as crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, and profiteroles round out the dining experience.
Service is commendable, maintaining a good and well-paced flow. Despite the bustling, loud, chaotic nature of the establishment, the overall experience is undeniably enjoyable. While the food may not reach outstanding heights, Pastis still fills a void in Miami’s culinary landscape by offering a French brasserie with an extensive menu. James Beard award winner and restaurateur Stephen Starr, the mastermind behind Pastis, has plans to expand his empire, with Nashville and Washington already on the horizon.
For those seeking a hassle-free dining experience, parking is convenient, with a large parking garage directly across the street, providing an alternative to the $20 valet option.
Happy dining,
Shanea
11/30/2023
