Nestled in a charming 1930s bungalow, Mandolin Aegean Bistro offers a breezy escape to the Greek islands with delightful patio dining and Mediterranean delicacies.
"If renting a seaside villa overlooking the Aegean Sea is not possible, dinner at Mandolin is the next best thing. The restaurant servces Greek and Turkish cuisine under a bougainvillea-laden patio that’s just as romantic in the day as at night. Kick off the meal with one of its many mezes, like the eggplant dip or grilled halloumi, before moving on to moussaka, whole grilled sea bass, and lamb chops over orzo pilaf. Baklava is a natural place to conclude things." - Eater Staff
"Since 2010, Mandolin is still one of Miami’s dining scene staples. The menu is best described as Greek with Turkish nuances showcasing classic dishes of baked feta, chicken kebabs, kofte, roasted cauliflower, and olive tapenade. Lamb chops and orzo pilaf are standout entrees, and sangria is the perfect drink to sip on in this restored, white-washed 1940s, predominately open-air restaurant." - Juliana Accioly
"Tables at Mandolin are sure to go fast, which makes sense since every vacationing New Yorker we’ve ever met seems to be obsessed with this lovely outdoor Mediterranean restaurant. However, you might get lucky (especially if you’re cool with eating at 11pm). The restaurant is walking distance from the Design District—and it’s such a beautiful, relaxing place to end (or start) the night with some wine, grilled haloumi, and manti dumplings. If dinner is already completely booked, try lunch. " - ryan pfeffer, mariana trabanino
"Verdict: Everyone loves Mandolin, and we’re including ourselves in that group. Not only is the Mediterranean food really good, but Mandolin has one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Miami. That's really the reason to come, but we've never been disappointed by anything we've eaten here. Plus, the service always runs smoothly. " - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo, mariana trabanino
"Though it’s always a difficult dinner reservation to find, a meal at Mandolin is still easier than buying a plane ticket and flying to Greece—which is what having lunch here feels like. Mandolin is technically in Buena Vista, but only a block from the Design District. The Mediterranean food is very good, but this place is always crowded because it’s one of the greatest outdoor restaurants in Miami. The tables are shaded by trees and canopies, and the grilled octopus, whole Mediterranean sea bass, and grilled halloumi are exactly the kinds of things we want to eat under the Miami sky. " - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo, mariana trabanino
