NIU Kitchen

Absolutely fantastic! Dinner consisted of a tomato water soup, mixed with cheese, pesto and a hard piece of bread that softens while you eat! Iberico ham, which was fine but the tomato bread was lovely, just enough seasoning & crisp bread. Anchovies w/​mashed potatoes, sauces and EVOO-​Stupendous! The egg dish was also yummy, very creamy with super crunchy and salty oven roasted prosciutto. Had the «tiramisu» for dessert, it was anything but this, but it was not a disappointment. Had great wine with our meal-​cara nord. Our waitress was perfect and gave us fantastic recommendations.

This was on my places to try list. We had the lobster/​egg salad thing, the egg dip and the sausage sandwich. The bread was really good. The food was 3.5 to 4 stars. My husband really liked the sausage. I think next time I’ll try the mussels. Parking is impossible downtown so we parked in a lot on Biscayne for $ 7 and walked 2 blocks.

De verdad todo en el restaurant es muy muy bueno las entradras los principales el tiramisu catalan … excelente lugar y atencion

This place is amazing. I tried the eggs, calamari, and steak tartare. All of them are great. I highly recommend this place. Great service also.

Came in on monday with a reservation for 9pm. It was 75% full. And keep in mind that the place is small. So dont be surprised if you come and have to wait. Ordered the potato foam with bread. Awesome. Llamantol. Awesome as well. Tuna taratare. Awesome too. The steak taratare is raw so i ate half of it. But i didnt like it too much. The chocolate moose i believe is what it was called was good too. Recommend this to anyone. When i come back i want to try the other menu items.

Uno de mis lugares preferidos en Miami. El lugar es pequeño, cosa que lo hace muy acogedor. Además es la primera vez que como comida catalana en Miami. La atención es increíble y la comida deliciosa. Lo ideal es ir con reservación ya que el lugar tiene pocas mesas.

We had searched the place out to have lunch while in town on business for the weekend.
We almost walked by — it was easy to miss & looked like a hole in the wall from the outside but had a nice rustic feel on the inside (believe the word is «intimate»).
Friendly servers, interesting Spanish beer, the smoked Marlin was great. We had a short ribs dish with rice that had a great flavor to it.
Unique experience, good conversation with the table next to us. Worth trying!

On the Miami Eater 38 List (as of ¹¹⁄₂₀₁₅)
This is one of the favorite restaurants that I’ve been to in Miami thus far! My friends and I came in for a late dinner around 8:30pm on a Sunday night, and decided to walk-​in since we figured they wouldn’t be that busy– Big Mistake! Make sure you make reservations if you don’t want to have to roll the dice on whether you get a table or not– we lucked out and grabbed the last table after waiting about 15 minutes at the tiny bar. The entire restaurant is on the small side, so make sure you enjoy the company of your dining companions, since you’ll be sitting in close quarters. The staff here is really friendly and accommodating, but you do have to flag them down at times since they can get really busy. We tried:
–Pa Amb Tomaquet ($ 3.50,
): Yum– I’m usually not a big fan of tomato bread, but the version here is really good. Highly recommened!
–Ous (Poached Eggs, Truffled Potato Foam, Jamon Iberico, Summer Black Truffle, $ 15,
): Very tasty but also very rich since you have egg yolk, a truffled potato foam, and jamon. We definitely need more bread to eat with this dish to help cut some of the richness.
–Llamantol (Maine Lobster, Avocado, 5 Min Mashed Egg, Trout Roe, $ 15,
): Yum– the lobster was super fresh and went really well with the rest of the ingredients. I loved the flavors of this dish, and the presentation is also beautiful– highly recommended!
–Calamar (Potato Cream, Picada, $ 16,
): Delicious– the calamari tasted fresh and was perfectly cooked. The potato cream was also very good– highly recommended!
–Branzino Filet (Warm Garlic, Green Chile Vinaigrette, Jamon Iberico, $ 27,
): One of the better fish dishes I’ve had in a while, and I was happily impressed! The branzino was seared perfectly, and the skin was nice and crispy.
–Costelles (Baby Back Ribs, Romesco Sauce, $ 19,
): The ribs were just ok; although they were tender, they didn’t fall off the bone. However, the romesco sauce was really good, but I still don’t think I would get this dish again.
–Dessert ($ 8,
): I believe this was their spin on rice pudding, and it was ok, but not as good as their savory dishes. I didn’t think the components worked that well together, and wouldn’t order this again.
The dish that we saw a lot of other tables order was the Entrecot (Grilled Rib Eye), which looked really good, and we wished we had gotten this also. Overall, we were impressed with the food, and hopefully have a chance to come back and check out that rib eye. Parking can be difficult since there is street parking, but it’s limited in this area.

Went on a lovely dinner date here this week, after reading all the positive reviews. We didn’t make a reservation, since it was a Tuesday night. Once arriving, we noticed how small the restaurant was, I got worried that we wouldn’t be able to get a table. The hostess was able to seat us at the last table available despite having a full list of reservations for the evening.
Our waiter was full of recommendations. The small plates arrived one by one, with picturesque presentation. They were all delicious too!
The crowd seemed close knit, like everyone was a regular. So, we took suggestions for dessert and chatted with our neigbors.
This place is not to be missed. Your taste buds will thank you!

Everything in the menu was excellent!!! We ordered 5 different dishes and we enjoyed every single one of them !!! The dessert tasted like heaven !! For sure I would recommend this restaurant. Another thing, we were glad that we made a reservation because the place is a little small

Everyone and their mother will tell you to go to Joe’s Stone Crab, an institution in Miami since 1913. There’s nothing wrong with tourist spots. Many have well deserved reputations. Folks I trust told me I couldn’t leave Miami without checking out Joe’s but Kim and I like to eat off the beaten path. Like to feel like we’re discovering something new.
Kim had an allergic reaction to something earlier in the day resulting in very itchy skin so we decided to stay close to our hotel in case her face went full Picasso. Luckily I had plenty of choices outside of South Beach on my Google Map of researched eats. We decided on NIU Kitchen, the best decision I made in Miami for sure.
Maybe taking a Benadryl before a meal that started at 9:30 wasn’t the best choice, but it seemed unavoidable at the time. Be that as it may, it didn’t stop Kim from enjoying the hell out some excellent dishes in this Catalan hot spot.
First off, the place is pretty small. Maybe 25 seats, and loud with some hip (and ironically hip) tunes as well as the happy drunken banter of locals and tourists alike. There are some strong woman working the room, which adds to the overall appeal. Guns & Roses shirt? Check. Tats? Check.
Having studied the menu, we knew what we’d order before walking in the door. Kim didn’t want to mix alcohol with Benadryl, but I I ordered a Rosita beer, which was light and fresh — not dishwatery like some beers can get. The Wahoo Tartare hit the table and was a thing of beauty. If only a proper food photographer had been present. The only shot I got before digging in was out of focus. It didn’t convey its architectural beauty. The taste and textures were divine. Cucumber, scallions, lime zest. Not in the least bit fishy. It was exactly what I had been looking for in Miami. We’d had ceviche in a spot or two, but those couldn’t compare to this dish. This was happy and healthy and delectable.
Yeah, we had the audacity to follow this with Steak Tartare, and it was equally delicious. Hints of mustard, perfectly cut steak, a fried egg and some of their excellent bread. Kim and I ate it like it was evidence we needed to get rid of fast.
«You okay?» I ask my girl.
«So tired,» she said.
«Two dishes left and maybe a dessert, then you’ll be back in bed in no time.»
If you only have one dish at NIU Kitchen, and I wouldn’t suggest that, make it the Ous. As Kim pointed out from behind sleepy eyes, you can get tartares and such at other restaurants, even if their executions aren’t as good as NIU, but I don’t think you can get this anywhere else. Although it is now on the menu of the fake restaurant I dream of opening one day that collects the best dishes of my admittedly limited experience.
Poached egg submerged in a truffled potato foam with crispy Jamón Ibérico serrano and black truffles. The first thing that hits you is that smell of truffles. Then you dip your bread in, or a spoon, and marvel that food can still be new.
«This was terrible,» I say the the waiter, smiling. A joke that’s getting old, even to the teller.
«Here’s something just as terrible,» he says, placing some foie between Kim and I.
And yes, it was just as terrible, meaning amazing. Meaning not a morsel was left behind as we sunk our forks and teeth into perfectly seared foie on delicious honey bread with hints of apple, a dusting of hazelnut powder and a few soft and wonderful raspberries.
By now Kim is comatose, but we agree to get one of their two desserts; the Chocolate Ganache with… well, truthfully, I have no idea what was in there. The waiter was pretty soft spoken. I think there were salted toasts and maybe even tiny bits of ice cream and olive oil. It was like Nutella made love to a salty Petits four. Which is probably illegal in most states.
Kim, trying not to scratch her itchy face the entirely of the meal, was now nearly lifeless. The waiter, busy serving every table, wasn’t able to get us our check quickly, which is the way these things go. Also, he had no idea my girl had drugged herself silly before the meal. Regardless, we were so blown way by the meal that we’d forgive them anything.
«We may need to go back tomorrow night.»

I feel lucky that this was my first place to visit in Miami.
Food is amazing, look and taste great. It’s recommend to share to try different flavour.
The place is cozy and feels warm. Nicely decorated and the staff is super friendly. I highly recommend this place. I know I am going back :)
Location is close to the water. You can probably go for walk after.
If you like fish, try catch of the day.

The cozy trendy atmosphere which serves small tapas was great for lunch. The plates are very small so order a few appetizers and one main. Very friendly staff and fast service.
I had the Wahoo tartare which is fish style ceviche, which was fresh and good if you want fish.
And for dessert the chocolate gnash was too rich for one person so share between your party.

New favorite restaurant. Very small and unassuming and my wife and I went there by chance. It was Incredible!
Starting with Llamantol which is fresh Maine lobster,
Avocado and Egg to the Clams with Sherry Vinegar, everything was a perfect balance of savory and sweet, fresh and beautiful. We liked our late lunch so much of four dishes, we loaded up for the next day with short rib risotto and more Llamontol. We can’t wait to go back /​someone else said on Unilocal that they just want to figure a way to eat their every day, I agree!

Muy buenas y originales tapas catalanas y un servicio impecable…
La oferta de vinos es pequeña pero representativa !
Volveremos

I was visiting for the weekend and ate here on friends recommendations. The food was amazing and reminded me of the style of cooking I found in Barcelona. Everything was cooked well, even if it’s a simple dish.
I had the steak tartar to start with, and cannot stop raving about it. Good cuts, super fresh, wonderfully flavored with secret ingredients; and no missed connective tissue… It was chopped perfectly not ground.
I love clams so I had them as well. The Jamon was crispy and not overdone. The clams were sweet and juicey and cleaned well as I found no gritty sand in the dish. The flavoring didn’t stop there, it was robust.
The grilled calamar was soft and tender, wonderfully fresh. The potato purée smooth and light. The green sauce added a touch of herb to the dish. It was the simplest dish I had, with the lightest flavors but I enjoyed it for that.
Let me mention how friendly the staff was and how on point and attentive. Even during the Saturday night rush everyone has what they need. Nor do they make you feel rushed. Better yet, they will talk about the food with passion, all you have to do is ask.

«Ous» (AKA the poached eggs/​black truffle/​potato foam dish) is the best thing to eat in Miami at this moment. I could live off that & the «Pa Amb Tomàquet» (pan con tomate/​bread with tomato). We also tried the «Llamàntol» (lobster/​avocado/​trout roe), which was good, but the «Ous» absolutely outshined it. I think they rotate the desserts, but if they have the coconut custard (didn’t catch the actual name of the dish), try it!!! The texture was perfect & it wasn’t too sweet.
Nice wine selection also! We had a bottle of «Collide» (2011 Napa blend/​$ 63) at the server’s suggestion. Highly recommend this bottle… buttery/​silky on the tongue with a nice balance of fruit & tannins.
I am trying to figure out a way to eat here everyday for the rest of my life.

Outstanding, that’s my word. I have been here twice in 7 days. I am on a peculiar eating plan. When the moving company I live, Tommy’s Moving & Storage, owner, Asela, invited me to lunch I did not want to turn down so I called ahead to make sure there was something I could eat. I’m simple. Grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, no oil. Carina advised not a problem. This is a tiny downtown spot that may seat 24? The greeting was warm and she knew right off the bat it was me. Our service was lovely and the branzino filet blew me away, seasoned perfectly and the crispy skin, oh my. I had delicious sliced tomatoes that were a beautiful red and actually tastes like tomatoes. They provided a little balsamic reduction which just a little dab worked to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes.
I am writing because I had lunch their yesterday and Carina explained the branzino was on the dinner menu ($ 22) but she would fix it for me. I am happy camper and going back.
My girlfriend was with me and she ordered the whole calmari. I had never seen one, it was lovely and she woofed it down and don’t even offer me a taste:(by hats okay, I am bringing my son back and I will get a bite while I enjoy my dish. Next month I will be back and have the calamari myself and also I am looking forward to the ordering that beautiful whole fish.

Disappointedly so, I was a little underwhelmed with the food. I had such high expectations, but some how they fell short. Starting off with the minute we sat down we were told we had to be out in an hour and 15 min. We were told they were totally booked at a certain hour.
Ok, so we ordered a couple of dishes we heard were good. The mussels were very good and dipping the bread in the broth was even better. The Llamamtol, lobster, avocado, eggs was simply ok, and that may be an overstatement. The entrecot was tasty, but too fatty for my taste. For desset we had some sort of bread soaked in a milky sauce with caramelized sugar on top, again, just ok. After ordering a bottle of wine, which was actually quite tasty, I was forced to chug it, as we were told we had to abandon our table.
The service was so so and the meal was also so so… Not sure I’ll be coming here again.

El restaurante es pequeño y un poco incomodo. Fuimos un domingo y tenían la carta del brinco. Nos atendieron muy bien (también es cierto que solo había tres mesas) y los platos recomendados fueron acertados. Gazpacho de sandia, huevo con virutas trufa, jamón.

NIU Kitchen, why do you make delicious, saucy foods but then give your diners such a little amount bread?
This was so infuriating. Is it a Catalan thing?
Ous $ 14 is a rich and creamy bowl of poached eggs, truffle potato foam, Jamón ibérico, and black truffle. An elevated dip. The few bread pieces we received were not enough to soak up the eggs. We were eventually offered more bread by our server when we kept refusing to let him take away the bowl.
Extra bread $ 1.50 — Enough bread should be provided for the Ous dish. The server asked if we would like more bread. It was pretty funny to find out that they charged us $ 1.50 for the equivalent of a slice of toast.
Steak Tartare $ 13 with the fried egg on top was probably the second favorite dish of the night. We don’t order this dish often so it was a special treat. Well seasoned.
Wahoo Tartare $ 13 was also tasty. A little bit of the tang from the lime zest was interesting.
Calamar $ 16 was the most beautiful dish of the night. The presentation of the whole, smokey flavored squid was impressive and the accompanying sauces were perfect. I prefer squid to be a bit more tender, but my fellow diners had no problem eating the rest.
Costelles $ 16 baby back ribs with romesco sauce were savory although they weren’t served hot enough temperature wise. The toddler of the group enjoyed it greatly.
Rotllet de Pasta $ 16 was a bit underwhelming compared to the other fantastic dishes. Rolled pasta. Think manacotti, but a bit fancier with scallops on top.
Pa Amb Llet $ 8. While the server’s heavy accent was pleasant, we barely undersood him. We made the server repeat his descriptions of the desserts twice. We ordered the bread soaked in milk and spices on whim since he mentioned there would be a brûlée. The bottom rich custard base was served chilled, which was refreshing. Don’t think bread pudding. It was more like pudding — pudding. As advertised there was a crunchy layer of burnt sugar in the middle. It was topped with some ice cream. Perfect ending to a fun experience.
4 stars since there is room for improvement. Proportional bread to food ratio and a tiny bit friendlier service would do wonders.
PS — The bathroom is hilariously tiny, but at least they have one. Also, since that area of downtown Miami is very quiet and kind of sketchy after business hours we didn’t have a problem finding a metered parking space nearby. The pay by phone app is very easy.

MY NEW FAVORITE RESTAURANT DOWNTOWN!
Wow, wow, wow!
I have not been this excited by a restaurant in a while.
Tiny, intimate, cosy and nicely decorated. It offers a fine selection of Catalonian dishes. Keep in mind: not the best idea if you want to go with a big party. The place is tiny. But awesome!
Must admit that they won my heart over by offering my favorite Rosé wine. From the Basque region of Spain, NIU kitchen offers Txakoli Rosé. A very hard to find wine in Miami. It happens pairs well with most of their dishes.
I came here with some friends and order a variety of things so we could try as much as we could from this exciting little place.
We ordered the Mussels –let me just mention that we were all fighting over the broth after– this is how amazing these were.
The Pan Amb Tomaquet is great to have at the table as the dishes come around… the tomato paste is made from fresh tomatoes and you can taste it.
The Wahoo tartare came next. Fresh, a bit zesty … just perfect to prepare for what was to come.
OUS! OUS my lord! I quote their menu: Poached eggs, truffled potato foam, Jamon Iberico and black truffle.
I believe my life will never be the same after OUS. It was so perfect that the three of us were in complete silence for a while… trying to decipher all the different tastes and textures that we were presented with. The eggs are perfectly poached, the amount of the potato foam is just right, the Jamos in crispy and the truffle taste surrounds you all over. Just PERFECT!
The only bad thing is that every time I will order OUS and more OUS… maybe not allowing myself to try the other delicious items on the menu.
Thank you Cataluña… from the bottom of my heart.

Came here after the Miami Half Marathon. It’s right near the American Airlines Arena.
I loved this place as soon as I walked in. Wood and greenery. It’s a small restaurant that transports you out of Miami…
Brunch. Here’s what we had:
Watermelon gazpacho
Pa amb tomaquet — basically toast with tomato on top. So fresh!
Ous — two poached eggs, truffle potato foam, jamon Iberico, black truffle. This was so delicious!!!
Esmorzar — botifarra, bacon, fried egg, sautéed white beans. Also delicious! I would highly recommend this and «Ous»
Steak tartare — with an egg on top, pretty typical.
Pretty much everything had a fried egg on top. Love.
Oh and get their COFFEE! So good.

This is one of the best meals I have had in Miami. I truly wished there was something like this in DC. This was the first time that I thought a tapas restaurant was incredible. What an amazing chef, and I’m so glad I got to eat this as my final meal in Miami. It’s been awhile that I’ve been impressed by food at such a reasonable price.
Even though we had already eaten dinner, I was determined to try this place during our visit to Miami, we ended up the following dishes for dinner:
–Ous ($ 14) How they make the truffle potato foam? I do not know, but it was absolute heavenly. I usually don’t like potatoes because it is so heavy, but this potato foam I could eat forever.
–Steak tartare ($ 13) Absolutely an amazing twist on tartare. I never would have thought crack an egg over it to make it even more delicious. The meat was very fresh as well.
We also ordered the two desserts specials that they had that day because we were convinced we couldn’t go wrong after the delicious tapas.
Unlike other tapas places I’ve been too, I feel like NIU gives you a generous portion for what you’re paying for which I really appreciated. I would totally be a frequent visitor if I worked near by.
I would also want to try the LLAMÀNTOL (15) and WAHOO TARTARE ($ 11) if I return.
Go before it gets too popular and you can’t find a seat. NIU is too good. They only had one waitress running the floor (the is limited seating as the restaurant is quite small and intimate. You will probably overhear the conversation next to you, but the food is too good so who cares. Oh, and they charged us $ 1.50~ extra for a few extra pieces of bread. I was surprised at the charge. I don’t think they gave us enough bread to begin with for the amount of delicious food. Though the bread was deliciously toasted too.