Looking at the menu at Novikov, downtown Miami’s multi-concept restaurant, seems contradictory to the obvious Russian name yet, owner Arkadiy Novikov has built an empire of restaurants that have proven that a name does not dictate its cuisine. One of six Novikov locations. including ones in Moscow and London, Novikov Miami is the first in the US.

Novikov Miami is the kind of hip spot that celebrities and visitors flock to, and locals generally try to avoid, yet the food and the ambiance is worthy of a visit whether you are here for business, vacation or live here year round.

The restaurant is large, with multi dining areas, both inside and on the outdoor patio overlooking South Biscayne Blvd and the Miami River. Peking ducks hang from inside the open kitchen.

A huge display of fresh market produce piled high and whole fish and shellfish are beautifully displayed in the center of the restaurant. Patrons are encouraged to actually select their own fish from the display, and we enthusiastically chose a particularly unique red snapper with yellow stripes.

The concept is global with Japanese/Chinese options from the sushi bar, wok and robata grill and dim sum. Dishes are made to order, so expect a bit of a wait if you do order the whole fish. But trust me, as it is worth it.

We started with some classic appetizers of Blistered Shishito Peppers and Vegetable Tempura.

For Dim Sum choices, our server suggested two types of the dumplings and we selected the Chicken and Morel Mushroom Dumplings which came with shaved black truffle and the Spicy Prawn “Moneybags” Shui Mai. Both arrived in bamboo steamer baskets and were delicious.

Our main courses included the Whole Red Snapper, deboned and grilled, ½ crispy skin Peking Duck with the traditional pancakes, scallions and hoisin sauce, and a light soy and ginger Branzino filet with hen of the woods and shitake mushrooms and bamboo shoots.

It is important to note that all of the dishes felt very fresh and were not smothered in sauces and toppings.

The Singapore Noodles were a good choice for a shareable side dish, with a light curry flavor and plenty of vegetables, bean sprouts and mushrooms.

I always heed the advice from my MIAbites partner, Amber Love Bond, to “always leave room for dessert”, and Novikov has some unique dessert options including a Guava Cheesecake, Matcha Cuatro Leches and a Double Chocolate Lava Cake with ginger ice cream. Served warm, the lava cake and ice cream added a decadent end to the evening.

Novikov is one of those buzzy spots that you could enjoy as a couple, but I recommend taking some friends to absorb the full experience. By 10 pm every table was filled with a steady stream of smartly dressed patrons two deep at the bar and waiting to be seated.

Novikov Miami

300 South Biscayne Blvd

Miami, FL

305 489 1000