Semilla: A Slice of Paris in the Heart of Miami Beach
For over a decade, Semilla, located at 1328–1330 Alton Road, has been quietly defining what it means to be a true neighborhood treasure. Opened 12 years ago by Chef/Owner Frederic Joulin, this French gastro pub delivers a refined yet unpretentious dining experience where technique, authenticity and heart converge.
Chef Joulin’s pedigree speaks for itself — having cooked for French President Jacques Chirac and honed his skills at the legendary Michelin-starred Guy Savoy in Paris, he is a master of classical French cuisine. His devotion to freshness, ingredient quality and elegant simplicity shines through every dish at Semilla.
Our meal began decadently with garlicky Escargots Persillés, served atop a roasted marrow bone with warm toast—a rich, buttery indulgence that set the tone for the evening.
The Cheese Croquetas followed, crisp golden spheres filled with gooey melted cheese and topped with just a hint of Béarnaise sauce — a playful and delicious bite-sized treat. Homemade Foie Gras Terrine, topped with fig jam and a sprinkle of black pepper, was rustic and deeply satisfying—more akin in texture to a traditional pâté de campagne than the silkier, mousse-like variety — but no less elegant.
The Summer Truffle Raviole, handmade pasta enveloping an organic leek filling, was bathed in a truffle cream sauce and finished with generous shavings of black truffle. The dish achieved harmony between earthiness and delicacy—each component enhancing rather than overpowering the other.
The main course, a beautifully prepared Dover Sole was a masterclass in restraint. Perfectly cooked and immaculately fresh, the fish was served with thinly sliced roasted vegetables and a side of luxuriously smooth mashed potatoes — the kind of dish that reminds you why simplicity, when done right, is the ultimate sophistication.
Dessert was an ode to French tradition. A Classic Chocolate Mousse, rich and velvety with toasted almonds for a little crunch, shared the stage with a beautifully executed
Floating Island—a traditional French dessert created from pillowy-soft poached meringue adrift in a sea of crème anglaise, lightly drizzled with caramel and sprinkled with toasted almonds. A dessert all too rare on modern menus that was both nostalgic and sublime.
Semilla’s robust happy hour (5–7 PM) further enhances its appeal, offering thoughtfully priced wines, champagnes, cocktails and small plates in an atmosphere that encourages lingering.
What truly defines Semilla is its authenticity. Free from pretension or tourist trappings, it is a restaurant for locals—a warm, welcoming space where craftsmanship and comfort meet. For those yearning for a taste of Paris without crossing the Atlantic, Semilla remains a quintessential Miami Beach destination.
NOTE- On Thanksgiving Day, from 1PM - 9PM, Semilla is offering an $88 per person Special Holiday Menu. The family-style menu will consist of Autumnal classics such as- Apple Wedge Salad, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Baked Brie and Cranberry “En Croûte,” Organic Turkey Breast Roll filled with Wild Mushrooms, traditional Thanksgiving side dishes and for dessert- Chocolate Hazelnut Marshmallow Pie.
They are also offering “Order and Pick Up” on Thanksgiving. 3/4 people- $264+ and for 7/8 people- $528+
1328-1330 Alton Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139