There are restaurants that you remember for a while, and then there are those that truly impress diners to the point that you rush to recommend the spot others.
This for me was my experience at Rishtedar Wynwood. When my husband Sebastian and I visited we felt the warmth of the staff and the environment as soon as we stepped inside. The environment felt warm, aromatic, and inviting, and the lighting glowed next to deep jewel tones and tables that are just as bright, and elegant and colorful. The décor sets the tone and makes you feel like you’ve traveled straight to India. This made us feel even more excited to try all that the restaurant had to offer.
In general, from the staff to the immersive setting, the restaurant felt welcoming and made us feel like enjoying the evening in a slow and steady pace.
So, we decided to leave behind all the stress that we could so we could truly enjoy the experience without thinking about anything else besides each other’s company and the food that we were about to enjoy.
Rishtedar: Where India Meets Miami
Rishtedar isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a bridge between two places, where you can enjoy authentic Indian food in South Florida.
It’s the first U.S. location for a concept born in Chile, and it brings chefs directly from India to ensure every bite is steeped in authenticity.
The name itself translates to “relative” in Hindi, a fitting choice for a place that’s built around the idea of sharing and connection.
The philosophy here is simple yet powerful: to bring the culture, flavors, and traditions of India to Miami in a way that’s vibrant, welcoming, and true to its roots.
Every detail, from the intricate wall art to the colorful fabrics, speaks to that mission. It’s a dining room that feels alive, and yet, somehow, intimate.
You can be surrounded by conversation and still feel like your table is your own private corner of the world, which makes it suitable for a great date night or a special occasion.
And that special occasion can even just be for you, on a random day, because why wait for something special to happen to visit? Every day can be a special one and this restaurant beckons to celebrate you and to be celebrated.
The Menu: A Culinary Journey Through India
Rishtedar’s menu reads like a passport stamped across India’s diverse regions.
The appetizers set the tone: crisp samosas with spiced potato filling, colorful vegetable pakoras with a satisfying crunch, and chutneys that strike a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
Then there are the curries such as Butter Chicken arrives with a tomato cream sauce that’s both indulgent and comforting, and the bold and aromatic Lamb Rogan Josh is the kind of dish that demands warm naan to scoop up every part of it.
Seafood lovers will be drawn to fish and prawn dishes infused with coastal spices straight from India.
Vegetarians can enjoy dishes like the Chana Masala, which are chickpeas in spiced tomato gravy, and the Palak Paneer, which offers spinach and cottage cheese cooked in aromatic spices, and are prepared with care and have a great balance of flavors.
Every plate is as visually striking as it is yummy, and the dessert menu tempts you with sweet offerings like Gulab Jamun, which are milk-based dumplings immersed in rose-scented syrup.
Trust me when I say that you cannot leave without trying this and making this the selected sweet ending of your meal.
Friday Nights: Wine, Spice, and Celebration
While Rishtedar is special every day of the week, Fridays have their own magic in them, especially if you love wine!
That’s when the Wine Pairing Dinner Experience takes over from 7–11 p.m. For $85, guests choose from three prix-fixe menus: Indian Spices & Wine Aromas, which are Chicken dishes paired with a trio of white, rosé, and red wines, the Flavors of the Sea & Indian Spices option, also matched with some refreshing pours, and lastly the India on Your Plate, Joy in Your Glass, which offers lamb prepared in traditional styles, complemented by bold, full-bodied reds. The pacing allows you to savor each course, noticing how the spices interact with the wine’s notes and we found out while there that the staff is eager to guide you, explaining each pairing in a way that feels like you’re learning a secret.
And because Rishtedar loves adding touches of joy, there’s also a free henna tattoo from a Mehndi artist during the event. It’s beautiful, and deeply rooted in Indian tradition, and it feels like a lasting souvenir that you can take away from the night.
A Place Worth Returning To
Our evening at Rishtedar Wynwood wasn’t just about the food, it was about the way the night made us feel.
It’s a special and relaxing spot nestled within hectic Wynwood, a unique escape from other restaurants and their offerings in the area. In a city that’s always chasing the next big thing, Rishtedar doesn’t try to be trendy, but more timeless. It’s a place where tradition and creativity meet, and where you can share a quiet moment with your group or special plus one for dinner.
Whether you come for the wine pairing or to explore the regular menu, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve traveled without ever leaving sunny South Florida.
Rishtedar Wynwood is located at 232 NW 24th St, Miami. For more information and to make a reservation, visit rishtedar.com/menu-wynwood or call (305) 456-2256.