La Canita and Casa Canita by Chef Michelle Bernstein
Ocean Drive has certainly had its ups and down, especially since COVID, but the newest addition from James Beard winning chef, Michelle Bernstein is any indication, Ocean Drive as a fun destination is back.
Casa Canita is the reimagined boutique hotel on the corner of 12th and Collins with a side entrance and beautifully refurbished with tropical and art deco touches and Cuban inspired décor.
Fronting Ocean Drive is La Canita, Chef Michy and husband David Martinez, newest hot spot, joining Miami Beach’s Sweet Liberty and Medium Cool with creative cocktails and an energetic vibe.
Featuring live music every day from 1 pm into the evening, La Canita offers a centrally located bar, indoor and outdoor seating and a lively setting for dinner with friends.
As invited guests to the official “Ribbon Cutting”, we were treated to cocktails, passed appetizers like empanadas and croquetas and a full-service buffet featuring churrasco steak carving, grilled veggies and whole grilled red snapper.
The regular menu, which includes Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, and Dinner plus a Happy Hour from 4 pm-8 pm offers a variety of Latin/Cuban/Caribbean items including starters like Empanadas, Croquetas, Jamaican Jerk Wings, Conch fritters, Ceviche and Wahoo Fish dip.
Mains include a double patty Burger, Cuban sandwich and grass-fed ribeye, Arroz con Pollo, and Oxtail lasagna.
Plus, a Seafood stew and whole fried snapper with Haitian pikliz.
Just reading the menu will make your mouth water as each dish is thoughtfully seasoned and prepared with attention to detail to be authentic and not typical tourist fare.
Revisit Ocean Drive, perhaps even Memorial Weekend when the popular Air & Sea Show is presented over South Beach. But make your reservations now!
