Leku Reviews

We went for Sunday brunch, and were not disappointed. I had the "ajo blanco" gazpacho and my husband the traditional tomato gazpacho. He had the branzino, which he liked, and I had the brunch special of eggs with serrano ham and red peppers as main courses. For dessert we shared a delicious cheese cake which was unbelievably good. The place was packed but the staff was attentive and professional. A bit noisy.

My wife and I were very excited to visit Leku because we love Spanish cuisine and had heard such great things about the chefs/owners. Although our experience had its bright spots, there was definitely room for improvement. LOCATION: The restaurant is located within the property of the Rubell Museum in the up and coming commercial district of Allapattah. Although the neighborhood is not one that we would feel comfortable walking around, the restaurant and museum are extremely inviting and safe with their own personal valet and secure gated entrance. We did not have time to tour the museum before dinner, but from what we could see through the glass windows, it appears to have a wonderful collection of contemporary artwork. When we visit again, we would definitely try to plan a pre-dinner tour of the museum. DECOR: The restaurant is beautiful! Tucked between the museum and a well landscaped courtyard, the restaurant has covered outdoor dining as well as an indoor dining room. SERVICE: Our service was excellent. Our waiter Iñaki was very helpful and provided the exact level of service you would expect at a fine dining restaurant. FOOD AND DRINKS: This is where I believe there could have been some improvements. First, let me start with the positive, THE INFUSED GIN!! By far the best thing we had all night. We ordered the Rosemary and Florida Citrus infused Gin with the Grapefruit Tonic Water. It was delicious! So good that my wife, who is not very adventurous when it comes to her drinks, switched from her standard Vodka Soda to the same Gin and Tonic combo after tasting mine. Now on to the negative. Although the food all tasted great, many of the dishes feel just short of being perfect. As we are accustomed to do at Spanish restaurants, my wife and I elected to try multiple starters (i.e. tapas) and share one entrée. We started with the Croquetas de Iberico 5 Jotas (Iberico ham croquets). They tasted great and were very crispy outside, however the inside of the croquetas were just not warm enough for our taste (which turned out to be a theme throughout the meal). Next we ordered the Pulpo a la Gallega (octopus Galician style). Thinly sliced pieces of perfectly cooked octopus in a delicious creamy puree, with just the right hint of spice. Again, the only negative was that the food was just not warm enough. Our last starter was the Iberico 5 Jotas (Iberian ham). Delicious slices of the finest Iberian ham served on top of a puffed bread/cracker that tasted as if a mad scientist had figured out a way to blow air into a giant Gilda Cracker (a staple in most Cuban households). This was by far the best starter. Next time we visit, I definitely want to try the Short Rib Sliders En Pan De Leche (Short rib sliders, milk bun). We saw them being brought out to other tables, and they looked delicious. For our entrée, we were deciding between the Carré de Cordero (Rack of lamb) and the Lubina (whole Branzino). We went with the Rack of lamb. Lamb is probably my favorite cut of meat, and I order it often. But this was like no lamb I had ever had before. You could tell the lamb had been cooked sous vide for a long period of time, probably 18-24 hours. The meat was melt in your mouth tender, and didn't have the chewy (in a good way) texture that you are typically used to when eating most lamb dishes. That being said, I would have liked for the meat to have been warmer (it was almost room temperature) and for the outside of the rack of lamb to have that seared crust that I love about lamb dishes. Finally, we ended the night on a high note. For dessert we ordered the Chocolate soufflé. Again, not your typical chocolate soufflé, it had a rich chocolate base and a warm creamy vanilla top that made for a delicious combination. All in all we had an excellent meal at Leku, and would most likely visit again to try some of the other dishes we missed out on this time (and definitely more of their infused Gin and Tonic cocktails). If you enjoy Spanish (and specifically basque) cuisine with an elevated gastronomic twist, then you should give Leku a try. And for anyone that enjoys art, a visit to the museum followed by a great dinner would make a great night out.

Engaged and interesting service from server from Basque country. Very knowledgeable about menu’s Basque influences/origins. Appertizers we’re fantastic but written menu for mains seemed expensive and uninspired. The daily specials certainly made up for this are were all amazing albeit very small. Had to think they were actually appertizers. This left room for dessert and we took the servers recommendation for Basque cheese cake. Best cheese cake ever had including the 10 or so times in Spain.

A little gem discovered in the Allappatah neighborhood in Miami, I know the neighborhood is not that great but, this restaurant is inside the Rubell Museum, so no problem getting there and there is parking, very safe. You could make it an outing with the visit to the museum and either have lunch or dinner at the restaurant. We went for lunch, the location is beautiful, it has indoor and outdoor seating, very pretty for sure but, the best thing was the food…………… OMG really good. They serve different Basque inspired Spanish dishes but, even though the dishes have regular Spanish everyday names, this is not regular Spanish food. How could I describe it, sophisticated, contemporary and incredibly tasty, probably some of the best Spanish food I have ever had in Miami We had Croquetas de Iberico 5 jotas, OMG these were incredible, melted in our mouth, I would say the best Croquetas I have ever had, then Iberico 5 Jotas, Tradicional Pulpo a la Gallega, Short Rib Sliders en Pan de Leche and Arroz de Mariscos a la Brasa, all incredibly good, I mean, really really good and the service was exceptional. I will definitely go back and, if you have the opportunity try it @lekumiami it is worth it ❤️ For more of my favorite restaurants, places and more, like my Facebook page Naddia’s Favorites or follow me on Instagram @naddias_favorites

we had a great time! they prepared a tasting menu which was fantastic. service was on point, highly recomend!

The food was unimaginative and overly saucy. This had nothing to do with actual Spanish cuisine. Dover Sole for $81 anybody ? The shrimp were set in a heavy sauce that managed to be bland. The restaurant in the middle Of art Basel was half empty and the host pretended they had lines of people waiting. The server was very friendly and trying to help but to no avail. The wine list is heavily biased towards Spanish wines with not a lot of other choices.

Mediocre service, table was very dirty after lunch and no body cleaned it only kept asking us to order more . They were very nice to some guests and very inattentive to other guests. Service needs to improve ASAP.

I have been visiting the site for three years and several months ago the food decreased in quality and ingredients, became Americanized, and is no longer the Basque essence, which is a shame.

If you've cut back on your high-end Miami dining because of the eye-watering price increases since COVID, Leku is worthy of being chosen for that rare night out. The food is different without being too experimental, well-presented, and enjoyable. The atmosphere on the patio outside the museum is energetic and warm. The staff is enthusiastic and very well-informed about the dishes. The prices are as high as everywhere else so check the menu before you go and make sure you know what you'll be paying - at least $75 per person including a drink and the 20% service.

I have Very mixed feelings about this restaurant. My husband and I went there for our anniversary. The place is really nice- tables are surrounded by beautiful green plants- the bar is really great with wonderful colorful painting hanging above it. You can feel an art everywhere. Our waitress Andrea was extremely nice and very professional and had a great knowledge about the food they serve. We got a glass of cava on the house as an aperitif which was very nice. As to the food I was a bit disappointed as my red snapper came very salty and I had to send it back. Second one I got was very dry so I ended up having different dish - cod which was also salty but I eat it as I did not want to make problems. My husband’s food was ok though but nothing more than ok. Nevertheless my food issue was handled perfectly by their manager. We even got the complimentary deserts which were very good. So all together- beautiful restaurant, very classy, amazing staff- very caring, friendly and helpful and…well…an average food.

Leku has inside and outside dining but in summer you should opt to eat inside. The appetizers and the entree were both good-- short rib slider and cheeks. The dessert, milk cheesecake, was the best dessert anywhere in Miami. Service was outstanding and flawless-- best anywhere. All in all, a very good experience with the best dessert!

We had some friends in town from Boston and were visiting the Rubell Museum. A friend recommended Leku. So glad we followed her suggestion. A beautiful setting and experience all around! The menu was expansive and so well curated. The cocktails were fantastic - especially their (cucumber) twist on the Bloody Mary! Every dish our table sampled was truly outstanding. The garlic shrimp were top quality and the sauce to die for. The short rib sliders were light and absolutely delicious. Try as much as you can, including the grilled bread with three amazing butters. The presentation of each dish is a work of art... So gratifying to see a culinary and service team putting forth their very best effort. It is a rare thing these days - especially here in southern Florida at the moment. Excellent service and magical experience on the whole. Bravo to you and your team Mr. Perez!

I was disappointed-had been there several times for lunch. It’s very expensive, as most good restaurants are today, but you don’t get a lot with apps or main meal. The gazpacho was delicious as is the Basque white wine & charred bread with smoked butter, but I also ordered the shrimp in garlic and it was not good-first they served it cold & it had to be sent back. It wasn’t any better hot-could not taste the garlic & the shrimp was definitely not fresh-it had a very fishy taste which it should not have if it’s fresh-should be sweet. I guess they were unloading their old shrimp on me, which is how it felt. I would go back & order something else but I gotta say it was disappointing. The Waiter kindly didn’t charge me for the shrimp dish bc I told him it wasn’t good.

This was my first trip to Leku. A friend and I had been looking for an opportunity but quite frankly, the price points were less than desirable, a tad on the high side or wait on a special occasion. We just wanted to meetup and have lunch, not kill our pocketbooks. Thank goodness Miami Spice is here for two full months (ending September 30) to save the day. Our $28.00 lunch was simply killer. All I can say is RUN, don't walk! Make your reservation and go check it out for yourself. I had the Beet Tartare - something I would have never thought of; served with a chive cream that was beautiful to the eyes, I actually thought they were peas until I realize I could smear the green "stuff" and dang, it had a kick! Yummy. My lunch mate ordered the confit leeks, seasoned wtih rosemary/sage - the dish had what appeared to be friend onions, they had been shaved, they were awesome; the dish was very tasty. We both ordered the same entree, why would you not: Wagyu Veal Cheeks! It was lovely, served on a bed of silkysoft pureed/whipped/whatever sweet potatoes. DAMN! That's all I have to say. I am going back again, taking a group. Located inside the Rubell Museum, we sat on the patio and the ambiance we lovely. Plus, if you know me, you know I work any bartender's nerve - gin gimlet, straight up, very, very, very cold, gin forward, I want it clear and just an eye-dropper of your mix... This guy killed it! Loved my gimlet and looking forward to checking him out again. If you have been to Basque country and dined at several of the restaurants that delve into molecular gastronmy, this cuisine does not disaapoint. I am really surprised that Leku did not make the first wave of Michelin mentions for Miami. Leku is definitely on my Scrumpterou Report

Okay the food here is amazing! We decided to eat here around 2:30pM because we missed lunch and we’re getting a little hungry. The lady checking us in I feel like really wanted us to sit at the bar for some reason and had a semi attitude but we wanted to sit outside at an actual table that was lower and plus it was nice out. They said they close at 3 but the kitchen was still open until 3:20 no problem. We ordered the short rib sliders and the seared scallops with chanterelle mushrooms both which were amazing and very delicious. Also the fries. Also ordered the Sauvignon Blanc and was going to ask for another glass and ketchup for the fries but after we received all of our food our waiter disappeared for a long time. Had to ask someone else for ketchup. I know they were closing but they could have made more money had they had checked on us more often. They weren’t even that busy. When he finally came back we just asked for the check because we didn’t want to wait around that much longer. Plus we would have been gone sooner if they had come around more often. The ambiance and food was great but because of the service I would not go back…

Amazing food, gorgeous restaurant, and excellent service. One of the best places in Miami and so sophisticated.

First time here. Good service and great food. We share the Kate’s because they are big. Pulpo is delicioso. Great bites. Must try the jamón ibérico. Shared the chuletón and mushroom rice. And the cheesecake is superb. Must try.

Beautiful setting, very good fusion kitchen - South American/Spanish cuisine , nice service- but at the reception an unfriendly welcome.

I do not know what all the fuss is about. Food bad: barely cooked egg. Waiter terribly rude and condescending.

Excellent Spanish style food and the place is very nice. All very correct, good staff/service and atmosphere. The price is a bit expensive but works for special occasions.

This is a wonderful, beautiful restaurant. Right now, it has a very good deal: it's serving a 3-course pre-theater dinner for $45 because the also wonderful Miami New Drama is performing "Museum Plays" in the evening at the Rubell Museum, which is what Leku is attached to. (Get tickets: This play is so inventive and a real people-pleaser.) First, Leku has a beautiful setting with a wide terrace in the garden and an open-air main dining room. The food is creative and reasonably priced. It's a Basque restaurant, so Spanish-related dishes are prevalent. We really loved the artichoke and pea puree appetizer (so rare to find artichokes on a menu), and the croquette appetizer is definitely a step above any croquette you've probably ever had (cod was terrific). Our mussels entree was a bit ordinary, but the wild mushroom rice came out in a big skillet, our server stirred it up to get the good stuff off the bottom, and the flavor was great. We usually share a dessert, but the pre-theater menu had us both choosing one, and we were happy we did. The cheese plan was like the silkiest creme brûlée, and the Basque cake was filled with a kind of vanilla cream that we practically wanted to lick off the plate. This was our second time at Leku, and Miami is lucky to have it. Go to the Rubell, too, it's really fun.

This new restaurant just outside the front door of the RUBELL MUSEUM, but within the grounds of the museum, is stunning. The space, much of which is covered overhead, but otherwise open, is stylish and comfortable. The cocktails were excellent as was the service. Our server, Jose O , guided us through the offerings with humor and patience, The menu offers a bit of everything. We made a dinner out of small plates, every one of which was a taste treat, This is truly a gourmet delight. We were staying in South Beach and had no problem obtaining transportation. You can combine a dining reservation with a visit to the world class contemporary art museum, or come just for the food. Don't think that this is just a museum dining adjunct, This is a dining destination.

Everything was spectacular! We were a party of eight and we are all already plotting "excuses" for going back. The staff and service were above par, in particular Johanan who was extremely attentive and gave us great recommendations. And the food was so delicious that all the dirty plates went back to the kitchen licked-clean. We ordered a variety of dishes to share across the table since it was a first visit for the whole group and there was not a single item to find any fault with - it was almost embarrassing at how quickly the food disappeared. My personal favorites were the 5J croquetas, the short rib sliders, the wild mushroom rice and the basque cheese cake.

This is a first for Baque cuisine in Miami and they have done a great job. Everything from the decor to the outdoor space with all the trees and then being part of the Rubell collection’s courtyard, are some of the things that make this place unique. Loved the food and the service and enthusiasm of the staff are well matched. We shall repeat.

A Basque fine dining option in Miami, the restaurant has good service and they explain the different items they are offering. Evertyhing is so well presented you almost feel bad to take the first bite. Leave space for dessert.

Amazingly good food and ambience, although it was a bit pricy it was worth it. The drinks are a must and the ibérico ham as well.

The space was very attractive and we were seated promptly. A few menus were presented and we chose the tasting (7 courses). Food was very good on a par with Michelin 1 star level. Each course was beautifully plated and perfectly seasoned. The tasting menu is very generous and not the smaller bites that one typically experiences elsewhere. High points were the Beet Tartare, Arroz Setas, Ensaladilla Rusa and the desserts; Basque cheesecake and a smoked ice cream that was an absolute delight. There is an element of theater throughout with table side preparation of their signature old fashioned with fat washed Maclellan scotch. It was wonderful to watch and learn about the process. Service on the other hand is a different matter altogether. It is efficient and engaged to the level of a better steakhouse chain but not to fine dining standard. A pre-arrival text notice is sent including warning that reservation is for 2 hours max so efficient service is geared towards moving the clientele out and turning tables rather than creating an experience. It was a bit disorienting at times. Of particular note, I had requested at the host station no less than 3x that the bill not be brought to the table as I was treating a guest, yet it was unceremoniously slapped down in front of me at table when when we reached the 2 hour deadline, $550 with 20% gratuity built-in with line for additional tip. I addressed the presentation of bill at table with hosts but was met with glazed expressions and little response. Staff are nice but poorly trained. Manager seemed disinterested which is a pity as the front room should respectfully mirror the kitchen’s wonderful skill and heart. Entirely inadequate and disappointing for a restaurant that is one of the most expensive in Miami. If ownership employed Charlie Trotter’s Guide to Service, it could easily be a Michelin starred experience. Too expensive for what it is. Will not be rushing back.

The food here is excellent but for such a high end place the greeter was quite indifferent. She took us to our place but didn’t give us menus or pour water. We waited for a server…and waited..and waited. Finally two men chatting noticed us but instead of helping looked around for a server…apparently this wasn’t their job…although finally one deigned to give us menus. This is a very high end restaurant and for the prices charged, servers should be all over you.

Oh my gosh… if you are atheist or agnostic - DO NOT GO HERE! Mortal man can not make food this good. Put one bite in your mouth and you find yourself saying; “There has to be a GOD!!! Because this food is HEAVEN!” The Scallop Ceviche is to die for. The Lamb Chops are the best I’ve ever had in my life. We were there on Friday and went back on Sunday just to try new things. If you don’t get the Branzino fish - you should be required to wear a helmet to go out in public because you lack the mental capacity to not hurt yourself. Birthday, anniversary, business dinner, or just trying to impress your partner… this is your place! Amazing Spanish wines to top off any selection. If you wake up alone after taking someone here… he/she had better be related - that is how good this place is. It will close the deal for you!

Just came back from having a spectacular meal at Leku. It was about time that a sample of the exceptional basque cuisine was available here in South Florida. You could think you are in Azurmendi, Etxebarri, Arzak, or Berasategui. From the croquetas to the smoked icecream, going through the rices, the scallops, the peppers... everything was perfect. Our waiter Francisco was knowledgable and very friendly, service was impeccable overall. Gin tonics are a specialty, and the gazpacho bloody mary worth ordering. Set up is elegant and functional. Cant wait for thedegustation menus and the happy hours. I see Michelin stars here. keep it up.

The food is wonderful. We were at an office party and not only was the food delicious, but our server, Harold, asked each of us if we had any food allergies. I have a limited diet, so he made sure that everything was perfect for my dietary issues. Everyone at our table had several helpings of the many dishes because they were so good. Cant wait to go back.

This was our first visit to Leku. We opted for their tasting menu option (Leku Experience) so we could try a variety of items on the menu. Our server Axel was very helpful and explained that each item was a full serving and not a "sample size' as you get with most tasting menus. From appetizers to the main courses to the dessert, each item was enjoyable and just perfectly prepared. Leku has a light, open, airy atmosphere which made for a very relaxing experience. On our next visit to Leku we'll combine it with a visit to the Rubell Museum where Leku is located.

Leku is one of the few restaurants that offer Miami Spice on the weekends, so we went with our friends who couldn't do Spice lunch during the weekdays. It's not difficult to find street parking, and it's free. The entrance is a little hidden. It's a small metal gate that you probably expect to be locked, but walk through and you'll see the museum exhibits on your right through the glass, and the restaurant's garden cafe on your left. A few hundred feet further and you'll see the museum shop, entrance, as well as the restaurant. I got the beet tartare for appetizer - though I thought it was BEEF until the dish arrived. Still delicious enough I didn't regret it. The beef did come in the entree in the form of veal cheek. And it's about the best I've ever tried, fork tender, succulent, melt-in-your-mouth divine. The Basque Cheese Tart is runny soft inside, rich and creamy, almost like a flan. Every course was a delight, the service was attentive and it was a a great experience.

Amazing food and staff. My favorite dish was the branzino. If you're looking for a place with a wide selection of wines and cocktail to enjoy with friends, this is the place. It was nice to have a moment to relieve the stress of 2020 with delicious Spanish food.

Incredible Spot, price Taste balance is perfect, we enjoyed every single Bite from the day’s special Scallops to the Croquetas and the Jamón Tartar. I will recommend this place wholeheartedly. Service, ambience and food. Whole package that is rare in Miami

Having spent the last 50 summers in the Basque Country, I have been exposed to a great deal of first rate basque cuisine. The city of Donostia has more Michelin stars than any other town in Spain. Leku doesn’t have any, and neither should it. The locale is beautiful both indoors and out. The service impeccable, our waiter, “Dan”, was knowledgeable and discrete, everything we wanted was efficiently and politely provided. The wine list is impressive but incredibly pricey. We started with a bottle of Cava for the aperitif and then went on to Viña Tondonia a very good Rioja. The big disappointment was the food. The starters were great; tomato toast, garlic shrimp, a rice dish with shrimp. The main course was in part great: the grilled lubina almost as good as in Guetaria. The slow cooked lamb was grey tasteless and doused in a jus reduction which added nothing. The pulpo in a sauce which reminded us of library paste. At the end of our meal a fight broke out at an adjoining table with a lot of shouting and screaming. Not what we expected at a class restaurant. The final bill was $200 per person, true we did have 3 bottles of wine and we were in Miami but just not value for money.

Was very impressed with this restaurant! The food quality was good the service was superb. The selection of wines were great. The chef was magnificent. We were all very pleased with this restaurant and would highly recommend it. The food was Spanish traditional and some fusion. I would go back without a doubt. There are a lot of Spanish restaurants in Miami but they don't all capture the essence, this place did. The issue here is to locate the restaurant as it's in a private museum and you can easily drive by and not notice it. You need to make reservations.

We enjoyed good food and great service but beware of the “off menu recommendations”... ‘Lenguado’ fish that the waiter recommended we order was later charged at $68 and a small rack of lamb at $47. Outrageously expensive. The rest, which was in the menu, was reasonable.

We had a very fine meal at Leku this past Sunday. both the food and service were first rate. As we had at least a half hour ride home, we both decided to use the bathroom before leaving. There were two unisex bathrooms and we each used one. In our entire lifetime neither of us has ever visited a bathroom in such disgusting condition and we are world travelers. I cannot even put pen to paper to describe the condition. I made a point of going to the person in charge to report the condition of the bathrooms but did not feel that they were really interested. I finally called the restaurant to tell the manager who apologized and said it was taken care of after we reported. There is definitely something lacking in their management. She actually asked me what I would like them to do. I said at the very least, we should have received a phonecall with an apology and that it should not have been me doing the calling. We would never dine here again even though the food and service were very good.

Great restaurant, loved the appetizers (artichoke was out of this world) ; main dishes were excellent (recommend the arroz con almejas) and yes the manchego cheesecake is that good. Tip: they have pre-theater dinners at very good value.

After a visit to the Rubell Museum we greatly enjoyed this cozy restaurant with excellent food. Try the basque cheese cake, a must!

Very good food, good service. We did not like the Spanish tortilla.Site with too much mosquito and very hot environment. It is also very uncomfortable because it only has two bathrooms for such a large restaurant. Still we will return.