Prime One Twelve Restaurant, South of Fifth in Miami Beach

Dining indulgently at the eclectic South Beach steakhouse, Prime One Twelve, has become something of a talking point amongst Miami’s food enthusiasts, savvy night owls and thirsty travelers alike. Since the well-established and James Beard Nominated restaurateur, Myles Chefetz, opened its doors in 2004, the restaurant has aged as spectacularly as a fine vintage wine over the past decade, to excite the palates of some of the city’s higher end clientele. As one of Miami’s most sought after dining experiences, Prime One Twelve is quite the opposite of a hole in the wall spot that can be glazed over by many. Distinguishing itself from the traditional concept of franchise steakhouses, a unique and signature modern ambience is enjoyed here. Nightly, the restaurant buzzes with a lively, high energy atmosphere, complemented perfectly by the dance between its seductive décor and the quaint and antique architecture of the historic Browns Hotel. The dining room bustles and the air is thick with surrounding conversations, laughter and mouthwatering aromas. At the maître d’, guests line up to sample the restaurants classic yet refined steakhouse menu. But what makes this restaurant worthy of unanimous praises, cameos on best of lists and celebrity appearances?

Cast away the glitz and glamour of South Beach and when all is said and done, the food is truly the star and the driving force of the tremendous success of this establishment. Chef Mike Sabin leads a kitchen of skillful chefs dedicated to serving a menu that is sure to captivate any appetite. If you’re leaning on the more adventurous side, try their traditional escargot, with fresh herbs and garlic butter; the rich, guilt ridden sautéed Hudson Valley foie gras with watercress, spiced pineapple jam and Australian candied ginger; or the playful chef selection of east and west coast oysters served with horseradish cocktail sauce and black pepper mignonette. On the lighter side the lobster cobb salad with roasted corn, tomato, avocado and apple wood smoked bacon; or the “Keys Style” fried grouper sandwich with melted American Cheese, shredded lettuce, beefsteak tomato and tartar sauce is sure to suit your fancy.

Steaks take center stage as Prime One Twelve specializes in a variety of high quality, dry aged steaks from the traditional filet mignon to the superb and exotic Japanese A5 kobe filet. A plethora of accessory side dishes are available to complement your choice. A personal favorite has to be the classic, juicy New York strip steak cooked medium rare, ladened with foie gras butter and a comforting side of five cheese truffle mac, all enjoyed with a glass of pinot noir. -A perfect matrimony of flavors in your mouth that can only be described in one word, “food-gasmic”. - Conclude your dinner with a choice from their selections of decadent, almost sinful desserts, like warm buttermilk doughnuts with chocolate and strawberry Grand Marnier sauces or the popular fried Oreos with vanilla ice cream.

Despite making its name as a steakhouse, Prime One Twelve’s selections of seafood dishes earn their spot on the menu with no shortage of great choices. Chef compositions such as blackened local swordfish with papaya salsa or jumbo lump crab crusted grouper, served with horseradish butter, highlight the restaurants flexibility. Add a raw bar offering some of the freshest seafood cocktails as well as caviar and any seafood lover is sure to enjoy a wonderful dining experience.
Open for both lunch and dinner with a prime selection of steaks and seafood, a raw bar, an extensive wine list, and a full service bar bold enough to offer a glass of crisp bacon, Prime One Twelve needs to be on your list of restaurants to visit in Miami. An experience akin to seeing a great artist live in concert, dining at Prime One Twelve is sure to be a memorable one to talk about in the weeks and even months after.

By Food Blogger Shan Severin