Shireen's Favorite Things

A glamorous, one-of-a-kind dinner at “Novikov Miami” — where Japanese & Chinese food fuse together beautifully.

Usually when I do #Spotlight, there’s something about the restaurant I’m featuring that’ll blow me away; sometimes it’s the food, other times it’s the incredible service or perhaps, the lively atmosphere. When it comes to “Novikov Miami” — it’s ALL of those things wrapped into one. It’s simply, #WorldClass.

My experience at the already popular eatery, which has only been open a few short months, was nothing short of sublime. In fact, I found it incredibly provocative and frankly, it surprised me. While the restaurant’s reputation is outstanding in other parts of the world (London, Dubai and Moscow, ) that doesn’t always guarantee success locally, but boy-oh-boy — “Novikov Miami” is definitely something to write home about. I’d even send a follow-up letter to get my point across. 💌

Its cuisine, which is some of the best in the Magic City, is fresh, clean and artistic and its modern decor matches, perfectly. Think “contemporary cool meets Miami sophistication.” If that weren’t enough — location, location, location. Its view has major real estate moxie; sitting on the edge of downtown close to the water (where the bay meets the river.) When I went last weekend, the sun was setting and the restaurant was bathed in a deliciously warm glow. It was heaven on earth…

Or maybe that was the “Wasabi Martini” talking. Made with vodka, purple basil, pineapple, wasabi, lemon and yuzu, you’ll be “drank” into submission. I’ve never even heard of a “Wasabi Martini,” let alone tried one. It was refreshing with a familiar kick and definitely a #MustTry. The “Apricot Margarita” is pretty special, too and if you like tequila, you’ll be in cocktail paradise (it’s made with prosecco, apricot, cardamom, clove and lemon.) If you prefer something stronger, “Kiri Old Fashioned” will get your motor running with whisky, spiced kola, applewood smoke and bitters. #ComeToMama

If you’re regular blog reader, you know how I love to cry when I eat, it’s the New Mexico girl in me and the “Scallop Jalapeño” didn’t disappoint. If you’re a little gun- shy, though, it comes with a sweet potato puree to tame the flame. The “Yuzu Salmon” topped with sesame seeds was simple & delicious. I’m a sucker for a good Yuzu sauce, especially when it’s salty & savory like Novikov’s.

There’s not a “too pretty to eat” category on the sushi menu, but if there were, you’d find “A5 Wagyu topped with Foie Gras” & “Chu Toro garnished with Caviar and gold flecks”. This was my favorite of the night. I’ve always struggled developing a taste for toro, but when done right, WOW, it’s out of this world and who doesn’t like the quality of Wagyu paired with foie gras? Both are a #MustTry.

If you’re a “Peking Duck” fan you’re gonna flip over Novikov’s simple yet succulent take on it. Served with all the fixings: cucumber, spring onion, sweet sauce and pancakes to wrap it all up in. The “Black Cod Rolls” are a stand-out, too with a great outer texture, think Nabisco Shredded Wheat, that gives way to a rich, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth middle.

While good Dim Sum can be hard to find in Miami, the “Spicy Prawn Moneybags”💰💰 are changing the game. The dashing little dumplings are perfectly plump and remind me of biting into little clouds of love. I’d list every ingredient, but that’s not Novikov’s way; they leave something to the taste bud imagination. Straight from the restaurant’s Fish Market, I tried the “Portuguese Red Mullet” which was handpicked, battered & fried into delicious bite-sized pieces. I love the concept of choosing what I’m eating and having a say over how it’s prepared.

I didn’t think I could manage dessert until I laid eyes on the “Tropical Ki-iro” (made with passion fruit, white chocolate ice-cream mango, mint and basil.) Holy fabulousness, Batman. My usual flowery adjectives can’t even do it justice. The “Double Chocolate Lava Cake” with sesame crumble, and ginger ice cream was a work of art and in true Miami style, the “Quatro Leches” is a satisfying mainstay.

There are a lot of great places to eat in the Magic City, but if you’re looking for something truly spectacular with exceptional service and amazing food, “Novikov Miami” is waiting for you and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things.

Novikov Miami inside Met 1
(ground floor)
300 South Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, Florida 33131

Monday – Friday Novikov opens at 12pm
Saturday & Sunday for dinner at 6pm

Be Social:
IG: @novikovmiami
FB: @NovikovMiami
Twitter: @novikovmiami