Miami has no shortage of restaurants that call themselves steakhouses, yet many fail to deliver a great steak. So when The Joyce opened at 448 Española Way, my first thought was, ‘Oh no, another tourist trap on this busy street‘. But whispers in the foodie world suggested otherwise—this place was serving elevated cuisine. Naturally, I had to see for myself.
Finding Joyce wasn’t easy. We wandered until a stunning hostess appeared as if on cue, guiding us down a back alley. Check-in happened there, and soon, an unmarked door opened into a velvet-draped room. The whole experience felt deliciously clandestine, like stepping into a spy film.
Beyond the curtain, we entered a sultry, intimate speakeasy. Dim lighting, rich walnut millwork, and a well-appointed bar set the mood. Scattered among the small tables were striking art pieces—was that a Picasso? A Basquiat? Turns out, this 45-seat gem is where art, design, and cuisine converge. The masterminds behind it? Visionary art collector Andre Sakhai and entrepreneur Marc Lotenberg, founders of Spicy Hospitality Group. They secured a serious culinary talent in Chef James Taylor (no, not the singer), a Cordon Bleu-trained chef with a résumé that includes Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf, the Michelin-starred Alinea, and Roister.
Opened in January 2025, The Joyce focuses on high-quality ingredients and technique-driven cooking. The curated menu is divided into chilled selections, starters, entrées, premium steaks, sides, and desserts. We started with the latkes and caviar—three perfect bites for $62. The beef carpaccio was underwhelming; I wasn’t a fan of the cut or toppings, but that was my only real complaint. The double-patty burger and salad were both solid, but the real star? The steaks. Without question, they were the best I’ve had in Miami this year—and I’ve had quite a few. Expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection.
The Joyce also boasts an extensive wine list with over 100 labels and a cocktail program helmed by a Japanese mixology master. My Negroni? Perfection. The music selection was spot-on, the service first-rate, and the desserts creative and delightful. Our Dubai chocolate bar, ice cream sundae, and Florida orange pie (a clever twist on key lime) ended the meal on a high note.
The Joyce is a welcome surprise: sophisticated yet cool, offering bold flavors, steakhouse classics, chilled seafood, inventive cocktails, and an ever-evolving art collection. Valet parking is available nearby.
A final tip—don’t skip the bathrooms, especially the men’s. I’ll leave it at that.
Recommended. Happy dining.
Shanea
04/12/2025
