Shireen's Favorite Things

The Grill at Bal Harbour, 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour Florida 33154

Warm, welcoming and beyond delicious food; “The Grill at Bal Harbour” is by far one of the best restaurants in Miami. They just get it and to top it all off, it’s snuggled into one of the best shopping locations in the country, Bal Harbour Shops.

After featuring the latest and greatest in fall fashions on Shireen’s Favorite Things this week, it was kind of a no-brainer to showcase one of the newest eateries there, too. My entire team was mesmerized by its location; which is perched front and center of the open-air mall, with a beautiful outdoor space and windows that fold down in the main dining area to enjoy the beautiful South Florida winter months.

We started our experience with a plethora of pretty and pallet pleasing drinks. Here’s the list: Hand-Shaken Daiquiri, Boulevardier, Paloma, Coastal View and Italian Soda. “The Coastal View” (made with chareau aloe liqueur, bombay sapphire gin, lime juice, ginger ale and fresh rosemary) and the “Italian Soda” (made with campari, solerno blood orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice and club soda) were my absolute favorites. Both were fresh, clean and unusual.

Also, if you’re a sucker for a great margarita, “The Grill” has definitely perfected its recipe; with just the right amount of sweet/sour and an amazingly frothy top. You’ll be hard-pressed to have just one. I’m originally from New Mexico, where we’ve perfected the drink, but this one is as good as it gets for me.

We started our appetizers with the melt in your mouth “Heavenly Biscuits” (with salted butter and a side of honey,) “Deviled Eggs,” better than any southerner could make, “Ahi Tuna Tartare” (served with ciabatta and avocado,) “Campechana” (mexican-style seafood with jumbo lump crab, shrimp, and octopus) and “Chopped Vegetable Salad” (with avocado, roasted beets, grapes, egg, macadamia nuts and fresh herbs.) The tartare was diced perfectly, the seafood cocktail had a great kick to it and man, the salad had the yummiest dressing.

Our main courses were just as tasty. The “Blackened Rib-Eye” (hard-wood grilled with vine ripe tomatoes and blue cheese) provided an interesting table dynamic. I thought I might lose a limb gobbling up my share. It was OUTSTANDING. The “USDA Prime Center-Cut Filet” was great, too, with a more simple straight-forward taste. The filet was served with a delicious mound of whipped mashed potatoes and a hefty pile of buttery broccoli (be still my beating heart.)

For dessert, the “Hot Fudge Sunday” (with sugar roasted pecans) was decadent, but it was the “Tres Leches” (with fresh fruit) that had everyone at the table moaning and groaning with sheer delight. From the excellent presentation, quality and taste of the food, not to mention the exceptional service, “The Grill at Bal Harbour” is definitely one of my favorite things.

Located on the second floor of the Bal Harbour Shops, it’s easy to access from both sides of the property. Parking is a breeze, too. They have valet at the front and a roomy garage in the back. Be sure and keep your parking ticket handy, though, as they’ll validate/stamp it if you’re a restaurant patron. Cheers!

Sunday-Thursday 12pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-11:00pm