I am from out of town and wanted a relaxed place to have some wine. I recommend this wine bar in the middle of what is becoming the it area of Little Havana. The bar is decorated almost like a nostalgic museum. The owner personally told history behind some of the items. He even played music for us in the 1920s old phonograph. He personally selected our wine after we told him what we liked. He brought lots of cold cuts and his famous sandwich. My cousin told him that I did not eat meat and he proceeded to make me a delicious salad. We went on the night that there was no entertainment. I think with music, wine, the right company, and delicious food, This place is just perfect to celebrate any event or just for a relaxing evening. Thank you to the owners for such a wonderful innovative place.
It was my first time to Little Havana and Calle Ocho and I was not disappointed in an incredible first experience here! It was honestly love at first site: with LaVi & Ray, the decor & ambiance, the food, the wine, the beer, and just the overall energy! It is one of those places where you walk in and immediately feel like you right where you belong; you enter a stranger and leave as familia!
I was referred here by a friend and had one of the most amazing evenings!
Not only was I smitten w/LaVi from the minute we met (it was like our spirits had met long before our eyes ever did!), but I just felt at home sitting at the bar and chatting with fellow patrons.
The wine selection here is spectacular as are the menu offerings! I LOVE octopus, but am always a little trepidatious about ordering it as I have had very hit or miss experiences. However, the El Pulpo dish here was so exquisitely and deliciously simple, I was so sad when I had polished off the last piece; I highly recommend! It also paired well w/the Spanish Red I had as it brought out a touch of sweetness from the seared octopus and few savory notes from the olive oil.
I also loved that they served their Mahou Cinco Estrellas spanish lager in chilled, monikered glasses! Attention to little details like that always enhance a dining experience for me.
Needless to say, if I could eat here everyday I probably would, but until that is a reality, I will have to settle on looking forward to my next visit when I am again in Miami!
I rarely visit this part of town but this place is a little hidden gem. Thanks to Gato for organizing this UYE cause I would have overlooked this place on Calle Ocho.
We got here on a Friday night right when it opened at 7. It's a very dimly lit place so from outside, it didn't look open. There was 5 of us so the owner gladly combined 3 tables to make a long one. We started with Tabla Mixta (meat plate) and Tabla de Quesos (cheese plate). They are generous here because the portions were more than enough and good quality too. Then followed by the Pinchito Capresse (Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Basil). They were very fresh and delicious. For entrées, we just ordered 3 rounds of the popular Kokito Toston (Black Plantains, 6-hour Shredded Lechon, Melted Mozzarella). These were indeed tasty but the pork was a little dry for me. The dessert however made up for it :) Their Lava Cake was to die for. Simply scrumptious! Prices were also reasonable for the amount of food we devoured. The Meat plate was $20, Cheese plate and Toston (3 per order) were $18 each but $12 lava cake was a super sweet deal. The wine bottle prices vary. It all depends on what you like and how much you'd like to spend and they have a huge selection. Just tell the owner your preference and she will gladly pick out her recommendations. They also have a nice selection of cigars enclosed in a large walk-in humidor.
Speaking of the owner, she and her staff went above and beyond during our visit. One of our friends doesn't drink wine so she asked the owner if she could have a glass of champagne. The owner said yes and gladly opened a new one but our friend didn't like it. Without hesitation, the owner grabbed another unopened champagne and offered to our friend. She liked the 2nd one a lot but felt bad for opening the 1st one so we offered to keep it on our table. The owner insisted and said she didn't mind at all opening another bottle because she just wanted us to have a great time at their restaurant. Wow! This is a fine example of how service should be in every restaurant. I'm definitely coming back and recommend Lekoke not just for the food but for its excellent customer service.
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