Leku Miami
Leku Miami Reviews (282)
Sensational lunch at Leku on a Sunday afternoon. Nestled inside the Rubell art museum, Leku sets a beautiful vibe for a relaxing meal with friends. When we arrived for our 2pm lunch reservation (it was pretty empty maybe 2 other diners.) Our server was super friendly and informative and helped guide us in the right direction with some of the fresh catches of the day. We shared a couple of tapas to start (the Rillette de cangrejo was my favorite) for my main I enjoyed one of the catches of the day: Dorada, grilled with garlic. It was sensational. Overall fantastic experience for my tastebuds. Everything was super high quality and thoughtful.
Lovely setting, attentive service & vibrant menu! Leku did not disappoint. I highly recommend coming here for a stroll through the museum to work up an appetite & enjoy a wonderful meal.
By far one of my favorite restaurants in America, I would say the world but I'm still traveling . My go to order - all must haves! App: The beet tartar and tomato salad Entree: The branzino... so succulent. Dessert: The smoked vanilla ice cream with beets. It's an experience in your mouth. While dining in Leku you are sitting in a trifecta of The garden; filled with Miami's natural plants and animals, the Rubell Museum, a must while in Miami (that's another review) and the beauty and art of the restaurant. At Leku will also have service so attentive and reliable. The love the food their serving and the chef creating it. I've celebrated so many amazing moments in my life here. I hope you enjoy it as well
Leku is one of the few restaurants in Miami with Michelin stars and this Basque gem caught my interest. We made reservations well in advance, leaving a credit card. We drove to the industrial section of Allapattah and found Leku inside the contemporary Rubell Museum. We found metered street parking in front. After exploring the museum we enjoyed a leisurely lunch. The tall, handsome garage doors opened out onto the lush, forest-like patio, the airy restaurant & open bar. was a true celebration of Basque cooking. Bryant was our waiter, he was very knowledgeable & attentive. The fragrant dishes filled the lush open air restaurant as we walked inside. Lunch was a splurge, but it was special and memorable. Familiar dishes were presented with an unexpected flare. The 6 crispy bite sized croquettas were stuffed with an explosive amount of cod, chorizo, cheese & Ibérico ham. The gambas al ajillo, featured 6 sweet Key West pink shrimp swimming in a rich garlic sauce. Big proteins form the heart of the carte, but I can create a satisfying meal with all of the starters. Today I enjoyed the snapper entree & my husband the stuffed calamari, the flavors were interesting & original. We saved room for the signature Basque cheesecake which was very indulgent with a creamy, oozing center. My husband ordered a triple chocolate dessert that came with white chocolate mousse, dark chocolate crumble, and milk chocolate orange sticks. House made smoky ice cream with a beet sauce was to die for as well.
Located at 1100 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127, Leku offers a unique culinary experience that combines the rich flavors of Basque cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant’s distinct charm lies in its seamless blend of traditional techniques and contemporary presentation, making it a standout choice for food enthusiasts in Miami.
Leku’s Innovative Take on Basque Culinary Traditions
At Leku, Basque culinary traditions take center stage. The restaurant is named after the Basque word for "place," signifying its commitment to offering an authentic yet modern interpretation of Basque gastronomy. Drawing inspiration from the coastal regions of Spain and France, Leku prides itself on using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients to bring out the bold, vibrant flavors of the Basque Country.
One of the standout features of Leku is its focus on sustainable practices. The chefs at Leku work closely with local farmers, fisherman, and artisans to source the freshest possible ingredients. This ensures that every dish is not only bursting with flavor but also aligned with the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability. Whether it’s the perfectly grilled seafood, seasonal vegetables, or expertly prepared meats, each bite is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to high-quality, responsibly-sourced food.
A Dining Experience Like No Other at Leku
The ambiance at Leku is designed to complement its food perfectly. The interior blends modern design elements with natural textures, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The open kitchen concept allows diners to see the culinary team in action, adding an interactive element to the dining experience. Whether you're dining for a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, Leku provides an inviting and memorable setting.
In terms of the menu, Leku offers a wide range of dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. Signature dishes like the Txangurro (Basque-style crab) and Chuletón (a juicy steak cut) showcase the restaurant’s commitment to offering both traditional Basque comfort food and innovative twists. For those seeking lighter options, the Leku menu features an array of fresh salads, seafood, and vegetables, all expertly crafted to highlight the natural flavors of each ingredient.
Leku's Expertise in Basque Wine Pairings
No dining experience at Leku is complete without exploring its impressive wine list. The restaurant offers an extensive selection of Basque wines, carefully curated to complement its menu. From the crisp and refreshing Txakoli to the complex reds from the Rioja Alavesa region, the wine list at Leku is a key part of the overall dining experience. Guests can trust the staff to recommend the perfect wine pairing, ensuring each dish is elevated to new heights.
The expertise of the sommelier at Leku plays a critical role in curating this wine list. With deep knowledge of Basque wines, the sommelier is always available to guide diners through the various options, making it easy to find the perfect wine for any occasion.
Leku's Commitment to Authenticity and Sustainability
What truly sets Leku apart from other dining establishments in Miami is its unwavering commitment to both authenticity and sustainability. The restaurant not only takes pride in offering authentic Basque flavors but also makes it a point to integrate eco-conscious practices into every aspect of its operations.
From sourcing seasonal ingredients to minimizing food waste, Leku is dedicated to supporting local producers and creating a sustainable future. Whether you're indulging in a seafood dish or enjoying a perfectly seared steak, you can feel confident that your meal is not only delicious but also environmentally responsible.
If you are going to visit the museum, this is a great restaurant. Would I drive just for the food..not sure. Artichokes were fantastic. Gazpacho was good, shrimp had lots of flavor (must like garlic) , croquettas -the round were good but the long ones have a fishy flavor.. the ambiance is nice- indoor outdoor space. The service was on point. Overall, if you and your gfs want to go visit the rubell or the experience across the street , this is a nice stop. Frankly, I would rather eat at pastis a few blocks away.