Elcielo Miami By Juan Manuel Barrientos

We visited El Cielo restaurant expecting a high-end, 18-course experience at around $300 per person. Here’s an overview of our visit:

Pros:
• Presentation: Each course was visually impressive.

Cons:
• Food Quality vs. Presentation: Despite the striking visuals, it felt like the focus was more on presentation than on the actual taste and quality of the food.
• Lack of Privacy: Servers came by frequently to deliver one-bite courses, making the meal feel rushed and interrupted.
• Service Inconsistency: One waitress seemed tense and somewhat arrogant, overly focused on “perfection” to the point of making us feel uneasy, while another waitress was notably warm and welcoming.
• Drink Pricing: A “house champagne” cost $77 per glass, significantly increasing the final bill.
• Overall Cost: Our total was $908 for two, which felt disproportionate to the experience.
• Atmosphere: The restaurant was relatively empty on a Saturday night, which was surprising for an upscale concept.

Bottom Line:
Although the presentation was excellent, the meal itself did not justify the high price, particularly since the focus seemed more on visual appeal than on flavor. Given Miami’s many exceptional restaurants at this price point, El Cielo felt underwhelming in comparison. We wouldn’t return based on this visit, and it’s hard to see the restaurant sustaining long-term success without significant improvements.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 4

The experience is not well produced for te price should be a-lot more of a 360 sensorial experienced, it is just an experience of good food but nothing more, the tables do not even have tablecloths, the music is any music, it does not create harmony with the specialness of the food, the experience is very long and the price is high.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Experience

My wife and I recently attended a wine dinner at El Cielo, featuring their “The Experience” tasting menu paired with Chilean wines. While we enjoyed the food and overall atmosphere, certain aspects fell short, making the high price hard to justify. If the meal had cost $150 to $175 per person, I would have rated the experience four stars. However, at nearly $300 per person (just the food), it simply didn’t deliver the value expected.

The Food
We genuinely enjoyed the food. Every dish was cooked perfectly, with well-balanced flavors that worked harmoniously. There were enough courses to leave us satisfied. However, nothing stood out as particularly creative or memorable. The meal lacked the “wow” factor I would expect at this price point. For comparison, Ariete in Coconut Grove offers a more exciting culinary experience with a better atmosphere at a significantly lower price.

The Wine Tasting
The wine tasting was the most disappointing part of the evening—not because of the wine itself, which was fine, but due to the extremely limited pours. There were around 12 guests, and we sampled five wines from just five bottles total, resulting in minuscule pours. When I requested a bit more wine, my request was denied. Even when my glass was empty during the meal, I was told to wait for the next course. This level of restriction felt stingy and out of place for a premium dining experience. At this price, offering a second pour or additional glass should be standard.

The Service
Service overall was excellent. The staff was attentive and professional. The only challenge was understanding one waiter due to a strong accent, though it didn’t significantly impact our experience.

Final Thoughts
El Cielo might have been innovative five years ago, but today there are better, more affordable options in Miami. While we appreciated the well-executed dishes and attentive service, the lack of value—especially with the wine experience—left us underwhelmed. At a lower price point, we would consider returning, but at its current cost, it’s hard to recommend.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: The Experience

I will always remember this as one of the most uncomfortable dining experiences of my life, trying to explain to the waiter that I didn't want to get chocolate on my hands. I would never return.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Going to this restaurant is one of the best gastronomic experiences, Diego's attention was the best. The food is an explosion of flavors and the wines go perfectly with each tasting. Recommended 100%, if I could give more than 5 stars I would

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely loved the food and presentation. Great service. “The experience” is certainly an experience. Some dishes are surprising, some are expected but delicious. I highly recommend El Cielo Miami- but will likely pass on the wine pairing next time…

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Experience

I came here with my uncle and my father so that I could treat them to a fantastic meal, and we were not disappointed. Pedro and Santiago served us and handled describing our dishes to us, and they were fantastic. They were personable, kind, patient, and attentive to our needs. They, along with many of the other staff who helped to serve us, created an amazing experience that was only aided by the incredible food. I can’t give enough credit to how delicious everything was, and how much fun we had. Thank you to everyone who tended to us , we had an amazing experience!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

$700 dollars for 2 people, the bar is high. El Cielo was in my opinion disappointing and very over priced. Dishes were nothing special, wine selection average at best. They make every portion and pour intentionally small, so you leave basically ready to have a meal. The service staff tried their best and were very attentive. Everything else not worth it. I would not go back.

We had an amazing experience. Pedro and Santiago were amazing, as were the rest of the staff. Everyone was fantastic!!! The service was amazing. The food was indescribable. We enjoyed every dish, we laughed, we smiled, we had so much fun.

We tried "The Experience" Menu and it was SOOOOO good! The service was amazing, they treat you like if they are your bodyguards! Go here if you like luxury food and service, and won't mind spending thousands of dollars. (Also, near the restaurant is valet parking, but that can be its own independent review.)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Meatloaf, Lava Cake, Chocotherapy, The Experience

Excellent food!!! Fantastic wine pairing! Very pleasant atmosphere and perfect service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Elcielo Miami offers a dining experience that is nothing short of spectacular. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance sets the stage for a culinary journey that delights all the senses. Each course is not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes, with beautiful plating that elevates the overall experience.

The presentation of each dish is thoughtfully crafted, making the meal feel like an art form. The flavors are vibrant and complex, with each bite offering a burst of sensations that showcase the chef's skill and creativity. The wine pairing is impeccable, enhancing the flavors of the dishes and complementing the overall meal perfectly.

Service at Elcielo is truly exceptional. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that every aspect of your dining experience is flawless. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night out, Elcielo Miami delivers an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The experience is not worth $1000 for two people. Miami has other Michelin places for less money and more experience. Furthermore, the manager of the place Nathaly Ramirez does not have the slightest idea what it is like to deal with customers. The experience disappointed us, I do not recommend it.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

El Cielo, the name of the restaurant definitely describes it perfectly, is an incredible and very special restaurant, starting with its incredible dishes, ingredients, experience and excellent service.
It's unique.
My wife and I went to celebrate our anniversary and wow, a total spectacle, we fell in love with the food and the experience.
I definitely recommend it.
Thanks to the entire team for making this experience an unforgettable moment.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We went to El Cielo to celebrate my birthday. I absolutely loved the experience! We had a large party an they accommodated us very well. The food was excellent! The service was amazing and the drinks were delicious. Can't wait to go back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Experience