OLA

Great food. Even better service.
Recommend for everyone who doesn’t care about the price (a little pricey). We loved it.

Great service and amazing food! Warning: it can be a bit pricey compared to other places in the area. Expect to pay a little over $ 100 per person if you are having cocktails.
Having never eaten ceviche before, I asked the waitress for a recommendation. She suggested the Hamachi Nikkei: yuzu, thai basil, togarashi peppers, cilantro, sweet soy glaze, crushed seaweed and sesame seeds. I was a little hesitant since I don’t really even like sushi but I decided to give it a try. It’s hard to explain the flavors but I’m glad I got it! They served us pan de bono which is a Colombian bread made with corn/​yucca/​cheese I believe. I’ve had these before but never warm and what a difference that made! Main dishes for the table were the Cuban roast pork and the pionono (sweet plantain dish stuffed with zucchini, peppers and cheese). The roast pork had way too much pepper on it and it totally killed the other flavors (hence the 4 stars). Other than that, the service was amazing and the presentation was top notch!

Our party of 3 knew that the restaurant is known for their cerviche so we started with 3 types. Lobster, fire and ice and some mixed version. All were good. Fire and ice was my favorite of the 3. For my main course, I had the salmon. It blew me away. Salmon has never ever blown me away before anywhere. It is hard to describe but there was an interesting flavor of cinnamon that permeated the dish. It was really really good. My cohorts each had a different pork dish and they were arguing about who ordered the better dish. I don’t think you can go wrong here. The patio is small but pretty with white lights and heat lamps. It was relaxing. The only disappointment of the night was that my mojito was served in a thick cheap looking water glass but I think that is a pretty first class problem! I got over it.

Absolutely incredible in every category. Party of 10 we ordered variety of apps, the ceviche was amazing and a signature dish. Every person was elated with their main choice, mine was the sea bass. Prepared to perfection. The sommelier was knowledgeable and very helpful to select an unforgettable Rioja.

We ate at four expensive restaurants in MB, and this one was by far the best. For one thing, it’s off the main drag by just one block, which means (a) it’s accessible and yet (b) tranquil. The food was excellent. The ceviches are a tad overpriced for the tiny amount of food you get, but they’re delicious. The main courses were impeccable. Food at any restaurant of this caliber will be classy and tasty, but these dishes (their main shredded Cuban pork dish and a pork cutlet) were so good as to be memorable, which is rare. Service was very good. Would definitely revisit. And I ain’t gonna write reviews for the other three chi-​chi restos.

We stopped by on Saturday at 6pm for drinks and appetizers. They were able to seat us inside but it did get very busy in a short time, so if you go, I’d recommend reservations. The service was very friendly and professional.
The tables for 2 are set very close together with no privacy at all so you can hear the conversations of your neighbors. There is an ample menu with a variety of options. We ordered the crispy rock shrimp (about a cup of small shrimp), lobster empanada (single empanada with small chunks of lobster), and short rib empanada (2 empanadas filled with meat). All were recommend and were delicious for about $ 18 each. They offer specialty drinks and many nice wines by the glass for about $ 14 each.
There is an automatic 18% gratuity added to your bill. The overall service was very attentive. The single stall restrooms are located outside in the back of the hotel.

Good food.
Wayyyyyyyy overpriced.
Would not go back just due to the fact that I felt like I got robbed. If you have a corporate account, go there. Otherwise, there are 50 better places where you can get a great meal for half the price.

The food is unreal. We started with the corvina ceviche, the snapper ceviche and the lobster empanada. Can’t say I liked one ceviche more than the other. Both were equally delicious and tasted very fresh. The lobster empanada was quite a concoction. Encased in a squid ink dough, it almost looks like a big block of charcoal on your plate and has the same consistency as charcoal when you cut and bite into it. Very creative.
For entrees, we got the pollo criollo, the duck and the roast Cuban pork. Got to try all of them and while I loved my pollo criollo, I wish I had ordered the duck, which is something I would never have thought to order in this type of restaurant.
Despite being full after all this, I still wanted dessert because the apps and mains were so good, but our waiter took so long to come back to our table, I decided to pass. This was somewhat of a problem from the moment we arrived, which is the only reason I’m giving 4 stars.
The bathroom situation is also a little awkward. The restaurant is in a hotel and the bathroom is a single stall in a hallway outside of the restaurant.
All told, the bill came to just under $ 350 for 4 of us, gratuity included, but we did have a total of 6 cocktails, all of which start at $ 14. The food was well worth the price, but the overall experience was not.

Delicious dinner with new friends. The appetizers were great and quite easy to share. They had me at sweet potato gnocchi.

Fantastic food. Ordered a variety of food that all tasted great. Probably two dishes that were unique — lobster empanada ($ 19 dough is black because it’s made with squid ink) and the filet mignon prepared medium rare with crab and chimichurri sauce ($ 52). The filet was expensive but worth a try. Portion size is enough to feed two people. Wait staff was helpful and directed us on what to order.
We also had the hamachi ceviche (good, but have had better, $ 17), sugar cane tuna made with goat cheese laid on top of spinach ($ 32) and banana tres leches ($ 12) was ok and wouldn’t order that again.
Overall, good food and ambience, a bit pricey but worth it for the occasional splurge.

Mais um restaurante em SoBe que aposta muito mais no visual, do que na cozinha e nos sabores. Decidimos experimentar o Ola pela proximidade, mas também pelos amigos que não paravam de elogiar a empada de lagosta. Foi um dos pratos experimentados, juntamente com o ceviche emblemático «Fire and Ice» e o Atum «Cana de Açucar». Infelizmente nenhum dos pratos convenceu: a empada apresentou — se mole quando o recheio pedia algo estaladiço (ou pelo menos bem cozido); o ceviche estava razoável mas felizmente existem outros restaurantes em Miami que fazem a homenagem justa a esta especialidade peruana; por fim o «Sugar Cane Tuna» foi uma profunda desilusão. Sendo um apreciador de atum, estou à vontade quando afirmo que nunca havia visto uma peça de atum tão mal aproveitada. Tamanho não é equivalente a sabor, mas a cozinha parece não perceber isso. Depois de muito hesitar, decidimos que o melhor seria não arriscar as sobremesas. Preços exagerados (o que até não é incomum na zona) para uma cozinha pomposa e sobranceira. O serviço foi excelente, e as bebidas generosas e bem preparadas.

LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Here’s a restaurant that does it right! This dining experience turned out to be one of the best meals on a recent vacation at Miami Beach. I try to eat at one nicer restaurant whenever I visit a new city, and after reading all the positive reviews of OLA, my boyfriend and I decided this would be out spot! We made reservations a couple weeks in advance and were very much looking forward to our Saturday night dinner.
We arrived on time for our reservations, but our table was not ready. The restaurant was busy and the hostess asked us to wait at the bar, which turned out to be pretty cramped and uncomfortable. Thankfully, she came to get us within ten minutes and we were seated. Suddenly, there’s a ton of servers coming to help us, and this is the theme for the entire evening. You never go a second without your glass being full or bread crumbs on your table. Within moments, we were served waters, our main server patiently explained the menu in detail, and we started enjoying Pandebono (Colombian cheese bread). The Pandebono, by the way, is incredibly delicious! It arrives warm, soft, and flavorful. I wish we had more; I could eat a ton of these!
The boyfriend and I were deciding between ordering empanadas or Ceviche but after the server explained Ceviche is the chef’s specialty, we had to get both – and we are so, so happy with our decision! The Short Rib Empanada– black beer braised short rib with creamy habanero sauce and smoked orange rosemary marmalade was perfectly delicious. The order comes with three empanadas. The short rib is tender, well-​seasoned, and heavenly and I love the contrast of the robust meat with the creamy habanero sauce and smoked orange rosemary marmalade. The Snapper Ceviche– Local snapper, Florida orange, lime baby radish, cilantro and mango, aji Amarillo sorbet, was incredibly delicious as well! I’m not a ceviche connoisseur by any means, but this is by far THE BEST ceviche I’ve ever had. The snapper arrived bright pink and beautiful, tasting deliciously fresh. Everything on the plate blends together so well, and I quickly start to realize you should not leave a single garnish or sauce untouched here, for if it’s on your plate, it’s meant to be eaten and will likely elevate the dish! The combination of the Florida orange, cilantro and mango really brought out the flavors in the ceviche, but what really took this to the next level was the aji Amarillo sorbet, which added a cold and mildly spicy contrast.
For our main, my boyfriend ordered the Puerco Asado (braised pork) — slow cooked with black bean broth, steamed yucca, celery root, and black trumpet mojo and I had the Filet Mignon Churrasco — Churrasco style cut, grilled asparagus, chipotle crabmeat dressing, chimichurri. The protein in both dishes are cooked incredibly well; the braised pork easily falls apart with a fork and melts in your mouth, and my filet was a true medium rare temperature and very tender throughout. I loved both dishes and as with the appetizers, everything on the plate is meant to be eaten and tastes great together. I loved the pickled garnish on the braised pork and the crabmeat dressing on the filet; those little things really bought out the dishes for me.
We were too full for dessert but we loved, loved, loved everything we managed to eat here. OLA has the perfect ambiance for a romantic date or a celebratory occasion like the few tables near us. We enjoyed impeccable service that always came to our table with a smile and charm. I could go on and on about this place, but you truly have to experience it for yourself. Trust me, a meal at OLA is definitely worth it and you’ll leave with a full happy belly and no regrets.

Came here for a group event and was definitely impressed!
Because it was a group, «family style,» service, I was able to try many things on the menu.
Appetizers:
* Short rib empanadas: Super delicious, little but powerful bites of flavor! As good as my favorite empanadas anywhere. Came in a habanero sauce that was not terribly spicy – just a bit punchy.
* Smoked marlin tacos: Addictive, adorable little tacos. Very flavorful, marinated in rum and vanilla. Probably could’ve eaten the whole serving of these.
* Meat balls: Kobe beef! Foie-​gras sherry sauce! Well these are just the height of fancy. I don’t think I really would’ve known that had I not just re-​read the menu. In any event, they were enjoyable.
Mains:
* Of the choices given to us, I tried out the skirt steak churrasco – also served family style. The other choices (plantain crusted mahi and pollo criollo) looked delicious (and by all accounts they were),
Smooth and friendly service… nice atmosphere. I appreciate that they knew their menu so well they were able to assure me of what I could and could not eat, nut-​allergy wise.
I couldn’t eat the dessert choice (due to an allergy) but it was very pretty.
I’d definitely come to OLA if you are looking for a sleek and suave dining experience while in Miami.

Amazing! Make sure to visit here at least once while you are in Miami. The service was wonder and the food is insane. As said in the other reviews the rolls are the best you will have. They are sweet and do not need anything with them. You will wish you saved some though to dip in whatever sauce is on your plate!
We had the the fish tacos, short rib empanadas, shrimp, chicken and roast pork. Only thing we would skip was the shrimp.
Worth every penny!

This restaurant and dining experience were amazing! Very modern, low lighting, comfy seat type of place where you could be wearing a 3 piece suit or shorts & flip flops. It doesn’t matter as long as you have a means to pay for your meal & love to eat.
The best Ceviche in Miami that you’ll ever have. So fresh and perfectly marinated. We loved the Mixto & Fire and Ice Ceviche and could have just eaten several plates of this and been done.
Next up the Lobster Empanada — love the twist on this as it is black from the infused squid ink. The star of this dish was the bread (you can’t go wrong with lobster and that filling either, but it was all about the shell) as well as the roll of bread that comes with the meal. It’s odd to say as I don’t really eat bread or need it in general, but their bread is the best I’ve ever had. They use tapioca to sweeten it — trust me here and you’ll see what I’m talking about when you have their rolls or any of their empanadas. No need for butter or anything like that. We also tried the meatballs which were good, but may be the only thing on the menu that isn’t worth $ 20 and may make this review a 4.9
For entrees, we had the Fish of Day and the Amarillo sauce is fantastic — it was hard not to lick the plate as that made the dish. The Filet Mignon Churrasco was was perfectly cooked as well.
As if we weren’t stuffed enough, we had the deconstructed key lime pie — interesting and loved the meringue, but not sure I would get it again.
Overall, you’ll spend over $ 200 a person if you each get a cocktail to start (they really know how to make a mojito) and a bottle of Argentinian wine, but well worth it.
Service, food, and ambiance (not counting the bathroom — that was the only strange part as the evening as the décor/​placement were not what is expected from the whole experience) were top notch and best restaurant in South Beach.

Meal starts with an amazing pao de queijo — a Brazilian gluten free cheesy bread.
They have outdoor and indoor seating.
Décor is elegant and service is top notch.
This is our second time in the place. Many times, after I go to a place I like, when I return to try to recreate the experience it is often disappointing. This was not the case. The service and quality of the food was consistently good and I will probably go again.
They did a good job accommodating for gluten allergies for our table which is always appreciated.
Favorites: ceviches (all of them) and the duck salad.

You want amazing quality ceviche and innovative raw fish plates then you must go to OLA.
Located in the Sanctuary Hotel, which btw looked really nice, is OLA. The restaurant is on the right when you enter the hotel. The décor and ambiance has a modern, minimalist feel.
Honestly every fish dish we tried was amazing. I would not miss the Tuna and Fois, any Ceviche, and the Lobster.
A bit on the pricey side for the smaller portions and the multiple dishes you will need for a full meal but well worth it since you get what you pay for in quality.

Totally loved my experience here!
This was our final dinner in Miami Beach and, truth be told, we almost cancelled it, as we were nervous about having another expensive dinner disappoint us. So glad we didn’t cancel, as we were not at all disappointed!
OLA is at The Sanctuary Hotel and is known for their fish, particularly their ceviches. We knew we had to have plenty of that, and we did! The food was fresh, well-​prepared, and in many cases, had super interesting innovation in the preparation or food pairing. They certainly kept me interested! The Hamachi Ceviche was amazing, and we enjoyed the 4 or 5 other ceviches we tried, too. The Foie Gras one wasn’t as much of a winner, but it was still interesting. We also had the Short Rib Empanadas and some of the meatballs, which were so good!
The service was great, the wine list was varied and interesting. The prices are high, yes, but remember that you are in Miami Beach and you are eating (primarily) ceviche. Don’t skimp on fish, especially if it’s not (fully) cooked.
Come to OLA! Your taste buds will thank you =)

Only having two dinners on a trip to Miami, I wanted to make the best of my dinning experience and I did some research restaurants in South Beach. Using Unilocal reviews, tripadvisor and other seraches, OLA came up several times so decided to go with it.
The menu has some unique and very tasty items. Everything here was good. The service, the presentation, the ambiance, and of course the food.
I asked the server for a few recommendations and he came back with the fire and ice ceviche, the lobster empanada and the duck fried rice. They were all fantastic.
The only downfall is that my stomach wasn’t big enough to try more of the things that were on the menu.

Ty again Unilocal for helping us find another gem. Ola is in The Santuary hotel just a little bit off of Collins and we would have never found it but by the many rave reviews on Unilocal.
The restaurant itself is very quaint place nicely decorated with great ambience.
The food is as good as I have ever eaten. The lobster ceviche, meatballs, and the smoked marlin tacos were absolutely amazing. The fish special was prepared perfectly with a mouth watering sauce that is to die for. The house specialty is the slow braised Cuban pork, the flavor and tenderness of the meat forced me to eat every last bite as I was savoring every moment of it.
As many others have said the deconstructed key lime pie was a very unique and delicious take on a Florida favorite.
Great wine list with full bar.
Enjoy!!!

We went there this week based on the numerous great reviews the restaurant got on Unilocal but we were VERY disappointed!
We had several tasteless appetizers and the rack of lambs (obviously frozen and absolutely awful)!! I really don’t understand why this place got so many great reviews?

I’m now a huge fan of OLA. Among the plethora of pan-​Latin ceviche places, this is a standout. Nestled off the lobby of the Sanctuary Hotel (one of the lesser-​prominent hotels off the main Ocean Drive strip), it’s an intimate, elegant space. The service is also fantastic, with our server not only incredibly friendly, but both passionate and knowledgeable about each dish, and able to talk about them at length and answer questions thoroughly. You also never want for anything, as the restaurant is small and the moment you indicate you want something someone is there to attend. And, of course, little items like your water glass rarely reach even half empty. It’s also blessedly quiet. There is the soft purr of bossa nova and jazz, but it’s very subdued. No sore throats from shouting here.
As for the food: awesome. There were few standouts for the best of reasons: everything was outstanding.
Pan de Bono (a sweet cheese bread roll) is the standard bread service, and is the best version of Pan de Bono my wife and I have ever had. In particular, my wife doesn’t declare things «the best» easily, and she raves about it. Indeed, it’s positively addicting and almost worth a visit for that alone.
The Fire and Ice Ceviche was both an interesting take and tasty: locally caught Cobia marinated in sour orange, cilantro, thai chilis and jalapeño resting on a pear granita ice. The spice combined with the citrus and ice is a great experience, and might have been my favorite item.
Corn Empanadas were very good, and the crust was a great, delicate thin shell.
Pescado a lo Macho was fantastic. The fish of the day on our visit was again Cobia. It’s prepared with Aji Amarillo sauce, clams, calamir, shrimp and black mussels along with baby spinach and grilled red onions. The fish is cooked plancha style (i.e. on a board). The flavors of the sauce were so good I reached over the table and used it to sop up everything. The fish itself was fresh and perfectly grilled, firm and not a hint of fishiness.
Sugar Cane Tuna was good. It was the least impressive of the items we ordered, but it was still excellent, and in many other restaurants would’ve been the highlight of the meal. It’s prepared interestingly, with surgarcane inserted into the meat like a rib, making the tuna pieces resemble a popsicle lamb chop. Very creative.
We topped it off with a form of shortbread cake, soaked in liqueur, fruit and cream. It’s a new addition to the menu.
Overall, it was a top tier experience. And while the restaurant isn’t cheap (what nice place in Miami Beach is, after all) it’s also not eye-​poppingly expensive, and beats many more extravagantly priced places in both food and service. Even if you aren’t a Latin Cuisine aficionado, OLA is worth a visit.