Some places just have that magic. The kind of warmth that wraps around you like a cozy hug, the kind of flavors that linger on your palate long after the meal is over.
That’s exactly how I felt about Chimba, a hidden gem nestled in Miami’s vibrant Midtown. One that I recommend visiting, especially if you enjoy unique and yummy dishes.
So, when my husband and I found ourselves with an invitation to visit on a Sunday evening, we were excited to try something new past our home base of Broward County.
We arrived at Chimba and were impressed by the restaurant’s inviting interior. It’s a space that feels effortlessly cool, modern, comfortable, and intimate. There’s an undeniable charm to it, a perfect place for date night or a fun dinner with loved ones.
The restaurant’s dishes seamlessly fuse Latin American flavors with modern creativity. The cocktails are an experience in themselves, and the flavors overall are something to celebrate.
Chimba had just launched a new menu featuring dishes by celebrated Argentinian chef and sommelier Pablo Ranea, and as someone who appreciates a well-crafted meal, I was beyond excited to dive in.
The menu, helmed by resident chef Kevin Acosta, pays homage to the flavors of Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, and it’s obvious that every plate truly showcases the depth and diversity of Latin American cuisine.
An Appetizer Adventure
We kicked things off with two standout starters: the Birria Arepa and the Ceviche Nikkei. The birria arepa was unlike anything I had tasted before, a crispy arepa topped with tender, slow-cooked beef birria, plantain, and smoked gouda. It was rich, savory, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness from the plantain.
Then we decided to share some ceviche. I just love ceviche. My husband knows that and was not surprised when I eagerly ordered it.
The Ceviche Nikkei, a vibrant mix of sushi-grade tuna, pineapple ponzu, crispy calamari, avocado, and cilantro, mixed in with a dash of citrus, spice, and crunch, was flavorful and did not disappoint me at all. And I recommend you give it a try when you visit, especially if you love ceviche!
A Culinary Journey Through Latin America
For the main course, we decided to go all in and to share different dishes.
I opted for the Pulpo al Olivo, a dish that transported me straight to Peru. The octopus was cooked to perfection, and it was tender, slightly charred and the botija olive aioli enhanced its flavor. Paired with quinoa risotto, huancaína sauce, and chimichurri oil, it is a great dish for adventurous diners. My husband went for the Lomo Saltado, a classic Peruvian dish that features the perfect blend of churrasco, fries and rice, and satisfies fans of perfectly prepped steaks.
A Sweet Ending & Unforgettable Drinks
Even after indulging in the savory dishes, we couldn’t resist trying out one of the spot’s desserts.
We also shared the Panqueque Dulce de Leche, because, let’s be honest, no meal is complete without a little dulce de leche. It was warm, gooey, and paired perfectly with the house-made vanilla ice cream.
Cocktail enthusiasts will be impressed with Chimba’s bar program. The Angel Mezcalita, a clarified mezcal cocktail with passion fruit, lime juice, Triple Sec, and Tajín, was a smoky, tangy, and delightfully smooth cocktail.
Another favorite of ours was the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, which blends Sotol, cucumber, jalapeño, lime, and Tajín. The jalapeño balanced well with the freshness of the cucumber, making it a unique cocktail that gives a delicious twist to a beloved classic cocktail.
Why Chimba is a Must-Visit
Beyond the incredible food and drinks, what makes Chimba special is the experience.
The atmosphere is effortlessly inviting, the service is warm and knowledgeable, and every dish tells a story. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual bite, a long, leisurely meal, or a perfectly curated cocktail, you’ll leave already planning your next visit.
And don’t forget dessert!
For reservations, visit ChimbaMiami.com or follow @ChimbaMiami on social media, or call 786-558-5898
