Amidst the growing nightlife scene in Miami Beach, Florida, Israeli-born chef Michael Solomonov and renowned restaurateur Steve Cook recently opened their 19th restaurant–an instant success. Aviv, meaning “spring” in Hebrew, opened its doors on March 14 in South Beach’s luxurious 1 Hotel. It embodies authentic Israeli cuisine, merging classical cooking methods with the vibrance of Miami and modern-day Tel Aviv.
Aviv exemplifies Mediterranean cooking and elevates the already high standard. To classify it as a success, however, Aviv must meet the criteria for taste and presentation, ambiance, service and cost.
Aviv’s staff must provide an exceptional dining experience through high-quality, flavorful dishes with elegant presentation to meet diners’ expectations. To excel, the food should showcase the chef’s imagination while the taste highlights an innovative approach to flavors and textures, often including regional and seasonal ingredients.
Aviv exceeds these expectations. The menu features a selection of hummus with saluf bread, halloumi baklava, Moroccan “cigars”, skewered chicken with pickled kumquat, beef skewers, lamb sausage from North Africa, gilt-head seabream and an extensive cocktail and mocktail list. A guest describes the hummus as “smooth as Anejo tequila” and the platter–consisting of seven additional dips and a warm, airy pita-like bread–an “eclectic collection of flavor.” The halloumi is a perfect choice if looking for an appetizer that tastes reminiscent of strawberry rhubarb pie, and the cigars, coated in a sweet honey sauce with a flaky exterior, are also superb. Of the main courses, most are excellent choices, but the chicken is a tender eruption of flavors. One may consider avoiding the seabream as it is relatively simple, served only with a routine tzatziki sauce. The four dessert choices are all very rich but excellent as well, with guests particularly enjoying the key lime knafe.
Ambiance also plays a critical role in building an atmosphere with an elegantly styled interior, a suitable layout that simultaneously minimizes noise and enhances comfort, ambient lighting and decorative elements that enhance the visuals. A restaurant’s atmosphere must be inviting and comfortable, with elements that align with the restaurant’s target audience through music and mood setting. Aviv does just that.
The restaurant feels reminiscent of a beach club one would encounter on a vacation in Greece, with upbeat music and a neutral, rustic-modern aesthetic. Aviv features hand-painted murals, stone textiles, lanterns hanging from the wood-planked ceiling and palm plants spread throughout. It features a central open kitchen along with indoor and garden seating, a bar and a private dining area. Aviv strategically creates a refined environment that perfectly complements the cuisine and South Beach.
In order for a restaurant to have good service, it must work to enhance the guests’ overall experience. Servers should have a good grasp of the food and drink menu, with timely, well-spaced food service alongside ongoing attentiveness to diners’ needs.
Although Aviv only opened two weeks prior, it did not fall short in delivering an enjoyable dining experience with a welcoming hostess and top-tier waiters. Danny, a local lifetime resident, may act as one’s waiter. Although he began work just a few weeks ago, Danny is well-versed in the menu and offers great insights into the best dishes. If desired, one may also work with Royce, a sommelier, who provides a wine-tasting option with bottles from Israel, Lebanon and the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Lastly, cost is an important consideration that should align with food quality, service and atmosphere, suggesting a fair value for one’s experience. According to the Miami New Times, “The average cost per person at a fine-dining restaurant in Miami is $257–and in Miami Beach, it’s even higher.” While Aviv is not considered a fine dining experience, it is upscale and its average of $150 per person is expensive, but more reasonable than many nearby restaurants.
Aviv provides a memorable experience from its inviting collection of flavors, comfortable and elegant environment and welcoming service. While ideally suited for larger groups so guests can taste a variety of small plates, the tasting menu offers an excellent alternative for smaller gatherings. Despite its elevated pricing, Aviv offers an incomparable quality of food, ambiance and service, making it a highly desirable destination for those seeking a unique dining experience in South Beach.
