Baleen Restaurant

I am very sad to hear that this place has closed but wanted to add that it was an awesome dining experience. My bf had gone while on vacation on Key Biscayne and the atmosphere was so perfect for a romantic evening out. The weather was beautiful and we were right outside sitting on the water. The food was excellent and I believe that I experienced the best crab cake ever! =) The prices were high but well worth it and part of what you’d expect. We were really hoping to go back this year =(

I went to Baleen back in 2008 and really enjoyed my experience. Dining outside was by far the way to go for the view right on the water. The food was good, the staff was friendly, but the prices were high for the amount of food received. However, going there you should know what to expect. Excellent dessert. Took a stroll along the water to check out all of the beautiful boats parked nearby. Sorry to hear the place has since closed.

Fantastic service and food. The Roquefort filet mignon is fantastic… always cooked to perfection. Great location. sit outside when it’s not too humid and you won’t regret it.

I had an outstanding meal at Baleen this past weekend. The service, ambiance, food, wine… everything was impeccable. Really, I have nothing even remotely negative to say about the entire experience. One of the best dinners I have had in Miami. Very romantic– great date restaurant. My boyfriend paid– I did not– so I can’t comment on prices, but we got a $ 25 gift certificate at
and he told me the meal was reasonably priced with this discount.

A night at Baleen used to be nearly a magical experience. Not anymore. The food is OK, but it’s nothing special and it is definitely overpriced for what it is. Speaking of overpriced — the markup on wine is ridiculous. I can live with even a 100% markup, but 200% to 300% … please. They do still have the best cinnamon ice cream I’ve ever had.

Was there last night spent $ 90 on a «24 ounce» Kobe beef Steak cowboy style… Our waitress was amazing made the evening special. Oysters and bisque were very good. Was upset that gratuity of 20% was already included without asking. I was going to give more but when they do this it insults me. My wife did not love her meal but loved her appetizers. Overall the view is spectacular great for an anniversary, date or even popping the question.

So, the tradition in our family is to go out to a dinner, somewhere that won’t disappoint, in order to celebrate his/​her birthday and I’m glad to report that Baleen lived up to all expectations.
The Miami Spice menu was amazing offering ceviche, oysters or clams as a starter proceeding to a steak, fish or chicken second course ending with a panacotta or cheesecake dessert.
The menu itself was more extensive but the prices were $$$ so be sure to take advantage of Miami Spice while it lasts as me and the wife try to do!
I started with the ceviche which was a somewhat Americanized ceviche not like the Peruvian which I prefer but it was a healthy portion that was the perfect starter. Prior to our starters the table shared the Buffala Mozzarella salad, which was off the spice menu, which could have been the highlight of the evening. The mozzarella was the freshest I have ever tasted and there were three types of tomatoes which accompanied the dish that had their own unique flavors all of which complimented the mozzarella perfectly. Be aware that this dish was easily enjoyed by four adults so be aware of the portion size… Well worth it!
I proceeded to have the Filet entrée which was a smaller cut, probably 6 oz, but served with an amazing chipotle sweet potato mash that was finished off in less than five minutes!
I finished off my meal with the cheesecake which was a decent ending to an otherworldly meal.
I must say that our service was some of the finest I have experienced from our entrance to the restaurant to our exit upon its conclusion.
My only critique would be the mark up on their wine menu. As my wife and I are winos we paid a somewhat ridiculous mark up on our wine so FYI think about bringing your own and paying for the corkage fee…
Otherwise take advantage and enjoy!!!

Went to Baleen last night for Miami Spice and enjoyed it very much.
We got to sample all of the first course options because there were 4 of us at the table. All were good, but the ceviche was the best by far. Not a traditional peruvian ceviche, but still very very good. The melon added a nice contrast to the acidity and the malanga chips were great for the crunch factor. The clams were very tasty, but I thought that the dish would have worked better with larger clams. Finally, the oysters tasted extremely fresh, but they could have used a little more of the habanero granita (if i’m going to be picky).
We also ordered an heirloom tomato salad with mozzarella burrata to split (not part of the Miami Spice options), which was the star of our meal. Our waiter mentioned that they overnight the cheese from Italy and the tomatoes from Canada, so we figured that we should give it a shot and I’m glad that we did. It was AMAZING, for lack of better words. Be warned though, this salad is HUGE — big enough for 4 of us to split.
For the main course, 3 of us had the filet and 1 of us had the swordfish. I didn’t get to taste the swordfish, but my filet had great flavor. The sweet potato mash was a great accompaniment — the smokiness of the chipotle offset the sweetness of the sweet potato, which I appreciated very much (sometimes sweet potato mash can be a bit too sweet for my taste).
For dessert half of the table ordered the pana cotta, and the other half ordered the cheese cake. I was happy with my pana cotta, but can’t say that it’s the best I’ve had. I personally didn’t care for the cheese cake, but then again I’m not a huge fan of cheese cake to begin with.
All in all, it was a great dining experience and would do it all over again if I could. Our server was excellent and the ambiance was superb.
Note #1: They tack on a 20% gratuity to your bill. Make sure to keep an eye out for that, so that you don’t tip twice.
Note #2: Their wine list is marked up ridiculously. I belive they do allow for you to bring your own bottle for a $ 25 corkage fee, which is worth it — might want to call ahead to confirm. We ordered a bottle of La Crema Pinot Noir which we can typically buy for about $ 19 at a wine shop, but spent $ 75 at the restaurant. That was borderline insulting and for that I gave it 4 stars.

Food was delicious. The view was spectacular, the waiter that night was superb. Good job.

Baleen’s a wonderful dining experience. I have been here several times since I used to live on the Island. When sitting outside you feel worlds away from anything around you. This reminds me of dining in the Bahamas. You feel the breeze coming in from the bay surrounded by the soft lighting.
Last time I was there I ordered the Cioppino and it was delicious. Good amount of seafood in the dish. I also had the oyesters for appetizers and lets not forget their wonderful monkey bread.
This is a great place to have a date or with a small group

Getting to this place is quite interesting: driving into a residential area, giving your name at the gate, and then looping through buildings and drive ways to pull up to a structure looking a lot like a condo — its a nice surprise whats behind that valet area — worth the trek.
Outside seating, like everyone else said, is a must. Request sitting in the «80’s» area if and when open. The view is fantastic, very comfortable ambiance and they must have consciously improved their service because i had not one but four very attentive (and talkative) waiters, and a choice of color when it came to my napkin.
The food was pretty good. Not the best food ever, but certainly nothing to complain about. The portions were of an edible size and the side of wild mushrooms was delicious and is hard to reproduce at home.
All in all, its a wonderful dining experience (as long as you avoid windy and/​or rainy nights).

This review is a struggle. I am a member of the club and have had several enjoyable meals at Baleen’s. The service is not that bad. I strongly recommend steering away from the large catered events like Mother’s Day, there are many more better priced and hirer quality places in Miami. Additionally, though the property is under new management, stay a way from the out-​door bar food. I have eaten there regularly and finally had enough. You ask why do I keep going back? Well… in short… I am always hoping they just screwed-​up. I brought some friends there today from out of town (shame on me), the mini-​bugers were cooked through and thin, the Mahi sandwiches were over cooked and the Cesar salad was way, way too salty.
The recent changes in serving staff is a welcomed improvement. Roland, the out side manager is a gem. He works hard on keeping everyone happy. Well done! As for the outside bar, as a location, it is not bad. Good drinks, good location, good views… just skip the bar food.

Baleens is probably the best date restaurant in town; the place has a great ambiance and women always find it to be a very romantic destination. Outside seating is a must, as the terrace has a great view of Biscayne Bay. Lots of tropical foliage, a very warm and inviting atmosphere. The place has dim lighting with tiki torches lit up at night outside.
You’ll definitely impress your date, but be prepared to pay for it. I consider it somewhat overpriced. The food is better at night when their best chef is in the house. Lunch dining is somewhat institutional in nature, almost standard hotel food. The menu changes seasonally, but any of the fish dishes or steaks are usually tops. They have an extensive wine and liquor menu, and the desserts are simply phenomenal. I’ve had them all and they are all equally excellent. Try a sampler to get a taste of everything. Service is spotty, but it’s usually very good at night.
Even arriving at Grove Isle where Baleens is located is an adventure. You cross a small bridge from the mainland onto an island on the bay. Once there, you’ll feel like you’re a world away from hustle and bustle of Downtown and South Beach.

The view is wonderful and the ambience is extremely nice. Make sure to sit outside. The food is well above-​average, but you are mostly paying for the view and the décor. It will cost a pretty penny, but it is a great place to impress a date.
By the way, if you get really drunk and start pretending that the head of your snapper is talking to your date, the waiter will politely ask you to stop, so if you like to get drunk and become friends with your food before you eat it, this might not be the place for you.

Outside seating is the way to go, unfortunately, the service has been inconsistent, and when you are paying a pretty penny for your meal and drinks you should be able to get good service ALL the time.
If you are looking to impress a date, outside seating is the way to go, especially this time of the year from October to March when Miami is literally heaven.
I have tried several items in the menu and always left satisfied, too bad they cant get it right with the service all the time.

Food was great, wine was cold, view was amazing from outdoor dinning area and pool area had a refreshing breeze! I enjoyed playing life size chess after a satisfy meal. It’s a little hot to set outside during the day but I heard the view is just as good a night.
I would recommend this place to anyone that wants to escape the posh south beach scene or Latin music on Brickell. Shhh, only tell your good friends or the secret will be out!

Baleen is one of those restaurants in which u are mostly paying for the view. I went there with my coworkers and it was good. I think it’s a better place to go at night, very romantic. Nice décor.

Very high end dining with a great view. Thanks, new boss!
Actually, the whole experience got better after they moved us out of the rather stuffy dining room and away from the booth full of screeching Russians (drunk as skunks when they got there). We were given a nice table on the outside terrace near a bubbling fountain and with sunset views of Biscayne Bay.
The food was well-​prepared, as it should be for those astronomical prices (thanks, new boss!). I had the crab cake apptizer (tasty and delicate, not overly breaded) and the equally light and fragrant boulliabaise (highly recommended). My companions all seemed happy with their choices, and we enjoyed the summer breezes and the billowing curtains.
I have to say that part of the Baleen experience is travelling to tiny Grove Island, which has a kind of retro-​70s feel. You’re definitely in genteel-​land, and not in hip and hopping South Beach. Be that as it may, it’s a nice, stress-​free dining experience. Especially if you’re not paying. And if you’re at a safe distance from the screaming, hollering, happy nouveau-​riche Russians, god bless ‘em.

Another great place for an amazing view. Very romantic and subtle. For this type of restaurant make sure that you do sit outside, otherwise its an expensive nice restaurant but not an expensive INCREDIBLE restaurant. You cannot go wrong sitting overlooking the water with a good Merlot and some good food.
The food is not cheap and not bad. Its good, but it didn’t set my taste buds singing for joy either. You pay for the atmosphere.
Valet parking only.

Loved this place. We came across Baleen in a magazine and decided to spend our once-​a-​month romantic dinner here while vacationing through Florida. We were highly impressed with the food, service, and the ambiance.
Reservations is a must if you want to get the prime seating along the bay front and the view is well worth it. Our server was very polite and knowledgeable. The food was fantastic. Our appetizer was a shrimp soup (forgot the exact name) and that was really delicious. Our sever highly recommended it and we are glad we listened. For the main entrée, we had the Szechuan Basil Tuna and the Chive seared U-​5 Diver Scallops and both were excellent. For dessert, we share a Warm chocolate Molten Lava Cake and it was orgasmic.
This place is a definite must to share a romantic evening with a special someone. Please bear in mind though that it isn’t cheap. We threw down some money for this oral escapade, but it was well worth it.
The only drawback is the bugs. You are dining outside and the local bugs know about this hotspot too. We ate our soup and entrée and a faster than normal rate to make sure the bugs didn’t enjoy it first.