A spectacular waterfront setting? ✔
One of Miami’s most stunning restaurant interiors, built and designed at a reported cost of more than $20 million? ✔
Friendly staff? ✔
Beautiful presentation? ✔
Expensive? ✔
Outstanding food? ❌ Unfortunately, not even close.
The Mexican, located at 601 Brickell Key Drive, comes to Miami from Dallas, where it earned recognition as one of the world’s most beautiful restaurants. Owner Ignacio González Alcalá has created a spectacular destination that is certain to appeal to those looking for a glamorous night out. If you’re more interested in the atmosphere, cocktails, music and scene than the food itself, you’ll probably leave happy. But if you appreciate authentic, well-executed Mexican cuisine, don’t let the luxurious surroundings fool you.
Finding the restaurant was surprisingly difficult. Better signage would certainly help. It occupies the main floor of a high-rise residential building, requiring guests to pass through a security gate and around a roundabout before arriving. Self-parking is approximately $18 and valet is $25.
A sharply dressed doorman welcomes guests through magnificent gold doors, setting the tone for what lies inside. The first thing you notice is an extraordinary tequila gallery unlike anything I’ve seen before. Hundreds of rare bottles are displayed in a dramatic circular installation, creating an immediate wow factor. Even more impressive was the genuinely warm welcome from the hostesses, who greeted us with sincere smiles.
As we were escorted through the restaurant, our jaws dropped. No expense has been spared. Every detail has been meticulously considered, from the dramatic bar and handcrafted Mexican tile floors to the intricate ceiling treatments. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular views of the water and Miami skyline, while the expansive waterfront terrace is one of the city’s most desirable dining settings. Even the restrooms are lavishly designed, although I was surprised to find a male attendant stationed in the women’s restroom.
I could spend pages describing the breathtaking design, but ultimately I came here for the food.
The menu is extensive and takes some time to navigate. Although the restaurant only opened in April 2026 and some growing pains are understandable, several service issues were disappointing. We ordered cocktails immediately after being seated, yet they didn’t arrive until well into our meal. Complimentary chips and salsa were delivered at exactly the same time as our food, and instead of pacing the meal properly, nearly every dish arrived together. There wasn’t even enough room on the table. Proper timing is one of the simplest ways to elevate a dining experience, and unfortunately it was completely overlooked.
The kitchen is led by Chef Santiago Hirales, but based on our meal, I wondered whether he was even in the kitchen that evening.
The Lobster Elote arrived barely warm. It resembled a large bowl of melted cheese with corn, containing very little lobster. The Rib Eye and Guacamole was attractively presented, but the beef tasted as though it had been cooked hours earlier. It was tough, chewy and, in my portion, contained cartilage that I had to spit out.
The Truffle Cauliflower was easily the standout dish of the evening, although there was very little about it that felt Mexican. The accompanying flour tortillas were disappointingly rubbery.
The Crispy Calamari Salad suffered from too much dressing and too much salt. Worse still, the calamari didn’t taste freshly fried. Instead of tender squid, all I tasted was heavy fried batter.
Dessert offered one final disappointment. The ice cream layer cake had potential, but using a premium-quality ice cream and allowing the cake to temper before serving would have made a world of difference.
If I were returning, it would be for cocktails rather than dinner. The tequila and mezcal selection is among the most impressive I’ve encountered anywhere, and the knowledgeable staff are happy to explain the collection. Service throughout the dining room is attentive, with numerous staff members available to assist, even offering table-side serving.
I always find it disappointing when restaurants invest millions creating spectacular spaces yet treat the food as an afterthought. Miami has seen this formula before, with restaurateurs such as David Grutman proving that beautiful rooms can fill seats. But while extraordinary design and gracious hospitality may attract first-time diners, it is exceptional food that creates loyal guests and keeps them coming back.
The Mexican unquestionably delivers one of the most beautiful dining rooms in Miami. I only wish the kitchen received the same level of attention as the architecture.
Recommended for the atmosphere, cocktails and waterfront setting. The food, however, still has a long way to go.
Happy dining,
Shanea
08/03/2026
