Take the elevator from the ground floor lobby of Hyde Hotel from the hustle and bustle of mid-town Miami and arrive at another world. The roof of the hotel is transformed into a lush jungle with golden rhino heads, coral sculptures, colored glassware, swinging bamboo canopy daybeds, and chairs covered in plush white sheepskin.
Sit at any of the roof’s edge tables and take in the brilliant orange and pink sunset. A drink arrives in an enormous carved tusk on a stand, topped with purple orchids. Another cocktail comes in a glass dish shaped like a bee, covered with hinged silver wings.
Salvaje, a restaurant concept that has amassed an international reputation, occupies this 170-seat space at Hyde’s rooftop where the lush intrigue of the Amazon jungle, the passion and spice of Spain, and the mysticism of Japan coalesce come to life. The brand was conceptualized by Executive Chef Fermín Azkue, whose impressive gastronomic career throughout Europe and collaboration with traditional Japanese chefs inspired the creativity behind the concept.
The menu—a unique gastronomic experience—is a Japanese and Spanish fusion that features some of the most imaginative presentations of cocktails and food I’ve ever seen.
Anxious to try a bit of a lot, I started with some sushi—the Super Dynamite came warm, a generous roll of king crab with truffle butter for dipping. This takes sushi to a new level, savory and rich. Another roll with spicy salmon, avocado, and passion fruit, and eel sauce was a standout, layering flavors with an expert touch.
Lobster dumplings came in unexpectedly large, nestled together in rich lobster bisque – is that sherry and saffron? – with crispy wontons on top.
The Steak Salvaje, a 40-day aged sirloin with a Yuzu hollandaise and whole seasonal mushrooms is an entree I highly recommend. It comes out grilled, sliced, and dressed with herbs. The medium-rare steak came as ordered, enhanced by a tangy creamy yuzu sauce. The shrooms added an earthy flavor. Truly one of the best steaks I’ve ever had.
Photo Gallery: some of the food and cocktails at Salvaje.
A side dish of grilled avocados sliced in the outer shell, pit removed, and filled with a truffle butter vinaigrette complemented the creamy hot fruit and it was a delish to try.
So much sweet effort goes into the plating at Salvaje, providing consistent service and expectations of the unexpected, something that I’ve learned is standard throughout their eight locations spanning the globe — Miami, Barcelona, Ibiza, Marbella, Madrid, Colombia. Imported ingredients such as octopus from Galicia, Alaskan King salmon, Japanese tuna, and Wagyu beef are just a few of the offerings to not miss at this restaurant.
Salvaje Miami is a well-accomplished fusion of Spanish, LatAm, and Asia-Pacific flavors and the party-like rooftop atmosphere at Hyde is an outstanding compliment. A DJ was playing some groove-inducing tunes as we savored the sunset and the last bites of a Yuzu pie that was equally wonderful with refreshing yuzu sorbet surrounded by white cake and pistachio crumbles— Yuzu seems to be the pet fruit here, adding a saucy touch to every dish. A small shiver of edible gold leaf topped the whole thing off, a blissful delight.
Get here early for ‘Sunset Sessions’ with views of the sun-bathed cityscape and specially priced menu items daily from 4 – 6 PM. You can rest assured their presentations and flavors will transport you to an enchanting world, immersed in the flavors, movement, and rhythms of Salsa!
If you travel for food, lively and chic Salvaje Miami lives up to its name, translating from Spanish to the word “wild.” The ambiance is immediately captivating. At its center, impressive views. The menu, exceedingly crafted with many scrumptious options.
All this quality and atmosphere doesn’t come cheap, but for world-class cuisine and priceless views, aren’t you worth it?
If you visit, Salvaje Miami is at 101 NE 34th St, Miami, FL 33137. Online at www.miami.salvaje.world
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Salvaje Restaurant: Exotic, eclectic dining in the heart of mid-town Miami
