If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Miami, you might want to check out NIU Kitchen. This restaurant offers a modern take on traditional Catalan cuisine, which is a type of Spanish cuisine that has influences from Mediterranean and French cooking. The restaurant is known for its tapas-style dishes, which are small plates that are meant to be shared.
NIU Kitchen is located in the heart of downtown Miami, just a few blocks away from the Miami River. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with exposed brick walls and dim lighting that create a warm and inviting ambiance. The menu features a variety of dishes that are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the chefs use a combination of classic and modern techniques to create unique and flavorful dishes. Some of the most popular dishes at NIU Kitchen include the poached eggs, steak tartare, and cold tomato soup.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with friends, NIU Kitchen is a great choice. With its delicious food, cozy atmosphere, and friendly staff, it’s no wonder that this restaurant has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. So why not give it a try and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?
Location and Ambience
NIU Kitchen is located at 134 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132-2509, just a few blocks from the American Airlines Arena. The restaurant is situated in a bustling area of Downtown Miami, making it easily accessible by public transportation or car.
Upon entering the restaurant, you will be greeted by a warm and cozy atmosphere. The interior is decorated with rustic wooden tables, exposed brick walls, and dim lighting, creating a comfortable and intimate ambiance. The seating is limited, so it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.
NIU Kitchen is perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a small group gathering. The restaurant has a casual dress code, so you don’t have to worry about dressing up too much. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, providing excellent service throughout your dining experience.
Overall, NIU Kitchen provides a charming and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner. The location is easily accessible, and the ambiance is warm and welcoming.
Cuisine and Signature Dishes
NIU Kitchen is a Catalan-style restaurant located in the heart of downtown Miami. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience that mixes local and exotic flavors. The cuisine is eclectic and just a little bit eccentric, making it a popular destination for foodies and adventurous eaters.
One of the signature dishes at NIU Kitchen is the “Bikini” sandwich. This sandwich is a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant. The sandwich is made with Iberico ham, black truffle, and Manchego cheese, all served on a crispy bread. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.
Another popular dish at NIU Kitchen is the “Coca de Recapte.” This dish is a traditional Catalan flatbread that is topped with roasted vegetables, anchovies, and olives. The flatbread is crispy and flavorful, and the toppings are fresh and delicious.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, try the “Sepia.” This dish features grilled cuttlefish served with a black garlic aioli and a squid ink reduction. The cuttlefish is tender and flavorful, and the aioli and reduction add a depth of flavor that is simply amazing.
NIU Kitchen also offers a wide selection of Spanish wines and cocktails to complement your meal. Be sure to ask your server for recommendations.
Overall, NIU Kitchen offers a unique dining experience that is not to be missed. The eclectic cuisine and signature dishes are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Customer Reviews
NIU Kitchen has received a lot of positive reviews from customers who have visited the restaurant. Here are a few highlights:
- Excellent Food Quality: Many customers have praised the quality of the food at NIU Kitchen. They say that the dishes are flavorful, well-prepared, and made with fresh ingredients. Some customers have even said that the food is some of the best they’ve ever had.
- Great Service: Customers have also been impressed with the service at NIU Kitchen. They say that the staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. Some customers have even mentioned that the staff went above and beyond to make their dining experience enjoyable.
- Cozy Atmosphere: The atmosphere at NIU Kitchen has also received positive reviews. Customers say that the restaurant is cozy, intimate, and has a unique ambiance. Some customers have also mentioned that the decor is stylish and modern.
Overall, customers seem to really enjoy dining at NIU Kitchen. While there are a few negative reviews, they are few and far between. Most customers leave feeling satisfied with their experience and eager to return.
If you’re thinking about visiting NIU Kitchen, it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance. The restaurant can get quite busy, especially during peak dining hours. And if you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, be sure to let the staff know. They are happy to accommodate special requests whenever possible.
Awards and Recognition
NIU Kitchen has been recognized for its exceptional cuisine and service by several prestigious organizations and publications. Here are some of the awards and accolades the restaurant has received:
- James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist: In 2016, 2017, and 2018, NIU Kitchen was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: South award. This award recognizes chefs who have set new or consistent standards of excellence in their respective regions.
- Michelin Guide Recommended: The Michelin Guide is a highly respected restaurant guidebook that rates restaurants on a scale of one to three stars. NIU Kitchen has been recommended by the guide, indicating that it has “quality cooking, worth a stop”.
- Zagat Rated: Zagat is a restaurant review and rating guide that covers restaurants in major cities across the United States. NIU Kitchen has been rated by Zagat, with reviewers praising the restaurant’s “creative Catalan dishes” and “intimate, rustic” atmosphere.
- Miami New Times Best Restaurant: In 2015, NIU Kitchen was named the Best Restaurant in Miami by the Miami New Times. The publication praised the restaurant’s “passion for authentic Catalan cuisine” and its “intimate, welcoming vibe”.
- Eater Miami Essential 38: Eater Miami’s Essential 38 is a list of the city’s must-visit restaurants. NIU Kitchen has been included on the list, with the publication describing it as “a tiny, casual spot that turns out some of the most creative and delicious Spanish food in Miami”.
These awards and recognitions are a testament to the exceptional quality of NIU Kitchen’s cuisine and service. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Miami, a meal at NIU Kitchen is sure to be a memorable dining experience.
Sustainable Practices
NIU Kitchen Restaurant is committed to sustainability and has implemented several practices to reduce its environmental impact. Here are some of the sustainable practices that NIU Kitchen Restaurant has adopted:
- Seasonal Ingredients: NIU Kitchen Restaurant uses seasonal ingredients in their dishes, which not only supports local farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
- Waste Reduction: The restaurant has implemented several measures to reduce waste, including composting, recycling, and using reusable containers for takeout orders. They also use biodegradable straws and utensils made from sustainable materials.
- Energy Efficiency: NIU Kitchen Restaurant has installed energy-efficient lighting and appliances in their kitchen, which helps to reduce their energy consumption and lower their carbon footprint.
- Water Conservation: The restaurant has implemented water conservation measures, such as low-flow faucets and toilets, to reduce their water usage and conserve this precious resource.
- Local Sourcing: The restaurant sources many of their ingredients locally, which not only supports the local economy but also reduces the environmental impact associated with transportation.
History of NIU Kitchen Restaurant
NIU Kitchen is a Spanish restaurant located in Downtown Miami that specializes in Catalan cuisine. The restaurant was founded in 2014 by Deme Lomas, Adam Hughes, and Karina Iglesias. The trio had previously worked together in the restaurant industry and decided to open their own restaurant to showcase their passion for Catalan food.
The restaurant’s name, NIU, means “nest” in Catalan and is a nod to the cozy and intimate atmosphere that the founders wanted to create. The restaurant is located in a historic building that was constructed in the early 1900s. The building’s architecture and design have been preserved and restored, adding to the restaurant’s charm and character.
NIU Kitchen’s menu is inspired by the traditional dishes of Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. The menu features a variety of small plates, or “tapas,” as well as larger entrees. Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include the octopus a la plancha, the braised short ribs, and the arroz negro, a rice dish made with squid ink.
Since its opening, NIU Kitchen has received numerous accolades and awards, including being named one of the “Top 100 Miami Restaurants” by Miami New Times. The restaurant’s success has led to the opening of a second location, NIU Kitchen Brickell, in 2019.
Overall, NIU Kitchen’s dedication to authentic Catalan cuisine, cozy atmosphere, and historic location make it a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking to experience the flavors of Spain in Miami.
