UVA 69

My boyfriend and I had the 8 Tapas dinner. Every bite was delicious. We also had Mojitos that were great and the cheesecake. All the food was as great as the service. It’s a little pricey, but the flavors are great.

Complete disappointment. We went four people for brunch and each dish was a disaster.
Very poor service as well.

My husband and I came with a Groupon for 8 tapas. My husband doesn’t eat seafood (I know…) but the chef was accommodating in making us other items. The tapas were all pretty good, although not memorable enough for me to recall. The service was excellent, and the waiter recommended a very good bottle of wine at a very reasonable price ($ 38).
Now, the bathroom, ugh the bathroom… SMH… We were here late like 9-ish…the bathroom is in a dark alley behind the restaurant. When the waiter pointed me towards the bathroom I was like, «Ummm, is this safe?» he assured me that it was, but being in the neighborhood we were in I went back to the table to get my husband to stand outside the door. Then, the door got jammed and 2 other guys had to help my husband get me out of that bathroom.
Would I go back? Yes, but only for lunch, during the day, and with my husband.
They really need to do something about that rape-​inviting bathroom…

I went here with a group from work for a colleague’s going away lunch. They had some pretty good deals for lunch, and the portions were generous even though I was told they were smaller than the dinner portions.
The food itself was good, nothing that blew me away, but tasty all the same. Service was good and they had no trouble splitting up the check in our large group.

Upon entering this restaurant, we were considering leaving because the «tapas» groupon was a set menu of their 8-​item tapas menu. The outside seating area looked nice but was unwelcoming due to the (not their fault) mosquito population.
We decided to move indoors and were able to sit in the bar area, enclosed with a little curtain, at a table that fit our group of four just perfectly.
The tapas were SO good. We were not entirely full when we left but it was worth it. Of course, the use of the groupon voided our ability to make use of their 3−8pm happy hour drink specials, but that was to be expected.
Oh man… The bathroom was a scary experience as it is down an alley and did not lock. This needs some major revisions for customer comfort.
All around, our experience was great as the service was nice, tapas were delivered on a nice schedule and the food was absolutely fantastic. Highly recommended if you are looking for some good foods!

I came here for the first time with some friends from out of town and a Groupon for eight tapas. It is a lovely restaurant both inside and out. I arrived early and our waiter gave me a tour of the entire restaurant.
We sat on the outside patio and thank goodness that they have plentiful and powerful ceiling fans. All of the eight tapas were good and I am in total agreement with the other reviewer below. The two standouts were the fried asaparagus and the empanadas. I usually don’t care for empanadas, but these were the best ones I have ever had, bar none.
My friends had the churrasco and salmon, while I feasted on their cheese platter with marinated strawberries (yum!). The restaurant also has a good wine selection (they should have since their name is «grape») and our waiter was wonderful as he never lost his smile nor his «cool».
I’m sorry that one of the reviewers was robbed at this establishment, but honestly this is Miami and that could have happened anywhere. Uva 69 was a perfect choice and my guests enjoyed it as well. It’s also a great place for a first or second date. Buen Provecho!

we went to UVA in October and was ROBBED by a guy who ran in one door and ran out the other. UVA had left their front entrance un-​attended, the entire staff was in the back. The whole thing took a few seconds. Management and the wait staff were barely concerned and the owner speaks NO ENGLISH so he could not even speak to us. Insult to injury, they closed up the restaurant 20 minutes later, waved at us and left us on the sidewalk with the cops. We filed for reimbursement from their insurance company and they said IT WAS OUR FAULT AND WE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN WE WERE GONNA GET ROBBED. For real, all this really happened.
DO NOT go to UVA. You may be in grave danger.

Had the opportunity to go for a friday nite dinner here. Upon our arrival at approximately 7:30pm noticed the place was pretty empty for a friday nite. Once again one of my on-​line purchases got us out here to try out a new local eatery. Can tell you thou that if it would not have been for our coupon, upon seeing the parking lot and empty place, we would of not eaten here… but after all I’m glad we did…
We went with a «8 Appetizer» special. These were set per Chef and were brought out to us in 3 stages. Our waiter Ruben was super nice guy who was very informative and had lots of suggestions. He informed us of a wine which was on sale for $ 24.00 — it was great wine. Ruben also spoke to us about a white wine he likes to recommend and gave me a small tasting for free…
Our appetizers consisted of: 1) Risotto Balls — these were amazing — warm creamy risotto deep fried to a nice crunchy crust. 2 per serving — yummy…
2) Fried Asparagus — these were 4 green asparagus dipped in a light batter and then deep fried as well — even hubby who does not care for veggies enjoyed these
3) Sliced Pork Loin on a crispy cracker wanna be — very flavorful pork slices layered on a thin crispy bottom — difficult to share cause it would break when trying to separate but it was awesome
4) Tuna — these were 2 pcs of seared tuna resting on a bed of baby greens dressed up with a delicious sauce — I do not like tuna therefore I did not really enjoy its texture but the flavor was good
5) Fig Crostini — 2pcs — have to say this was my favorite — Crisp crostini smothered with Fig spread topped with tangy blue cheese and honey balsamic drizzle — OMG!
6) Sweet Plantain Empanadas — 2 pcs — OMG I know I just wrote that the Crostini was my favorite — well this one is right there with it. A small portion (seemed like it was 1 empanada cut in half) filled with creamy sweet plantain purée and fresh pico de gallo — I have never eating this before and I do have to say once I finished my portion, I was hoping hubby did not like his, but no such luck!!!
7) Shrimp — 2 pcs — I believe it was their Passion Fruit Shrimp — These were amazing as well.
8) Neither of us can remember the last one — but we really enjoyed all 8 —
Stating with a need for a bit more we went ahead and indulged in two more dishes
1) Imported Cheese Platter — this was amazing (thou it does not offer any type of meats (cold cuts)) its cheese offering is abundant and delicious — strawberries in balsamic vinaigrette — plenty of strips of bread to eat it all up!!! $ 11.00
2) Imported Chorizo Sausage «El Diablo» — thinly sliced chorizo sauteed in a delicious Chardonnay sauce served with freshly baked bread — leaves you craving for more! $ 9.00
Over all we had a very nice time and really enjoyed the service, food and place. Due to the emptiness of the place on a Friday nite, I would not hesitate if you are bookmarking this one, it may not be around for very long.

UVA is a great little gem on the Upper East Side. Though it seems out of place on the corner of 69^th and Biscayne, it is a cute little oasis away from Miami. My BF and I normally sit outside. It is perfect for a 1^st date and has an intimate/​romantic feel too it… but it is also good for family/​kids too. my little sister loved the chicken quesadillas. It has never been super packed and we always get sat immediately. The service has always been attentive, knowledgeable and friendly.
We have come a few times with a
coupon with no problems. It says on the coupon you each have to get an entrée, but when we didn’t and still wanted to use the coupon, the server didn’t lose his mind like what is typical of a server to do in this city.
They close a little earlier than I would like (normally by 10pm they are done) so try to go early.
The food is French with a Caribbean twist and it is top notch. Any of their gourmet empanada appetizers have been delicious, the chorizo in spicy chardonnay was great, and the pork loin medallions and mahi mahi were simply divine… and really fresh! It was one of those meals where you try to take little bites to avoid finishing it too soon and no one is talking because your mouth is too busy savoring the flavors. Everything on the menu from the sauces to the sides sound amazing and it took us a long time to decide what to order. My boyfriend, who isn’t impressed easily, was speechless at the end and is always excited to go back. Even though it isn’t cheap, it is well worth it for the quality food and service.

Menu Choices:
Sweet Plantain and Fresh Mozzarella Empanadas with Fresh Pico de Gallo
Sake Marinated Salmon Fillet with Boniato Mash, Crispy Spinach and a ponzu Butter
Organic Mango Cheese Cake
Food: Almost sinfully delicious.
Service: Personable, attentive.
Environment: Small venue. Sit outside because there is no AC inside. Very humble décor but comfortable.
What to Wear: Don’t be dissuaded by my description of the venue I would still go boho-​chic (but leave the body cons at home)
Overall: Super Strong 4
Would I go again?: Yes

Have been here twice in one month, first time was because we were gifted a Living Social deal which included a tapas tasting of the menu. From the Miso Salmon to the Classic Bruschetta, must say I enjoyed all the appetizers we tasted. Waiter was very attentive to our party of 4. We were still hungry after the tapas and 2 bottles of wine into dinner we decided to go in for entrees as well. Great portion, fresh dishes and a very cool atmosphere over seeing Biscayne Blvd. The Flour-​less Chocolate Cake was a nice way to end the meal. Overall would recommend dinner for a romantic date or to show off to friends a historic area of Miami.
Second time to Uva was for brunch. Initially we were going to the usual breakfast spot in Mimo of Jimmy’s Diner, but since I had recently been and seen their breakfast special sign I convinced the crew to opt in for something a little different. Breakfast special is advertised as $ 5.95 with 2 eggs of any choice, bacon, home style potatoes and toast with a coffee or orange juice, but note that is only until 11:00am. Breakfast special goes up just a few to $ 8 after 11. Still very affordable, add a few mimosas with the money you save and you are set for a perfect brunch!
Will be back again!

Uvas Restaurant is located on Biscayne Boulevard in a colorful Mediterranean-​style building in the MIMO district. The benefits of dining in this area is the quaint charm of the restaurants and the free parking. Uvas Restaurant is no exception to that.
After parking our car in back, we got out and walked to the front of the restaurant where were greeted warmly and given the option to be seated in the dining room or on the outdoor patio lounge. At the time we arrived, the restaurant wasn’t too packed and it was a bit windy so we decided to dine inside. Besides, no one else opted for indoor so we were the only ones and it provided us with our own personal dining experience. The intimacy of having our own dining room made the restaurant much more enjoyable. Even as the restaurant filled up, we were still the only ones inside up until we were about to finish our meal.
Our waiter, who I am sorry to have forgotten his name was so amazing. He was so helpful; giving us ideas and recommendations in our food and wine selections. But beyond the basics you expect of a waiter, he was just really nice, genuine and funny. He wanted to see us have a great dining experience and he succeeded, it was one of my more memorable meals I have had in quite some time.
As amazing as everything thing else was, the food was just as spectacular, down to their house Merlot. We started with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. I was disappointed when I saw that is was not lump crab and even more so, when it tasted like mostly fillers, but I will say that the seasoning and the mango butter sauce saved it and it was really good. They should however not call it lump crab cake since it was not that.
The Grilled Churrasco was so yummy for the tummy! It was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Demi-​glazed essence is what they called the sauce and it was delish! It comes with Gorgonzola polenta which had to be good, since I’m not a fan of polenta and I thought it tasted pretty good. The watercress salad was fresh and a nice bonus.
The Grilled Mahi-​Mahi was so tender, flaky, and tasty. The seasoning on the fish wasn’t much but combined with the creamy and equally tasty roasted tomato shrimp risotto, it created a perfect balance of flavors. The Citrus Arugula salad was very fresh and good too.
With food so good, I made sure to save room for dessert and cappuccino! The first dessert we ordered was the Warm Crumble Apple Tart. It was accompanied by vanilla bean gelato and caramel rum sauce. It’s not type of dessert I usually go for but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mmmm!
The second dessert (yes, the second) was the Coconut and Banana Tres Leches. Not sure where the banana was but I did like the hints of coconut flavor and the texture from the Florentine crisp. It’s not what I know of a typical Tres Leches cake, but I loved it even more than what I have had before. Very moist cake that melted in my mouth.
I am very ecstatic that I decided to try this place out. Maybe I wouldn’t have loved it as much, had I come at a different time or had gotten a different waiter but I did choose a good time and got am amazing waiter so it was great. I had good food and fun times so I will be back soon!

Walking distance from were I stayed at the Hotel New Yorker.
started out with Braised Beef And Smoked Gouda Empanadas and it was amazing.
Grilled Angus Burger — On a house focaccia bun with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, vine-​ripened tomatoes and greens, served with seasoned fries.
Very nice and funny wait staff

What a great gem this restaurant is. I took 2 friends here and the tapas menu was perfect. Recommend the red wine sangria. Another bonus was the free parking. It is small but good for mid-​week dinner!

I had to lower my previous rating from 4 to 3 stars based on their Miami Spice Menu. I thought the $ 33 fixed price dinner is supposed to be a good deal. Granted, I wasn’t expecting huge or even regular portion sizes but they cut their already moderate to small portions in HALF. Come on guys, don’t be stingy. You know us Unilocalers, we like to eat!

Came here for lunch taking advantage of Miami Spice. The place its nice and even though it was blistering hot, I opted for an outdoor table since they have fans.
For starters, I had the mushroom soup which was very creamy and came with a piece of baguette that was very fresh. I also had the fig crostini. What an intro to the meal. The bread on the crostini was toasted but not hard. The mix of the fig with the cheese was delicious and the candied pecans gave it a extra crunchiness all was topped with a honey balsamic drizzle that, honestly, should have come with a license to be licked of the plate.
As entrée, I had the Sake Marinated Salmon Fillet. One of the most interesting plates I have ever eaten, and I mean interesting in a great way. The salmon was perfectly cooked and flaky. The jasmin rice was delicious and the orange butter sauce was also certified lickable. But the coolest thing was the crisp spinach that gave every bite a soft crunch feel.
For the dessert, I had the Coconut and Banana Tres Leches. The only thing I regret is not having three more of those. Sooooo good!!!

Such a strange neighborhood for a good restaurant — but I suppose that added to the charm. Wish it were closer to Brickell. We had the Miami spice menu which was FOUR courses for only 19 bucks. I left wanting to poke a hole in myself to alleviate all of the food pressure. The food was TO DIE FOR. Every bite was an adventure! Tomato soup, mixed green salad with brie, strawberries, and candied pecans, salmon fillet over rice with crispy kale and orange sauce. I was sad to hear they were out of the guava/​cream cheese bread pudding for dessert, but I was definitely placated with an organic mango cheesecake.
Warning: there seemed to be no AC inside, so do not wear a lot of clothing!

I haven’t been to UVA in ages, but thought I’d stop by for a late night snack upon my return from attending my first and must say fabulous Unilocal Elite function.
Of course, I had forgotten to take off my Unilocal name sticker (which said I «double as a verb») prompting my waiter to inform me that he gets off work within the hour and was wondering what I might be like when I «double as a verb?» I could only apologize, taking off my name sticker, telling him I was really an objective correlative though apparently had been mistaken for an intransitive verb. Obviously a common mistake; it could happen with anyone. But that’s enough on my sordid prurient «only could happen» in Miami nightlife experience.
I like UVA, because of the patio, sort of out door, very laid back easy going dining experience it offers. The menu is somewhat limited though offering a rather decent array of unique Spanish/​Cuban or more likely Cuban/​Spanish cuisine (see menu pictures).
I started with the goat cheese brochette dazzled with oil. I found the flavors to be robust as well as true, then proceeded on to a light meat course, can’t remember the exact name (too many sangrias at the Unilocal Event?) but decently marinated meat on the order of a carne assada along with some delicious plantain side.

Let me start off by saying that I was surprised to see this place classified by Unilocalers as moderately expensive, as it seemed very expensive to me. $ 20 for a grilled chicken breast? Really? It’s a piece of chicken, not New York strip steak! $ 20 buys you like 5 whole chickens at Publix. What a ripoff, and talk about deception!
The place always looks bustling at night, so I decided to go for lunch. It was empty, surprisingly.
The place is hot — no indoor seating and the fans were not cutting it at 95 degrees, but the place was clean and the service was quick enough.
Although I want to give this place 2 stars for the outrageous prices, what I did order (a chicken quesadilla that set me back $ 10) was delicious, full of chicken, and actually filling. Nothing out of the menu jumped out at me though; maybe I am just used to more exotic fare.
Also, I am not willing to spend $ 20+ per person for lunch (maybe they should consider a lunch menu?), so I do not see myself coming back again, especially considering other equally (or more) delicious, much more reasonably priced restaurants in the area.

A friend suggested this place for a brunch. Food was good, but not our of the ordinary. I ordered Quiche, it was good, fresh and tasty. The place is very nice and could be potentially better.
I have to go back to write more on it.

I came here for lunch, and I think it will definitely become a regular spot if I have the same experience I had today.
They weren’t crowded at all, and we parked for free in their lot around the back. The outdoor seating is covered, and feels very private. You don’t feel like you’re sitting just a few feet from a busy intersection on Biscayne Boulevard.
I tried the fig crostini. Really good. It was a good balance of textures and the cheese complemented the sweet fig and sauce well. I also had the club sandwich. It wasn’t a typical club sandwich. It was more of a panini, and even though it was delicious, it was a little greasier than what I was hoping for when ordering because the menu didn’t indicate that it was going to be different than a typical club. The components of the sandwich were great though. The turkey, cheese, bacon, and aioli were all tasty.
Service was fast. The host was also very friendly, and even came to check on us when our waiter got a little busy. I can’t wait to come back again and try other dishes on the menu. There is a lot to choose from, and all of it looks good!