The Drexel: A New Chapter on Espanola Way
Located on the historic Española Way in Miami Beach, The Drexel is housed in the beautifully preserved 1920s Casa Matanza building, (home of the Esmé Hotel) a setting that immediately grounds the restaurant in both history and charm. Originally opened in 2022 by the owners of Mandolin Aegean Bistro, The Drexel was conceived as a true local restaurant—one that would serve the neighborhood first. That intention remains very much intact today.
Recently the restaurant has undergone a thoughtful culinary evolution under the direction of Executive Chef Jarred Huth, COO of Culinary at Think Hospitality, with execution by Chef de Cuisine Derek Carressi.
The reimagined menu places a clear emphasis on handmade pastas, simple yet impactful wood- and charcoal-fired dishes and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. At its core, the menu reflects the kind of food—and the level of quality—that Chefs Huth and Carressi genuinely want to eat themselves: honest, ingredient-driven cooking that prioritizes flavor, balance and seasonality over excess.
Complementing the kitchen’s vision is the restaurant’s beverage program, led by Beverage Director Alejandro Chavarria, whose carefully curated wine selections pair seamlessly with each course, further elevating the overall dining experience.
On a recent visit, we had the opportunity to sample several of the newest offerings. We began with the Citrus-Cured Kanpachi, flown in from Hawaii and prepared with Florida pomelo, Sicilian olive oil and delicate leaves of opal basil. The dish was exceptionally fresh, with bright citrus notes that enhanced the natural sweetness of the fish without overpowering it.
The Crispy Polenta followed, golden and crunchy on the exterior while remaining soft and delicate inside. The accompanying arrabbiata sauce delivered just the right amount of spice.
One of the quiet standouts was the deceptively simple Butter Lettuces Salad, made with locally sourced greens (from Homestead, Florida), thinly sliced winter radish, toasted breadcrumbs and a sprightly Italian vinaigrette. Crisp, refreshing and well balanced, it proved that restraint and quality ingredients can be just as compelling as more elaborate preparations.
For pasta, the Malfadine Cacio e Pepe showcased long, ruffled noodles designed to catch every bit of the peppery sauce—rich, comforting and expertly executed.
Equally impressive was the Gnocchi, prepared with large chunks of Maine lobster, oven-dried tomato, saffron, honey and finished with shavings of “white gold” Parmigiano Reggiano. The gnocchi were pillowy soft yet retained a lovely texture, allowing the sauce to shine without feeling heavy.
From there, we sampled the classic Margherita pizza, straight from the wood-fired oven and topped with fior di latte mozzarella, fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. The crust had a beautiful char and a subtle smoky flavor that spoke to the quality of the oven and execution.
The next dishes came from the restaurant’s wood- and charcoal-fired ovens. The Prime Ribeye, nicely charred on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender, was perfectly complemented by a shishito pepper chimichurri that added brightness and gentle heat. The Spanish Branzino was simply prepared, with crisp skin and moist, tender flesh.
A beloved favorite from the original menu, the Whole Green Circle Chicken, remains—and thankfully so. This may be one of the most perfectly cooked roast chickens you’ll ever try. The skin is crisp and golden, while the meat is moist, tender and flavorful, with a subtle smoky note throughout.
Accompaniments of Herb-Roasted Mushrooms and Olive Oil Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Carrots were the perfect finishing touches.
For dessert, the classic Chocolate Soufflé with Sauce Anglaise was decadent and perfectly cooked—deeply chocolatey without being overly sweet. Also not to be missed is the orange scented Olive Oil Cake. An Italian classic paired with velvety pistachio ice cream and crumbled pistachios.
The menu as a whole feels sophisticated without being fussy. Flavors are beautifully developed without unnecessary complexity, allowing the freshness and exceptional quality of the ingredients to remain front and center.
Everything at The Drexel feels thoughtfully done; nothing is overworked or overthought. With its refined new direction, exceptional beverage program and enduring neighborhood spirit, it continues to be a standout on Española Way. I’m already looking forward to my next meal at The Drexel.
1436 Drexel Ave
Miami Beach, FL
786 685 4172