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Name: Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Address: 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33137
Telephone: (305) 576-6066
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.12

Mandolin Aegean Bistro

4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33137

(305) 576-6066
Store is closed

Mandolin Aegean Bistro Menu

Mezes

Greek Sampler

Turkish Sampler

Kopoglu

Grilled Sucuk

Fire Roasted Tri-color Peppers

Marinated Grilled Octopus

Fried Calamari

Stuffed Zucchini

Fresh Mussels

Kefte

Shrimp Ouzo

Bulghur Salad (tabouleh)

Cheese Saganaki
Salads

Traditional Black-eye Pea Spoon Salad

Greek Village

Arugula

Maroulosalata
Sandwiches

Grilled Cheese

Spanokopita

Pulled Lamb

Traditional Greek Gyro
Mains

Fresh Whole Fish

Village Pasta

Chicken Kebab

Moussaka

Perfectly Grilled Lamb Chops

Grilled Atlantic Salmon

Harris Ranch All Natural Skirt Steak
Sides

Aegean Olives

Orzo Pilaf

Hand Cut Fries

Sauteed Spinach

Healthy Meal suggestions for Mandolin Aegean Bistro

Mezes

Greek Sampler [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Turkish Sampler [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kopoglu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Sucuk [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fire Roasted Tri-color Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Marinated Grilled Octopus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Stuffed Zucchini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fresh Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kefte [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Ouzo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bulghur Salad (tabouleh) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Saganaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Traditional Black-eye Pea Spoon Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Greek Village [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arugula [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maroulosalata [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches

Grilled Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spanokopita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pulled Lamb [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Traditional Greek Gyro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Mains

Fresh Whole Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Village Pasta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Kebab [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Moussaka [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Perfectly Grilled Lamb Chops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Atlantic Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Harris Ranch All Natural Skirt Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Aegean Olives [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Orzo Pilaf [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hand Cut Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sauteed Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Michelle S.

I am torn between a 3 and a 2 for this place but I figured I wouldn't let price make me bump them down a star. Overall, nice ambiance. Food is decent at best, reminded me of a meal I would make on a normal work day. Not too much to the seasoning, presentation or taste, but good. We had the octopus, which was good but I wouldn't order again, especially not for the price versus flavor debate. FI ordered the lamb chops which were yummy. I had the chicken kabobs which were plain breasts of chicken cut into squares. The yogurt sauce and rice were probably my favorite part of my meal, and for the price, I would much rather go to Opa or other Greek restaurants I've visited in the past, where I found myself polishing off my plate and falling into a protein induced coma. Will I return-probably not. My curiosity has been satisfied by one visit.
(3)
Nea P.

A wonderful restaurant with great food, superb service and lovely back garden! Definitely get the Turkish sampler!
(5)
Jose V.

I went there three times to try to see what people see in this place. Never spent less than $ 75.00/person for FAST FOOD. Not sophisticated at all, slow service...and they play salsa music..???????? The manager sits and drinks wine as if he/she were a customer. I got taken 3 times, I am now convinced the place SUCKS tea bags
(1)
Andreas B.

Great food, great service and nice atmosphere. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Victor H.

Don't know what to order? Grilled Octopus, Turkish Chorizo & French Fries... Yummmmmm!!
(5)
Alissa W.

Five stars all the way! I never thought we would have gotten in here at 8:15 on a Saturday night during art walk. We did and I am so glad we did. I been trying to go to the place but they are usually either booked, or I am afraid it may rain and I change the plans. The atmosphere is adorable you don't feel like you are in Miami they did an amazing just making the place look very homey and comfortable looking. This place is great in a date, or with a group of people. Started of with a trio if humus, fava bean puree, and a walnut tomato dip. The bread was really good to dip I thought it would have been pita bread, but was just a soft bread and it worked well. For my entree I got the chicken kabobs with rice pilaf and came with salad. The chicken was cooked, and seasoned perfectly. The rice pilaf was so good I had to stop myself from eating all of it! The salad was tasty had a very unique dressing tasted almost as if it were a creamy dill with some feta cheese. I was blown away I can't wait to go back. Our two entree, two glasses, or wine and appetizers were $80. I am already planning to go back in the next week.
(5)
Jamie N.

Everything was great but the food...I was really excited to try this place out. It has great ratings and great reviews, which is not easy to find in Miami, nor is it easy to find great ethnic food. I was sooo disappointed. I will say off the start that I really liked the ambiance and decor. It had a good vibe and our waiter was very decent. The food---where was the Greek/Turkish influence?!!!! I'm from Boston, and this style of food is amazing up north. We ordered Calamari and the zuchinni fritter for apps. Skirt steak and lamb chops for main course. My problem is that everything was extremely average. I have had much better calamari at other places. The fritter was a fritter. We make better rice pilaf than what the lamb came with and the steak was steak and the accompanying fries were fries. True, we didn't order completely "Greek" type food items. But even so, the preparation should have had a specific taste to it so that the food is going to taste of the style. If anyone knows of AUTHENTIC Greek/Turkish food, please let me know!
(2)
Whitney K.

Hidden in the design district, the Mandolin Aegean Bistro is a true oasis. Shimmering patio lights and white-washed benches will beckon you from the street if the promise of rosewater sangria and grilled octopus don't do the trick. These made-to-share Mediterranean plates are exquisite in their simplicity and let the flavors of the region speak for themselves. The intimate ambiance and artfully casual presentation of food is the perfect place to take a date or swap secrets with your best friends. Service can be a little slow, but let's call it European-style and chalk it up to making a delicious meal last just a little longer.
(5)
Anne-Marie B.

I absolutely love this place and everything about it. The food is amazing, the ambiance is romantic and quaint and the service is great. I am sad it took me so long to find this place, but now that I have, I am never letting go! I have been a bunch of times over the past year and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend selecting a bunch of items off the appetizer/ starter portion of the menu and sharing. My personal favorites are the Turkish sampler, Kefte and the Cheese Saganaki. Don't forget to save room for dessert. You won't be disappointed. This place is great for a romantic dinner for two or a large group of friends!
(5)
Stefanowitsch H.

A definite 5 star for food quality, imagination, vibe, location and a motivated, young crew. Took me a while to realize that this is a turkish-greek restaurant ... nice.
(5)
Randi S.

Took a chance on Mandolin and so happy I did. My fiancÃ© and I went here while vacationing in Miami based on Yelp reviews. Once we arrived, we were blown away by how beautiful the patio is. It is such a unique and great space! Very romantic setting. We didn't realize there was (minimal) indoor seating until we used the restroom, but the inside is just as nice as the outside space. I didn't want to leave. We went for dinner and enjoyed everything! I had the salmon with arugula salad and he had the lamb burger - delicious! We also ordered the hummus to start which is served with sesame bread - love it. Our server was attentive without being intrusive. We had a very enjoyable evening. Again, the food was fantastic but the atmosphere kept us talking about it long after our trip.
(5)
J C.

After hearing some raving reviews about this place, a friend and I decided to try it out on a Friday night. We made rsvp for 9:30 and when we got there we only waited about 10 minutes. Parking wasn't their best feature, but it was a Friday night, in design district and past the overpass into the "not as safe that's why there are more cops" area. We walked in through the side gate and entered to a lovely open patio with about 10 different tables the most. It has a very nice, relaxing atmosphere; a wonderful date location but also family friendly (minus the random step a kid tripped on). We ordered up some appetizers since both of us weren't too starved. We had the infamous grilled octopus, Turkish salad, Turkish sampler, and some yogurt, eggplant, and potato dish. All were amazing! The octopus was Sooo nice and tender and wonderfully seasoned. The Turkish salad was refreshing and light. The Sampler had 3 different sauces to dip our bread into, and the eggplant thingy dish was my favorite with a yogurty taste balanced with semi-firm eggplant and potatoes. Also, I had to order the Sangria with white wine. Again, lovely. It was tart with the apple, but sweet enough for me to go back and finish the last drop and apple slice with my spoon. Overall, I love Mandolin and their appetizers. I have no comments on the entres since we never got to try it :-/ but I look forward to testing those dishes when the time comes.
(4)
David W.

really great food, ambience and staff! this is as authentic as it get's for greek/turkish food in miami...the atmosphere is that of a quaint cretian home you can imagine olive trees with evil eyes and lanterns draped from tree to tree and a nice shade is found in this spot, this is where i love to eat lunch when i want to get lost from my work day and just enjoy my food, company and a nice white sangria which is la specialte de la maison!!!
(5)
Patrick M.

Inspired by the reviews but disappointed in the delivery. Service staff was quite good, but food was mediocre. Interesting wine list but a little tough to decipher. Calamari was billed on Yelp as amazing. It was fresh vs frozen, but room temperature. It was delivered 3 minutes after ordering and I could tell it had been sitting around in the kitchen. Would have been better had it been cooked to order. I would have rather waited. Turkish meatballs were the highlight of the night. Bisteki had little flavor, hand cut fries were good. Whole fish (branzino) was very flavorful, flaky and easy to eat. Order of highly recommended spinach came 20 minutes after we finished our entrees (no charge). Chairs are incredibly uncomfortable for six-footers. Great ambiance, interesting menu, good staff, but missed the mark for us. Will try it again....maybe, but can't recommend as highly as others on Yelp.
(3)
Miriam B.

the location is quaint and has the old greek tavern decor and feel to it. the food had good flavor and the service was friendly. It is overpriced.
(3)
Jacquelene J.

Miami Jacquelene has arrived n so has a touch of Greece Mykonos santorini you've just arrived mandolino is top stuff salad delish horyiatiki great tzatiki was great not to much garlic moussaka amazing soooo good lamb chops agh soft n tender
(5)
Marcus Z.

I got here on a busy Friday evening, I didn't get a reservation but lucky enough to get a seat in the outside siting area. The decoration, atmosphere is great outside, although frequently we were interrupted by the noise of plane flying over. By the time I left, there was already a line at the front door. So definitely try to make a reservation before you come. I ordered the famous octopus as the appetizer, lamb chop and lamb sandwich as the entree and house baklava as the desert.... And the food is barely a 60/100. The octopus is a bit over cooked and kind of chewy and lost the freshness of what a good seafood dish should be. It is fun to see though. The lamb chop is mehER than the octopus, it is so boring and unmemorable and not even as good as what you sometimes can get from a lamb over rice food truck. The lamb sandwich is above the average, but again, boring and forgettable. The baklava, don't even want to mention, I can only say, I haven't had worse. Overall, the food here is alright, I won't be back for the food, but the outside sitting area is definitely nice, which is probably why the restaurant is packed with people. Overall score: 70/100.
(3)
Kim T.

Love this place! The atmosphere is great, outside, relax vibes with lots of candles. Went here for my birthday which we had a prefixed menu that came with unlimited bottles of wine for 2 hours. The food was amazing, the Greek salad was delicious, couldn't stop eating it.
(5)
Juan K.

Best experience, service, and Mediterranean food! This place is small, cozy and just beautiful. It really takes you out of the Miami scene and gives you a look and feel as if you were in Greece. I had a b-day party celebration here and it was just outstanding. The grilled octopus and tiger prawns with paprika are a MUST! Was a great experience!! Would recommend to anyone! Especially if you are taking someone to a date.
(5)
Kamal H.

Amazing vibe and beat place for lunch in the design district. Amazing Turkish and Greek. The Sujuk is great. Homemade hot sauce. Great Kababs. Must try for lunch.
(5)
S C.

My favorite Miami restaurant. Only thing missing is a full liquor license (when????) so that they can serve Uzo or Rake.
(5)
Iris S.

From the moment you walk into the courtyard, is illuminated with lanterns, plants and flowers everywhere. Beautiful courtyard! Surrounded by a great variety of aromas! Everything was excellent and I recommend this place. It can be noisy at night and is expensive. But it was a dining experience.
(5)
Stacey C.

Loved it. One of the best meals we have had in Miami. Simple and delicious food. Such a cozy space, eating under the strings of lights and a few airplanes going over (ha!). Very upscale crowd, nicely dressed, lots of groups. Great wines by the bottle and glass. We had the lamb chops, the trout special, arugula and date salad, Greek salad, prawns and Turkish mezze spreads. Loved it all. Can't wait to go back to Miami and eat in this lovely restaurant again.
(5)
Marilyn M.

Mandolin is a great date night place! Also a great place for large groups. They have mostly outdoor seating -and plenty of it! Plus a guest house in the back where there is more seating, the restrooms and a little "market" Gyro ($14) is my favorite followed by the Lamb Burger ($14) The gyro meat is tender and the pita soft and warm. The lamb burger is well seasoned. Ask for it Medium or Medium Well but never well done. Ask for a side of yogurt to dip your fries in. The salad served with the burger is citrusy and delicious. Try the white Sangria ($10), you won't be disappointed. When I'm dining at Mandolin I feel completely transported to another world and that's exactly what I want with my meal. The place is gorgeous. Very well thought out.
(5)
Photi L.

We had a table of 5. We ordered a bunch of starters from the Zuccinni to Keftethes.Prawns with ouzo.Lamb chops.Dips were excellent. We ordered Tiger prawns which were a little dry and didn't peel off the shell easily. The chairs were not comfortable and it was really hot.They could do with more fans. The service was fast and very good and friendly. All in all would definitely visit them again.
(4)
Barbara R.

We have been going to Mandolin Aegean Bistro since they opened. It was one of our favorite restaurants. Two days ago we made the unfortunate decision to go there for lunch. I ordered the Atlantic Salmon, and it was way smaller than in the past and not fresh. My husband had his favorite Chicken Kebab: he complained to me that it didn't taste right and left half of it on his plate, which is rather unusual. My portion was meager, and I was hungry, so I polished it off. The next day we both woke up with cramps and diarrhea and the general malaise symptomatic of food poisoning. I wrote a civilized email to the management, stating that we were longtime patrons and explaining the situation, but I didn't get any response. Bad business practice.
(1)
Laura A.

Absolutely love this place , either for lunch or dinner . This restaurant is a little getaway inside crazy Miami. Must sit outside and enjoy the romantic garden. I had a pitcher of white sangria which was ok. For appetizer the famous grilled octopus, amazing taste, very small portion (18$) Entree had the fish with a side of green salad, the salad was to dieeeeee for and so was the fish. very healthy and fresh. Our waitress was Maria and she was outstanding . amazing service . I cannot wait to return and try out other things in the menu, They have a garden , in which they fries many of the ingredients they use on their salad ,
(4)
Azais C.

I am perplexed by the hype surrounding this place. Paying big bucks for underwhelming food is just not my style. I realize that as a vegan, my options are as limited as a diabetic in a candy store. However, Mediterranean cuisine usually manages to please the animal- free palate. This restaurant, unfortunately did not. There were only two items I could eat on the menu and both had to be mildly modified. Add to that their steep prices and mediocre service and ive got a restaurant I will likely never dine at again. So why are Miamians coming here? The outdoor dining area is just the right amount of chill meets romantic meets...something unique. My recommendation: wait the 45 minutes for an outdoor table, order a glass of wine, a bowl of hummus, soak up the ambiance and have a real and affordable dinner elsewhere.
(2)
Boni L.

I just brought clients that are from Greece and they were very impressed with the place, also very impressed with the food and service. She even told me that they felt like they will be home meals from Greece. Thank you for making me look good this place in the best.
(5)
Rebecca B.

For setting and ambiance definitely 4 stars. Has to be one of the cutest , most charming outdoor dining patios in town. You feel like you are on a Greek island as soon as you step on to the patio in this buena vista spot. Service is tops, fast, efficient, friendly, something i very much appreciate. They told us it would be packed and we would never get it but the dynamic in Miami really shifts when summer starts. We went in a Saturday at 7 and walked right in. I recommend come a little earlier than what is cool, you won't wait and you'll get a great table and you can sit all night. Wine list is limited but well curated. Mostly Spanish and Italian but a few new malbecs and California wines. Prices are very reasonable. There is a reserve selection of you are a big spender. Now on to the food. This part to me was a little disappointing. It wasn't bad, in fact it was good, but not great. For all I've heard about this place I guess I expected more. SautÃ©ed octopus was a standout, grilled prawns in the shell was not. At $18 for 3 prawns I expected more. They were blah and rubbery. Salads were fresh and plentiful. The village pasta was another bummer. It was just like a moussaka with a few different nuances. Not enough to make me order it again. Dessert is also limited but that baklava was huge and knocked me off my feet. So come for a gorgeous evening setting, a happy friendly atmosphere and done delicious wines maybe order a few small plates but the main dishes are less than stellar. Still a very enjoyable evening and a fun place to go with a big group of friends and sit at a huge table and enjoy the atmosphere.
(3)
Cassandra C.

The atmosphere here is amazing. Outside but shaded, blooming plants all around and everything has a slight rustic touch. The food was good, but I felt like some dishes were way better than others after sampling everyone's dish. The spreads they serve with bread were delicious. The octopus was great. I would skip the salmon and choose something else next time. The spinach feta pie was cold and we sent it back twice before finally just boxing it up and taking it home uneaten. I'd recommend this place for the atmosphere, but be choosy with your order!
(4)
Vanessa B.

This place is easily my favorite restaurant in Miami, whether for lunch or dinner!! It really is a cute, small getaway that transports you to Greece. The decor is all white and blue and it is mostly outdoor seating, although there is an inside as well! Everything I have tried on the menu has been fantastic! I come very often and will continue to do so as I am never disappointed by it. :) 5 stars!!
(5)
Antonio A.

I really enjoy the atmosphere here. To be honest, I've only ever been here at night, but it really is the best time to come. They have lit oil lamps on every table so bring a date, because it doesn't get any more romantic than this. Seating is mostly outside, but it is also covered which means you shouldn't fear getting rained on and fans keep the night heat at bay. The food is fantastic. I personally recommend either the lamb burger (medium well) or the gyro, both are not pricey and taste amazing. The service is great, waitresses are very attentive (like Jaqueline) and won't ignore you if you just come for appetizers and a glass of wine. Valet parking is available, but I never have any issues finding a good spot on the same street or about a block away where the street lights stay bright well past closing time.
(5)
Henry M.

Fresh veggies, cool ambiance and great deal seafood's the whole staff is very attentive and kind. The owner was really hands on to his business. The patio seating was awesome perfect for relaxation.
(4)
Samantha E.

Absolutely love this restaurant. My husband took me here for our first date. We had the lamb and a bottle of cabernet. The ambience and setup is beautifully done. Recommend to anyone for a fine mediterranean meal!
(5)
Marie M.

I went there on a Sunday night, the atmosphere is very pleasant, it is way bigger inside than what it seems from outside. Very charming place. I got the stuffed zucchini as an appetizer and I really liked its unique and tasty flavor. Then, I ordered the whole fish, it was good, however, I have to say that I was quite surprised when I saw it didn't come with anything AT ALL! I get it, they charge for sides (and they are pretty expensive) but not even some vegetables or a small salad... I mean whatever they want but something... It was very strange to me. My husband got the moussaka, a typical Greek plate that is made with ground beef, eggplant and cheese, and it was delicious!
(4)
Derrick K.

Had an amazing dinner here. Not only is the food so good, the restaurant itself is so well designed and decorated. The outside courtyard is lit with over hand lights and feels like the perfect backyard party. The musts: grilled octopus and lamb chops.
(5)
Greg T.

Nice location in the design district. Came in for lunch and ordered a gyro which was both lamb and beef. I was hoping for a more traditional preperation of lamb only but it sufficed and tasted good. The tatziki sauce was homemade and very tasty while the fries were okay and seemed previously frozen. Service and ambiance were both good.
(3)
Steffi M.

Amazing. Light. Clean. I'd 100 percent eat here again. They don't offer delivery, which is annoying, but worth the pickup. I can't believe someone gave it a bad review for not changing and redoing their menu to fit their diet trend. Go to a vegan restaurant if you'd like a massive selection of vegan food.
(4)
Steph G.

What an awesome spot! We went to meet friends for dinner and were so pleasantly surprised by the entire experience! The decor and feel of their outdoor space is perfect for a cool afternoon or summer evening. They have beautiful giant trees and umbrellas decorated in a very rustic manner. At night, the entire outdoor space is light with lanterns set on tables and gave a very romantic vibe. The food and drink was excellent! We ordered a pitcher of their white sangria which was so refreshing for the outdoors. For the Appetizer our group ordered calamari and the octopus. If you love octopus you will love this dish! It was cooked to perfection and the smokiness from the grill gave it a nice twist. For entree I ordered the rustic pasta, which was a bit heavy for me but extremely delicious. It's layers of very well seasoned ground beef, homemade noodles, and a vechamel sauce. Great meal to have before a night out! We ordered their pistachio baklava for dessert. I have a killer sweet tooth, so although this was great it was a bit on the salty/sweet side. Nonetheless, a great mix of pastry and honey!
(4)
Miguel P.

Excellent food. Great quality with simple flavors. Can't go wrong with anythibg. The butterfly trout is exquisite. Friendly staff and comfort atmosphere.
(5)
Julio L.

Positives: The food was amazing! We had the grilled octopus, lamb, and tiger prawns. We could have done a second grilled octopus instead of the tiger prawns as they were our least favorite dish. The cab wine by the glass was enjoyable and the baklava for dessert was good as well. Not the best I have tasted in the past but good. While we where inly a party of to there where large groups there and it seemed like this was a great place for large parties. Negatives: Because we did not have reservations we could not sit outside which is what would have made my review 5 stars. Typically I would not hold this against the restaurant as it was our fault however when we where seated there where about 40 outdoor seats available and when we left there was about 20 seats available outdoors. Not sure how they could not arrange to sit 2 outdoors.
(4)
Cullen A.

Great Mediterranean food. Chicken kebab and butterflied tiger prawns are really delicious and juicy. Definitely a good find if you're in the design district
(5)
SO S.

I love this place, been there so many times and never got disappointed. I usually share 3 to 4 appetizers cause they are so delicious. Grilled octopus, garlic shrimps, Kefta... Good wine selection. Turkish coffee. Not many places with such unique ambiance and authentic food. Keep doing what you re doing!
(4)
Carol M.

What a wonderful terrace! This is a great place to dine al fresco. We went on a Sunday night and the place was packed. This restaurant is located around midtown and offers Mediterranean food. We ordered the stuffed zuchini, kefte - which is like beef and lamb meatballs -, the special of the night, wine and dessert. Everything was fresh and delicious. The waitress was attentive and took the time to explain the menu items. Highly recommend this place for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
(4)
Claudia D.

Very good artisan food. My concern is that the menu that is here is not updated, the plates actually have extra three dollars on each plate...
(4)
Heberto V.

The place is very charming. Nicely decorated. Definitely a place for a date. Since we were a large group we tried several things on the menu. The two outstanding dishes were the fried calamari and the grilled octopus. They were truly excellent. The rest of the food was mediocre. Not worth the price. The pasta was burnt at the bottom of the casserole, the lamb chops over cooked, the lamb burgers were bland and so on. I believe that if you go for a glass of wine and a couple appetizers it is worth it; otherwise I'd go someplace else. For the money Miami has many more great options to choose from.
(3)
Christina K.

Wow, best stuffed zucchini with FRESH tomato sauce. Juicy kofta that melts in your mouth. A MUST SEE while in Miami
(5)
jackie a.

Great food, atmospheric and staffs extremely friendly. I would recommend this place for food and ambiance.
(5)
Eric J.

My first visit was lunch and I had the Gyro. Don't order the gyro get something else, this isn't the place to try a gyro. The fries are good, eat the fries. The Gyro was made thinly sliced strips of meat that you can buy in a grocery store, thus the meh.
(3)
Ana M.

Mandolin is one of my favorite restaurants in Miami. The ambiance, food and service are on point. The outdoor seating is lovely for both date night or groups of friends/family. Each time we have been it has never disappointed. The flavors are authentic and the vibe is great. I would strongly recommend making reservations in advance and trying to go when the weather is cooler.
(5)
Lindley L.

PROs: As other reviewers have stated, this place is adorable and very quaint. - Great outdoor patio - Grecian colors and decor - Family- friendly - Ambiance is on point However... CONs: Pretty much everything else. - Terrible service (this could have had something to do with the fact that it was somewhat busy, as are most Saturdays). Took us 15 minutes to get the check and then another 10 for her to actually pick up - Horrible white sangria. If you want to make at home, dump a bunch of Granny Smith apples into white zinfandel and chill. Disgusting - Grilled octopus was yummy, but you get ONE leg for $18 which is kind of ridiculous - Greek salad was the "highlight" of the meal: maybe 4 slices of cucumber, 5 Kalamata olives, 8 capers and then one hundred tomatoes. Oh, covered with a brick of feta cheese. Greek salad is pretty tough to mess up but somehow Mandolin has it down to an art BOTTOM LINE: I would never, EVER go back here to eat or recommend. To top off the shockingly bad dining experience, the food made 2/3 people sick within an hour. YUCK.
(1)
A P.

Been twice. Second time at 12:30 noon on a Friday they had already run out of spinach pie and greek balls (what!). Octopus ok. Shrimp saganaki is best. Lamb sandwich was dry in a huge bun. Service inconsistent when they are busy. Not excited to go back!
(3)
Lee H.

The two of us arrived at 12:00 PM for Lunch and it was the perfect time since they get crowded fast. We decided to sit in the open courtyard dining area despite the rain that started developing. There were large over hang canopies that kept us dry even though it was pouring. We started with the daily special salad of watermelon, tomato, basil and feta cheese. They were accommodating and added the arugula to the salad that I requested. In addition we ordered the grilled octopus. Both were absolutely delicious. The octopus was cooked to perfection. The thunder roared, rain pouring over in buckets and the ground was flooding as we attempted to keep our feet dry. After our appetizers we shared butterfly trout with veggies and the most amazing Moussaka that I ever had. Despite the floods the waiter staff were very attentive and friendly. We finished with a Turkish coffee. I suggested to the manager to have the owners add a floor water drainage system so that the staff and patrons could easily move around during torrential rains. Overall it was one of the best lunch experiences with great quality food, attentive staff and a quaint atmosphere. The best dining experience in Miami.
(5)
John B.

They NEVER answer the phone. When they do decide to answer the phone, they won't allow a pickup order after 7pm... I have had to call their phone multiple times in order for someone to answer. I understand that the food is good, which is why I am trying to order pickup, but at least staff your kitchen to accommodate orders for people who don't want to sit outside in the heat of Miami during summer.
(2)
Lana N.

Overall: wonderful outdoor atmosphere, perfect for a romantic date! As I looked at other reviews while I waited, I saw rave reviews of the Grilled Octopus and they did not disappoint. Make sure to squeeze the lemon on it, the dish was top notch! So my friend and I shared this as an appetizer with the bread they already provide. She got the pulled lamb sandwich that she said was okay, however she absolutely loved the hand cut fries that came with it! I gotcha the Village Pasta based on a review that said it was great if you're craving comfort food and indeed it was. The white wine rose water sangria is soooo good as well. It was a pleasant evening and even though it was a bit expensive, we'd be willing to go back and support this lovely restaurant. :)
(4)
Katy P.

Mandolin is truly a hidden gem in the middle of Midtown. When you walk through the blue double doors you find yourself in an enchanted outside patio with wood tables and chairs that are covered with blue accents. The restaurants owners have made sure to bring authentic food that can be found by the Aegean Sea, which has been called the "peal of the Mediterranean." At Mandolin they are proud and very passionate about the food they grew up eating. They are dedicated to creating and serving the locals homemade specialties that are simple, yet authentic. When you go to Mandolin you have to eat the Turkish Sampler, which has a pretty healthy serving of homemade hummus, tomato walnut dip and fava bean purÃ©e. Make sure to not over due it with the hummus because then you have to try the Greek village salad with chicken. So light and refreshing. And, of course, you have to eat their baklava. All I'm going to say is you might want to order seconds. And make sure to pair all of this delicious food with their very own Aegean Sangria, which is absolutely perfect for these hot summer Miami nights. Their sangria is made with white wine and rose water. Mandolin is truly a place to not only feed your stomach, but also your soul.
(4)
Luca P.

Poor portions, zero personality from the servers. The octopus 18$ per 3 inch, a lamb 36$ for a tiny portion. Sorry not my type of restaurant. Over rated.
(1)
Joe Y.

Mandolin has been one of my go-to mediterranean restaurants since its opening. It's a great place to have lunch with friends any day of the week, food is tasty and reasonably priced. As others have mentioned you can't go wrong with the lamb burger, it's delicious. Other recommendations should include the Gyro, the Hummus sampler, white sangria and any salad.
(4)
Maya P.

I used to love this place, it is very romantic at night time but the other day I went and got the grilled octopus (got only one tentacle but still got charged $18) a delicious cucumber soup, 3 prawns and a starter plate with 3 dips and bread, drank water and paid $78 + tip , ended up paying like $92 and hungry. Last time I go there... I went there two other times for my anniversary, but really, you don't get what you pay for.
(3)
Jaime L.

Greek bistro with great al fresco ambiance and reasonably priced selections, with an authentic Greek feel. The Greek Sampler, with different spreads and fresh, crunchy bread can easily feed four people. Entrees are very big, the gyro can easily feed two. Excellent neighborhood hang-out.
(4)
John M.

This is one place you leave feeling you were taken advantage of, when you consider what you paid for. A grilled octopus appetizer will typically run about $18 a plate, but most of the time two or three people can eat from it, as an appetizer. I paid $18 for pretty much one tentacle? NO drinks just water, one dessert shared three ways, and three Turkish Coffees; the bill was well over $100! It's a shame. The food was really good. I've been to Greece. The place feels Greek, the staff was very attentive, but the food wasn't pricey, it was down right unarmed robbery. I doubt I'd go back. Maybe if I was a date for someone else picking up the bill!!! Like in some of the reviews written on this place. LOL! I'm turned off by the prices. That's what sticks in my mind.
(2)
Amanda M.

I'll start off with I've dined here a few times over the summer, and it has been delicious. Unfortunately last night's experience was not ideal. We got to the restaurant at 10 pm (an hour before close) and heard audible sighs of disappointment by some of the staff. One man said something along the lines of, "I hope they know they have an hour to eat." This started our experience off on a bad note. From there, the service was poor. We were rarely attended to. We had to ask for bread twice, something that typically comes out a few minutes after ordering drinks. When we asked for additional bread, a man brought out two bags and slammed them on the table in front of us. Later an employee who I assumed was a manager noticed that a few elements were missing on the entree I had ordered. He immediately stopped someone and asked for them to apologize and resolve the issue ASAP, which I appreciated. And from there, the service slightly improved. We were happy to finally be recognized by the staff and manager, however I don't think the situation should have gotten to the point where a manager needed to step in. At the end of our dinner he stopped by and asked if we were offered dessert or coffee. We weren't, but lied and said it was offered simply because I just wanted to get out of the restaurant. Had it not been for the delicious food, this restaurant would have been given 3/5 stars. What made it all the more disappointing was that we have had such great experiences at Mandolin in the past. Recommend: Sangria, Mussels app, Pulled Lamb sandwich & fries (w/ garlic yogurt)
(4)
Lien T.

Shared lots of meze between the 4 of us, plus the barley salad, moussaka, sangria, and baklava. All the food was delicious especially the stuffed zucchini. This dish can be shared, but it was small enough / good enough to order a 2nd dish. The barley salad was not as fruity and light as I expected but good nonetheless. We also enjoyed the lamb dumplings (unique, bite-sized, a special of the day) and the cheese saganaki (delicious especially topped with lemon juice). The sangria was light and refreshing if not also light in alcohol content (which was fine by me). The outdoor atmosphere was really pleasant and cozy. Our waitress wasn't the most attentive, thus the 4 star review. The baklava was also decent though denser than most baklava I've had and not worth the $11 price tag. I prefer Baklava Factory's. Overall, I look forward to returning and trying more dishes and enjoying patio dining.
(4)
Brittany K.

We went here for one of my friends birthdays it was a really cool experience to be able to get a bigger table and kind of share a lot of the appetizers they also have white sangria that we were all able to share the table that was amazing and then also the backyard is so beautiful that it makes a very good backdrop for photos I kept thinking that this would be a great place to propose to someone also I got the lamb chops and for lamb chops come on the platter so it's very easy to split with someone else
(4)
Marina A.

Great outside sitting, like in someone's backyard with huge umbrellas protecting from the sun and the rain. Simple,Fresh and Delicious food. Great service. Octopus is excellent, Turkish trio is good to try as well. Stuffed zucchini very different and amazingly good with great sauce. Will be back :)
(5)
Michelle L.

The ambiance at Mandolin is five stars. Upon entering, you quickly get transcended into old world Mediterranean charm. My date and I felt as if we were dining in a little remote location in Greece. I recommend a cool night so you can sit outdoors in their garden area and calling ahead for reservations. The inside is small but really warm and quaint, adorned with flowers and traditional Mediterranean dÃ©cor. The food: We began with the Turkish platter of three different kinds of hummus and spreads with a glass of their malbec. Followed by the grilled octopus that was tasty and the lamb chops served over pine nut rice. The lamb chops were my fave. And to close, baklava of course. The meal was delicious. To be honest, the foodie in me wants to critique and say that it wasn't the best Ive had but it definitely was very well prepared. The service was top notch too. We had a lovely time and it wasn't very loud. I didn't have to yell across the table. I recommend valet at the door.
(5)
Talal A.

I give mandolin 3. 5 stars because of the price. Food, service, and ambiance are good. Salads are fresh and tasty, the grilled mediterranean branzino is made the same way we make it home but only better. The grilled octopus is delicious but it was a small tentacle for $18 which I find a bit pricy. Bathroom is clean and feels as you're the first one to use it.
(3)
Jorge L.

Came for dinner with my wife and one of her friends. This place has been on my try list for several months. The decor and atmosphere is wonderful and feels very greek all your missing is an ocean breeze. We ordered several appetizers; they were all great (saganaki, turkish app, octopus). Best food overall was the octopus. We then ordered some calamari which tasted like nothing. Our friend ordered the burger which she said was ok. I ordered the pulled lamb sandwich which was ok, you couldn't taste the lamb and it had a bit of a sloppy joe taste. I really wanted to love this place but just fell short overall.
(3)
Anna L.

YES YES YES YES.... First of all this place is adorable..we sat outside. Food was awesome. Mediterranean food is always vegan-friendly, but of course there was lots of meat for dad. Great place for sharing also. Loved it!
(5)
Mathias V.

Why is it that there are so few places in Florida where you can sit outside? We finally found a place that matches our expectations: Nice outside seating, clean, healthy food, friendly service. Service is a bit slow if compared with other restaurants, but we don't mind, as we like to take time to eat and enjoy the ambiance. Fast service also tends to translate in lesser food quality, so we don't mind waiting a bit longer for great food.
(5)
Daniel C.

Mandolin has a lot going for it. Awesome midtown location, amazing open air space. And to my surprise, they have really stylish canopy style covers for when it's rainy. We had a reservation for a party of 5 and 9:30pm, and we walked up to the host stand and were seated immediately. That's a great start, in my opinion. All the food was great for the evening. We started with grilled octopus and beef and lamb koftas. They were both excellent - to octopus really stood out and was cooked to perfection. For entrees, we had the fish special (a fish I've never heard of before that is sea-bass-esque) and the gyro. They were both really nice - the fish was simple, flavorful, boneless, and delicious. The gyro was standard. For dessert we had the baklava and the chocolate mousse. Both were fantastic, although in general I find baklava too sweet to have more than a bite. Our service was excellent and overall, it was a great experience. We hope to go back soon.
(4)
Valerie A.

Delicious sample platters, both the Greek and the Turkish are great. The gyros are pretty good (order French fries on the side, yumm). The service was very slow and waiters seemed not have interest in making our visit special at all.
(4)
Vit G.

We came here for dinner on a Wednesday night, the place was packed. We sat outside on the patio and it was absolutely beautiful. Lots of trees, rustic decor and small lanterns on all of the tables. At first service was a bit slow but the food and atmosphere made up for it. Grilled octopus and lamb chops were amazing, but the gyro didn't taste any better than it would at a fast food restaurant.
(4)
Angie T.

Beautiful place, the most amazing thing was that the servers had their own table in the middle of the dining room and as their shift ended they sat down and eat... Simple menu... Just a little pricey but worth the experience. Great baklava...
(4)
Lara d.

I had heard about Mandolin for a few years now. I think what makes this place ideal to go to would be the outside plaza, dining al fresco, under umbrellas and canvas bamboo awnings, they provide an environmental oasis. The menu is interesting, for fans of hummus, calamari, eggplant puree, lamb etc, they will find a culinary destination. I was a bit underwhelmed by the menu and the actual food I ate was just ok, nothing that I found after eating was a reason to return for. I was shocked that the dessert menu was limited to only two items. A little disappointing when we were all looking for a great sweet finish. I think if I want Mediterranean food I have more casual and affordable locations to visit.
(3)
Christine P.

Fantastic! The atmosphere is the best. You feel like you are in Greece in a little restaurant and are going to walk out and see the ocean! The service was great. The food was perfect. Great selection of food and wines. The prices were reasonable for such a great restaurant. The lamb was cooked perfectly. They do have some indoor seating but when the weather is good the outdoors is much nicer to feel like you have been transported out of Miami!
(5)
Oregna J.

OMG!! This restaurant is absolutely amazing. I love the atmosphere. The food is great. Especially the mussels, calamari and arugula salad!! The sea bass was good. Not to excited about the desserts.
(5)
danielle b.

Atmosphere should give this place 5 stars alone. When I want to wow out of town guests with scenery, I bring them here....Turkish sampler is so good. I wasn't really wowed by my entree, chicken with orzo...but then again, it is what it is:chicken with orzo...Whole fish was great...dessert options are seriously limited. And while I do love that all the servers are able to dress in their own clothes with matching aprons, sometimes the service is a little too relaxed.
(3)
Carol M.

After reading the great reviews, we were disappointed with the food, which was nothing out of the ordinary. The calamari could have been crisper and the hummus was rather bland (needed more garlic and lemon juice). The moussaka was pretty good, but the Cornish hen wasn't very flavorful. Although the baklava was one of the best I've ever tasted, we were astonished when we got the bill and saw they charged $11 for three TINY pieces (a rip-off)!
(2)
Brittany R.

What a little jem!! I love this place. It is so cute, super romantic. We sat outside in the garden. The service was great. We ordered the Octopus (we order this everywhere, and it was one of the best we have ever had). We also ordered the grilled cheese sandwich and the lamb chops which were awesome. We loved everything we ordered. I adore the atmosphere here.
(5)
Oscar L.

Mandolin is Mykonos in Miami, the food is fresh and good, not complicated... Mostly outdoor seating that wonderful on cool afternoon or an evening but also has a small indoor area thats nice. The wines selections still needs work but that won't stop me from going back.
(4)
Alex R.

The Sangria with its rose water is a fresh and lite spin on traditional Sangria. The mussels were great and the salads from their on site garden was really good and tastes really fresh. The main entrees were ok, but the environment made up for it. Great place for a romantic date.
(3)
Mia D.

You walk into this place and you are transported to another world...it is absolutely breathtaking complete with orchids and candles and trees and absolute perfection. As for the food, since I'm not too familiar with Greek food, I played it safe amd ordered the gyro and it was absolutely delicious - the meat was tender, the bread was soft, and the sauce was flavorful. Now, my only complaint was the wait. When I arrived they asked if I had reservations, which confused me because I thought I heard the recording say they don't accept reservations for parties of less than 8. We eventually had to wait 45 minutes even though there were a lot of empty tables around. They ended up sitting us right next to the kitchen, so I had to hear the kitchen noise while I ate. I will definitely return, but this time I will make reservations and ask to be seated under a tree :)
(4)
Steven M.

This place has a great outdoor seating area and just added an indoor area as well. Great fried calamari, sea bass, and mediterranean appetizers. Almost forgot about the amazing lamb chops. Service and prices are great too, ask for Tiffany.
(4)
Mindy G.

Always been a fan of this place because of the chill ambiance, just wish they could serve Branzino without the bones. recently tried the salmon which was great. The appetizer sampler is great too. Think I prefer the newer "kouzina" over this place nowadays.
(4)
Derek M.

What a great place!! I love this place the service is always great and the food is always consistent. The grilled octopus is so soft and has so much flavor its amazing! Make sure you order the Feta cheese its the best you have ever had. The village pasta, lamb chops, skirt steak and zakanaka are al amazing! The only thing I was not a fan of were the meatballs but everyone else seemed to like them. I have been here over 5 times in 7 months and I love it.
(5)
Matthew F.

A charming space with a good-looking crew. But make no mistake-- this is mostly bland, Greek diner food not worthy of the Design District prices. The chef is advised to kick up the spices and lower the prices!
(2)
Andres A.

Great place! Excellent food, wine and service. They always try to find a table for you if you dont have a reservation
(5)
Dan F.

Third time and counting. Really a great spot for lunch, brunch, and dinner. Really can't understand how you can rank this less than four!!
(5)
Simone M.

Amazing!! Stopped at mandolin through recommendation of a friend we were staying with in Miami. We were literally on our way out of town and it was the perfect "goodbye" meal. The atmosphere is adorable and comfortable and the food was very impressive. The only thing is I took one star off because the service wasn't 100%, but it was ok. Our waiter could've been a little friendlier but its nothing to be upset about
(4)
Megan M.

Mandolin is so incredibly charming. I felt like I was on vacation in the Mediterranean somewhere. Walking into the fence that blocks all of the noise and distractions from the street, I was immediately impressed with the decor. There are white canopies, large hedges along the back, and cute wooden tables and chairs. It feels slightly rustic, like you're visiting your aunt's home in Greece and she's planning a big dinner in her garden out back. Inside the "house", there are some tables, but it seemed a little cramped with the kitchen. It seems that this was an actual home at point, so I was impressed with how many people they were able to serve with such a small space. We did wait a while, but the wait was worth it, and the time seemed to pass quickly because we were enjoying our surroundings. We ordered an appetizer that they had as a special that day. It was feta and spinach wrapped in filo with a really delicious dipping sauce. They also bring little brown bags to the table with fresh bread, and instead of the typical salt and pepper shakers, there is a small container of olive oil on every table. I tried my friend's white sangria and it was so light. They put rose water in it, and that may sound strange, but it really made it nice. Each of our entrees were delicious. Our favorite was the village pasta. The flavor was bold and rich. I ordered the chicken kebab with orzo pilaf and maroulosalata. The chicken was really tender, and I wish I knew what they marinated it in because I could eat that chicken every single day and never get tired of it. We ended this really great meal with baklava, which is definitely in my top 3 favorite dessert list. This didn't disappoint. It was great, and they cut it into three pieces- one for each of us. Valet was $3, which is a steal in this area because if you're having a leisurely dinner (that's what you should expect to do at Mandolin), you'd pay way more at a metered spot. Although service was a bit slow, I really love this place, and I can't wait to come back and try more of their menu.
(4)
Simo M.

We went there on a friend's recommendation..this place sucks, the one star is for the server, she was very nice, and felt sorry for the food we ordered and didn't eat...disgusting moussaka, oily and heavy fried calamari..a suspiciously looking gyro...and expensive...we won't be back.
(1)
Anthony B.

Adorable place, beautifully decorated, with great food. I recommend the mussels - cooked just to perfection in a white wine sauce. Delicious.
(5)
Sabrina L.

Can't believe it has taken me this long to write a review about this place. I visited a few months back and had a great experience. Starting from the decor..loving the outside terrace, so laid back, romantic, and the weather was just perfect. I tried the turkish sampler ,the fried calamari and tabouleh. We order a pitcher of white sangria which was also very tasty.The whole evening was a delight. Great place to take a date!
(4)
Phyllis B.

Unless you're a toddler or toothless, don't order the moussaka.
(2)
Ja R.

Cute hidden charm. Staff and service was excellent. Food was good. We have had authentic Greek food in Chicago so nothing gets better than that.
(4)
Nasja K.

Surprisingly tasty food! I thought it was going to be yet another Midtown/Fancy gone wrong kind of place, but this is pretty nice. It's a really cute & cozy place, it's tucked away in the middle of the street so you kind of have to know where it is. They have a really nice patio which is great for drinks or dining, very comfortable, cute and laid back atmosphere (the bad part is if you're dining out during mosquito season, that can be very annoying, in which case you should opt for dining in unless you're covered). Food is solid, prices are typical Miami & then some. Entrees are about $15 - $25 & appetizers are about $12. I had the Turkish sampler which was really amazing, 3 little tubs full of delectable goodness: hummus, tomato walnut dip, & fava bean purÃ©e. All 3 are to die for. If you're lactose intolerant, make sure you ask your server which ones have dairy; I asked my server but she wasn't entirely sure which one or how much (she was new though), but apparently she checked with the cook and they use a bit of cream or milk for some of them, so just make sure. The Gyro is pretty traditional and the meat's well seasoned, no surprises there, just know that you'll get a good gyro sandwich Also if you've never tried greek wine, you should try their white, I can't remember the name right now, but there's a small selection and if you ask for a recommendation, I'm sure you'll get a glass of a refreshing & smooth white.
(4)
Melissa F.

Probably in my top ten for best food in Miami.
(5)
S. W.

On our previous visits we really enjoyed this restaurant, especially the beautiful outdoor area they have created. Last evening we were very very disappointed. It began we the waiter telling us that many of the most popular items on the menu were already sold out ( at 6 pm!!) from there nothing was the same as our previous visits. Our menus were taken away after we ordered appetizers because they were short on menus, and we could never get any back. The food quality and quantity was not at all the same. The service was non existent! Items were served piecemeal. I can even describe was a total mess the entire evening was, fortunately we love the people we were with and we made the best of it,, It ended with a very expensive bill to pay and not sure what we actually ate! We were never able to get drinks or water after the first ones, and forget about dessert! What a shame, we will now never return.
(1)
Fatima L.

This place is a little gem in the design district. It's small inside but has a sizeable patio and the lovely atmosphere will make sure you eat outside. I had the olives for my appetizer and they were perfect. I am a big olive person, they definitely made my evening. For my meal I had the gyro without the pita and there were no weird looks or questions, just brought me a pita-less gyro. (It's like asking for a bread less sandwich). The service was great and the scene is casual and friendly. Their wine list looked good but I wasn't drinking. I will definitely be back for some more Mediterranean delights!
(5)
colleen o.

Absolute favorite restaurant in Miami!! Food, ambiance, and service are consistently exceptional every time! Tonight was a special treat as my husband and I sat at the table next to the very gracious and kind owners and their family. At the end of our meal, they sent over baklava and champagne for our anniversary. Thank you Anastasia- I hope you see this! Mandolin is the prime example of an authentic Greek/ Turkish restaurant run by wonderful owners who genuinely care about their customers and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and special. Thanks for making our anniversary that much more special!!
(5)
Shannon O.

Easily my best dining experience in Miami. A friend has been recommending Mandolin since we moved here, and now that I've gone I can't wait to return. In the past I haven't been so excited about Greek/Turkish cuisine, even in restaurants that I know objectively are excellent. I think Mandolin has changed that. The garden is so incredibly charming, the service is lovely, and every single dish we ordered was fantastic. I especially enjoyed the Turkish sampler that started out meal, and would have that on it's own for dinner. Great place for a romantic dinner, or a group outing (we had 6 and it still felt intimate without being cramped). Absolutely recommended.
(5)
M. T.

Hidden gem. Old house turned into restaurant. The Gyro is a must have. Very friendly staff. At night, eat outside for a romantic atmosphere; however, if you want to see what you eat, seat inside where there is more light and the atmosphere is very cozy.
(5)
Marcus K.

Been here a few times, and have had a few items on the menu. A favorite of ours is the hummus, which is nice and garlicky, and pairs very well with their freshly made bread, or taken home to enjoy with toasted pita bread. The grilled octopus is very tender -- almost a little too tender...like they gave it a little too much tenderizer. It's definitely worth a try, but I've had better before at another Greek establishment out in CA. Kefta was good, but slightly undercooked with a rare center. Luckily, I'm not that squimish, so we just took them home and cooked them a little more. Tasty though. Gyro was very good, and the best so far I've had in Miami. Moussaka also is a classic, but pretty good here. Just beware, while it's very tasty and nicely seasoned, it's a little oily, and when served it's sitting in a pool of hot grease. Overall, the quality of the food is actually better than I make it sound here, but definitely not perfect.
(4)
Stephany G.

This was my first time here. I came due all the great reviews I read about this place. We tried a couple of appetizzers (stuffed zuchinni and marinated grilled octopus) and then left since we were not impressed with the food. The zucchinis were ok but mines at home are much better and the octopus was a little overcooked and it was just plain grilled. This place has a nice atmosphere but that's it, it's a little overrated.
(2)
Eli C.

Ok so the Good: -Beautiful place, the outside seating is garden like and very romantic, could feel like you are in a little restaurant in Greece -The service was pretty good -The turkish sampler was delicious, a great start to the meal The not so good: -Our actual entrees were very average and pricey........I ordered the salmon which tasted very plain, and just not very good overall, came with an arugula and tomato salad nothing too interesting. My husband ordered the special, which was sea bass, also very average around $30 and comes with no sides, nothing amazing, We really had high expectations for this place considering the reviews, it really left a lot to be desired.....
(3)
Iwona M.

I love everything about this place!!!! Food, location, ambiance, simply you feel like you are in the one of aegen islands. Absolutely recommeded for romantic dinner or friends/family lunch. :)
(5)
Marilu F.

My husband and I went to mandolin with family friends last night. We did have a reservation, let me start off by saying the service was exceptional, our server Pepe was checking in with us at a desirable pace, was knowledgeable about the food prepared and extremely polite and friendly. We started off with the Hummus and an order of French fries, the fries were addictive, perfectly crisp on the outside but soft and mashed potato like on the inside. What a win! I had the Turkish Coffee as I was in desperate need of some caffeine, it was wonderfully prepared and served in gorgeous Mediterranean inspired cafecito cups. My husband and our friends had the Turkish Sampler and were all in awe of the different spreads. For our entrees my husband had the Salmon plate, he was impressed and the portion was satisfying and appropriate though not extremely overbearingly generous as tends to be the pattern at so many Miami eateries. I had the Chicken kabobs with the Orzo rice, it was exceptional. Beautifully seasoned, perfectly cooked. All in all we loved Mandolin, its the perfect place to take a date or eat and converse with good friends. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Layla L.

I'm on the fence about this place. The scene is nice and semi-romantic until you get eaten alive by mosquitos. The stuffed zucchini appetizer was delicious, i mean really fucking good...but the entree we had, the pasta with bÃ©chamel and beef had absolutely NO flavor.. what the hell? did 2 different chefs make each? How can one dish be so flavorful and the other not even have salt in it? It was literally pasta, beef and bÃ©chamel (which desperately needed nutmeg- a key ingredient in a good bÃ©chamel imo)... AND they made the moussaka with beef, not lamb which is not authentic at all so I didn't even try it. The fries with garlic yogurt- meh, coulda been better but not bad, a little too heavy i thought. Bottom line: I'll give it another shot, perhaps I ordered the wrong thing.
(3)
Bob M.

As good as it gets. Wonderful food and even better service. The backyard setting is a standout. Try the Turkish sampler and the grilled branzino. Great value.
(5)
Diana G.

Just when I thought I knew all the good places in midtown... my boyfriend brought me here for Valentine's Day. I asked him how he found it and he said that he found it on yelp when he searched for "romantic restaurants". You gotta love a thoughtful man who does his research!! He (and yelp) did an amazing job! The place was stunning, in a rustic-Mediterranean-chic kind of way. I felt like we were in Mykonos. It's actually located in an old house with a lovely terrace. Utmost romantic vibe, Check. The service was wonderful, even with a full house. Great customer service, Check. The food was exceptional, even on such a busy day. We started off with the zucchini fritter and the Greek village salad... warning, this salad probably feeds a small village. Our entrÃ©e was the skirt steak and for desert we had the baklava. Amazing food, Check. We had the white Sangria which was served with rose water and actual green apples. Great Booze, Check. This place exudes romance, very impressed with my date's selection, Check!
(5)
Dennis L.

Had not been to Mandolin in 2 year and what a DISAPPOINTMENT!!! Poor service and burnt food. Our plates removed from the table while we had our forks in our mouth and had not finished eating. We felt hustled out of the joint to get the next sucker in. What used to be one of the best restaurants in town is now like an Ocean Drive tourist trap.
(1)
Maggie V.

Organized a girls dinner here, even though it is quite romantic we had a blast. The patio with lights in the trees is stunning and the food was great. We ordered the lamb, octopus and chicken with a hummus sampler to start. I would highly recommend for date night or just a fun dinner with close friends. The atmosphere is definitely intimate but in a great way that is hard to find in Miami.
(4)
Melanie A.

This restaurant would get 5 stars if the service wasn't lacking. We came for lunch and had no problem getting a table outside which was really nice. The menu comes in a unique way with clothes pins. * The strawberry lemonade is a MUST! My fiance had a gyro and was expecting it to be amazing since this is authentic Greek cuisine but he was not really blown away at all. I had the shrimp appetizer and fresh fries. My dish was very flavorful and filling. I really enjoyed it. My fiance was a little bummed he didn't order the same. There isn't really that much shrimp in the dish (about 4 jumbo shrimp) but it is an appetizer. The service wasn't great because our original server was just standing around and did not take our order so someone else had to take it and then we had to ask another server for the check so it was a little disorganized and I don't understand why because everyone was really just standing around. I think they hired too many people for a lunch shift and they were all just getting lazy. There was one girl who was on top of things with curly black hair so she deserves some credit but all & all they need to improve on their service. There was a manager training someone else while we ate so perhaps that is why the service was a little off because no one was there to check up on everyone. I digress, all & all this is a great restaurant and we will definitely be back to try more options.
(4)
Christopher G.

I just can't imagine how everyone wouldn't love it here! I also can't imagine why I didn't come here sooner, as Greek/Turkish cuisine is one of my favorites, its close to my house, and I have known about it since it's opening. The setting is rustic and charming, everything looks and smells beautifully and the tables have thoughtful touches....painted lanterns, glass bottles of water, decorative ashtrays, Grecian salt and olive oil and little brown paper bags of bread. Food was stellar as well. We tried the Octopus, Saganaki, Kefte, and KÃ¶poglu (eggplant, zucchini, pepper and potatoes in tomato and yogurt sauce). I could rave on and on, but simply, it was all well-prepared, fresh, and full of bold flavors! We finished our meal with a Turkish cracker and dark chocolate torte and Turkish coffees, a great end to an awesome meal. We chatted up the owner, who was very friendly and hospitable and service was quick and on point. I am dying to go back and try more!
(5)
LaTanya C.

This place never fails! Delicious food and good customer service! Can beat it.
(5)
Naomi L.

One of those rare gems deserving of 5-stars. Went with my girls for lunch and we all ordered different appetizers to share family style. The Meatballs, clams, and tiger prawns were yummy yummy in my tummy. And the flat bread I could have eaten non-stop. Go here!
(5)
Sophia P.

I arrived at Mandolin with my fiancÃ© on a Thursday night at 8pm without a reservation. We were seated outside on the patio right away even though the restaurant was almost completely full. The ambiance is incredible and I highly recommend coming here just for the ambiance. I am usually not very impressed with Greek food, probably because I have never been wowed by any Greek restaurants that I have been to before. The food here was delicious, the best Greek I've ever had. I highly recommend the stuffed zucchini.. It was amazing!! The service was also excellent and for a restaurant that was so packed, I didn't feel rushed at all. Overall, very impressed and I would return.
(5)
Hugo P.

This place just gets better. If you are looking for a place to have a nice lunch on a great day in Miami, don't think about it twice. This is it!
(5)
Hal M.

From the moment we walked into the outdoor covered courtyard, we knew that we had made the right choice. The ambiance, the colors, the lights, the smell...all of it was a sensory delight. We started with the Stuffed Zucchini for an appetizer which was accompanied with some tasty bread. My wife got the Chicken Kebab which came with a very tasty romaine and feta salad and orzo. I got the Classic Gyros with the same salad and a side of their handcut fries covered in tatziki sauce. Everything was outstanding and would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a good meal.
(5)
Stacy S.

Disappointment. I have been going to Mandolin on average of every other week, for the last three months. In the last seven days I was at Mandolin once for a business lunch, and for dinner a few nights ago. While I love the ambiance, and am a fan of most of their food, there are several issues which need to be addressed: 1) The last few times I have eaten there the service just wasn't good. A few nights ago our waitress vanished after our first appetizer was served. She didn't tell us she was leaving. We didn't have a replacement server. We had to flag down staff for simple things like bread, or plates. I don't have to tell you how unacceptable and unprofessional that is. 2) While I like the food a lot, it is not cheap. No attention is given to presentation. None whatsoever. The octopus I ordered, for example, was good. But it was three tentacles on a plain plate without garnish for $18. 3) Sitting inside just sucks. We had to sit inside a few night's ago because they were busy. The noise level is high and it's just unpleasant. But since there is no waiting area nor bar, there was nowhere to wait. We had no choice but to sit inside or leave. 4) Most of the nights I have dined there, the owner is not present. He has never to date (and I've been there 10 times in the last three months) come over to my table (or anyones table) to check if people are happy in the rare instance he is there. But maybe he is hiding in the trees, and I just missed seeing him. I am not a fan of kissing a restaurant's ass just because it's trendy. I am not saying I won't return. But it's definitely not going to be my first through fifth choice after a series of bad experiences. TeekkÃ¼r Ederim
(2)
L M.

Highly recommend it. We stumbled on the place during our walk in the design district, and what a find! Definitely one of the highlights of the walk. The food was amazing and the customer service was exceptional. We felt right at home. It started to rain towards the end but it was certainly the most magical culinary experience.
(5)
M. S.

The food is good, but not great! The price is wayyyyy too high. Octopus was really good. Any place that does not serve mushy octopus gets a thumbs up from me. The bread they serve with any appetizer is probably the best part of the meal. The lamb was okay. Pretty tender for being slightly over cooked. The baklava was good, but not as crunchy as I would like.
(3)
Fajar B.

One of my favorite restaurants in Miami, the best dish they have is the Gyro!!! DELICIOUS! Every time I go there I order the same dish. I also tried the chicken with orzo it was good as well, also the bachamel pasta is amazing just make sure to ask them with less salt.. Lastly, they have homemade hot sauce really good I end up buying it from them. ENJOY
(5)
Cynthia F.

This place was very good. The food very clean (they advertise as organic) we had the octopus as appetizer and it was to die for, for entre the steak and the whole fish which was fresh and tasty and for drink we had the white sangria which was refreshing and delicious. The service was A+ .
(4)
Stephanie E.

We came to Mandolin last night and had a wonderful time. I had been wanting to try Mandolin for a really long time so was very excited to finally come. We called earlier during the week for reservations but the earliest available were for 10 so we decided to just go early around 7 without any reservations. When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised by the $3 valet service available. Great. The hostess quickly sat us down outside in a table where one side of the seating was a director's chair and the other side was a blue banquette. Needless to say the seating was awkward because the director's chair was really low and across the table, the person sitting on the blue banquette was much higher. So we opted to switch seats and were told there was only inside available as supposedly all the remaining outdoor seating were for reservations. I was bummed to sit inside but my bf was happy to sit in the cold air. The waitress quickly came over with water and shared the specials for the day. She was very nice and attentive (alot nicer and warmer than the hostess that greeted us & walked us to the initial table). Everything we tried we really enjoyed. I especially thought the appetizers were really flavorful and delicious. Appetizers: Stuffed Zucchini with Eggplant, Almonds, Tomato & Yogurt Kefte - Grilled Beef & Lamb Meatballs Main: Lamb Chops Moussaka Dessert: Baklava I can't wait to come back again. Next time I'll call with more anticipation for reservations so that we can sit in a more comfortable table outside. When we left we had to walk through the patio and the ambiance seemed very cozy and romantic outside. I'm glad the food was amazing because our initial greeting and seating ordeal weren't. Overall, definitely looking forward to coming back. Hopefully the overall service from the staff improves.
(4)
Haroula P.

This place is phenomenal! A must try. First the atmosphere is just so pretty. A really unique spot, very romantic but also a very laid back vibe. A great date spot for sure. The food is delicious. The octopus is a must try. The Turkish sampler is also amazing! I have never had a bad meal here.
(5)
Johan S.

Really LOVE this place! They keep getting better. Definitely the best place in Miami
(5)
Susann O.

Its such a signiture and sophisticated place, the stuff is really friendly, the food comes quickly and is omg soooo good and delicious, i couldnt ask for anything better! Actually, food could be a bit more for the price, you'll spend a bit more here than in other greek/turkish places. We loved the walnut stuffed zucchini, i cant wait to come back again.
(5)
Vadim K.

Everything about this place is great. Food was delicious. Had the Turkish sampler to start, Marinated Grilled Octopus and Calamari. Had some fish special that was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Lamb chops also are a good choice as well as the Moussaka. The outdoor seating was very nice. Can't wait to return.
(5)
Kati E.

Great little place! Recommend the Turkish sampler!
(4)
Wen B.

very cute place, we ate outside and had a delicious meal. We started off with the sampler of dips. My friend had the Bronzino and I had the Chicken sandwich and everything was tasty.
(4)
Lester M.

Came here for an anniversary date with my SO. I couldn't have asked for a better place. Mandolin is located in a stretch of Miami Ave that you wouldn't necessarily call "friendly" and the parking is not ample but the restaurant has an excellent vallet service and very reasonable. The place looks small from the outside but when you go in, a big patio opens up and the way that is setup makes you feel like you are somewhere else. After scouting the menu for several minutes, we settle on the grilled octopus for appetizer, and the lamb chops and the village pasta as entrees. The grilled octopus was beyond delicious. No wonder is so popular. I could have eaten that all night long (channeling my best Rob Schneider). The village pasta was delicious, the Greek noddles were perfectly cook, the ground beef was excellent and all mixed with the bechamel sauce made it one amazing plate of pasta. The lamb chops were perfect, nicely grilled, perfectly seasoned, tender. Four grilled lamb chops in a bed of orso pilaf that I could have easily eaten by itself. We accompanied the meal with a bottle of Andre Montessuy Cotes Du Rhone that paired amazingly with the meal. Of course we couldn't leave without dessert. We order the baklava. Three little squares of pastry goodness, filled with pistachio and smothered in honey, it was the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Perfect because even the service was amazing. Our server, Tiffany, was more than helpful and every suggestion was on point. This is one of the few places in Miami that live up to the hyped. I can't wait to be back.
(5)
Marisa S.

Amazing ambiance, food, service. Honestly in terms of ambiance in miami, you can't beat this place. It is like stepping into a courtyard of a home in the greek isles. The food matches that - consistent and delicious. You cant go wrong. And the service, well, the last server we had was sweet, attentive and enthusiastic - all rare in miami. The only thing I would suggest revisions to is dessert - I am a dessert fan and theirs just dont do it for me. Otherwise, ZERO complaints. GO!
(5)
Olivia G.

Incredible food and atmosphere. Everything I have had on the menu was amazing. One of the top restaurants in Miami!
(5)
Jamie F.

I love this place. They expanded since the first time I visited and the patio is relaxing & fun. The blue & white quaintness reminds you of an actual restaurant in Greece, at least according to what I have seen in movies ... But they specialize in Greek AND Turkish cuisine. Located in the Design District the inside is small & the patio large and breezy - I suggest the latter. This is a great place for a date or dining with a group of friends. Everything is simply prepared - the tender marinated octopus is some of the best in Miami. The Greek salad is not filled with tasteless lettuce but is fresh tomatoes, onions, and feta, healthy and tasty. The Greek sampler with hummus & fava bean puree goes perfectly with the fresh bread they serve in cute little brown bags. On my last visit I tried the gyro and I am in love. This is the best gyro I have ever had. Branzino, mussels, calamari, its all good... The wine list is fun and creative - there are several good choices that will go great with the food. They also offer a sangria made with gewÃ¼rztraminer and apples - very refreshing for summertime in Miami! Service is great and you feel like the staff is working together to make sure you have a good time; very hospitable. If you can, try the desserts - baklava and another Turkish dessert with lots of layers was perfection.
(5)
A D.

Mandolin has a ton a reviews and most five stars so thought it would be a nice place for anniversary dinner. Is it romantic? Yes. Nice candlelit outdoor dinner. Very nice. Can't imagine going on a hot and sticky summer night but on the night we went it was pleasant. As for the food, in a word, overrated (extremely). Maybe I expected too much after all the glowing reviews. I usually discount a lot of one star reviews as folks that are just never happy or simply had a bad waiter. Some diners get their panties in a bunch because the waiter didn't notice that their water glass was empty for 5 seconds. I have learned not to pay attention to these reviews as these folks are just soured and no matter how great the food the review will be poor. In the end, I try to review based on the food. I enjoy food. Service can be crappy, place can be a mess but if the food is good I am usually happy. Sampler - Given the amount they give you, this is a great stater for a group. Don't get the hummus. Eggplant and Tzatziki were fine. Octopus - Well cooked, tender. A bit bland but best of the night. Really isn't saying much, however. Usually, I don't care much about presentation but a long tentacle on a plate with a slice of lemon looks like....Well order it and you will see. Cut up in pieces put some garnish on the plate. Something to give it more appeal. $18 is absurd. Grilled Shrimp - Well seasoned and much better presentation than octopus. Served with head on and sliced in half. Looked and tasted nice. Fries - Probably shouldn't have gotten fries but you got to be kidding me. Fries were what you get a Denny's or Friday's. Worse actually. Yogurt sauce they came with was ok but too thick. We ate about 3 fries each. Lamb - Huge portion. Enough for two. However, lamb was overcooked. It was fine but not great. Again presentation was horrible. Grilled lamb thrown atop a mound of buttery/greasy orzo. Baklava - Whatever. Probably deserved 2 stars as the food was edible but I think I need to counter-balance all of the 5 stars. Some have even stated that this is one of the best places in Miami. Dear Lord, where do you eat? There is better Greek/Mediterranean food in town. For inexpensive, try Maria's on Coral Way. Not the ambiance of Mandolin but very good food. For expensive try Estiatorio Milos on the beach. If you are ever in DC, do yourself a favor and visit Zaytinya. Food is truly five stars and price is equal to Mandolin. In the end, Mandolin is below average at best. Would be ok for lunch. However, there are much better places to eat in Miami, from casual diners to high-end. For 65 dollars per person (not including wine), I expected a lot more. Take away the ambiance and I would much rather eat at Maria's.
(1)
Andy T.

Very good meal! I would recommend the lamb chops, and the chicken shish kebab. Very good service on a busy night. This restaurant serves large portions, which was surprising.
(4)
David B.

Very quaint. Outside seating is romantic though they need new chairs that better match the decor/theme. Beautiful trees and orchids are abundant. Easy and friendly valet. Wait staff were attentive and funny. Food was better than average. We had Turkish sampler, mussels, and lamb chops with spinach. Just be careful not to go on a night when there is a chance of rain. It could be romantic getting slightly wet though if it pours your date could be ruined if not under the covering. Overall 4 stars. Very happy. It was a great find.
(4)
Vanessa P.

Thanks to the sorting feature on the Yelp iPhone app, we decided on Mandolin over the weekend. How have we completely missed this place? It's adorable! The outdoor patio area is quaint and very cozy. The inside is just as cute, a little cramped - but hey, it works. We were starving once we arrived, so we whet our appetite with the Greek sampler, which was very good. We tore through the bread in no time, but our waiter was more than happy to bring us more. To drink I also enjoyed their homemade sangria (white wine, rose water, and chunks of green apples) - very refreshing on a humid Miami evening. For dinner I decided on the pulled lamb sandwich and my boyfriend chose the lamb and sirloin burger. As much as I was expecting the food to be amazing, it was just okay. Maybe it was what I ordered? Somehow the flavors of the bread and the meat didn't strike me as working together in a sandwich. So, instead I ate them separately and I found it to be more enjoyable that way (weird right?). My boyfriend (aka burger fanatic) surprisingly didn't care for the burger much either and only finished about half. The atmosphere at Mandolin is wonderful and the prices are exceptionally reasonable, so we're definitely planning on coming back for another try. For now though, I give it a solid 3.
(3)
Jonah H.

Wow. Amazing. It's like a little bit of the mediterranean in South Florida. Probably one of the best meals I've had in a while.
(5)
Marc W.

We had mainly Turkish dishes and they were fantastic and fresh..this restaurant is also in an interesting Design/Art district..You feel like you're in a small villa near the Mediterranean....not touristy as parts of SB have become lately.
(5)
Juan S.

You can't do better for a more romantic restaurant in Miami. Everything here is excellent....the drinks, the food, the service, the prices. A new favorite. I will definitely be back.
(5)
ALisa R.

I love this place. The food is amazing. Everything is so fresh .WOnderful atmosphere . Great service. Even the valet guys are sweet and funny. And the owner is not only sexy and cute he is single!
(5)
Philip G.

This place is cool. The food is not very fancy and is well prepared. The real attraction is the outdoor dining. The patio is filled with tables, trees, flowers and sun umbrellas. A nice place to chill on a Saturday for lunch. Not expensive. Good service.
(4)
Katelyn T.

So after searching around the design district, we came upon this place through yelp. So happy we did! You walk in and it was like walking in a restaurant in the Mediterranean. First thoughts were, why are the servers wearing mustaches... Besides the point, we sat down and ordered some items from what others on yelp suggested (Turkish sample plate, pulled lamb sandwich and a gyro) Food was great, services... not to much. Extreamly slow! but besides this I would come back with the knowledge that I need an hour ad a half just because of the service.
(4)
Katie R.

the first thing you see when you come to mandolin is the patio space which is very sweet and made me feel warm inside. something about it felt so homey. our waitress was very sweet as well and recommended the perfect white wine to compliment our meal as well as many of our courses. food was good and fresh. we couldn't decide between the samplers so we got both, overall i'd recommend the greek sampler over the turkish sampler. the hummus was so-so, but was about the only disappointment of the 6 samples. they give you pieces of bread for dipping in cute little individual paper bags. anyway, calamari was okay but not great. i tried a bite of my friend's octopus which was very fresh and yummy and i myself had the spanakopita which was fresh and delicious, not to mention a pretty large portion. i have to admit i didn't read the menu well so was a little disappointed when my sandwich came out in a wrap rather than it's usual fried goodness, but it worked well..
(4)
Stephanie G.

I went to Mandolin last night with a group of girls and was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere at this tiny restaurant. It's intimate, cozy and romantic. The perfect setting for a date! We shared several dishes including the kefte, greek village salad, village pasta, lamb chops and the chicken kebab with orzo pilaf and maroulosalata. Everything was delicious except for the village pasta which I didn't think was all that. The girls also ordered the shrimp ouzo which they loved, but I didn't try it due to my allergies. For dessert we had baklava and a chocolate dessert made with lady fingers. Apparently they only have a small selection of desserts per evening, but something tells me they're all fabulous. I'm very much looking forward to returning to Mandolin!
(4)
Adam S.

I thought this place was very, very nice. Outdoor seating, relaxed and comfortable. The food was relatively simple, but all tasted great. We had the grilled octopus for an appetizer. It was very tender and had a great flavor to it. For my entree I had the pulled lamb sandwich. It was a very good sandwich. The lamb was nicely seasoned and tender. The bread it was on was good, and so was the cucumber sauce that came on the side. It reminded me of something like a greek version of a barbeque sandwich. The salad it came with was surprisingly tasty. Nothing too fancy, but I loved the dill and feta. I think this place is really a perfect spot for a nice, informal lunch or dinner.
(5)
Kelly W.

OH MY GOSH!! This place is incredible. Definitely the best Mediterranean food I've every had. Definitely get the Turkish sampler. The homemade bread is to die for as well. Enjoy!
(5)
Dannie M.

I wanted to LOVE this place and give 5 stars, I've heard a lot about it and read about it on Yelp. The atmosphere is so beautiful- outdoor seating and the decor is so relaxing. I really loved sitting outside and drinking wine waiting for the food. However, when the food arrived, I was actually surprised about how bland it was- I expected a little more flavor. We had the Turkish sampler and it was ok. I ordered the chicken kabob and my husband had the Moussaka- it was just ok. Portions were on the small side. We looked at dessert but decided against it. Overall, perfect atmosphere, food could improve a little, maybe expand the menu. I'm Glad I went here once, but I don't think Ill come back.
(3)
Christine P.

At first it felt like we walked through the wrong door - b/c the kitchen is *right* there when you walk in - but we later found out, nope, it's the front door. The rainy and gross day let up in time for us to get a table outdoors (what we had been looking forward to!). Menus are on a piece of wood with clothespins to hold down the paper. Water is served in adorable old-fashioned bottles. We downed a bottle of red wine, and munched on a variety of appetizers. I really wanted to try the lamb, but was just so intrigued by so many of the apps - that we decided to just dig into those. Fried octopus was recommended by the server, and I was definitely surprised. Not my thing, but I had several bites. Also ordered the shrimp ouzo with tomato and feta - yumm!! and the greek sampler dips. Bread is brought to the table in little paper bags, and I wouldn't mind if the bags were a tad bigger! Service was great - they were very attentive. The owners were sitting at the table near us, drinking wine with friends and chatting with customers. I just felt at home, and it was the perfectly unpretentious place for a romantic evening. Wish there was a little more "greek" in the menu, and I was a tad annoyed by the lack of mediterrean-type music (i think spanish music was playing at that point). Only thing I think they need to work on is a bigger dessert menu - where is my galaktoburiko?!
(4)
michelle z.

This is a whole new level of authentic Greek food in Miami. The hubby convinced me to go here with him since he had tried it in the past and loved it. The mussels were my favorite and so was the pistachio baklava. Ok the baklava was like....WOW!
(5)
Ashley T.

Love Mandolin. Great place for a date! Outside seating is a must
(5)
Michael R.

Food is great, you really feel as if you were in Santorini ---- our favorite restuarant in Miami for sure!
(5)
TDavid D.

Excellent Greek food in a nice, casual, outdoor area! Low key, but with great ambiance for any type of guest!
(4)
P J.

I have never wrote anything on yelp before but this place is way too horrible so I had to sign up just to post this review! I wanted to choose 0 star if I could! I'm from Maryland and i have been to multiple Greek restaurants, this is by far the WORST one i have ever had! first of all the food took FOREVER to come and there is no side dish like every other greek place ive been to. i ordered the most raved Turkish sampler, and i have to say, is this seriously a dish? its a combination of 3 dipping sauce that taste like the FREE salsa you get from chipotlet! the grilled octopus was really bad, i had to throw it away after just a couple bites. the fried calamari was mediocre, but how bad can you mess up something fried? i do not see a difference between the calamari I ordered from TGIF and this place! the lamp chop was full of oil and fat, i feel like a grease ball after eating it. I ended up paying $105 for these dishes but to me they only worth maybe 15 max! if you think this place is good, then you are either tripping or have never had better ones! next time when i see this restaurant i will run to the opposite way as fast as i can!
(1)
Silvia A.

Absolutely amazing restaurant! I have been coming here for years and have never been disappointed! Food is beyond delicious and if you are a lover of Greek or Turkish cuisine, you will appreciate this spot. A must try here: stuffed zucchini, kefte, greek village salad, village pasta, kopuglu and last but not least baklava! You can either come here with a group of friends or definitely take a date! Five stars!
(5)
Manu G.

I am very picky when it comes to Greek food and this is the best Mediterranean/Greek food I've had in a very long while!!! I recommend the hummus platter and the grilled kafteh.. We got many other things but these were my very favorite!!! Easy valet parking as well. (service and seating is alright I guess.... Dress code night is casual dressy)
(5)
Naty S.

A little trip to the Mediterranean!!! Big fan of this place! Except its customers ja ja ja a bit snobby... But I'am not having dinner with them... So really, not relevant! Super laid back, relaxed atmosphere! Even the servers only wear an apron, no uniform or dress code! I like the informality of the place! Is mostly an outdoor restaurant so due to Miami's unpredictable weather always check the weather app on your phone before making a reservation. Great for a romantic date, meeting with friends or even a business situation! To start try one of the samplers... They come with this great brown bags filled with the most delicious bread ever!! (Want more? I believe the start charging for additional bread, check with your waiter) Wine?? Great selection! My favorite is a RosÃ© from Spain's Basque region Txakoli! Food!? octopus, fish of the day or a salad! Sides? french Fries with yogurt! A must side for any main dish! Space left? Must have one of their dessert with an apple hot tea! Trust me on the tea!!! Is just a great place for any occasion!!!
(5)
Nelson M.

Romantic, fab food Turkish sampler, arugula and date salad, baklava, salmon. SautÃ©ed spinach all simply amazing, great staff and service. Best meal of my life, or top 10 of them! My favorite place to eat in Miami for sure!!!
(5)
Katherine S.

Went here with my dad when he came to visit. It was one of the best meals I've had in Miami. The food was delicious. The ambience and the service were lovely as well. I would recommend this place to everyone! And don't skip dessert...
(5)
Michael S.

Awesome hole in the wall spot. Great fresh food that one must try. The chicken and fish is all so fresh. We'll priced fire the quality too.
(5)
Rodrigo M.

I love coming to Mandolin... From the style, crowd, and ambience to it's tasty food... Everything here is fantastic!
(5)
Stephanie G.

The place has lost its touch. Mussels and octopus did not taste fresh, were chewy and bland. There is no longer an authentic taste in the food. It is almost as if the food prep has taken the place of fresh cooking. Until this place has improved its flavor I will not be attending. On the plus side the wait staff was attentive but not overly present.
(2)
Maria G.

I came here on two separate occasions, once at night and once during the day. The atmosphere is very romantic and laid back. The food is also very tasty and fresh. I had the octopus, mussels, lamb chops, and chicken kabob. The octopus was very tender and flavorful, my only complaint is that the portion was small for the price. The mussels were good but nothing out of the ordinary. The lamb chops were delicious and perfectly cooked. Chicken kabob was surprisingly flavorful and tender. They are served with Tzatziki sauce, which to me was one of the highlights. The maroulosalata (which I chose as a side both times) was crisp and refreshing. Overall, I think the food is very good but a little overpriced. It's an excellent place to bring a date. Definitely make a reservation if you're coming during the weekend.
(4)
Marvin C.

Here's the summary: The food was decent and the service was meh but not worth the price. I won't be coming back here. More details: I was looking for a place to take my cousin and her husband visiting from out of town. I read the reviews and picked Mandolin. I made reservations for 8 at 5 PM on September 28, 2014. Looking at it from outside, it didn't look like much. But once inside, the ambience was nice. I saw my cousin, we hugged and the host took us to our reserved table. (call ahead for a large party.) He unenthusiastically showed us our table outside while looking at his phone. (thanks for sparing some time to seat is dude.) We were seated and a few minutes later someone brought us some small glasses for water with ice that quickly melted and some old bottles of wine (a nice touch) filled with lukewarm water. A guy was our original waiter. We asked him questions about the menu, what he recommended and what were the specialties of the house. He was helpful. He also said that the lemonade was natural and freshly made. We normally only have water, but since he said it was natural, we opted for lemonade all around and some appetizers and ordered the Greek sampler and the Turkish sampler. At this point, another waitress came by and abruptly said, "I can take your order." after the original waiter had taken our drink and appetizer order. I felt kind of bad for the original waiter, but oh well. C'est la vie. So the new waitress takes over. She's OK. Not incredibly friendly. More like fake friendly. We receive our lemonades and one raspberry tea in flasks to share. I didn't know at the time since I didn't try the lemonade, but after dinner, my wife tells me that the lemonade tastes like powdered lemonade like countrytime or something similar. For 6 bucks a flask, I could have gotten a couple of containers of the stuff. There went $30... Strike 1 The appetizers arrived a little later than what I had expected especially given the fact that it was very little. It consisted of basically dips and bread. Really? Granted a couple of the dips tasted OK. But at 15 or so a pop. Not worth it. Throughout the dinner, they asked if they could take our dips and I was like no. Not until I practically lick every last bit. (I didn't say that of course.) Strike 2 We mostly ordered gyros and my cousin ordered a chicken kebab that she shared with her husband. I also tried the octopus as I read that it was good in other reviews. The main dishes also took longer than expected. Oh well. We were enjoying our time together. The gyros were a decent size but unimpressive. I don't know. Maybe I was expecting more from a 14 dollar gyro. Unfortunately, the taste wasn't with it. We could have gotten the same thing or slightly better from gyroville for less than half the price. Strike 3. We also had salads with the gyros, but the salads were a bit on the sour side. Strike 4 My son had the sirloin and lamb cheeseburger and fries and he said it was good. Wish I would have tried it. I was probably disappointed from my octopus size. It was a single piece that only about 8 inches long. It tasted good but really? Such a small portion? I saw a pic on yelp and there were two pieces so I was disappointed. Strike 5 What more can I say besides the mosquitoes start attacking you as the sun goes down. We had a fabulous time because we were able to catch up with my cousin. If it weren't for that, I would have given it a 1. Save 200 bucks and go to gyroville.
(2)
Ali M.

What a great place! Ambience definitely gets an A+ - beautiful outdoor patio. The food was pretty great too.. Mussels were amazing, the burger was good not the best I've had, and the gyro was also good but I think needed some more toppings such as lettuce, cucumbers, more tomatoes. Definitely going back
(4)
Kathryn S.

Mandolin Aegean Bistro is one of those places that I have been absolutely dying to go to, but have never visited. I never found anyone that wanted to go (I know, sacrilege) or we decided on another location. Luckily, I was FINALLY able to visit and I am so happy I did! I had faith that I would enjoy my meal since Mandolin has such a renowned reputation. My friends and I decided to go all out and really enjoy our meal. We wanted to try everything and dammit, we were going to try to get as much as we could. For appetizers we got the Turkish Sampler, which was great. The hummus was delicious, and I was pleasantly surprised by the tomato walnut dip. I wasn't sure I'd like it, and I sure did. What Aegean meal would be complete without an order of Cheese Saganaki? This stuff was amazing. I have nothing bad to say about it. For meals, I got the Gyro Sandwich, which again, was amazing. These people know how to cook their lamb and I thank them for it! My friends got the Lamb Chops and Chicken Kebab, and I heard that the Lamb Chops were the stand out. Pretty much everything was perfect and delicious. My friends and I enjoyed our time at Mandolin Aegean Bistro and we all said we'd love to visit again.
(4)
Doris L.

Popped in here for an early lunch right after opening, so we just missed the lunch rush. This place serves all the Med favorites- from hummus to octopus everything is fresh and sooo tasty. Samplers are great starters. Octopus was luscious, the shrimp were Devine. Setting in the garden is perfect al fresco. And yes, I can see why this place has a reputation for romance. An evening supper sounds heavenly. Can't wait to return!
(4)
Julia R.

I've been going to The Mandolin ever since it first opened. It's kind of a family spot; great place for birthday dinners, friend reunions over lunch or if your in the mood for a great glass of wine and dessert. I figured it was overdue for me to write a review. I recently went to grab some lunch with a friend and was not disappointed. The seating and overall design of the restaurant outside is quaint and covered with Greek trinkets. The food is always consistent and lovingly prepared. I got the Gyro Sandwich (My usual) with a delicious romaine and lemon-juice side salad. We ended the meal with an on the house pistachio baklava - the filling was not overly sweet and had an amazing flaky crust. Only thing I was not the biggest fan of is there overuse of salt in their dishes (Found myself chugging water every two minutes). I always look forward to eating here though, definitely my go-to dining choice when I not only want fantastic food but great service and an amazing environment.
(4)
Jeanette H.

Loved the outdoor courtyard ambiance and dining scene! (located in the Design District). Ideal for both large groups and romantic enough for couples. We had to restaurant-hop-around this particular evening (NYC celebrity chef visiting just for one evening), so only got to try couple of their appetizers. Fried calamari came in a generous portion for an appetizer -- to a point two of us couldn't finish it. Hummus was great (not salty like most places!) and flavorful, but tiny bit dry -- so we added some olive oil, and voila !! perfect. Look forward to coming back for more.
(4)
Andrew B.

So I'm writing this review after eating a Mandolin again today. This is probably my 10th time eating here so I'm fairly familiar with how the place is ran. Now the ambience and dining area of the place is amazing. It's a beautiful outdoor seating area that covered with shade and fans spraying mist during the 9 months of Florida summer. You somewhat feel you're not in Midtown, let alone the U.S. while you're here. Now the food here is great, out of the 10 times I've eaten here I've thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my meal. The Kete, Shrimp Ouzo, and mussels are always my go to as appetizers and the moussaka as my main dish. A lot of other things are great as well (read other reviews). So why only 4 stars? The service. One most occasions it's been fine but on others is been bad. First story was we had a party of 8 with a prior reservation, they seated us at a 4 person table as the tables for 4 are even somewhat small for 4 ppl. We asked the manager to come over to switch us and boy did he have an attitude! He not only didn't switch us but was raising his voice after we said that this was unacceptable. Another story (same manager) was when we ordered a plate of mussels and they were noticeable frozen and reheated. They weren't their normal mussels according to the manager as the company that delivers mussels had some difficulty and they had to serve these. They were big and tasteless. Another story was we were ordered a moussaka and a chicken kebab when we ordered out appetizers. The server completely forgot and lied about what happened saying the chef was unsatisfied with how the food came out, which was a blatant lie. He came back after we asked him what was going on and he said it'd be ready in 7 minutes. 10 minutes later he says 5 minutes. 10 minutes later the food comes and we refuse to eat or pay for it. We told him instead of lying and being honest maybe we would have eaten it after waiting 45 mins from the time we ordered it knowing Moussaka takes 20 mins to make. Long story short the food and ambience is great but the service can be unsatisfactory sometimes. I'd still recommend coming here
(4)
Claudia J.

Went for a summer night, hoping there would be availability for a table for a party of four. I had called in earlier to make a reservation but the gentleman informed me that the wait time at that particular moment was 1 hour. Oh well, we took our chances and showed up. We were swiftly seated on an outside table overlooking the patio. We got lucky, the place was full! The outside area is so nice, that you have to sit outside to appreciate the whole ambiance. It does feel you are transported to Greece. Into the food, the food was good. We ordered Chorizo Sandwich, Chicken Kebab, Fried Calamari, and Mussels. Everything was very good, except the Mussels, a bit salty for my taste, and with not a lot of meat. =.( The service was great, ambiance is great, if you go, order everything but the mussels.
(4)
German B.

This is the perfect example of "the experience" effect. The food's good but not GOOD and it's not cheap nor expensive, but the service is excellent and the decoration/ ambient makes the difference. As you walk in to the restaurant you feel you're in a different city but never in Wynwood. Be carefull whete you park, my advise, leave it with valet, becase and the end, you're still in Wynwood and most likely, you window will be shattered into peacea if not taken the proper caution. I recomend this place of ypu wan't to impress that girl without ripping your pocket.
(3)
Aa A.

Food is soo ummy .. In the appetizer, we ordered kofta Kabab and roasted eggplant. Both of them were amazing. Our main courses was the village pasta and lamb chops. The village pasta is something must try .. It's totally different from any pasta that I ever had ...
(5)
Maria M.

Went there for a business lunch. Food was very good. Ordered the grilled octopus. We were 3 only had appetizers no drinks and one dessert and the total bill was $140.00. I think that it's absolutely crazy. Not sure I will go back..
(3)
Joanna K.

This place was the cutest. We sat outside and it was like sitting in a little garden in Greece. Aside from the ambiance and setting, the food was also very, very good. We ordered the Moussaka, Steak, and a few other things and everything was full of flavor and tasted just how grandmother would have cooked it. Our waiter was also very attentive and personable. The only complaint I have is the sangria didn't seem to have much alcohol in it, but it was still tasty :)
(5)
Lila W.

Arrived at Mandolin without any particular expectation but had a great time there. The atmosphere is very nice, service is good. What to say about the food? It is simply fantastic. Mandolin is great, we will return.
(5)
Danielle S.

I really love this place. It's a great spot for a date night or to bring friends or family visiting Miami if you're a local. Definitely make a rezy several days in advance even if it's just for two. They don't have a bar to walk in and wait and chance getting a table (it'll be a really long wait). However, they do have a really cute waiting area where you can sit and have a drink if you do go this route (space is limited). Even with a rezy I had to wait for the table and have a glass of wine for at least 15 mins or so (which is normal and so worth the wait). You can't blame them for being awesome. My (5 star) review is based on the atmosphere/vibe, service and the food. The setting is unlike anything else in Miami and it so quaint and so sexy. I've only had wonderful service every time I've been to Mandolin and I'm sure you'll have the same experience. In terms of the food, I'm a vegetarian and I believe I've had every veggie dish on their menu. The Turkish and Greek sampler are amazing (fyi there is caviar in one of the Greek dips for other vegetarians). The kopoglu is something to write home about. Basically if you are a vegetarian or a pescatarian there are plenty of options and you will be satisfied and if you don't have dietary restrictions then you will be in love.
(5)
James M.

Great place service and food. Call ahead for large group reservation. Nice mix of people and very nice atmosphere. Great for a first date , quite Romantic for late dinner .
(5)
Tracey S.

A great place for going out with friends. The portions are a good size and the food is delicious. I really liked the greek salad and lamb chops. Nice outdoor seating. I highly recommend!
(4)
Frank S.

Mandolin consistently has very good food. Must-have appetizers are both the Greek and/or Turkish samplers, the grilled octopus and the kefte (beef & lamb meatballs). For a main dish, if you're in the mood for rich comfort food, the village pasta is delicious. For a healthier, less filling meal, the Scottish salmon with tomato arugula salad is another favorite of mine. The outdoor garden dining area is very special. And for this reason, we always bring our out-of-town guests here. The garden is equipped with a retractable awning so you can still enjoy dinner alfresco even when it rains. The service has always been excellent. We've never had a bad experience. High season in Miami makes it more difficult to get in, so call in advance for reservations. The food, service, and atmosphere always make for an enjoyable experience. This is what Miami is all about.
(5)
Daryl M.

Oh, Mandolin, how did I manage to avoid you for so long? I now feel obliged to write you a love letter in a desperate attempt to recover all the lost time and lost meals that I could have digested. I've always wanted to visit Greece, now I just want to go back to Buena Vista. Here is a brief overview of our meal selections: stuffed zucchini as an appetizer, for entrees we had the Lamb dish and the Moussaka. The lamb meal is simple by design, if you want even more flavor you can order a side of the sautÃ©ed spinach with lemon, the mixture is delightful. The Moussaka is hearty, cheesy, potato-e, it was perfectly satisfying and the perfect complement to a glass of wine. For dessert we had the Baklava. Even if you're full, order it, force yourself to eat it. If it can't be done, take it home, preserve it, admire it, it's worth worshipping. The service here is top notch, the setting is also cozy and the crowd is elegant yet laid back. In the summer months of Miami, it can get muggy and hot outside, but it just seems like the right thing to do. In respect to the service, it was fast and attentive. What's unique about mandolin is that it manages to impress so much with such simplicity. In fact, my imagination and excitement was watered down from looking at pictures on yelp prior to my visit, however, after my dining experience, I can definitely say that a return here in the near future is inevitable. Like Forrest from Comedy Central's "Review" I give "Eating at Mandolin" FIVE STARS.
(5)
Mark T.

Great food and an excellent price. I had dinner with my wife and some friends and we had a great time. The salmon was expertly cooked and the wine selection was more than satisfactory. The outdoor ambiance is one of the best features of this restaurant. And the customer service was top notch - super nice and attentive waiter. I gave it 5 stars because it delivered on par with its prices.
(5)
Nina R.

On of my favorite restaurants in Miami! The ambiance is what sets this place far from many other restaurants. The food is great as well! The lamb meatballs, the chicken kebabs, Gyros, fried cheese! EVERYTHING
(5)
Sean M.

For ages I have been in love with the aqua blue and pearly white Greek isle's. I often wondered what the Gods of Mount Olympus dined upon. But for some unknown reason I have never sought out the cuisine of these ancient seafaring people. But one day after waking one brought mourning I felt a strong urge to seek out Greek cuisine and with great haste I started to yelp local Greek establishments. I chose Aegean because of its high average yelp star rating and because my dinner date and I were both within 5 miles of the restaurant. Unfortunately for us Aegean bistro is not "authentic" Greek food, it is more of an offshoot. I ordered the Marinated Grilled Octopus - $18 bit.ly/17sbMpG , Chicken Kebab with orzo pilaf & maroulosata - $18 bit.ly/17sbIGh and Quattro Mani - Barbera d'Alba - $12 bit.ly/17sbKxU . The marinated octopus kind of gave me the creeps, I had to get my dinner date to cut it into small pieces before I ate it. The octopus was very tender and slightly chewy, it tasted like wild marinated chicken. I really did not know what to expect as it was my first time eating octopus, but I enjoyed this dish very much contrary to its appearance. 4 STARS I thought I was actually going to be served kebab on a skewer or at least with the roasted vegetables that traditionally come with it, but I received neither. This dish was not enticing outside of the creamy dill flavored dipping sauce which went perfect with the chicken. The chicken was palatable but nothing special, it possessed no alluring smell nor unique flavor. It seemed like they just threw it over the fire then onto my plate. The rice was kind of bland, it wasn't remotely flavorful nor aromatic in anyway. 3 STARS The wine was not bad, but it was not special as demonstrated by the price. I did enjoy the wine with my entree though. 3.5 STARS The menu is very small and somewhat confusing. 3.0 STARS The service was kind of odd, there was no host or hostess to greet nor seat you. Once would think a place that is trying to galavant as " upscale " would have one. 2.STARS The young lady who was our server was excellent and attentive, she was well versed on the menu and was apt at recommending dishes. But 70% through our meal she disappeared without a word and was replaced by this sour faced girl who seemed to rather be somewhere else. 2.5 STARS This place has the potential to be perfect for a romantic dinner if you are lucky to get the outdoor covered seating. But with the kind of service this place provides that alone can ruin the experience. The outdoor seating has a nice dark ambiance at night with candle lit tables. Indoors has the typical aqua blue and white decor, but has a much smaller and modest eating area than outdoors. NOTES -parking can be hell, but they do have a valet service or you can park two streets down where there are meters. - apparently it is better to have a reservation to sit outside, as the tables are taken quickly. - don't wait for a hostess just walk in and find a table. - seems like a more attractive ambiance place to dine in the evening than the day time. PROS - portions are not conservative but they are not really liberal either. - they give you a large complimentary "filtered" glass water bottle that can last all night for two. bit.ly/17sbQWo CONS - not authentic Greek cuisine. - some dishes rock, some dishes fall. - overpriced for the area.
(3)
Yell N.

If I could write a negative star review I Would! the Worst meal I've had in Miami for a while. Every single dish arrived as cold as my heart after this meal... It was simply put terrible... While things are flavorful maybe you should ask them to put it under the heating lamp or to pop it into microwave. The best thing we had was the wine which surprise they never had anything to do with it. Our waitress was like a whisper in the wind... Nonexistent... And the solution free dessert... Sit on it. And take your free dessert elsewhere to a table that came over for a birthday dinner because it's the same curtesy... Bottom line food should never be brought to our table cold. Still awaiting a manager to come to our table after our waitress said oh sorry I was paying attention. You can keep it... No thank you
(1)
Sharon W.

I had a fantastic lunch here over the weekend. I was a bit put off at first by the wait (about 20 minutes) but it was worth it! The interior is fantastic. There are two options - in the courtyard (protected from the elements) or inside. We opted for inside and it felt like we were guests in someone's home. Lovely! Ana, our server, was friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu. She answered our questions and made some suggestions. We went with the Greek sampler, which had tzatziki, a smoked eggplant dip and tarama, which is a fish roe. Ana offered to swap out any of these items with an item from the Turkish sampler, but we declined. All dips were great, especially the tarama. Salty, briney, FABULOUS! Not enough bread was brought to mop up all of the goodness, but Ana kept bringing more. Sometimes it was even warm. We next had the stuffed zucchini, which was very good, but at $14, it would have been nicer to have more than two small slices. Finally, we had the langostine salad, which was chock full of pefectly tender crustaceon, feta cheese and cucumber. Light and refreshing! We finished with a Turkish coffee and Ana brought us a complementary square of some seriously delicous baklava! It was a great experience from start to finish. Fantastic food and excellent service in a very pleasant setting. Don't miss this one!
(4)
Ali K.

When the food is good, the food is great!!!! But it's hit or miss. . . I went a couple times and wasn't thrilled. Reluctantly, I returned with a friend who adores the restaurant. That meal I had with her was BEYOND delicious! The chicken was perfectly moist and flavorful. I was in heaven!! So much so that only a handful of days later, I insisted I treat another friend to lunch at Mandolin. We ordered the same dish (as well as another). The chicken was so dry, it took considerable effort to cut into it. It was like sawing into cardboard. We were starving, so we did our very best to eat it--eventually, we had to admit defeat and were forced to order alternatives. So, the lunch bill for two was $150+. Sigh.
(3)
Sylvester N.

This is a beautiful setting for lunch and dinner. The outdoor dining area feels very cozy and the decor sets a warm atmosphere. We came here for a light meal and a couple of drinks. They have a very nice menu overall. The diverse selection of salads is very unique. The combination of ingredients pleasantly surprised me. Our server was extremely kind and helpful. We felt right at home! Overall, I definitely recommend Mandolin as a date spot or just a nice dinner/brunch.
(5)
Allison D.

Im sorry but I think this place is totally overrated...based on all of the reviews I saw I thought I was going to be transported to the Mediterranean....but no. Don't get me wrong its a really nice restaurant with great ambiance, most of the food is good, kind of basic, nothing out of this world (with exception of the grilled octopus which is amazing) and also the sevice is good, but I think its way overpriced. When we walked into the restaurant there was no one to seat us so we where kind of lost trying to see what to do or where to sit until a waiter saw us and asked us if we where asked to be seated we told him no so he kindly pointed to an empty table outside, it was really hot and they have everywhere those fans that run a water mist, what girl likes getting her hair messed up, so I was not going to sit around those fans, what is this anyways a line at Disney world, so the waiter told us to sit wherever we felt comfortable, we found a small table for 2 next to the indoor area and we made our way there...our waiter was really nice, but the poor man served us cool water without ice that turned hot in a few minutes since it was 95 degrees outside, we also had a couple of flies bothering the hell out of us, we ordered the grilled octopus that was simply delicious, then the gyro with fries, wich was basic and had all the meat piled in together in the center of the gyro all cuted the same size making it hard to bite into, I had the chicken with the orzo pilaf and greek salad, it was good but I've had better, the salad was a little mooshy and the chicken missed flavor, like I said, basic. What definitely sells this place is that grill octopus if I ever go back its going to be because of that.
(3)
Deniz K.

Everything you eat or drink here are delicious. We had beef and chicken gyro. Beef was very good but chicken was just too thick. And you need to try Turkish dippers, 3 delicate meze from our cuisine comes with pita bread.
(5)
Farah K.

Guys...... Either the beautiful ambiance caused confusion or Miami really does not have enough good restaurants, but this place is just OKAYYY and way to expensive for what you get. Don't get me wrong, the food is fine. Fresh and simple. But $33 for fish with nothing on the side? That is simply grilled with some olive oil? I can go to MANY places and get fish like that, get a side, and not have to pay $33. Wine list is terrible. Portions are small. Another Miami restaurant that serves decent food in a nice ambiance and suddenly thinks they can charge whatever they want. Smoke and mirrors guys.... I have a Mediterranean background and I know excellent Mediterranean food when I see it, and I'm happy to pay a premium for it. This ain't it folks! I'd rather go to Prime 112, pay $33 for their sea bass which comes with a side and many other delicious options. Oh and a good wine list. C'mon guys....... Don't buy into these things. Good food comes first.
(3)
Marina C.

Great food and atmosphere, that trasports you to the Aegean Octopus is delish (one of the rare things that I think is better w red wine vinegar instead of the lemon it is served with.) Tzatziki was good, not the best. I hope they use real yogurt unlike many Greek places that degrade the dish by using sour cream. The taramosalata was a bit too creamy and salty, but flavors overall were great. The saganaki and shrimp saganaki were perfect, and the best were the handcut fries just like they were homemade or in Greece They should add boiled wild greens aka "horta" to complete the menu. With seafood especially, you have to have fries, horta and lots of lemon. Lastly the Greek Village salad, is what a greek salad should be..and capers add the Greek island touch!
(4)
Jessica B.

Loved this place, the restaurant is really cute and cozy! The service is phenomenal and the food was amazing. We started off with the calamari that came with an almond tartar sauce delicious, we scrubbed the sauce with the bread they gave us. my hubby and i both had the gyros, the pita bread was thin and the gyro meat was excellent. Cant wait to go back and try other plates.
(5)
Danny H.

One of my favorite restaurants in SFL. Order the Greek sampler, grilled octopus. Seabass, love the gyro too for lunch. Beautiful outside seating. Great first date place.. Can't go wrong on this place!
(5)
Claudio D.

Great service. Good octopus. Pricey wines. Ok mussaka. Wet and soft souvlaki. Not sure how many stars to give them. I cant really comment in anything else, except to say that greek mediterranean food is not that HARD to make folks!!!!
(3)
Esneyder M.

Went for the first (and last) time to this bistro. Service is good but food is sloppy and expensive. The octopus ($18) is a small tail with nothing more than 2 paper bags with little pieces of bread you can buy at a publix. The hamburgers are just a small dice of tomato, some onion, and the meat packed into a couple of breads that have nothing special for $14!. Not going there again.
(2)
Carina B.

Beautiful setting, overrated food and too expensive. It is romantic though, so a nice place for a date night. Food is not really Greek ...
(3)
Jorge G.

Great experience and exceptional cuisine. Loved the lamb chops and the bread presentation with a great variety of spreads. The Sommelier/Manager Alejandro was very kind and awesome to work with. he recommend the best wine pairing for our meal and really hot a home rum with his tips. I cant wait to come back. Thank you Alejandro & the staff for an amazing experience.
(5)
Jacky G.

Really great quality Mediterranean food. They have Greek and Turkish options. Of course, lamb is all over the menu, and these people really know how to make it so that it melts in your mouth no matter the dish. The place is small, mostly outdoors, & beautifully and traditionally decorated with a true Mediterranean feel. Service was excellent. A definite must go.
(4)
Gabriela A.

We and here for my husbands and uncles birthdays. The service was phenomenal and although we had one server, the others would clear out table or refill our drinks without even been asked. We were in the garden, which had wooden tables, lanterns, and canopies. Very easy to forget we were in Miami, or even on the side of the street! It was perfectly charming. It's impossible to find parking as most of the side streets are residential areas, so I recommend the valet, which is only $3. The front menu consists of appetizers, and are more like tapas. We ordered a few, the prawns, calamari, meatballs (combination of veal and beef), mussels, stuffed zucchini. I ordered the grilled vegetable sandwich and my husband had the gyro. Both were delicious. Then we for desert we had the baklava and chocolate mousse cake. Both were delicious. The baklava was not overwhelmingly sweet, as it sometimes can be. They bring the food out in waves to not overcrowd the table, so I recommend this place for when you want to relax and enjoy the weather with good company. *** try the apple tea!! It's like cider .
(4)
Cris H.

Greece Via Miami...Decided on this little gem for my birthday lunch with my girlfriends. It was the perfect spot! The Sangria with rose water was so fresh and lite making it the perfect combination. We tried a bunch of appetizers, every single dish was mouth watering. The Turkish sampler, grilled octopus, and the gyro are all insane! Highlight of the day, the baklava dessert and Turkish coffee. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Rose H.

While I adore the ambience and menu, my recent experience left a bitter taste in my mouth. I brought an excellent bottle of wine ('05 Lafitte) because I was in the mood to retreat into my own private paradise that evening. My server, Jackie, shredded the cork upon her first attempt to uncork the bottle. Much to my dismay, she made an effort to resume the battle over my protestations. She declared the cork was dry and the wine must be bad, because "you can't drink wine that old..." I finally had to insist that she send over the sommelier, at which point the server gave me a dirty look and became brusque in manner. The sommelier was a dream, managing to rectify the situation. In return I offered her a glass, since she really did have to finesse the poor cork in order to remove it all without allowing any pieces to fall into the bottle. A+ job on the sommelier's end. The rest of my dinner was good but tinged with attitude on the part of the server. I have enjoyed many lovely evenings in the courtyard here and wish to continue doing so. I'm sure my recent experience was a mere hiccup and I will update accordingly next time I visit. To elaborate, the cork was finally removed in two separate pieces. When I felt it I found it was not dry, it had simply been severed by the failed first attempt.
(3)
Ezgi C.

I have been here a few times. They have good service. Food are delicious, i usually order meze kefte, kopeoglu, greek or turkish plate. if you like to have main dish, you should not order meze too much, one meze will be enough.
(3)
James O.

I have to give this 2 stars since my wife just came back from lunch with her friends and they hated it. Shrimp as Melanie says is on the skimpy side, Greek salad was mushy, zaziki was like paste and no pita with the dips, really. The shrimp with feta in red sauce was not a good combo and was a flop. Maybe cause we're used to my Mom's cooking and we have the Greek Island Taverna up by us which is the best Greek food this side of Melos in Montreal. The one good dish was the octopus but after that it was all down hill. I've been wanting to go here for a longtime and was excited my wife was going so I could hear all about how delicious it was. So I'm completely disappointed and will just have to stick with the Juggernaut of Greek food in Florida- The Greek Island Taverna.
(2)
B G.

Very pleasant meal and environment. We had several appetizers, including the kefte and the grilled marinated octopus.
(4)
Erica S.

I was on a Friday night Date having such a nice time food was good, service was ok. We paid for our meal. Gratuity was not included on the bill. Waiter was not happy with our tip of 15%. When we were waiting outside for our car. The Manager decided to come out and asked us for more money. That was so ARROGANT and RUDE of him. How dare he treat customers this way! I would never go back. Tip is up to our discretion not a waiter or manager!!
(1)
Michael K.

DONT BOTHER ON WEEKENDS. Although the food is not bad, this place is "Too cool for school" at the moment. The lack of decent greek restaurants in Miami have made this place way too popular for its own good. Do people actually wait an hour and a half for a table to eat hummus and shish kabobs? Unless you're a sheep that likes to wait in lines with the trendy idiots, go during the week.
(3)
Carole E.

I love this place! The outside area is pleasant and so cute! Makes you feel like you just stepped out of Miami for a bit. The service has always been very good. The white sangria is refreshing even though I was surprised it only had apples. And the good is delicious!
(5)
Laure M.

Very cute place with a nice hidden garden. Service is ok, a bit confusing since we had 4 waiters during a quick dinner. We started with the grilled octopus. It is big but ours was not as big as the ones on yelp pictures. It was however good, moist and soft. My husband loved it but I didn't care much for it. Maybe because of the price : $18 for ONE leg of octopus!! I enjoyed dipping their bread in fresh olive oil though. For dinner I wanted to order the moussaka but our waiter (who only took our appetizer order first and left) told us it would take 35-40 minutes. It would have been nice to know that when ordering the appetizer so the timing would have been perfect. My husband and I both got the traditional lamb gyro with maroulosalata (chopped romaine, dill, scallion, feta). It was good but I would have rather have thicker layers of lamb. Their tzatziki was delicious though. The salad was ok, lacked a bit of seasoning and was better with olive oil. I will come back to try their dip sampler, their moussaka and their skirt steak. Beware of mosquitos if you take a table under the trees!!!!
(3)
SB S.

I didn't stuff myself here so I'm not too keen on the menu. Of what I did have, a shrimp and quinoa salad and a peppers appetizer, it was seasoned well and tasty. It's a really small place allowing for mostly outdoor dining. No complaints there, as it was a gorgeous setting. It was the dead of summer, however, so I couldn't think of anything but the still humidity. Maybe they should get some fans? I'd recommend Mandolin, especially for a date or gathering with friends.
(4)
Kristi S.

Very cute place! Food was great. I recommend the octopus as a starter. Nice place to eat outside. Looks like a great date place for the evening as well. Ill def be back.
(4)
Nayla B.

Love this restaurant! The food and even the atmosphere is very authentic. We had the kefta, salad (with dates/pistachio), fries, mussels, and sea bass. All were simple but delicious. For dessert, we had the chocolate cake. It was amazing! So yummy. We ordered 2 in order to be satisfied :D Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Paul W.

This place is great...I came here with 3 others for a business lunch, but would really like to return and experience this restaurant for dinner some evening. Some words that come to mind when thinking about how to describe the dÃ©cor and ambiance of this restaurant would be: kitschy, rustic and warm. It's comprised of a few different buildings; As you first approach the entrance, the first building you see is actually the kitchen and food prep. area. Beside and behind that building are the outdoor seating spaces, which feel much like a courtyard. Towards the back of the property you'll find another building which is an enclosed dining space. For starters we ordered their Turkish sampler which featured hummus, tomato walnut dip and fava bean puree, served with small brown paper bags that were filled with bits of bread. We also shared the marinated grilled octopus. We all ordered their iced tea or lemonade which they create themselves, and for my main course I tried their traditional Greek gyro with salad. Everything I sampled or ordered was very good, and of course, we all followed our meals with Greek coffee, which is a bit foamy, with the coffee grounds settling to the bottom of your cup after it's poured. This was the perfect spot for lunch, and the outdoor dining areas feel secluded enough that it's a nice chance to get away from the city and just relax with the people you're with for an hour or so. As mentioned, I'm looking forward to returning here at some point to try this place for dinner.
(4)
Marcelo P.

One of our favorite places in Miami. Everything they bring to the table tastes and looks great. Lunch or dinner, family or date night... It really doesnt matter, its always a great experience. Avoid it on those 100F days on lunch time as most of the tables are outside.
(5)
Karla C.

This restaurant is lovely! Very easy to make reservations, valet for only $3, great service and really nice staff! I sat outside which is very cute, quaint and romantic. Great place for a date. Food was delicious and the sangria was amazing. Will definitely be a regular at mandolin from now on!
(5)
Jennifer L.

I took my mother here for dinner after hearing great reviews from friends. We were attending an event at the Moore building and easily walked over to Mandolin. We had reservations for the patio and although we were early they did their best and accommodated us. First of all the atmosphere of this restaurant is so cute! I honestly felt as if I had been transported to Europe. Garden and patio seating with low lighting. Great spot. Off the bat the food and service were exceptional! I told the waitress that I was a fan of haloumi cheese and they were able to create a platter to begin with that. We also ordered the Greek sampler which had tzatziki, eggplant puree and tarama. Served with some good bread it was the perfect food to start. Best lamb in Miami! Seriously falls off the bone. And the gyro was delicious. Their wine selection could use some help but honestly everything else was so good I didn't really care. Only bad point I would say is that smoking is allowed on the outdoor seating area so if you aren't a fan of that while you are eating you will have to be seated inside. Can't wait to go back again. My mouth waters just thinking about it!
(4)
Todd B.

This food is the best Mediterranean fare I have had in the entire state. Fantastic flavors, especially the seafood, generous portions and a solid wine selection. It was a little pricier than I expected, but that's probably a function of being in the Design District. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Alexander S.

Service was a little crappy at the beggining but it got better and they made up for it at the end with dessert on the house. The food was delicious. We started with kopoglu which was exquisite. She ordered the gyro, best ever; and I had the seabass. The taste was excellent but it was a pain to eat because of so many bones. The baklava was amazing. Overall, great place, great ambiance.
(4)
Rachelle L.

I work in the area and I finally came to check this place out for lunch. Delicious! I had the gyro and the salad. For dessert I had the chocolate cake which was like a pudding. Everything was great. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Frank V.

Good food. Really bad security for your car and valuables. Watch out for valet and watch out for getting your car stolen, towed or broken in to.
(3)
Paty D.

One of my fav places, always find myself coming back to. Beautiful setting , extensive wine list, lamb chops to die for, and this choc cake that will def have you coming back for more. Keep up the top quality.
(5)
Najah E.

The best Mediterranean food I've had in all of South Florida. The scenery was perfect. We sat outdoors. I recommend the Turkish sampler and the gyro with fries. The bread was homemade and our server was very attentive. No complaints! I will definitely be here again.
(5)
Rachel L.

Delicious food and good service! Love the atmosphere - almost makes you feel like you're in Greece!
(5)
Christopher G.

I heard about this place while traveling overseas..funny since it's right here at home...there's no parking so bring cash for valet....there's a really nice covered outdoor seating area which is where 90% of the tables are located...so from what I was told I had high expectations and the prices on the menu indicated a top quality experience...well the results are in and don't believe the hype...this place fails almost across the board with a lack luster menu and a too small for south Florida indoor dining room. The menu has a mix of Greek and Turkish dishes (mostly Greek) that are 25-30% overpriced from far better Greek restaurants in the area. We ordered the gyro: dry, chicken kabobs: undercooked, Turkish chorizo: just ok, the Greek sampler of eggplant, tzatziki, and fish dips: just ok , and the Tabouhleh: not what you'd expect and they say so. All in I give it 2 stars, the food is mediocre but the service is good...toss this one in the letdown pile...it's a big pile in south Florida so they'll have plenty of company.
(2)
Ozge A.

My husband and I came here for a romantic dinner and the atmosphere was very nice. It was a beautiful combination of wood and white with dim lights. We got the octopus which was good, the stuffed zucchini which was OK, and the Greek platter which was fine except the eggplant puree. We got Mediterranean sea bass as entrees and it was grilled very well. The thing is although we wanted to take it slow and told the waiter to hold on to the fish a little bit, it was super fast and we got the entrees while we were still enjoying our appetizers. Also, when the waiter found out we were Turkish too, he put aside all the formality and talked to us like we were his friends, not customers there. So 5 starts for the food and ambiance but I dropped 1 because of service and attitude.
(4)
Kiki L.

Good but not great! Typical Miami restaurant, in terms of they have a good thing going but not really going out of their way to give you superb service/food. Kind of annoying that you can't reach anyone by phone, I had to email for a reservation to get rejected. We went without a reservation anyway. I think they just set you up with no reservation to end up in the bushes LOL. As previously mentioned by someone, when you get stuck on the outskirts right under the trees you do get eaten by insects. It's nice that the tables are not crowded on top of each other, but geez I don't want to feel like I'm eating practically in the bushes either. Wait staff is where they do shine. We had an amazing waitress. Food was good, portions are small. Stuffed zucchini was eehhh. Authentic greek salad, very fresh ingredients and was maybe my favorite part of the meal. The special fish was perfectly prepared, left me wanting more though since the portion was so small. We may be back, but it would probably be for lunch.
(3)
Adalberto M.

Decided to go "out of my wayyyy" to give this place another shot. As it turns out, improved the rating to 4 stars. Food was simply delicious. Another order of turkish sampler but for lunch i ordered the Arugula salad and added chicken. Yum! Best part - dessert. Baklava AND chocolate tea biscuit kept going back and forth couldn't decide which is better. One caution though, Turkish coffee. Served like a Cuban coffee - but definitely not. Consider yourself warned!! Like this place, and will go back !
(4)
Maria D.

Excellent food in a nice setting that makes you feel in Greece! The appetizers, salads and desserts were fantastic! I plan to bring my family next time. A keeper! Opaaaa!
(5)
Monica B.

Place is very cute & "campestre" I dunno how else to describe it but in Spanish it means low key/cozy/outdoorsy/no frills! There you go! Lol no parking around but they have a valet for $3 which is reasonable. You get a mix of tourists, hipsters & more fancy miami folk. The service was on point, our server was the sweetest & nice to help me out since I'm going vegan. If you are a meat eater then you probably can find some yummy stuff. I had the Turkish sampler, it's ok. Honestly for $18 the dips were overpriced. The walnut one had hardly any distinctive nut flavor, the fava one- super bland, the tomato one was good. They bring fresh lil bags of cut up bread & will bring more if you need it. The olive oil on the tables was yummy. Mom had the prawns appetizer, again it's ok nothing to rave about. She's an awesome cook & I think I'm pretty decent so we are very picky too. It was just no flavor, hardly any seasoning, but she said it was fresh. Again only 3 pieces for $18, would like a lil more wow my mom said. Greek traditional Salad & Greek fries were good. But please season your fries if they are Greek, slapping yogurt on top is not enough too make them Greek. The traditional Greek salad was delish though. Perfect , fresh & the tomatoes were too die for. Mom loved her baklava though. Looked good. Too bad I won't come back but the place is definitely very unique & friendly service on a somewhat pretentious midtown usual places.
(3)
Luis C.

Not dog friendly.They tell you there are new regulations from the state of Florida that do-not allow dogs in outdoor restaurants.Very disappointed.
(1)
donald b.

Fabulous little find in Miami's design district. This place was authentic with fabulous food and atmosphere. Almost felt like I was in Greece. Our waitress was attentive and helpful. We had Greek beer and a great wine selection. The food was presented well and tasted out of this world. My only complaint, as an avid NON-smoker, that the outdoor area (which is really most of the restaurant) allows smoking. The inside of the restaurant, which cozy and adorable with fresh flowers on the table, the wait staff comes in and out of there constantly. Wish the entire restaurant had been non-smoking, so I too could have enjoyed eating outdoors. One smoker kills it for everyone sitting outside. I would definitely come back.........try it!
(5)
Marc S.

really 4.5 stars. Was in Miami recently for four nights; spent two of them eating here. Casual, laid back, delicious food, a little pricey on the high end of the menu ($33 for sea bass). If looking for really really good mediterranean food, in a great space, come here. The turkish sampler was delicious, octopus tender and flavorful, lamb spectacular. Ambience: 5 stars; service: 5 stars; Food: 4 stars; Value: 3 stars.
(4)
Andy D.

I went restaurant dive bombing the past two day's and I learned a few things. 1. Service may be more important then the food. 2. The food, still makes a restaurant. 3. I pick restaurants to fail like I pick stocks. Yesterday I hit Latin House Burger and Taco, they have amazing food, but unprofessional service, so I didn't want to stick around. And, thusly spend more money on booze, truly there loss. Today I went to Mandolin Aegean Bistro, truly a wonderful restaurant, excellent simply prepared food, but the waitstaff was as morose as leaving a funeral. Fawn our waitress did finally come around, but by that time it was dessert. And such an attractive server she was, she however was out done by the server who just stood by our table with his back turned, staring at the blue door, yes kind of creepy he would just stare at the blue door, I was wondering who was going to burst in and was I going to get the stray round meant for him. The waitstaff wasn't horrible, just unprofessional and cold. I'm sure they could put an interesting perspective on the food, as Fawn eventually did with the baklava, I always hated it, until Fawn woke up and chatted with us. Now was the waitstaffs lack of animation and personality a deal breaker, no not really, but then again yeah kinda, Mandolin could go from a good restaurant to an amazing restaurant, with a waitstaff pep talk. It's painful to watch the people who are there for you acting as if there favorite Uncle Dave committed suicide, over those suspect pictures. The food amazing, the mussels great! The octopus equally good and the grilled sea bass, so simple it was perfect, but there was something dark about the staff, I wish they'd lighten up! I then went to Sugercane for an after dinner drink, there is an excellent business model. However, once I did say, that this place wouldn't last a year, cause it was to trendy. Well, I also said Euro-Disney would be a great stock and so would Facebook. Sugarcane has done well, and why, great food, but a very professional staff. Perhaps the owners of both Mandolin and Latin Burger and Taco could learn from them!
(4)
Melissa Y.

I went here with a group on a warm Florida evening. The atmosphere is nice and service was great. However, I had the Greek salad. I'm vegetarian and this was my whole meal. The salad came out in a really small bowl, which I finished quickly. It was really good but for $14 is ridiculous. My friends had larger portion meals for a cheaper price. I don't mind paying the money but I've had larger salads for less of the price. I ended up ordering hummus because I was hungry. Hummus came in a large bowl with small amounts of bread. Overall the experience was good, but I don't know if I'll be back. Many other places offer more (experience, food) for what I paid on a random week day.
(3)
Anita G.

This is by far the best most authentic Greek food place I've ever been to in Florida! But the location sucks that's y it's not 5 stars for me :( sorry! It's in ghetto central trying to b hipster part of town also known as design district. I still don't understand building fancy buildings and businesses etc around downtown miami and all these other places near dangerous areas just to force them to b cool when they are still not safe to walk around at night...for me it's a waste of $
(4)
Jennifer D.

Friendly servers and great atmosphere, but the food is just not that fantastic. It's ok. If you sit outside, and you most likely will, bring mosquito repellent.
(3)
April W.

What a beautiful spot. Anna was our server and she was an absolute delight. The menu options were just right and she definitely steered us in the right direction. Perfect ambient atrium- like atmosphere. Don't miss out on this perfect tucked away spot.
(5)
Michael Z.

Great food with terrible hostess that will not seat you in order of arrival. Will not go back after that rude service.
(1)
Concerned C.

Very nice outdoor setting and atmosphere and great service but the food seems a little bland. This place isn't BAD but it isn't GREAT either. I can't help but feel a little let down every time I go because it's got so much potential if they'd just spice things up a little foodwise.... And it's a little on the pricey side....
(3)
V D.

Food is great, but service is awful. Unfortunately, the service was the deterrent for going there a third time. If you can deal with the bad service, go for the food and ambiance
(3)
Thanos V.

Great food ambiance and service coming from a Greek it says a lot. It could have been anywhere in any town in Greece..
(5)
Miriana M.

Mandolin is such a cute restaurant, really wanted to love it. The outside seating is super romantic with a nice ambience. However this ambience is ruined with the weak service. I'd like to think this was just the waiter's bad night after reading several positive reviews about the service. I had the chicken kebab and the stuffed zucchini .. neither was mind blowing, BUT I think I might just give it a second try one of these days ..
(3)
Giselle C.

Sitting outdoors under beautiful lights. How perfect can it get? Romantic spot, great food and awesome ambiance. The server was friendly and very helpful with the menu. The food? Wow! The lamb chops were perfectly seasoned and the fried cheese? Yep, that stole the show!
(5)
Cristin R.

Overall, in terms of ambience and deliciousness, this is my favorite Mediterranean food in Miami, though it is close to Maroosh in coral gables- just Maroosh does not compare with the ambience factor. Mandolin is my number one as a first date spot. It probably has the best ambience in all of Miami, as it looks like a house in santorini, painted white with blue windows. The outdoor seating is set up as though you were sitting in a courtyard in the middle of santorini, it's really spectacular. The Turkish and Greek platters are the best and can be combined and replaced for others, depending on your choice. The octopus is one of the best I have had, but best may now be at fiorito. The best thing in my opinion is the kopoglu. It might sound odd, but it's absolutely exquisite. If you want to drink something, go with the white sangria. This is excellent. The reason for the four stars is that entrees here I think could be better, but I will gladly fill up on small plates. The dessert is also very good, but be careful with that Turkish coffee too. You could be up for days.
(4)
Sandra N.

This place was great! I went on recommendation from a coworker. I made reservations for 4 about 2 days in advanced for a Sunday night. I am not sure if that was necessary but I just wanted to be sure we could eat at 8 on the dot. They even called me the day before to confirm my reservation, very professional. The place was packed, lots of people everywhere. It seemed like everybody was enjoying the food and having a good time. This place has a really great vibe. They sat us outside, which was okay I just wish it wasn't so dang hot that night but hey we live in Miami. Each table has a cute little lantern for lighting that you can crank up or turn down if it gets too hot. We ordered the greek and turkish samplers to start. They each bring 4 different dips. Hummus, tzatziki, the like. It comes with tons of little slices of bread perfect for sharing. We also ordered a pitcher of sangria that was super yummy! The pitcher was enough for all 4 of us to have a full glass and maybe a little extra. This sangria was made with white wine and had lots of fruit on the bottom, just the way I like it. I ordered the lamb burger and fries. The burger was pretty delicious, but nothing extraordinary. The fries were tasty and well cooked. I enjoyed my dinner here and would definitely come again. Their menu really intrigued me and if I had been able to spend more (we went right after I had gone Xmas shopping, I was po') I would have ordered a more expensive entree. They had a bunch of options that seemed really appetizing. Oh, and valet was only $3! I only valeted my old Nissan Sentra because I get too nervous when parking alone in that area and having to walk in the dark.... by myself. Valet staff was nice also!
(4)
Ashley M.

The atmosphere at Mandolin Aegean is magical. The outdoor seating area is gorgeous on a clear night, especially in Spring or Fall, when there is a little breeze. The indoor area is nice, but if you are looking for a romantic meal, definitely make sure to request an outdoor table. The indoor area is cramped and makes private conversation impossible. The star of the evening was the grilled octopus. Charred perfectly, so tender without even a hint of chewiness. I could have eaten it the entire night. We also had the grilled prawns, which were seasoned wonderfully. My lamb chops with orzo were also cooked a perfect rare/medium rare. The orzo was delicious. The better half didn't enjoy his scallops quite as much, we would have expected them to be seared but they were broiled. It was a wonderful choice for our anniversary dinner and I'm sure we will come again.
(4)
Roy I.

Best Greek/Mediterranean restaurant in the area hands down. Their food is good, especially their lamb chops - got to try it! The atmosphere is what makes the place so good. Great for a date or Sunday brunch with friends.
(5)
Apg G.

My career is in food and beverage with a degree in hospitality so safe to say im a tough critic! If I say I really liked something, that must mean that its GOOD. Mandolin is one of my top 5 restaurants in Miami. Fresh food, simple ingredients, perfection. Great date night, make a reservation because it gets packed and they have a very tiny waiting area. I recommend the lamb chops.. again, simple ingredients and that sexactly how I like my meat. Beautiful flavor. I guess the only odd/annoying thing is that the plates don't come with much.. You'll get the meat and a ton of rice.. but man that rice is good!!
(5)
Erick M.

Overall, had a great experience at Mandolin. The ambiance of the outdoor patio is cozy and intimate, perfect for a dinner date. The waitstaff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and while the food didn't blow me away, it was well prepared and very tasty. Yes, there can be Mosquitos on the patio, but if you complain about this when you're sitting outside, then your problem is living in Florida, not dining at this restaurant. Also, I'd recommend parking with valet, as the surrounding neighborhood can be sketchy. You don't want to come back to a busted window and items missing from your car. I would definitely recommend Mandolin and will be back soon.
(4)
Claudia A.

Wow! Woooow! Wooooooooow! The wait is definitely worth it! Oh my goodness where do I start! The appetizers are amazing. Try the stuffed zucchini (to die for) it has this amazing tomato sauce and yogurt, kale salad is so yummy great light dressing, grilled prawns, grilled octopus, lamb chops ahhhhh everything and leave some room for dessert, their baklava is ORGASMIC, yes you read this right...ORGASMIC. WOOOOW! Great SANGRIA TOO! The ambience is very nice and romantic with dim setting. I truly give this place 5 stars!!!!!
(5)
Elie B.

This place only have amazing atmosphere nothing else, but the service it is horrible starting with our waiter. And the food is not tasty at all for the money they charge 5 star hotel prices.. I will never go there again after all we all work hard for my money and there are plenty of places that will provide the finest customer service in town and much better quality food.
(1)
Mei W.

My sister and I were touring the design district when we got hungry and decided to let yelp help us find a lunch spot. It directed us here, and we were so glad it did. A rather upscale spot, considering it was all patio seating (I think). Very large patio, nicely covered, and it was very warm that day. Very pleasantly warm. First. The service was excellent. We were acknowledged right away and seated at a nice large table. Our server came up and gave us cool water (no ice which was very nice). Recommended a couple of house specials, and was very attentive. We ordered the grilled octopus, which was so delicious. It cut like butter, and was soft. Not chewy or rubbery at all. Very nicely seasoned with salt and olive oil. Also ordered the bulgur wheat salad with nuts and stuff in it that I don't remember anymore, but it was very tasty. The flavor was a bit tomatoey with a slight crunch due to the nuts. Lightly salted, which was awesome. Usually it find restaurant food to be overly salty, so this was a surprise. Very filling too. The server had recommended their grilled cauliflower salad, and it was again, very delicious. Whatever seasoning or spices they put in there was subtle but complex, lightly tossed in olive oil, lightly salted. The only downside was that it was a tiny plate. We wished they were a bit more generous with their portions. We didn't get dessert there, as we wanted to try the Buena Vista Deli desserts down the street. All in all a very pleasant experience, would definitely come back when I'm in the area.
(5)
Colleen S.

Mandolin has some sort of magic and romance inside. For the few hours spent eating and enjoying, you feel like you are in another world. The ambiance is very cool, authentic and relaxing. As a vegetarian there are so many options, and I CAN SHARE plates!!
(5)
Morella M.

This restaurant is a hidden gem- perfect for lunch or dinner with the garden and interior seating. Make sure to get some white wine sangria as it's super refreshing, also the Turkish sampler nom nom nom.
(5)
Alberto V.

This is a perfect place, been there over lunch and dinner (make reservations) I have tried I guess all the menu by now. The octopus a must have , oysters yums! They have a Greek wine really good. The place has a perfect ambiance and the staff is great!!! Perfect for couples groups of friends like me for a night out to dinner
(5)
Victoria A.

This place is amazing! The food is excellent, great price point, and such a wonderful ambiance. I would recommend the Kefte, the Fried Calamari, the Stuffed Zucchini, and the Sea Bass. Great presentation, I will definitely come back soon!
(5)
Jesus R.

Before I get to the rest of the review let us start with this: BEST GRILLED OCTOPUS EVER! Not only does this place boast a beautiful, mega romantic courtyard and great service, it also has a veritable treasure chest of a menu. Lamb? Fantastic. Turkish sampler? Killer. Word to the wise, you want to show a special lady a great dining time? This is the place to bring her.
(5)
Patricia N.

Mandolin is a restaurant that one can go to on any occasion, from a family reunion to an intimate date night. The atmosphere is fantastic both day and night... There is a nice breeze outside that is rare in the sauna of Miami. The food is fresh and one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Miami if not number 1. Everything from the appetizers, to the main course, to dessert is more than satisfying. Highly recommend the Turkish Sampler and Greek Salad to start, and the Grilled Octopus and Lamb Chops as a main course. If the weather is nice, one should sit outside for a unique experience.
(5)
Shelley B.

Great staff, beautiful outdoor seating and delicious food. Coffee wasn't tasty but then again not a huge fan of after dinner coffee. :-P I'll be back soon. :-)
(4)
Maria M.

The disappointing end to our night soured what would have otherwise been a 4-star review. None of our party noticed the nearly-hidden "Tow-away Zone" sign at the corner of 44th st and 2nd Ave and our car was towed and robbed by the towing company from right outside the restaurant. My mother, who had just flown in from out of state, had her work laptop stolen on her first day here! Although it's ultimately our responsibility to watch where we park, the restaurant staff said cars are towed from that same spot all the time -- a simple sign on the door could help alleviate that problem! Otherwise, we enjoyed our food but felt the wine and several entrees (such as the Chicken Kabob) were over-priced. On the positive side, the atmosphere was wonderful.
(3)
Paul M.

Wow I cannot believe it took me so long to check out Mandolin, but I am definitely hooked now. We went there for lunch one gorgeous December day and I cannot express how perfect this place is for outdoor dining. The majority of the tables are on the outside and are well shaded by trees and canvas overhead. We started off with the Turkish Sampler which was Hummus, Tomato Walnut Dip, and Fava Bean puree. If you order this, do not order any other apps as the portions are HUGE. We shared this with 3 people and could not finish it. All three dips are delicious, and they also bring you endless hot fresh pita as well. The marinated grilled octopus is OUT OF HAND good. You know you have good octopus when they bring you the full grilled tentacle - really brought me back to when I had grilled octopus in a restaurant in Mykonos. However, the best thing I had that day was the pulled lamb sandwich. I will venture out to say that this was the BEST SANDWICH I have ever eaten. The pulled lamb was so juicy and rich. I have never had lamb that juicy before, it was simply divine. Can't wait to check this place out again for dinner. The place really is an awesome place to dine outside on a cool night and great place to take a date. Couple that with excellent food at a reasonable price and you have a 5 star winner.
(5)
Pacheco V.

Absolutely my new favorite restaurant. The food was cooked and seasoned to perfection, I can't stress enough how fresh everything was. Tables lit by lanterns giving a beautiful romantic glow, the waiter was professional and friendly and the atmosphere is beautiful and earthy, tree's shade you while beautiful orchids growing from them stimulate you visually. The main entree's are well worth every penny as was the dessert. We will definitely make this a come back to spot often.
(5)
Julie H.

Mandolin is fantastic!! Not only is it the most beautiful and romantic restaurant in Miami, the food is amazing. When you enter the restaurant you feel like you are not in Miami and in a Greek island. I would recommend the white rose sangria to drink, and I love the grilled chicken kabob with rice, salad, and tzaziki (sp?) sauce. I've also tried the village pasta which is also super good. More than anything, go here if you want to be in one of Miami's most beautiful restaurants. I haven't seen a place like it in Miami.
(5)
Rich S.

Came here for a small group dinner ( 6 people). The outdoor seating is lovely yet for a group our size the table did feel cramped ( and to he honest none of us are large people). Anyway to the important part... The food! One if the appetizers was the Turkish sampler. 3 different spreads all tasty however the hummus really wasn't unique at all. Enjoyed the fish of the day, very flaky and cooked well along with a cauliflower and greens salad. The salad had a nice light oil based dressing. Wife had the sea bass fillet which tasted good however sitting outside in the dark she spent most of the meal picking out bones afraid to choke on a bone. 2 other friends had the same issue. And for 30$ not to come with a side is surprising. White sangria was good light and refreshing. Dessert was a dark chocolate cake that was creamy and light as well. Enjoyable. Overall had a good time... Food is always better with friends!
(4)
Liliana Z.

Great Greek food, we had the lamb chops with rice and the taste was amazing. The white sangria is delicious too! The decor is gorgeous and the atmosphere is chill, it feels like you are somewhere in the south of Europe. The prices are a bit high but is worth trying.
(4)
Lucy W.

Delicious, tasty, and healthy food. Great experience and will comeback! Great service as well :)
(5)
Daana B.

AMAZING! Everything from the food to the ambiance to the service was flawless! I went on Friday evening with two friends and although we did not make reservations, we were immediately seated. The staff were kind and helpful. We never had to look around for someone to assist, as the waiters were plentiful and willing to help. We loved the Greek sampler trio with home made bread. I was full from the dips but when my moussaka came to the table sizzling and bubbly, I couldn't help but be a glutton and over eat. This place is beautiful and the food is delicious! I will definitely be coming back soon!
(5)
Kim M.

Hidden GEM. Almost don't even want to tell others about it so it stays out of the way. Amazing food, amazing ambience, great service. One of my favorite places in Miami.
(5)
Alex And Dana G.

Every time dg is in Miami, this resto is at the top of her list, which is why she was so excited to bring ag here. Mandolin is unassuming from the outside, but when you walk through the gate it's like you've stepped onto a Greek island... there are beautiful lanterns and canopies everywhere (not an LED candle in sight!). Both the atmosphere and food deserve A+ ratings. A few of our favorite dishes include the lamb/veal meatballs, shrimp ouzo, and moussaka. One pleasant surprise from our most recent trip was how awesome the fries with yogurt sauce were - get them. The Turkish sampler, however, was a bit of a letdown in dg's opinion, as the dips were a bit bland. The service is also excellent - even on a crowded night, they make their way around the place quickly and don't miss a beat. The last time we were there, the manager was walking around checking on tables, and when we had an issue with one of our dishes, he fixed it right away. This place is a Miami must!
(5)
Emmitt M.

The food is amazing, you have to try the octopus and baklavas! service is great, the atmosphere is relaxing and magical, loved it!
(5)
Karl D.

Surprisingly good, long wait for outside sitting, the prices are expensive for the small portion, but still good food of almost (the kefta kebab is dry) We also want try but they were short of the Turkish meat pie (Lahm Baajoun)
(4)
Sadia R.

What a great place!!! The food is amazing and the decor so cozy that feels like your own patio. The lamb is to die for, the salads and octopus really really good as well. Very attentive staff, and excellent wine list. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Abigail B.

This was our first visit to Mandolin. We went on a perfect evening to enjoy the beautiful seating in the courtyard. It's perfect for date night or for an evening with friends. All of the waitstaff were very friendly and helpful. The 4 of us shared appetizers: grilled octopus, muscles (both pretty good) but the stuffed zucchini was AMAZING!! For dinner, 2 people had the lamb. My fiance said it was good, but not his favorite. I had the chicken kabob. It was seasoned perfectly, and I would get it again. My friend had the grilled prawns, which she seemed to enjoy. We had sangria, white wine, and beers at the table, and everyone enjoyed what they chose. The wine list was extensive! Dessert was great too. We all shared the baklava (my favorite) and a chocolate cake (which was like a thin tiramisu without the coffee flavor). I would come here again.
(5)
Cory W.

Love, love, love! For dining al fresco this place is great. Interesting and delicious menu.
(5)
Petunia L.

Great Service, Amazing Octopus, Fantastic selection of red wine.
(4)
Marcus D.

Very cool spot to grab dinner. Food was good, but the atmosphere is the reason to stop in.
(4)
Carolina M.

Loved it! We ordered the white wine sangria, Kopoglu, Kefte, Pink Sultan salad. The tzatziki and yogurt sauces were great, their olive oil was phenomenal. Everything was very flavorful and well prepared. For dessert we had the baklava which was amazing. The courtyard inside the house where the seating area is fantastic, really pretty. Perfect for eating outside enjoying our Miami nights. I am a fan. The only downside was that our server was a little slow. But i actually prefer that over someone coming to your table every 5 minutes, like they want you to rush eat and leave. So, Mandolin i like you.
(5)
Yara V.

I love this restaurant! It's one of my faves. The meatballs, cheese, octopus and especially their pistachio dessert are amazing. The ambience is beautiful and servers are normally great. I love it!
(5)
Yonathan L.

There was a rat in the restaurant. But the worst thing is that they didnt apologize for nothing. We asked to speak with the manager to provide feedback and he just did nothing. Places like this should be closed to public or just assume their fault and treat the customer better.
(1)
Tessa B.

Quick service but great tasting & authentic mediterranean food. I recommend ordering a bunch of small plates to share between friends. The stuffed zuchini, marinated octopus, and the beet salad are some of my favorite dishes. I was really surprised with how quick the service was ...this made me uneasy because everyone was forced to eat so quickly that we didnt get the chance to enjoy each dish for what it was.. It was overwhelming reaching for every thing at the same time. definitely don't leave without trying the baklava.
(4)
Cristy M.

Considering the Greek in my family I can't believe it took us so long to try this place out. We walked in on a Saturday night at 7:30pm and were promptly seated. I had heard about the restaurant from many people - about how cute it is - so I knew what to expect. I guess I didn't remember anyone telling me that most of the seating is outside. However I was pleasantly surprised that even though it is august I didn't eat my meal dripping in sweat. There are plenty of fans everywhere that keep the air moving. The service was great. Everything came out quickly and was well explained. We played dumb and acted as if we weren't very familiar with Greek cuisine. We had the "stuffed" zucchini, grilled octopus and kefktes. I also ordered their house sangria - an interesting mix of white wine, rose water and stone IPA beer - very tasty and refreshing. I said "stuffed" because the zucchini was in no way stuffed, topped or sprinkled at best with eggplant. That being said it was very very tasty, you could tell the ingredients were good and it all worked together. The zucchini, eggplant, Tomatoe sauce and yogurt - a perfect mix of Greek deliciousness. My only complaint would be that for $14 they give you more than two pieces of zucchini. The octopus was my hubby's call. I'm not a huge fan but I was very pleased. I must even say it was better than the grilled octopus we had in Greece! Very tender, good flavor and a nice serving for $18. My favorite dish of the evening was the Greek meatballs or Keftkes. After the first two dishes I wanted to try a "meat" dish. We asked the waitress and she confirmed that their gyro meat is procured and not prepared onsite but that their meatballs were so we went with them. Their served medium - so a little pink inside - and with tzaziki. Both the meatballs themselves and the tzaziki were delicious! The tzaziki was very minty - but it worked well with the dish. Four come to a serving for $14. Overall we were impressed. My only complaint would be some of the portions for the prices you're paying.
(4)
E M.

LOVE this place! The food is great, especially given the dearth of authentic Greek food in the Miami area. The decor / ambiance is solid and so is the service. Definitely check this place out!
(5)
Nawal B.

Worse experience ever, over priced and there was nothing special about the food, the hummus tasted pretty bad, I was expecting authentic arabic or green hummus, the chicken was dry, the tabuli was mostly grain and sweet.
(1)
Michele K.

I have to say I am a little disappointed with my dining experience I just had at Mandolin. The grilled octopus was gross and had a slimy texture. The salad, rice, and hummus were very good. The chicken had lots of flavor but undercooked so I would recommend it, but ask for it well done. The sangria was BS - all water! The service was also subpar. Cute restaurant though.
(3)
Jenny R.

So i misunderstood what the waiter meant by special of the day and because I'm a coupon-er, groupon-er and all other sorts of cheap-sake-r and had him serve this amazing fish plate (dont remember the name of it) thinking it was Special as in it was cheapest plate- boy was i wrong. However- i devoured that amazing melting fish and the garden salad that came with it (garden meaning it consisted of greens I've never tried that they pull out of their own garden). Everything was amazing. The ambiance, the mussels. Must go.
(5)
Kimberly D.

I have been to this numerous times and the quality of food never ceased to dissapoint me. The place is unassuming because of the outside appearance, but once you step into the outdoor-shaded restaurant, it is TOO adorable. Ambiance: The white/blue/wood color scheme along with the plants and orchids make you forget you're in the middle of design district on a busy street. Whether it be for a lunch or dinner, you're sure to impress a colleague, business partner, or lover. Food: AMAZING. Their focus is on the product and not on the seasoning which gives homage to the "aegean" theme. I definitely recommend their prawns for an app and salmon for main. Their salad is great, too. Big portions, as well. They even offer turkish coffee at the end. Service: The service varied from all the times I went there. Some servers were very attentive and the manager would also check up on us at times. But then there were others where it took a while to get a refill of water, or some servers just did not give you the warm welcoming presence. The parking: They offer valet. Good idea to get extra money in because parking can become a hassle on the busy street where it sits.
(4)
A B.

Bland, Overpriced, and Overcooked I went here for an early dinner with a friend who was raving about this place. I am an excellent judge of food, even if I don't like it I'll know if the flavoring is quality. This food was mediocre all the way. I would have given it 3 stars because the calamari was well cooked but not well seasoned. The Chicken Kebab was B-L-A-N-D and the hunks of chicken they served for this dish were too big (they should have been cut into smaller slices), rubbery, and dry. How meat can be all these things at once is beyond me. Also, the rice was flavorless. I was impressed to discover they grow their own vegetables. The lettuce was fresh but what kind of greek salad doesn't have feta cheese, kalmata olives, and an olive oil or lemon dressing? Horrible. I know what you're thinking, there always has to be that one 'Debbie downer.' I am NOT exaggerating, check out the few other reviews I have, I give everyone a fair shake. Also, I had several bug bites as I sat outside and dined. This was the restaurant's fault. I know if you eat outside bugs are a possible factor but: 1. They would not let my friend and I sit in the center of the restaurant, futher away from the plants because "they had reservations". Are you kidding me, the place was empty, an hour came and went and no one sat down in the center of the room. 2. Also, if they are going to surround the place with that many plants they need to light tiki torches that REPEL insects. Needless to say, my friend was embarassed that she referred me to such a horrible place so I played it off and pretended the food was decent for her sake. The verdict: I would have had better food at RICE house of kabobs.
(2)
Melissa N.

Loved the service, the plate sampler with humus,etc. is wonderful and the freshly baked bread is amazing! could not stop eating! Had the salmon with the roasted tomatoes salad and it was GREAT! perfectly cooked salmon! Asked for a side of roasted veggies that had eggplant. (AMAZING) My Husband loves the chicken kebab which is always great and fresh! perfectly seasoned. GREAT Baklava! don't leave without trying them! they come 2 in an order! White sangria is perfect for a late afternoon bite!
(4)
Molly Y.

My favorite place in Miami. The food is a four star but the ambience is a 7 out of 5. Service is great and you feel like you have had a slice of Mykonos when you leave.
(5)
Adam W.

Mandolin came with great recommendations so I've been greatly anticipating coming here. Overall, I felt that it was decent but I wasn't enamored. Food: B Sangria: Alcoholic Apple Juice with added sugar. I was disgusted but I had heard good things so I figured I would give it a chance, even though it was a white wine sangria (disclaimer: I am a red drinker). Greek Sampler: The eggplant puree was everything and more. I could not have been more impressed. The Tzatziki was very heavy and just okay. We substituted the tarama for hummus and the hummus overall tasted just anything out of a jar. Marinated grilled octopus was likely the best octopus I have ever had. Grilled perfectly in a delicious marinade. Shrimp Ouzo: The shrimp were anything but fresh, but I would be willing to give them another chance given that the tomato-based sauce was absolutely succulent. Arugula Salad: Comes with dates, pistachios, feta, and a pomegranate vinaigrette. Overall, it was very good for a simple salad but I didn't feel the need to re-order. Sirlioin and Lamb Cheeseburger: ordered as an afterthought because of a very strong recommendation by the waitress, I was unimpressed and would definitely not be ordering this again. I wanted to try some lamb and did not realize it really was just a cheeseburger. At least we knew to get it with a side salad. Atmosphere: B. While my girlfriend thinks this is one of the most romantic restaurants in Miami, I was not overly impressed. If it weren't for it being one of my girlfriend's favorite restaurants, I probably wouldn't give it a second chance, but we will likely be back.
(3)
Alex R.

One of the best Greek and Turkish restaurants in town. The outdoor seating feels like a taverna in the Greek Islands. Staff quite attentive. Prices average.
(4)
Walid Z.

Just visited this place on Friday evening. It was raining cats and dogs and the thunder was shaking he whole place up. This while restaurant is actually outdoor so it was wet and the water level was really high. However, the place was full with the exception of one or two tables and the manager was saying that we will be drenched. Motivated by the electric atmosphere and the heavenly aromas of fresh grilled food, We decided to stay anyway. I have to say that this is one of my favorite Greek restaurants ever. Delicious food, exceptional service despite a very challenging weather given the set up. Food came out fast. Simplicity is king here. Try the grilled octopus, lamp chops over rice, and the selection of dips. Bon appÃ©tit!
(5)
Leila G.

The food is very very good. The ambiance in the patio romantic and lovely. Service at the table is also friendly and pleasant. So why 3 stars? Because their so-called maitre-d' is ghastly. Rude, pretentious, condescending and generally doing his best to lord it over diners and ruin what would otherwise be a very good evening. He's the first person one meets at Mandolin, and the sneering fool is the last person seen on the way out. Life's too short to deal with idiots like that - and there are way too many good restaurants in Miami to have to. Until that inhospitable fellow moves on to ruin another restaurant, I'm not going back.
(3)
Elissa E.

A delight for your mouth! Arrive hungry, order a Greek or Turkish sampler (choose between tzatziki or hummus), and dig in. Large portions. And the orzo is SO good. Order extra orzo.
(5)
Casie C.

A manager of the louboutin store in design district recommended this place for us to have lunch when we told him we're visiting from Houston. He told me that it's a Greek/Mediterranean type of food and something that we will enjoy. The boyfriend is not a fan of Greek food, but desperate for food after along day of working around the shopping area, we went to walk to mandolin which isn't that far from the design district. Upon arriving, valet was available on the front. The restaurant had a mini gate, which was the entrance to the restaurant. I thought to myself, "wow, this is pretty cute and cozy" The whole place was adorable. They have indoor and outdoor seating but because I love the whole set up outside, I prefer to sit out. It was hot outside but they had fans that blows cool air all around the back that we didn't sweat a bit. I thought it was such a cool set up. I love how it definitely felt like we were somewhere tropical and not anywhere in the city. Our server was wonderful! Our food was scrumptious and just darn delicious! I'm not a fan of red meat but their lamb/beef meatballs was the bomb! It was so good!! I had their greek salad and it was probably one of the best salad I've ever tasted, different and one of a kind. The boyfriend ordered steak and he was enjoying every bite of it. I am glad we tried this place out! It's definitely a place that I will not forget and will be coming back the next time I visit Miami again! Highly recommend and you will never regret it!
(5)
Monica A.

Came here as an alternative to Michael's, where on a Saturday afternoon, had an hour wait. No, thank you. This place is SO discreet and not pretentious; really hard to find in this plastic town. It is authentic Turkish-Greek cuisine served fresh and without any stupid garnish of an orchid flown in by a silk-weaving kangaroo from China or whatever. Every bite is an adventure. Try the hummus trio platter, the fries with yogurt dip, the classic gyro, the octopus, the lamb meatballs, and the baklava (duh.) Expensive but worth the money. The atmosphere is intimate and casual. Service is also intimate and casual! They will take the time to explain anything on the menu or answer any questions. A great find! My only complaint is that the valet took 20 minutes to bring our car around and it was several thousand degrees outside. Womp womp.
(5)
Hamad A.

Unclean restaurant. Look at the picture that i posted. While eating musaqa i found hair!!!
(1)
F P.

This restaurant is good but overrated. The decor is minimum, the place is small, the menu is contained and 'safe' with nothing out of the ordinary. A little too expensive for what it is. The food is Aegean, and has Turkish and Greek recipes. The lamb is decent. The Turkish coffee is good.
(3)
Sidney P.

Great restaurant - small menu with great healthy dishes. Has large outdoor seating area with unpretentious crowd. Reasonable prices
(5)
Leilani D.

I've known that I loved Mandolin Aegean bistro for a while now, but for whatever reason I hadn't been back there in a long time until this past friday night when a friend hosted her birthday dinner there. Because we were a large group we we able to do a family style tasting menu. For $50pp our group had a choice of one salad, four appetizers, two entrees, and one dessert. This is what we all shared: *Greek Salad - fair warning - this salad is all good stuff, no lettuce. delicious vinaigrette. *Shrimp Ouzo - this was delicious. it's a red sauce enriched by ouzo anise. we were dipping our bread and fried cheese in this sauce long after the shrimp were gone. *Turkish Chorizo - I think this was actually my favorite - it was so flavorful. Huge slices of delicious chorizo. *Calamari - really well done, although there are so many more interesting app options I probably wouldn't order this again. *Cheese Saganaki - the crowd favorite. who doesn't love fried cheese? this is a great take because it's not breaded and fried. Usually a lot of the flavor of fried cheese comes from the breading - the cheese they use here is so rich and salty that it doesn't need to be coated in anything else. *Skirt Steak (with french fries) - same story as the calamari - really well done, but there are better options, although the fries here are amazing. *Village Pasta - I thought this would be too heavy considering the amount of dishes we had coming to us, but the bechamel sauce was perfect - not overpowering at all. This was also incredibly delicious; my only regret here is that I didn't save some more room. *Chocolate Cake - Most of the time I think chocolate cake is too rich (and chocolately - I know, blasphemy), but this was also perfect. Really subtle, not too sweet. Great ending to our meal. Basically, there was nothing we had that someone at the table wasn't raving about. Because we were doing the tasting menu, we also had unlimited beer, wine, and sangria for $15pp. As a glass of Sangria here usually costs $10 it was a great deal (especially for our group of heavy drinkers). The white Sangria here is really refreshing - definitely something else that's a must try. Other things I've had and loved here : they make a pretty mean gyro, the maroulosalata (sp?) salad is simple but very tasty, and the chicken kabobs are always a solid choice. If you have a hankering for mediterranean food - I can't think of a better place for you to go than Mandolin Aegean.
(5)
Jimmy B.

Great outdoor seating in romantic garden, food is fresh and good, must try.
(4)
Cool M.

Delicious Mediterranean food. They use the finest Greek olive oil & sea salt. The grilled Mediterranean sea bass with olive oil, lemon and oregano is a must. Romaine lettuce w/ dill and feta is so tasty. Loved the outside dining and the fresh herb garden.
(5)
Julio G.

I thought this place was romantic, and had delicious food. Valet in the front accepts only cash. Lamb balls, octopus and eggplant apps were all amazing.
(5)
Jamie S.

Came here for lunch with coworkers. This place is SO cute. The decor and setup is adorable. We ordered three plates to share. The fried calamari, fig salad and bread with hummus were my faves. Service was absolutely on point! I would definitely come back soon.
(5)
M M.

We have been waiting 40 minutes and still no entrees! How long does it take to prepare 3 gyros and a burger? Atmosphere is nice but logistics are terrible.
(2)
Christy C.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Miami! I love the Turkish sampler (switch the fava for the eggplant) and the chicken kabob (comes with tzatziki, orzo and salad). The Greek salad and the gyro are also very good. Very cute "backyard patio" atmosphere. Nice place for a first date or a date in general. I highly recommend Mandolin! :)
(5)
Jenn N.

Delicious food and fun atmosphere! We went there for lunch and really enjoyed the salads, kale flat bread, veggie and lamb sandwiches. The outdoor seating is really cute and definitely a good stop if you're craving Mediterranean!
(5)
Xiaochen Y.

The appetizer of grilled octopus is super tiny!!!! It's completely different from the pictures, although the waiter said they had a same weight. The appetizer and entree are not worth to that expensive price.
(2)
Yuneisy D.

My husband and I wanted to try this place for a while and WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT!! The moussaka was tasteless,the grilled octopus was ok but small and overpriced ,the arugula salad wasn't fresh, and the sangria...a glass of apple juice. The one star is for the service,our waitress was very nice.
(1)
Rick R.

TASTELESS AND OVERPRICED My wife and I tried this place based on all of the great Yelp reviews....where do these reviewers usually eat that this place gets such high reviews? We had several dishes and all of the food was bland including the grilled octopus, moussaka, and salads. The plates were small and the prices are crazy especially for the area the restaurant is located, such as $18 for a small octopus dish. My wife had the sangria that tasted like a watered down apple juice. The only positives are that the outdoor seating is pretty and the service was good but this is one place to avoid.
(2)
Maria A.

I've been back several times over the years and I love this restaurant. They now have an organic garden adjacent to the restaurant. Doesn't get much fresher then that. This place remains a delightful gem with wonderful service and delicious food.
(5)
Michael O.

Came here early on a Friday around 7:30 w/o a reservation. My gf and I were seated immediately, although inside. It turned out much better as is was quieter and less mosquitoes. Place was packed at 8pm. Ordered the Turkish sampler, Lamb chops, and the special fish, both on a bed of rice. Lamb chops were very good and the fish was average. After your meal, skip the 2 desserts offered - a chocolate cake or baklava and walk a block or 2 north to the Buena Vista chocolate and wine shop - they share space with the deli and have great chocolates - ever try hummus and chocolate? Try it.
(4)
Mira I.

If your planning on visiting I recommend you call ahead and make reservations for outside seating because it is simply lovely. Also, the $3 valet seemed convenient compared to finding parking in the area. The hostess was not all there, when i first arrived i was not greeted, waited like 5min and finally walked around and spotted the hostess. No outside seating was available without reservations but there was no wait. However, the first waitress was extremely nice and friendly. She made up for the awkward greeting and seating initially provided. She went over the dishes with us and made some recommendations. Still wondering why she was changed out with out any notice later on? lol As far as the menu I was disappointed because it was limited and hardly had any traditional Greek dishes. For appetizer we ordered grilled octopus which was delicious! No complaints there it was marinated, tender, fresh and grilled to perfection. For main course I had the Greek pasta, it was good but over bearing and very hearty. The dish did not have a nice presentation and the flavor was too combined. The other dish was chicken kabobs which was much better. The dill sauce was amazing and the chicken and salad were both good. However, the dishes where not authentic Greek and I was disappointed The hummus and pita was never brought to the table as in most Greek restaurants. No dessert is listed in the menu and either of the 2 desserts made verbally available caught my attention. Just FYI I didn't find it child friendly and a kids menu is not available.
(3)
Jen F.

I came here for my birthday dinner and Miami and can not say enough how wonderful Mandolin was. The setting was absolutely beautiful. The seating is outdoor garden style, music playing, dimly lit. I would love to come back here on a date! Seriously, come here with your significant other and uncork a bottle of wine. The food was also excellent. My coworkers and I started with the Turkish Sampler, which was a decent amount of food. There was some type of bean dip, hummus, and eggplant dip. All of them were exceptional. The tabouleh was also wonderful and unlike any kind I had had before. It was grainier and had more red sauce (tomato), not a whole lot of parsley. I actually think I prefer it to the typical kind. I ordered a salad for my meal with chicken (the salad had cranberries, nuts and cheese). It was amazing. The chicken was kebab style and just so juicy and tender. The salad itself had the right balance of flavors. If I were hungrier, I would have gone for the Pastitsio. My coworker got it and I had a bite. It was to die for! This would be my recommendation. I would term it as a Greek lasagna- gooey, cheesy, but still with a Greek flare (and minus the tomato sauce). Oh, and add lots of meat. The dessert (aka my birthday cake) was probably the best part. It was a bunch of white thin cake layers with chocolate icing. We asked for the official name, but it is just called "chocolate cake." Nonetheless, it was amazing. They put a sparkler on it (aka my birthday candle) and sang to me. I wish I could recreate this cake at home because it was that awesome. Overall, the food was great, the ambiance was great, and so was the service. I would come back here again in a heart beat. This was my favorite meal during my week in Miami.
(5)
Maria T.

Definitely a charming place with tables tucked into a courtyard. The food, while not bad, doesn't quite impress either, especially for the cost. I had a simple meal of stuffed zucchini with eggplant but the flavor was overpowered by the tomato sauce, which quite frankly tasted like the Ragu from a jar that my mother used in the 70s. The branzino was prepared simply which is fine but at $33 I would hope this entree had been accompanied by at least a few roast potatoes. No sides for that price. Baklava was incredibly sweet, and pricey at $14. There was also a mistake with the bill where I was charged for an entire bottle of wine rather than just a glass. Having spent considerable time in both Turkey and Greece, nothing about this place "wowed" me and for the expense I won't return.
(3)
Talisha M.

Yep as you walk in you hear mandolins in your head playing heavenly music because is soooo pretty here. This place is so hidden. It's like a secret garden. The octopus was amazing. And the tomato onion salad was very tasty. The down side was there is only beer & wine. Upside valet is $3 score! Great evening dinner place when the weather is great.
(4)
Lee E.

I've been looking forward to checking this place out for awhile, finally went on Saturday night. Its basically an outdoor restaurant, there is a small seating area inside but this space would be much better served as a bar, a place to sit while your waiting for your table, we had to wait out front on the street (not for long though) but nevertheless it would be much nicer to sit at a bar and have a drink rather than the street. I think the summer time here would be brutally hot, even at night. OK, well the food was very good. I had a skirt steak with fries, my date had the sea Bass. Both were very tasty. The service was fine, passable. The atmosphere and dining area are really nice, quaint, great spot for a date, we had a table kinda off to the side so that was nice. It is a very pretty spot but don't really get the draw; and it was packed, I will not be rushing back anytime soon. All in all I would say it was average, and a lil on the more expensive side for what we had. Many much better choices in my opinion!!
(3)
Eric R.

The seating area is beautiful and based on the 5 star reviews I really had my hopes up. The food arrived to our table looking as though it had just been thrown on and sent out. My sirloin lamb burger was actually delicious but the fries were unseasoned and soggy. We werent expecting such an awful attitude from our server for asking the fan to be turned down either. Even on it's best day this will never be a 5 star restaurant.
(2)
Erin K.

I almost don't want to write a review because I loved my experience at Mandolin so much and it's already challenging to get a reservation... The food, ambiance and service are all perfect. All the ingredients are incredibly fresh and simply prepared. I particularly loved the Turkish sampler, Pink Sultan beet salad and grilled salmon. blog.erinkestenbaum.com/â€¦
(5)
Jonathan P.

It's all romantic atmosphere here! The lights, an ally style feel. The chicks really dig this place and so do I. It's welcoming, rustic, and just has a great feeling about it. I've tried lots of food, most of it was pretty good. It was all just decent greek. The kebab, the lamb balls. It was not out of this world, but pretty good. The atmosphere really picks up the slack. I would recommend the octopus, though. THIS WAS AMAZING!! I ordered a second. Also, the date and feta salad was a good combo with this octopus. $3 valet was a great deal as well.
(4)
jose f.

Have been twice at this restaurant and this is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Miami. The decor and ambiance transport you to a restaurant in a Mediterranean village patio. Food is well made,fresh fish,lamb,octopus, classic greek and turkish appetizers. Had great turkish lamb dumplings with a yogurt sauce,excellent. Prices are middle of the road. Service was fast and friendly. Highly recommended.
(4)
andrea r.

Mandolin obviously does not need my 5 star review, they've got plenty. But they have a few less than 5 start reviews, seemingly for the service. Fair enough, it isn't consistently great. But the food, well, come on! The food is exceptional, the ambiance is beautiful and the flavors are AUTHENTIC. I love the guy who complains that the flavors are not authentic, in the same review where he says he has never had octopus before and was kind of creeped out by the presentation! Thats authentic! If all you are looking for is a gyro, a moussaka and some tzaziki- go to a mall and order from the Great Greek. This is a living breathing cuisine, and the chef here takes the most beautiful traditions of Greek food and applies them as theory to carefully crafted homemade food. The yogurt alone is worth the trip the Stuffed zucchini is amazing the fish- simple delicious and fresh octopus-perfect the worst thing we had here was the gyro! hilarious. I expect to visit Miami next week and i hope to go here at least twice in one week.
(5)
Cam C.

The place is always packed. Good luck getting in if you don't have a reservation. The lamb is good. The octopus was burned. Their baklava is to die for! Service needs a huge improvement.
(3)
Teresa K.

The food here is really good and the service was also excellent. It is better to go when the weather is good because it's better to sit outside, but they do also have indoor seating available. We split a couple of sandwiches and an appetizer sampler for lunch. The spreads that come with the appetizer are amazing. Very tasty. Portions were also good. We came hungry and left stuffed.
(4)
Ryan C.

Red lentil kofta app (vegan) was a treat! Lettuce wrap style with pickled peppers. I loved the atmosphere, relaxed and casual, and all of the food we ordered. My only issue is that the experienced felt rushed with food coming out of the kitchen eerily quickly....
(4)
Ute L.

Nice, romantic gem with a big patio encased by trees to give you that European courtyard feel. Rustic wooden tables, lanterns and fresh flowers. Service was great. We were able to find street parking (FREE) at 7:00 PM on Saturday, big plus. For starters, we ordered their daily special, the Turkish Springrolls, which were basically spanakopitas shaped like flautas. Very good. You must try the Shrimp Ouzo. Jumpo shrimp in a tasty tomato sauce, we asked for bread to soak up all that goodness. The BF ordered the whole branzino, which he liked. They will filet it for you but the fish is so small that you have to really work for your meat with all the little pin bones. I ordered the filet mignon, although I probably should have ordered a more traditional Greek dish. However, the filet was great and they did substitute the fries with fresh sauteed spinach upon request. The do brew a mean Turkish coffee for dessert, which paired perfectly with the home made bakhlava. Loved it. For those who don't know Turkish coffee, it is finely ground coffee topped with hot water, so you will have ground coffee on the bottom of your cup. It tastes great. The menu has only a few seasonal choices on it but it makes the choice that much easier. We will come again to try the moussaka.
(4)
Fatty Cakes - Luisy P.

I have never been to Greece but I feel like I'm there when I step foot in Mandolin Aegean. They have created the most Romantic, relaxing dinning experience in all of Miami with their dimly lit garden patio. I have been to Mandolin a handful of times and walk out seriously impressed every single time. The staff is friendly and impeccably polite, never once rushing me and always making prudent recommendations and keeping our glasses full of Sangria. Depending on the size of your party, start with the Greek Sampler, the Mussels, and/ or the stuffed Zucchini. Follow that with the Sea bass or my personal fav, the Lamb-chops with Orzo... Simply Scrumptious! I've also had their grilled cheese sandwich made with Halloumi cheese and Turkish Chorizo and their Sirloin/Lamb Burger; although salty, both are totally drool worthy. Mandolin Aegean is a gem and perfect place for a quiet intimate dinner with family and friends. There is no place I'd rather go for date night!
(5)
Pavel R.

We tried a bunch of appetizers (mussels, octopus, stuffed zucchini) also had the gyro. Wow, everything was so delicious. Go for it!
(5)
Jorge E.

Literally....a "hole in the wall" type of place as you just might miss it if you drive by it! But believe me, once you gets past the entrance...this place opens up to reveal a beautiful "Greek terrace like" atmosphere that will not disappoint! The menu here is kinda small but everything is pretty good and worth a try. My wife and I shared the Turkish sampler which was some of the best hummus I've ever had and the "Kefte" which were some beef and marinated lamb meatballs...On Point! I then had the cheeseburger.....wait for it....legendary! Sirloin and Lamb combined on a fresh bun! Order a bottle of "Albarino" (Spanish Chardonnay, if you will) and you will not regret it! WAIT...I almost forgot! THE BEST baklava YOU WILL EVER HAVE WEST OF THE MIDDLE EAST IS HERE! Prepared fresh everyday and is soft and flavorful. Worth the drive out to the Design District.
(5)
Monica B.

Finally came to Mandolin for the first time last night after wanting to try it for a long, long time. It was a Monday night at 10pm and the restaurant was packed! The reason is the great ambience, perfect service, and amazing food. We shared the greek sampler (they let you mix and match with the turkish) the kefte, the village pasta, and a bottle of wine. Although we didn't have room for dessert, our lovely server insisted we couldn't leave without trying their baklava and brought some out- she was right. Everything was amazing and we will be returning very soon and very frequently!
(5)
Karen G.

I have probably been here 50+ times at this point between lunches (conveniently located near my office) and dinners. It doesn't matter what you order, as long as you happen to like the ingredients, it's going to be great. We started with the Turkish sampler. Polished it off and had way too much bread! My friend had the chicken kebobs with rice pilaf and I had my personal favorite, whole fish with steamed spinach. I think this is one of the very best restaurants in Miami. The service and food is always consistent. The ambience is superb. HIGHLY recommend.
(5)
Kimba M.

I recommended it for a romantic dinner or lunch with friends. Try the octopus is The best i ever had!;)
(4)
Frank P.

First time at this restaurant. Food was delicious. The octopus was second best to PM (non the less delicious). The bread was amazing. I ordered the lamb chops, they were cooked to perfection. Also def recommend the white sangria (as much as it pains me to call any sangria white). The baklava is as good as it gets. Would highly recommend it. Make sure you make reservations before coming.
(5)
Adam F.

Went yesterday for the first time and had lunch. Going again today. Octopus is the tits.
(5)
Simonett P.

One of my favorite restaurants in Design District for the ambiance and outdoor decor. As you walk in you are immediately transported to a Aegean oasis. The octopus is super fresh and tasty. Great for a date or lunch with friends.
(5)
Bill G.

Underwhelmed, service was slow, server rushed us to order and actually would not wait for us to order, he said "I'll be back when you are ready" and we were not taking that long. Then he tried to up sell us saying portions are small, which is true, and kept suggesting that we order more. Overall I was not impressed. The food was good, but the experience was not and overall it was overpriced for the food and experience. AND not much on the menu for vegetarians other than appetizers and one sandwice. Oh and as a parting experience... I gave the money for the valet to one guy, when the other valet brought the car I gave him a $2 tip and he said "it's $3", then I realized he thought I had not paid, he asked the other valet if I did, he was busy playing a game on and did not reply so the guy tried to collect twice for parking. Finally got resolved when the other valet looked up from his phone and nodded. Pretty much the service of a poor McDonald's. We won't be back.
(2)
May C.

It's really wow~...I really love the appetizer, the octopus, the tiger prawn are so good...if next time I come to Miami I would not miss this restaurant:)...
(5)
Bonnie L.

Best Greek Restaurant in Miami by far! Hidden gem in Miami design district. Home style, cozy feeling atmosphere. I enjoyed everything I ordered but the "Marinated Grilled Octopus" is my favorite! Turkish Sampler Marinated Grilled Octopus Traditional Greek Gyro Sandwich Kefte (lamb)
(5)
Mit P.

Superb Greek Bistro serving very high quality fresh food in a nice warm and casual villa courtyard environment. Good for romantic meals, or a casual dinner with your friends. Also they are very friendly for takeout if you have the craving and would rather eat at home. What I liked: 1) Fresh tasty food. The quality of the ingredients here screams out. You can tell the food is fresh, high quality and well prepared. It is also very tasty. I highly recommend the Chicken Kebab, the Babaganoush, the Moussaka, the Octopus, and the zucchini chips. Also the french fries are probably the best french fries in Miami. Amazing. 2) Nice intimate restaurant. There are 2 areas: the inside is small intimate. The outside area is larger, but a patio, with a secret garden like atmosphere. It is a nice setting for dinner with friends, or a romantic evening. 3) Excellent service. I really like the staff - they really care. 4) Takeout also available and they bring the order curbside to your car. What they could do better: 1) Improve the dessert selection
(4)
Seth S.

Very solid, high end Greek food with a Turkish twist and a nice outdoor patio, I've found that Mandolin has steadily improved since it opened a few years ago. My meal tonight was a noticeable improvement and step up from a year ago. The new chef is Turkish,and some of the mezes and special show it off in a fine way. Lamb chops and whole fish are always solid here, the Horiatiki is much better than a year ago, and we've had several specials that are terrific. (Tonight featured some type of a lightly fried pancake wrap with beef and white cheese and peppers within.) The wine list is thoughtful and impressive, too. I had a great sparkling red lambrusco tonight. Nice for a Saturday night, too.
(4)
Pavan K.

Have to try Octopus grilled and lamb chops. Nice restaurant to try Mediterranean food...
(5)
suzanne k.

Great spot for cool ambiance and delicious food. Mussels were great! Ordered a few other dishes and all were fresh and perfectly seasoned, delicious! Sat inside since outside was packed and had a 45 min wait. Was able to get a table inside within 10 minutes and its totally nice too. Quaint, quieter, and no mosquitos!! Very nice waitress too!
(5)
Jen B.

Just lovely! Start with the Turkish sampler and fresh baked bread. Everything about this place is amazing. It is down the street from the design district.. Seems a little off the beaten path with street parking only but sooooo worth it! One of my favorite places in Miami.
(5)
JC L.

Awesome food! Great quality ingredients and solid atmosphere.
(5)
Michelle T.

Mandolin is so lovely. I've only been there twice for lunch. Such a lovely spot in the daytime, I can only imagine how much lovelier it is at night. It's definitely a great place to go on a romantic date, but it's also a great place to go with just about anyone. While I was there, it felt like had I walked outside the restaurant, I'd find the Mediterranean Sea just a few blocks away. I felt like I was on vacation. If you have lunch there, do order the Aegean White Sangria and enjoy the ambiance. Silence your phone and put it away. Pay attention the specials that day. I know I tried a few of them, and although I can't remember exactly what they were to explain to you now, they were definitely tasty and worth it. I know I tried at least a few of them. Menu items to note: Greek Sampler (tzatziki, eggplant purÃ©e and tarama) Turkish Sampler (hummus, tomato walnut dip and fava bean purÃ©e) Cheese Saganaki Marinated Grilled Octopus Traditional Greek Gyro Baklava was delish, but the layered chocolate cake was even better! I plan to go back to Mandolin again real soon.
(4)
Pepe V.

Great atmosphere, service and exquisite cuisine. Start with the Greek Sampler. The stuffed zucchini is heavenly and the pulled lamb sandwich insane.I highly recommend it!
(5)
Ken D.

Transportation...without security lines, passports, or crowds of infrequent travelers to slow us down. That's what I experienced last night at Mandolin. Sitting outside in the magical back courtyard, we could have been in Greece. My dining partner even had a sun-kissed glow from the hanging lanterns, belying a day at the beach. We went early, and got to experience the terrace alone, and then were joined by a lovely, respectful crowd of patrons, adding a convivial din to the Greek music wafting (also at a respectful volume) through the air. If my review seems a bit flowerly, so be it. Such is the outcome of transportation. A few highlights: - Our server Tatiana was friendly, helpful, and warm. Thank you! - The stuffed grape leaves with yogurt sauce were small bites of heaven. - The white sangria, which tasted more like a hard apple cider grew on me...that's what a pitcher of sangria will do, I guess. - The fries with yogurt sauce were perfect. - The portions of moussaka and village pasta were, at first glance small, but given the richness of the dishes, appropriate. Any more and I would have needed a nap. Next time, and there will be a next time, I'll hope to bring my mother, who is quite a Mediterranean cook. I know she will be, as I was, pleased and thankful that a place like Mandolin exists so close. No passport required.
(4)
Jack B.

One has to love good food and nice people. Nothing better that their lamb chops, tzatziki and bread
(5)
Melissa B.

I LOVE Mandolin. Almost every detail about this restaurant is perfect. The food, the ambiance, everything is delicious and beautiful. Difficult getting a reservation so opt for the inside shared table and meet new friends. The only downfall to this place is the service - food and drink orders always seem to take an eternity.
(4)
Marc R.

We had a long wait here but spent it with other patrons out front drinking wine and reading over the menu. This is a see and be seen place with your typical array of celebrities, hipsters, and tourists, and the whole vibe was relaxed and friendly. I really loved this place. We were seated after about 45 minutes, then we started off with a Greek village salad which was amazing. We then moved on to two main dishes which we shared. We had the lamb chops. These were wonderful and served on a bed of rice. The second was moussaka which was also amazing. There is something wonderful about Mediterranean comfort food served in ample but not overwhelming portions. The servers were amazing and fun. We wound up talking to 2-3 of the servers about all sorts of funny things as we drank a bottle of wine after drinking perhaps a bottle waiting. Down to earth and nice people work here! Overall I had one of my best meals and a great time in the amazing outdoor seating area in a space/place that is really something amazing. Well worth the wait!
(4)
Peggy B.

great patio area food is good not great but tasty,( although too much garlic in some of the dishes for lunch), you feel like you are almost in vacation and not in Miami seating there.
(3)
Annalisa D.

Run! Don't walk to this delightful spot in Miami's Design District. Charming and romantic. Enter Mandolin Aegean Bistro and you feel as if you have been whisked away to the Mediterranean. The hustle and bustle of the street fades the second you cross the threshold into the lovely, spacious, airy covered patio accented in white and a beautiful shade of blue. It's rather magical really. The service is attentive and warm. The food is delicious. I lunched there very recently and enjoyed a zucchini and eggplant dish that was perfection and filling. Fresh ingredients and simply seasoned. Their price point is very reasonable. I can't think of another spot like it in Miami. The place was full and no wonder, Mandolin Aegean Bistro delivers. What can I say, I shall return!
(5)
Madeline M.

Mandolin Aegean was not only a quaint and lovely atmosphere to spend quality time post Sunday matinee show time with friends but the food, drink and service was equally as awesome. I highly recommend it and hope all who go have as great an experience as mine... PS: Ask for Alvaro's section he was excellent
(5)
Nikoleta A.

Over the past few years Mandolin has turned itself into a real Miami gem. From the thoughtfully arranged ambience (taking you to the backyard of a summer Mediterranean house) to the sinfully delicious and original menu presented by warm, genuine waiters, you simply cannot go wrong here. Mandolin is THE place where I must check in every time I am in Miami. Being a Mediterranean myself I must say their food is incredible and rather original. The Octopus is simply the best octopus you will ever have and (warning) it will keep you coming back. From the dessert menu, get the chocolate biscuit cake with a cup of true Turkish coffee. Absolute heaven!
(5)
Alex L.

Now I understand why most yelpers give this adorable restaurant 4 or 5 stars. OMG! Where do I start? We went on a Saturday afternoon around 12:30. They have valet pkg for $3 or meter pkg close by. We were seated immediately outside which is a must on a pretty, sunny, cool Miami day. We ordered the Greek sampler n 2 Greek beers to start. It comes out w their own freshly baked bread which btw, you can see them baking. You can imagine the aroma. For our main course we had the traditional Greek gyro n the moussaka. Both were amazing. The meat in the gyro was really tender. I ordered my gyro w the salad which comes w tiny shreds of dill n small pieces of feta. So good. And of course we ordered the baklava w Turkish coffee for desert. The baklava were 3 small pieces w giant flavor. Even the bathroom is super cute. Go pee even if you don't have to so you can see the cute Greek country-ish decor. You'll get to see them baking the bread on your way to the bathroom. The service was quick. We had about 4 different people coming to our table to take our order, refill the water, bring our food, clear the table etc. It's a good thing we arrived at the time we did because on our way out the wait time was 45 min. We are definitely going back soon!! Maybe this time at night so we can sit outside under the romantic "Mediterranean" sky. Go check it out!
(4)
Caitlin M.

Amazing ambience and incredible food. The chicken kabob was delicious. Everything on my plate was equally as yummy! A perfect place for a patio lunch enjoying the weather.
(5)
Michael K.

I have been to Mandolin as many times as I go to Miami. I've even made an excuse to go, so I can sit and eat this amazingly authentic, delicious fare. If you are ever in Miami design district, or on your way to South Beach, or fly into MIA and drive to Fort Lauderdale, make sure you stop here first. It truly is a very special place. AMAZING. Its very discreet and unpretentious. You will be sitting outside, so be prepared although, being a mosquito magnet, I have NEVER been bitten while there. They have fans operating all the time. If you need to, there are some tables inside the small dining area, but outside reminds me of being in the Greek countryside.
(5)
Amelia G.

It's difficult to find a place to eat in Miami that makes you feel like you are not in Miami. Not because I don't love Miami, because I do, but with all the hussle and bussle of the city, it's nice to go eat somewhere that makes you feel like you're on vacation. Mandolin definitely accomplishes that. To begin, the service was great. Our server was excited to offer my mom and I good wine options, suggested delicious dishes (though it's hard to think any dish is bad) and was always there to check-in and make sure we were happy. We had the Turkish Sampler the chicken kabob (the Mousalata is ridic! Best feta cheese ever!) and baklava. yum, yum and more yum!!! It was all so fresh and soulful. My mom even said that she hadn't had baklava that good since she lived in New York. The prices are a little high, but for the amount of food you get (and considering most of it is likely imported), it's worth every penny. The ambiance is so lovely and on a crisp Miami day, it's a treat to sit outside with some great company and relax. Kudos to Mandolin for always so being booked (getting a reservation is a nightmare), but if you go early in the day (around 5 p.m.), you are sure to get a great table and wonderful, personable service.
(4)
Aurora N.

Greek food and I go together like a fat kid and rice cakes. It's not what I really want but if it's there I'll still eat the shit out of it. With that said, if you're gonna go Greek you must go to Mandolin Aegean. Situated in Midtown Miami it has the ability to magically transport you to a far away land once you step through the threshold. For a summer night it felt breezy and beautiful, with not a mosquito to bite. It did not feel like Miami in August. If someone told me I had walked through a portal to Mykonos I would not be shocked. There were seven us at dinner, a true family affair, so we shared everything. Between our group we had an assortment of wines and beer. I had the white sangria which was ok, however I'm not a wine person in general. To start off we had the Greek sampler with tzatziki, taramasolata, and hummus accompanied by an ever appearing supply of the best pita I've ever had. We also had tabouli (different then what I'm accustomed to but still good), ouzo shrimp served in a delicious tomato feta sauce, a couple of Greek village salads, aegean olives, kefte meatballs, and a couple orders of octopus. Everything that i tried was fabulous for Greek fare, and there was not a bite to spare by the time we were finished. For dinner we continued to order family style and had the calamari, mussels, more kefte, another Greek vilage salad, an arugula salad, and an order of moussaka. Once again everything was cooked to perfection. The mussels were my personal favourite of the night, with a succulent broth perfect for dipping pita in. The only thing that didn't get demolished was the arugula salad. I was honestly wishing for my stomach to be pumped at this time. Gluttons have nothing on us. We were stuffed! So of course we had some dessert. The restaurant presented us with an assortment of baklava and some kind of chocolate layer cake. There was enough for everyone to have a bite which was plenty by that time. What makes this restaurant so great is not only the food, but the atmosphere. Everything from the casual picnic tables, plants, and lanterns, to the laid back waitstaff all help make you feel that you are on holiday. It's a great way to leave the 305 without ever stepping on a plane.
(5)
Jordan N.

I'm a bit surprised that I haven't written a review for this place. I've been here at least 3 or 4 times. I love the place more for the ambience (both inside and outside) than for its limited menu that's not so authentically Greek (it's Greek-slash-Turkish, and it's leans less Greek than one would expect). But they have some hits in their menu. + Octopus - one of the best octopus I've had in my life. Period. And yes, it's pricey - $12 for two tentacles. The flavors to date are unmatchable in Miami though. + Baklava - three small bite-size pieces of baklava caught me by surprise - they were undeniably the best pieces of baklava I've had in my life. And as a middle eastern, that's not an easy thing to make me say considering I've had many. + White sangria - tasty, simple, and refreshing - definitely the way it should be Also, salads generally have been tasty - I loved the cucumber one. The rest were just either good or okay - but in line with the rest of the items, many were somewhat overpriced for what they were. This is keeping them from getting the elusive 5 stars. - whole fish was good and fresh but somewhat bland - Lamb chops were good, but not the best. - Grilled sucuk (Turkish sausage) was good. - Moussaka were just okay - I liked the one at nearby Anise more. I would come back, but I would be careful on ordering. Also, expect a wait since this place has become popular and RSVPing is recommended.
(4)
Lisa C.

Attention "date planning challenged men" of Miami. Add this to the roster. Stick with me and you'll go far. This place is charming and sweet and a FANTASTIC place for amazing greek food. Everything is prepared to perfection and kept simple. It is as if you are on a trip in Greece and some family took you in and offered a meal. If you blind folded me and said we were in Greece I'd believe it. We ordered several dishes and shared. I suggest you do the same so you can truly experience the many great tastes. Here's what we had. Greek Village Salad is excellent and big enough to share. Juicy amazingly fresh tomatoes with feta, cucumber, olives mmmm sooo good. Grilled Octopus is perfectly simple and incredibly tasty with lemon Lamb Chops is TO DIE! BEST I've tasted. Chicken Kebab delicious great flavor the ORZO is a perfect bed for it. kÃ¶poglu is a side dish of potato / eggplant / zucchini / pepper melody with tomato garlic yogurt (delicious and I don't even like veggies that much. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT way to get your veggie on if you are picky like me.) cheese saganaki AKA hug of cheese love is a must get order the above for two and FEAST!!
(5)
Mary A.

Terrific grilled lamb chops over orzo pilaf and I love the Turkish sampler! I've been to Mandolin several times now and I must give it 5 Stars because each experience has been a taste sensation. This place is loaded with charm, service, and atmosphere. I like to be the first there 5PMish to have my pick of patio table. It is packed as the evening rolls on and next to impossible to show up and get a table.
(5)
Marina P.

Romantic, inexpensive and most important... AMAZING food!
(5)
Carlos B.

I read so many good reviews of this place ,I had to try it.I showed up on fathers day.It is a nicely setup place.Open air section was packed,we sat inside.Service is good. The menu is ok .it could be better.Overpriced for what it is.I had grilled octopus,18.00 dollars.no sides come with it.Just about 5 grams of octopus.I have had octopus in at least 10 places in Miami.This is definitely not the best .Restaurant chefs will buy octopus in dif sizes .this was as thick as a pointer finger.DISAPPOINTING! I n a scale of 1-10 ,in my opinion a 3 .they can afford to do better.My daughter had the shrimp. Another 18.00 dollars all of the 3 shrimps? yes 3 shrimps no sides.My wife had a Giro sandwich.pre cut lamb,looked like it was purchase at the deli section of a supermarket .Wine list ,was incredible overvalued. 2 to 2.5 times retail price is reasonable for most restaurants .Mandolin has to be the exception will I go back.I do not think so.
(2)
Julia K.

Sitting in Mandolin is like being in a small rustic Mediterranean restaurant. The ambiance is unlike any restaurants here locally -- there is a warm, informal feeling. I wouldn't have been surprised if the cast of Mama Mia barged in singing some Abba tune. The food is very simple, traditional Mediterranean fare. The hummus, tarrama, baba ganoush and other spreads/dips are all flavorful and delicious. We had stuffed eggplants, grilled octopus and those dishes were outstanding. It's really the whole experience, one of escaping Miami for a few hours, that makes Mandolin special and romantic.
(4)
jen r.

i heart this restaurant so much! i have been several times over the past year and had never updated my review, it was time. especially since i have now been to greece and can compare. last weekend i went and had a pitcher of sangria with a bunch of appetizers: the octopus was the standout of the night, whoa deilcious. i have actually craved it twice since. the hummus, fava bean, and tomato walnut still great esp with all that pita! i really liked the shrimp ouzo but my bf thought it was just alright. the zucchini fritter was awesome this time around. and the cheese saganaki was good (but nothing like greece) the mussels were just ok in my opinion. i ate a "bad one" and the taste was so gross i had to chug water and a couple bites of pita just to not puke. the total bill for 2 was about 100 bucks. i dont consider that an everyday kinda place, but definitely for a special night of intimate conversation and delicious food.
(4)
Jacqueline Y.

Amazing! Although it's not the most convenient location for those without a car; it's an adorable place to eat. The ambiance was so pleasant and beautiful, it made you feel like you weren't even in america. The staff is super friendly. I would highly recommend to make reservations in advance to have an outdoor seating or go early. The octopus was delicious as well as the branzino. The olives were tasty but overly salty. The bread was good too. All of their salads were great but on the smaller side. Overall, i love the place and would come back.
(4)
Noriko Y.

Cozy, lovely, and tasty place. Casual yet sophisticated. It's Greek/Turkish joint as the name suggested. If I'm not too wrong, I think the chef is Turkish, and his wife or owner is Greek, something like that I went to with my two native Turkish friends and they are impressed - borrowing their words, the food is very "sophisticated". Price is very reasonable (with freshly baked breads served, be assured you will leave this place with your stomach full). Just be careful with outside tables, like everywhere in Miami, there are mosquito to watch out.
(5)
Kimberlee D.

Gorgeous, warm patio space with authentic Meditteran food. It's great to venture off the touristy South Beach path and catch a more local flavor of Miami. The patio was buzzing with dates, families, sexy Miami people smoking, etc on a Friday night. We started with the dip plates and while the actual pita left a bit to be desired, the various dips (minus that crazy fish one!) were amazing and I ended up just eating them straight with my spoon. My love & I shared the lemon and oregano infused sea bass (have them filet it in the kitchen because much like Greece, they leave many tiny bones in the fish - careful!) and a Greek salad and many bottles of white, inexpensive (yet tasty) Greek wine. Loved the vibe, in a tiny old house...
(5)
David R.

Came here with my girl, one of my best buds and his wife and son, and some of his friends from work. The total was 9 people and we were looking for a good place to eat close to the Perfomring Arts to catch a show. The catch was finding a good place that was appropiate for kids, and knowing Downtown/Midtown that can be a little hard to find sometimes. The second we came in the staff was ready to get our seating prepared and did us the favor us seating us in the shade (was a bit sunny). The ambiance was excellent outside seating, on neat clean tables with vibrant colors and a nice tarp on top for cover. Being inside the Art District, the place was pleasant to look at and be in. The food was amazing, everyone liked what they ordered and service was fast. There were not many people outside so the noise level was almost non existent. Prices were very affordable and competitive in comparison with competing places in the area. Also, it is also a good place for kids as they don't serve hard liquor, however they still do have some turkish beer and wines. Nine people can't be wrong can they? Check this place out if you want something tasty and different with a beautiful setting. If I may add, the only complaint was from one of my bud's friends who did not want to try the delicious Octopus appetizer (we ordered two of those, they are good), he exclaimed: "I like octopus but it's gotta look right... you know, no arms and stuff hanging out, I don't want to have nightmares of some big purple octopus trying to squeeze me". There you have it folks, to all you octopus-friendly people, check this place out. -David "Let's eat and have fun" "Eat through the pain"
(5)
Patricia P.

I wish there were more spots like this one! Every time I go, I feel like I'm in a Greek Island. It has a warm cozy feeling. I love sitting outside, under the vines. The decor is simple yet gorgeous! The food is delicious, I usually have the Tabouli Salad and the Fish Special. Prices are fair for the ambiance and food. Great for a romantic date!
(5)
Randy S.

wow! super cute, super tasty and a magical vibe. i LOVED it here. - the beet salad is out of this world...and the grilled octopus appetizer (which i had as an entree) was BEYOND perfection....cant say enough about this spot. a great discovery!
(5)
Roberto B.

A lovely place in the Design District area that continues to cement this place as a growing culinary district to rival Sobe, the Grove and Gables. The white sangria is so sublime - less is more here. Lovely appetizers, yummy bread - Turkish olive oil that is a novel tasty touch to anything it graces and just the feeling of being swept away to Greece the minute you sit down in its rustic courtyard. It's nice to treat yourself here and take your mind and body out of the mayhem that can be Miami for a pleasant 90 minute sojourn....
(4)
Benazhir M.

So, this is not my first time at this place. Our previous times here have been pretty good. The food was fresh, the ambiance is a plus. Very nice feeling, and our waiters were nice too. Carlos was amazing, he's knows his stuff. However, this past Saturday, my boyfriend and I decided to go to our " favorite" place and were surprised to know that we couldn't be seated outside because all tables were "booked" and if we did we would have 40-60 minutes to finish our dinner. Our surprise was to see that the there were only four (4) busy tables, the other, maybe, 10 were empty. Their excuse was that is was art walk..... Please, I live in midtown, and I always eat out, this is the first time in three years living in the area that I have encountered a situation like this. Not only did they attempted to seat us inside, but to our surprise, on our way in, a waiter was having his meal in one of the tables and the hostess or waitress that was "guiding" us started speaking in Spanish to us. Stop assuming. If you have ever been inside, is a completely different ambiance. Details like this makes a business lose its customers. And think that one later becomes more people because we won't be reccomending this place and the first thing that we will say about it will be this incident. Needless to say, we were on our way to another Aegean restaurant where we will be treated as valued customers. You are not exclusive Mandolin, there are other places too. I'm never coming back to this place.
(1)
Sunshine F.

Visiting Miami for the holidays. Came here for a late lunch. Food was very good. Appetizers and main plates are good portions. The produce is very fresh. Atmosphere is great, reminiscent of cafÃ©s in Santorini. Definitely to be repeated.
(4)
Joseph D.

I'm going to start this review off by stating I'm not a huge Mediterranean food fanatic. However, if I lived by this restaurant I could easily turn into one. The service was on point here. We sat inside, and there are very few seats in the "house" so that may be the reason why our table got a bit of extra attention. The Turkish platter probably had the freshest hummus my tongue has ever tasted. The grilled octopus was a grand slam! The whole fish was good, but not as remarkable as the first two items. If I go again I'm ordering my own Turkish platter, and NOT sharing.
(5)
J R.

2 and a half stars. I'm surprised with all the 5 star reviews for this place. It took several attempts to get a reservation, so my expectations were high. The ambiance is nice. The food is average, but overpriced. Service is not very friendly. In short. disappointing. I won't come back.
(2)
Magi V.

This place is delicious, I recommend it 100%. real food, tasty, ambiance is great, staff is very nice and price is right. what more can you ask for.
(5)
G S.

This restaurant was glorious. Charming, fresh, simple recipes done perfectly. Good service, good ambience. Im a vegan and my husband is a carnivore, we both had an amazing meal. Perfect date night spot.
(5)
Carlos P.

I decided to search Yelp for a romantic spot to go to for Valentine's day and I decided on Mandolin after reading all the stellar reviews. Let me tell you, it paid off! We had 6:30 reservations and were quickly seated in the outdoor area. The weather was perfectly crisp which made it feel like we were actually seated down in a patio in Greece somewhere. We decided on starting off with the calamari and a bottle of Prosseco. The calamari dish was big enough for a party of two to share and it was delicious. For our main dishes, I decided on the Village Pasta and my boyfriend ordered the Moussaka. My pasta came in small dish but it was stacked in a way that resembled a lasagna. I wasn't complaining though, one bite and I was hooked on the cheesy deliciousness. My boyfriends Moussaka was mouthwatering and I'm not even a fan of eggplants. It was so tasty and full of flavors, I had more than one courtesy bite from his plate. The service was fast and our waiter was always passing by the table to make sure our wine glasses were full and our tummys were satisfied. I can definitely see us coming back here for more romantic, cozy dinners. The food, the service and the ambiance made Mandolin THE best choice for my Valentine's dinner!
(4)
Bill L.

Wonderful service. Cozy place. Great food. I won't tell you which table is the most romantic in the place. Figure it out on your own because I don't want you to take my new fav spot! There was something that we had that was spectacular. I need to review the menu to see what it was as I don't recall the Greek word for it. Oh yeah, have the homemade white San Gria. Awesome.
(5)
Michael B.

I would give this zero stars if I could. Wow, I'm still amazed! I just called to place a carryout order with this place and was told that the kitchen was to busy to take it. When I asked to speak to a manager the woman on the phone said she was the manager. What kind of place doesn't take an order from a paying customer???? I don't care how busy you are, tell me it will take 45 mins for a gyro, I don't care. I know service in Miami is lacking in general but that is the worst thing I have ever experienced.
(1)
Erika C.

This place is amazing. I took my best friend for dinner on her birthday. We wanted to seat outside, their patio is beautiful, and because of that it was full so we sat inside which was very small but cozy. We had some good wine, best grill octopus for appetizer, she had Branzino for main course and I had a steak every thing wAs delicious. They complemented us with dessert and champagne I couldn't ask for more.
(4)
Tessie B.

Excellent date spot! I would recommend reservations if waiting is not your thing. There is actually a very quaint waiting area where you can order wine, etc. I hear the sangria is excellent. The menu doesn't have too many choices, but I actually prefer that since I always have trouble deciding what to order! As an appetizer we had the Turkish sampler - nice presentation as well as delicious! The boyfriend had the chicken kebabs which were cooked to perfection and full of different flavors. I'm a big fan of mussels and I have to order them every time they are on the menu. Not in the least bit disappointed. Very fresh and delicious. For dessert the baklava is a very traditional dish that was amazing as well! Can't wait for our next aegean date night!
(5)
Heather J.

As a foodie new to Miami, I've had close to no luck finding a memorable dining experience here. And then I discovered Mandolin Aegean Bistro! An absolutely all around fantastic place. Service: Incredibly friendly and accommodating. The wait staff were genuinely warm and pleasant. Food: Outstanding. Try the Turkish Sampler and the fried cheese dish. The food alone was the best I've had in Miami so far. Atmosphere: Sitting outside in candle light was very romantic. It was reminiscent of a pleasant, casual summer night in Mediterranean. The setting is an absolute PERFECT PLACE to take that special someone, but friends and family will also enjoy it. Mandolin Aegean Bistro certainly sets the bar for creating an all around memorable experience.
(5)
Rob G.

I really enjoyed. Ambience is cool. Food is wonderful You will have to reserve or wait...or get the crap tables near the kitchen.... and trust me you don't want to do that with this garden space. Go!
(4)
Marguerite B.

Absolutely great service and fabulous food. I love the idea of sitting outside, we spend so much time in the air condition, this is such a pleasure. Everything was good: atmosphere, presentation, taste, people and the weather gave us a breeze all evening! Highly suggest this restaurant.
(5)
Jessica P.

Just went here again recently and they had much more outdoor space available, which is lovely because their patio feels like a little garden oasis. I went with a big group so we ordered tons of appetizers and they were all FANTASTIC! I was so suprised that every single dish was delicious. A quick list in order of amazing: Moussaka - Lamb lasagna Fried Calamari with almond tarator dip Zucchini Fritters Marinated Grilled Octopus (everyone was raving, but its kind of pricey for one tentacle) Kefte - grilled beef and lamb meatballs Cheese Saganaki Grilled Sucuk - turkish chorizo Salmon simply grilled with olive oil, lemon and oregano Greek sampler - tzatziki / smoked eggplant purÃ©e / tarama Simple salad Writing that just now has made me hungry and want to go back! Service was great too.
(5)
Mauricio V.

Located in the design district this Agean Bristro delivers quality Mediterranean food in a cozy ambiance. We made reservations two days in advance and got our table in the outside terrace/patio. The weather was a bit hot but with plenty of fans we made it through the evening. They have a very good wine selection nicely priced. We only had whites cause of the heat so i didn't really had any chance to check the reds. This being our first visit we ordered a few appetizers. The Greek sampler was very nice and fresh. It came with some warm bread that was perfect. The turkish chorizo is very tasty and the grilled octopus was incredible. For entrees we had lamb chops (medium-rare) that we're perfectly done. The chocolate cake and the baklava were the icing on the cake. Excellent meal. We will definitely repeat!
(4)
P B.

Delish food. Really neat ambiance. Good value. Everything tasted great. Can't wait to go back again!
(5)
Jazmine O.

AMAZING food, awesome service, beautiful ambiance! I have been many times, and EVERY time my food is fresh and delicious! The only downside is that there is limited street parking, but valet is only $3, so no big deal. And, if you go with a large party, make sure everyone has cash because they have a policy that they can only divide a check by 4 credit cards (I went with 15 co-workers for lunch last week and learned the hard way).
(5)
T M.

For the neighborhood, the price, the menu, the ambiance...Doh! Should have had donuts. Food was unimpressive.. we knew more about the staff and their personal lives than they knew about food. I know of better ways to blow $60 for two at lunchtime.
(1)
Elaine K.

I ate here with a few friends on a Friday night. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, which wasn't too bad. The menu, like the restaurant decor, is very simple. We ordered calamari to start, then two people got lamb, I got chicken kebabs, and someone got the fish special. We waited. and waited. and waited. No one stopped by. We ran out of water, and we were all getting really hungry. Entrees came out, with no sign of the calamari. They apologized for the mix-up, and brought it out, on the house. My chicken kebabs were tasty, and so was the salad. The rice was kind of bland. I tried the lamb, which was also simple and tasty. The fish came out with the wrong side dish. I'm a little disappointed. The food was good, but the service wasn't. We were ignored for the better part of the dinner. I doubt I'll be back anytime soon.
(3)
Klaus S.

It's the garden and the Greek music!!! If it were for the food this is a mediocre place. We tried the "famous" octopus, which was rather dry and overpriced. The mussaka had not much of a taste and the dessert was a joke( cookies and chocolate cream) And beware: if you are not one of the locals that the "manager" knows, you can end up at the worst tables - even if a lot of the tables are empty. So enjoy the garden and the music and have only some tapas there are better places in the design district!!!
(2)
MollyCecile S.

The atmosphere of this restaurant is very nice, but the food is just OK. Also Turkish/Greek restaurants usually have more salads. They should consider adding more and bigger portions of salad.
(3)
Ana M.

I went there for Vday... I have to say.. I was impressed again. I guess when you see 120 reviews either the place is really bad or really good. This is really one of the best spots in Miami. I love the outdoor seating. The ambiance is really what makes it. Its a great date place. Food is awesome. Small, but filling. I liked the turkish dips for an ap.. and I think I had the makasa for the entree. Don't quote me on the name, but it was yummy. I've been her for lunch too and it's just as nice. Make reservations.. It gets supa busy.
(5)
Wade M.

NICE PATIO, GOOD FOOD - Then why 3 stars? Well, the food was good, but not great. We went with a big group and sampled virtually everything on the menu. The best dish was the lamb shank, and everything else was a little dry and a little salty. The fish was too fishy. The service was good, and I loved the patio setting. I'd go back and stick to the sangria, Greek salad, and lamb.
(3)
maor r.

The first thing to remember is that there are WAY too many 4-star restaurant on Yelp that definitely are NOT 4-star worthy to true foodies. When you give a small, non-chain restaurant like Mandolin 4-stars, its something special, because its so easy for an independent to get something wrong: service, consistency, flavor profiles in ALL dishes not just the favorites, etc. Mandolin excels. It offers reasonable prices (you tell me where else you're going to find those in the trendy parts of Miami anymore?) and EXCELLENT cuisine. Some items were just good, but most were absolutely delicious and you can begin to understand the lines, the booked out reservation list, etc. The place itself could not be more charming as a converted older house turned into a restaurant. But with primarily outdoor seating, be cautious with Miami's weather and mosquitos in the summer. All in all, if you havent eating here, you've missed out on one of Miami's best. Here's to hoping they dont follow typical Miami suit and raise prices while becoming lax about their fantastic flavors and quality.
(4)
Jim M.

Great date restaurant. We ordered almost exclusively from the appetizer list and thought it was amazing. Especially liked the eggplant appetizer. The cucumber infused lemonade was excellent too. One of the better restaurants I've been to in the area.
(5)
Tania H.

It doesn't get much more authentic than this place!!! Looks just like a small house you would find on the side of the mountain in Greece,extremely family orientated. There a are a few tables in side & more open in the courtyard...especially nice when the nights are now cooling down & the stars are out. The food is superb from the tzatziki and hummus to the fish & lamb chops ( even though I didnt eat the lamb). I also had some house Greek vino which I loved.... can't wait to go again
(5)
Yaniv K.

Hands down - one of the best restaurants I've been in Miami. If you're looking for a quaint, intimate setting where you can have a pleasant conversation with NO background noise - Mandolin is awaiting. Go now. The service was spectacular. And the food? Delectable. My date and I had the grilled octopus, the oysters, and a sumptuous version of moussaka. We ended our meal with mouth-watering baklava and a well-charged and spiced Turkish coffee. One of the best dining experiences I've had in this city! Highly recommended.
(5)
Lena C.

We stopped by this great neighborhood restaurant last night for a quick bite. It has a great outdoor seating area- a natural setting with lamps on the tables and hanging around the area. I definitely recommend the Turkish sampler. The fava bean dip is just amazing. If you are a hummus fan, then this sampler, should not be missed. I ordered the chicken kabob dinner plate. The chicken was perfect and matched perfectly with the acidic citrus salad and the creamy tzatziki dipping sauce. My partner in crime ordered the pulled lamb sandwich, which was moist and tender. It was similar style to a pulled pork sandwich, but with the exceptional flavor of lamb. The tzatziki sauce was great with a unique sandwich bun-it added a perfect texture.
(4)
Lane S.

Patio makes the space...food and service was solid ..definately a place i will recommend and go back,,loved it
(5)
V. A.

Wow. Mandolin has easily jumped to my number one favorite restaurant in Miami. I can't believe I have lived here for 4 years and have yet to try it. I went on a Thursday night at 10:30 and their romantic courtyard was packed! I was immediately charmed by the ambiance; I felt like I was at a garden dinner party with my neighbors. We ordered the tzatziki, shrimp ouzo and the grilled octopus to start. I was completely won over. The tzatziki was served in a large serving bowl (we had to ask for more & more bread to continue dipping). The shrimp dish had the subtle hint of licorice from the ouzo but was mainly a delicious tomato sauce that we again used the bread to finish. My favorite though was the grilled octopus. I'm a big fan of marinated calamari, and octopus sushi rolls, however this made me look at the sea creature in a whole new light. It was not chewy or tough at all, and the grill left so much flavor all it needed was a little lemon. I ordered the traditional gyro as my entree and it was perfect. The best part of all is that everything is so reasonably priced! We split a bottle of wine between the table and some of us ordered more expensive entrees like the whole fish, however we each only spent around $35-50 including tip.
(5)
Natalia G.

The most romantic hole-in-the-wall that Miami has to offer. Candlelit outdoor seating, thoughtful service, and simple but well executed dishes. Even the most picky eaters can't go wrong with the turkish sampler and chicken kebabs. Reservations are a must. P.S. they do takeout for all my fellow locals
(5)
Kizzy G.

Our first visit to Mandolin we made the mistake of not making a reservation and this was on a Thursday night. I highly recommend you MAKE A RESERVATION. The place was packed and the host was very nice and seated my boyfriend and I fairly quickly. We ordered two appetizer which were the fresh mussels and the calamari. The portions were just right and they were equally delicious. I would definitely recommend ordering the mussels. Our main course we each had the smyrna street. I opted to not have the chorizo which I'm glad not saying the chorizo was bad just it was good to have some bites of each version. Overall I enjoyed my dinner but was not blown away. We were seated probably in the worst seats in an awkward corner table against the wall but again we didn't make reservations so again MAKE A RESERVATION. I believe its been a year since I visited the place but had forgot to post this review and unfortunately I haven't been back since. It just didn't wow my pants off but nevertheless I would definitely recommend it.
(3)
David C.

My rating system (5 is the best) Food=5 // Service=3 // Attitude=4 // Crowd=Locals I'm going back. There is something so nice about an unpretentous, reasonably priced restaurant with made to order food. To start the Greek sampler was amazing... I think the Tarama, fish roe spread, was the best. The grilled octopus was the best I have ever had and matched with the sangria, also the best, I was off to a great meal. The sauce the grilled shrimp was bathed in was amazingly tasty, and the mussels were solid, but not mind blowing. We Also had the chicken kabob which was nice sized and split among three people. The chocolate Turkish cake was a nice surprise. It was like a chocolate napoleon. Worst part... It gets packed and very limited seating int he I side. So during the summer... Prepare to sweat.
(4)
Amber L.

I won't even get into how my friend and I "landed" at this establishment, thinking we were somewhere else entirely. Just know that it was a welcome surprise! Who knew the replica of a Greek isle restaurant existed behind a non-descript white picket fence?! And if it was you, dear reader, why didn't you tell me sooner!?!? From the lanterns keeping tables lit to the shrubbery which removed any trace of Miami outside of those "walls", Mandolin Aegean Bistro was such a delight. We had wonderful service from beginning to end. (Our waitress brought more bread to the table when we ran out.....without being asked!! Who DOES that?!!?) We started with the Turkish Sampler. The two bean purees were great in their simplicity but the standout was the Tomato/Walnut spread. Whoa! Good stuff. And please do not be mistaken: Mandolin is home to a FANTASMIC lamb/sirloin burger. FANTASMIC!!! (No, that's not a word but when describing that burger, it should be!) Soooooo yummy. OMG. My friend had a "simple" greek salad that was utterly delicious as well. We had no room for anything else, unfortunately. On the other hand, that means we'll be back to try everything else on the menu ASAP - fortunate for us!
(5)
David G.

I've been living in Miami Beach all my life and I can say this restaurant is not only one of a kind but one of the best overall restaurants in midtown, all things considered. The food is authentic, and the ambiance (lighting, seating and tables, glassware) makes you feel as if your in the backyard of a cottage in Greece. The actual property where the restaurant was built used to be a humble cottage with a big front lawn and a back house (if my memory serves me correctly), so there is a sense of authenticity with the "mom and pop" greek/turkish environment they tried to create; it's major factor that sets it apart from some of the other now trendy spots in wynwood that sometimes are clearly trying too hard. I have eaten at Mandolin over seven times, and every time whether it is BOOMING on a friday night or quiet early monday evening, the servers never fail to have a fun and happy energy that makes the experience that much more festive and enjoyable. As for the main courses, they are all good, but not very exciting and even a bit bland. In my opinion you are better off ordering large quantities of the small plates (which are reasonably priced), plus there are daily specials that so far have never disappointed. When picking your appetizers I recommend starting with the greek sampler and switching out the anchovy based paste for the hummus from the turkish sampler, something that the server may recommend as well. Also for the cheese lovers out there, they make a "fried cheese" called cheese saganaki that will make you have dreams about it later. Among the hype and high demand for reservations this restaurant manages to keep a casual and humble aura about it, which is what makes the dining experience so incredible.
(5)
Kwal W.

My favorite restaurant in Miami! Wonderful ambiance with plenty of outdoor seating in a relaxed little mediterranean garden. Once again had great food and tried out some of the unique specials. Helpful waitstaff and great service! Thanks Mandolin!!
(5)
Kari K.

This is a fabulous restaurant! The ambiance is fabulous. We sat under a tree (some seats are under a tent) with twinkling christmas lights around us, a lantern on the table, and had superb service. Our waiter was attentive, but not intrusive, and helpful with the many questions we had. There was a good choice of beer and wine, so we all (5 of us) were able to choose a beverage of our liking. We split quite a few of the appetizers. Some highlights were the kopoglu, a vegetarian mixture of potato / eggplant / zucchini / pepper melody with tomato garlic yogurt- DELICIOUS, and the cheese saganaki- very tasty! My friends said the grilled octopus was incredible, but as a vegetarian I did not partake. Everyone was very happy with their main course. I had the spanokopita sandwich and it did not disappoint! The flavors were wonderful, and it was a good size serving. It would be just enough without appetizers, and with I was able to take half home. The prices are reasonable, though not incredibly cheap, but if you're looking for a nice restaurant to accompany a nice evening filled with friends and visiting, this is the place to go. I can't wait to return!
(5)
Lourdes D.

Came here on a Friday night for a friend's birthday, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. I say that because I'm not usually a fan of Greek/Mediterranean food. We get there and the valet parking is a bit uncoordinated. You have to leave your car in a driving lane, and the valet takes a bit of time to attend you. Once we go in, we decided to sit outside and the only light available to read our menus with is a small flicker of candlelight. Also, I had a huge fan constantly turning towards me and ruining my life. Now that all my gripes are out of the way, here's the good stuff. We decided to share the Turkish sampler, which comes with tzatziki / smoked eggplant purÃ©e / tarama and a bag of warm bread. There was WAY too much dip for the amount of bread we were served, so we had to ask for four additional bags in order to be satisfied. For my main course I ordered the chicken kabob, which comes with a side of orzo pilaf (a type of rice) and maroulosalata (a salad with feta cheese and an oily dressing. It was delicious. The chicken was juicy and tender, and the rice and salad were sooo filling. I left a piece of chicken behind because I was absolutely stuffed, but I was so very pleased with my choice. After paying for our dinner, we paid the $3 valet fee and quickly got our car, so that was a plus. Then, we were on our merry way after a great night out.
(3)
Elizabeth F.

Great food, great value The samplers are wonderful, the fish super fresh, the courtyard magical if the weather is right. Love this place and have never been disappointed.
(4)
Stuart S.

This was our forth visit in two years and have not had a bad experience. The whole simply grilled sardines were a special for the evening were fresh and delicious, and as a starter was a large portion as described by our waiter. The Greek and Turkish samplers are always good.
(5)
Dan K.

Unique outdoor setting and great food. We loved it.
(4)
Donna W.

Nom Nom Nom! That's how I feel about this place. This is my kind of joint. Well, let me say that I came here on a night where I was keeping with my diet. I had to stay away from beef, bread and anything good basically. I broke my diet a little just to have... the most freaking amazing mussels! These weren't any ordinary mussels, these mussels were boiled for a few minutes, then topped off with white wine, lemon, garlic and an oregano broth. Wow they were amazing. I'm not sure if you heard me the first few times, but I'm going to say it again: The mussels were fantastic and you have to try it. If not a great entity will kill a baby kitten. True story. I also had the maroulosalata which was pretty yummy for such a basic salad. It was also a rather large portion for a salad might I add. My companions had the calamari which was perfectly cooked. Sometimes people try to make calamari and it just ends rubbery which, bleh, I am not a fan of. Another plate was the chicken kebab with a pilaf rice and some more maroulosalata. All delish! I came into this very quaint, very home felt bistro looking for a bite to eat with friends and it was a block from my house. Outside it was raining of course because well, it is Miami and it always rains when you don't want it to. There was mud outside, the front entrance wasn't... a front entrance, you have to enter through a side gate and what not. Once you enter that gate, its a whole different ball game. I love the decor, the plates displayed on the walls. the periwinkle colors making a splash against white walls. It keeps its Mediterranean feel while still having its own identity. Next time I'm totally going to try out the full menu. Then ill give it the five stars it deserves.
(5)
Winnie C.

This place is not quite what I have expected. Most restaurants locate in the design district area either have excellent food and/or with cool decor but Mandolin has neither. The food was so so and the place is not very comfy especially their chairs in the outdoor sitting. There are several tables indoor but because the place is so tiny that all the tables are squeeze closely to each other, you will constantly be bumped by the waitresses that walk by. We tried their lamp chops, greek appetizer sampler, chicken kabob and the meatball (made with lamp and beef). All the food are good, but not impressive.
(3)
Mike A.

This is a great spot in the design district. It has great Greek food and nice ambiance. Be sure to get a reservation a few days in advance.
(5)
Shawn M.

Octopus was amazing. I had the Mussles and they were fresh and came out quickly but the white wine and oregano they were cooked was lacking. My GF had the Gyro which she said was the best she had ever had. Lamb was tender and pita was fresh. Also the hand cut french fries are quite nice too...
(4)
Marra C.

I ate lunch there with my boyfriend. It was my first time going, and I took other yelpers' advice and ordered the Turkish sampler. It's big enough for at least 4 people and so good. I even took home the leftovers. I also had the grilled cheese and Turkish chorizo sandwich with a side salad. Everything was so flavorful and the price is great, too! My boyfriend had the gyro which he thoroughly enjoyed. I love the intimate atmosphere with outdoor seating. I'd love to come back here for dinner, and I'd definitely recommend it to friends. It's a great find in Miami. Thanks fellow yelpers!
(5)
Vanessa S.

Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore... That's how I felt having dinner at Mandolin. It was as if I wasn't in Miami anymore, but sitting outside a friends European terrace. We sat, discussed the menu by lantern light, ordered our exaggeration of items and leisurely enjoyed every single delicious morsel of food. Our waitress was kind and helpful with suggestions and menu questions. I honestly cannot say enough about all the food that was consumed, except to say there was nothing I didn't want to eat more of. The list goes a little something like this... Fried Calamari - not frozen but fresh and light, really tasty! Grilled Marinated Octopus - OMG bring me this every night for dinner till I die or get sick from it! Hummus - I could taste the actual chick peas and tahini mmmm just like gramma used to make! Shrimp Ouzo - take the little bag of bread they give you, multiply it by 3 and you might have enough to soak up all the tomatoey goodness that these fresh shrimp swim in for this dish. I'm not a fan of tomato based sauces, but this was incredible! Seafood stew - Incredibly fresh ingredients, a light pilaf to accompany it and this was another favorited dish of the evening. Wait, I'm not done, we ordered dessert! Baklava - If it wasn't made in house, you sure could've fooled me. The layers was crispy without being dry and the pistachio to honey ratio was near perfect! Chocolate Tea Cake - holy mother of everything that is holy and chocolate this was beyond delicious! A darker but mild chocolate layered between the softest pieces of cake I've tasted in a while made this my dessert pick and my indulgence, Wow!! I could've licked the plate clean but I don't think my dining partners would've been ok with that. I'm putting Mandolin on my list of places to take a date, places to take out of town guests and places to take my mom. I can't wait to eat here again!
(5)
Ozzy R.

YOu need to make sure you go when there is no rain so you can take advantage and sit outside under the lil lights and lanterns. This is what makes the ambiance soooo great. WE had 5 star service all the way. We had as an appetizer the grape leaves stuffed with meat and a lil rice which was very good. As entrees we had the pork chops over rice pilaf and the skirt steak with handcut fries...both were very good and tasty. Add a nice bottle of wine and the evening flows very smoothly. Once again no room for dessert. So another visit is required...
(5)
cristina f.

I tried this place because of all the reviews on Yelp. If you're looking for somewhere new to try in Miami, this is a great place to start. I came here with a group of friends because we were in the mood for Mediterranean cuisine. The decor and outdoor seating was GORGEOUS. It felt so quaint and cute. I definitely felt like I was eating at a hidden gem. The food was delicous!!!!!! I had moussaka (which is the dish the waiter recommended). I honestly would go back there to have it again. The appetizer, the Turkish sampler, was great and well worth the price. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because it was a bit pricey and I couldn't see myself spending the money again unless I was with a boyfriend or going back for a special occasion. But, if you haven't tried it, definitely go. It was well worth the $$ spent :)
(4)
CeCe R.

It's about time that I sing my praises for one of my most cherished regular spots. I have been dining at Mandolin for about a year - and each visit to the quaint and relaxing patio leaves me not just satisfied - but downright peaceful. The food - from house baked bread to the freshest whole fish you're gonna eat , and all of the interesting small plates in between NEVER disappoints. This is truly ingredient driven cuisine - and a meal at Mandolin paired with the right wine is the next best thing to cooking at home. In fact, it's better - there are no dishes - I can see the stars - and the service staff knows my name. Suitable for vegetarians and picky eaters as well - no wonder Mandolin is my go-to spot for lunch with friends, or dinner with relatives from out of town. Seems like the word has gotten out - call and reserve a table! I'd like to give a shout out to the owners, a Greek and Turkish couple. I appreciate the fact that not only are they always around, but they too - remember me and my family. It is refreshing to witness two visionary entrapaneurs doing such a remarkable job and remaining humble. Whatever they are doing - they are doing it right! Long live Mandolin!
(5)
Jenaia F.

To celebrate our 1 year anniversary, my husband and I were looking for a romantic restaurant that serves excellent food at reasonable prices. I am happy to say that we found just that at MAB. To start, our waiter, Sandid, was great! He was funny, gave us the right amount of attention, along with some good recommendations. What else can you ask for, really?? Upon our arrival, we ordered a bottle of Spanish white wine- Naia for $32- which was fantastic and reasonably priced. As far as the food goes, we decided to order 3 appetizers and share an entree. All of our selections were delicious and were spaced out perfectly. However, I will say that we specifically referenced the order in which we wanted for the food to come out... Glad that we did that because our neighbors did not have the same experience. All of their food came out at once, and totally crowded their small table for two. Our food selections for the evening were: -- Turkish sampler-- served with their homemade bread. Delicious!!! My favorite of the three was the tomato and walnut spread. It was a little sweet, a little crunchy, and full of flavor. -- Shrimp Ouzo-- shrimp served in a sizzling tomato / ouzo sauce with feta cheese. Divine!!! --Mussels-- served in a white wine sauce with oregano. Unbelievably good! Better than the mussels I make at home... and I make them pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. --Lamb chops-- cooked to perfection and lightly seasoned... Just the way I like them. All in all it was an amazing experience... Can't wait to return!
(5)
Sheenon O.

I have had dinner at Mandolin a couple of times. I would have to say that everytime I have enjoyed my experience a tremendously. To start the bread that they serve warm from the oven is so refreshing. I can't tell you how many times I am brought stale bread. I am a big fan of ordering family style. The last time here I ordered the grilled octopus which I think everyone should try. I was never a fan of octopus until Mandolin, Steamed mussels in white wine, and the turkish sampler. I shared the meal with a friend and enjoyed some good wine. The seating inside is modest but the patio is amazing. Be sure to bring some mosquito repellent during the summer months.
(4)
Jen S.

Hands down one of the best in Miami. Excellent atmosphere and food is great!!!
(5)
Liz R.

Oh Mandolin, why have I waited so long to try thee???? I was transported to the cute backyard of a house in Greece I had never been yet felt right at home. Mandolin is like the European home I've never had with a Greek mother or grandmother who can kick ass in the kitchen. Walking into Mandolin, you feel like this can't possibly be a restaurant. The outside patio is so quaint and cute with its blue wood chairs and small white picnic tables, it feels more like you are visiting a European family for dinner. They even have little lanterns and each table gets its own glass of water! Their menu comes on a wooden little plank and the paper is held together by wooden clothespins. Very rustic, but in a good way! I was very excited because we got to sit on the only cute little blue bench. yay. We started with the mezes - Greek for delicious apps. The Greek sampler comes with 3 delicious dips - tzatziki, smoked eggplant purÃ©e, and my favorite, tarama - which come with a little brown bag of slices of freshly baked bread which kept coming... so MORE-ISH!!! My companions both went with the traditional gyros - great and simple choice. I had never tried moussaka and I felt adventurous that night (maybe because it was the prelude to my rock concert) so I went ahead and ordered it. I just have to say that I am thankful my mom wasn't around because it was so damn delicious I woulda slapped right across her face. The only thing was that it was so hot, it scalded the roof of my mouth... but damn worth it. It comes in a sizzling baking dish; that first bite is both delightful and painful... oh but does it hurt so good! I think my impatience is what left me with only part of the roof of my mouth and taste buds fully functioning. The meat is so hot and tender and the potato, eggplant and sauce are ever so divine! I selfishly devoured my moussaka. Whoever made fun of this delight by calling it Mousse Caca has never eaten it at Mandolin. I did have a bite of the gyro and I have to say ", , , , Mandolin! well done!" It had the perfect ratio of meat (non-greasy, unlike others I've ried), tzatziki and tomatoes. Thank the Greek Gods for this little piece of Greece in the heart of the District.
(4)
Evan W.

I wouldn't know if this restaurant is good because I made a reservation for 8 on a Saturday night for a birthday. They said they lost our reservation and couldn't accommodate us at that time. They said they would do their best to seat us "soon" . With no bar and the waiting area full, we were told to wait out on the sidewalk. Basically on the side of the road. That is unacceptable. So be careful. They apparently haven't gotten it together.
(1)
Frank Z.

I love this place. Cold night, bottle of Malbec, lentil soup, Turkish sampler, amazing steak and fries, Turkish coffee, and pistachio baklava. WIN.
(4)
Adrian P.

Great greek food, just dont sit inside its a little bit crazy, loud and busy. Also do not get the spanicopita or however you spell it, its not good at all. other than that this place is great, outside sitting is romantic so guys ;) you know
(5)
Brandon W.

This place is as good as it gets. The pulled lamb sandwich is awesome and lamb chops too! This place is a must
(5)
Michael S.

It is just not fair. A place like this and the Buena Vista Bistro within a block of each other and nothing even close in all of Coral Gables. What is wrong with the world, or at least what is wrong with the restaurateurs in Coral Gables???? We went on a miserable, cloudy, sort of cold, late Saturday afternoon. There was only two other groups in the place and they left shortly after we arrived so we were left alone. Despite the weather we still felt that we were (almost) sitting near the Mediterranean. The place is very cute in the typical Greek/Mediterranean sort of way and the patio out back is wonderful. We started with the Turkish appetizer assortment and the grilled octopus. Both were excellent and the octopus was cooked perfectly. The wine assortment is short and light on Greek wines. (We have had some wonderful, reasonably priced Greek white wines dining at Estiatorio Mylos in New York. If they were reasonable there they would be down right cheep at a place like this and they were great with the meal especially if you are sticking with the meze and fish.) The pulled lamb sandwich was good but not great, the lamb should have been pulled quite a bit more. The pieces were very large and on the dry side. Smaller pieces and a bit more of the juice/sauce would have made it excellent. The fries with yogurt were great but get the yogurt on the side, the fries get soggy pretty quick. The interior is very small, on the order of 24-28 seats, most of the seating is on the patio. Take this into account when contemplating a visit. Also the kitchen is minuscule. While our food arrived very quickly, possibly because we were the only people there, I don't know how the service will be if the place is full. The rest of the menu looked very interesting particularly the nontraditional Greek items. We want to head back and try everything, above all, several servings of the walnut and tomato dip.
(4)
Shalin A.

Went to Mandolin on a Monday night before heading to a Heat game. I had heard that it's a lovely spot, so I took my mom :) This place has great atmosphere. You'd never think it was tucked away in the Miami Design District. It's lovely area, with beautiful lights. Very romantic. Great thing I was with my mom :0. Guys - a nice place to take a date. The food was very fresh. While it didn't wow me with flavor, everything was fresh and pretty tasty. I'd go back again for the atmosphere. It's a nice place to relax, have a glass of wine/ mediterranian sangria, and chat. Good value too.
(4)
Jana C.

A new favorite of mine. Setting is beautiful, very romantic. Food, drinks, and service amazing.
(5)
Michele C.

mandolin is a magical aegean restaurant in buena vista. the atmosphere is cozy + ambient, the food authentic + delicious, the service friendly + prompt. the atmosphere and style makes you feel like you're actually dining at a restaurant in the mediterranean! my go-to place for dinner with friends, family and out-of-towners...anyone and everyone!
(5)
Paula E.

I too am in love with this place, kudos to the owners for achieving such an amazing authentic feel... when you dine in the patio (and put behind the traffic noise from 2nd ave) you truly feel like you are somewhere on the Aegean coast. The blues and whites they use are so soothing, and I love the kerosene lamps dangling from the tree branches and creating mood lighting on each individual table. I love that each table gets its own glass bottle of water. The menu offers a mouth watering , and yet super healthy, selection of Mediterranean staple dishes. Since we were on a hurry on our way to an event, my date and I opted for the Mussels and the Greek appetizers. The mussels were perfect, and the lemon, garlic, oregano and white wine sauce was perfectly balanced... I had to resist the urge to grab the spoon and finish it as a soup! Actually I would be lying if I said that wasn't exactly what I did. The Greek sampler was amazing! It came in three little glass squared bowls with tzatziki, smoked eggplant purÃ©e and tarama. The favorite out of the tree was definitely the tarama. I'm used to having the taramosalata version which has more of a caviar-like texture, but this one is just amazing! They managed to make it almost foamy, my date even noted that she usually loves tzatziki but she couldn't keep her paws off of this one. The service was awesome, our waitress even read our minds at a point when we ran out of bread, I literally just looked up to see where she was so I could ask her for more and she was already on her way with a fresh bag... mad brownie points!
(5)
Sandra E.

My first impression of the restaurant: This was definitely a place for personal dinners, take your time, sip your wine and enjoy your company....Like a breath of fresh air from all the trendy, flashy uptight restaurants. This brings that HOME-feel, and I love it! And I constantly crave anything Greek, Mediterranean, Turkish, etc...so this is going to be a favorite place for me, and as I write this review I'm already thinking of when I'll be going again!!!! I love Lamb! They also had a great array of seafood on the menu, which I will try on my next round. It's best suited for small groups, the patio is romantic with gas lanterns on the tables and hanging from the trees, light music (Yeah, I'm a sap for that stuff, all romantic and cozy...OK sorry sorry, continuing the review) My party and I tried the squid, nice and light, and came with a cream sauce which was a good twist. Of course we indulged in wine as well (wine is for all occasions!) Entree: I ate the pulled lamb with a dill and olive oil salad....Yum Yum to my Lamb Lovin' Tum! Can I tell you, when you eat something and just pause, you know it's delicious! It was simple, flavorful and enjoyable. I'm sure it would have been great with some tzaziki sauce as well, but the fact that I didn't ask for any meant I didn't really need it and maybe it was better that way! On my fav list!
(4)
Dani B.

I am blown away!!! This place is heaven! The octopus, the Greek salad, the Mediterranean seabass... I don't even know where to start! I'm dying to go back. This is a MUST try. Also, the outdoor seating is beautiful. Just a few tips- make a res because it gets really busy, prepare to sit outside (I'm pretty sure there is no indoor seating), and finally- prepare to fall in love with this place!
(5)
todd b.

This restaurant is easy to miss for some reason from the street. It's slightly south of Buenva Vista Bistro on NE 2nd ave. The building itself is white and somewhat slim, dwarfed by neighboring buildings. The space itself is charming. There's a nice shaded patio area that has the bulk of the seating. Inside is basically a house that is super cozy. This restaurant is pan-mediterranean (greek, turkey, tunisia). The menu is broken down into appetizers (many are entree like), sandwiches, salads, and entrees. I tried the turkish sampler (hummus, tomatoe dip, and walnut spread), the arugala and walnut salad, the villager salad, and the gyro sandwich with hand cut fries. The turkish sampler is amazing. I've had lots of hummus, but the other two items are unique. The tomatoe dip is gently sweet and refreshing. The walnut dip is earthy, savory, and delicious. It comes with a focaccia like bread that was extremely fresh. All the salad ingredients were fresh, and they weren't overdressed. The olives were quality. I've never had a gyro before oddly, but it was good. Comparable to other middle eastern wraps I've had. The fries are thick and crispy. Next time I'll try the octopus and seafood.
(4)
Lina R.

What can I say... A little piece of Greece in the middle of Miami... The ambiance is incredible, romantic, bohemian, just perfect... The food deliciously fresh, unique and just plain authentic. The service up to the highest standards... My favorite place from now on...
(5)
Esther G.

I was so thrilled to see this little spot on NE 2nd come to life - what a fantastic (and sorely needed) addition to Buena Vista East!! The space is so comfortable and charming. Owned by a husband and wife team, they've hit on the perfect combination of friendly staff, amazing food and great prices. I arrived late for dinner and my companions had already ordered a selection of mezzes for the table to share. We started out with the Turkish Sampler of hummus, tomato walnut dip, fava bean purÃ©e served with the best crusty bread ever. I could have eaten only that and been happy. The marinated, grilled octopus was phenomenal. Texture and flavor were just sublime. The Greek Village salad was fresh and flavorful and the fried calamari were light and tender. It was raining that night so i missed out on the the patio experience. Can't wait to come back!!
(4)
Kevin L.

I have never wanted thick tender tentacle down my throat so much as after my first taste of the octopus at Mandolin. It's simply mouthwatering. The mezzes are strongly recommended. They're extremely reasonably priced, huge servings, and perfect for sharing. The fries with yogurt sauce came on a platter large enough to feed an army. The trio of dips (fava beans, hummos, and a salsa-like concoction) paired up perfectly with the crusty bread. It's a shame that the weather was so craptacular on the day that we dropped in for lunch, otherwise the adorable outdoor patio would have been perfect for dining al fresco on. All the same, the brightly colored blue and white space inside was airy and welcoming, and our booth in the corner gave us a perfect view of the mild hubbub throughout the cozy dining room. Much like The Social Chameleon in Orlando, this is a stellar hidden gem that's a little off the beaten path, but well worth a visit. Just make sure you get there soon, because once the word's out on this joint, it's sure to be a challenge to get in the door.
(4)
Juan Jose D.

Cozy little Mediterranean themed placed in the Design District, there is practically no investment in the decor, it is an old house adapted with tables in the garage, they painted Greek style with blue and with petrol lights they create an ambiance, this may sound uninviting but believe me it is extremely cozy and intimate, the food is good, they have a lot of original products like the salt, olive oil, beers, etc. The menu is good, with a vast selection, unfortunately it is presented to you on paper with clips on a piece of wood, guess to make it more homestyle, but is really hard to read in the dark. We had some appetizers, and all of them were great, good selection of wine and very good entrees, I recommend the whole fish which is a kind of Mediterranean sea bass and they bring from Spain on dry ice. Desserts are good as well, dont miss the Baklavas....
(4)
rick d.

Nice Atmosphere... Food was OK... Service was Great... I just wish I could say the food was Amazing, but I can't. It was good, just not GREAT.... Will give it a try at lunch, instead of dinner and update this post...
(3)
Alejandra R.

Met two girlfriends here for dinner and as soon as we walked in we were very impressed with the ambiance. The place looks and feels like a scene from Mama Mia- the decor is simple; wooden tables, candle lanterns, lush bushes and a big shady tree, beautiful. Started with a glass of their specialty white Sangria, which was very refreshing and a good balance between sweet and sour- it was just right (had 2 more glasses) The waitress was very attentive and funny and took great care of us the entire time. We ordered the grilled octopus for app and although I'm very adventurous when it comes to food it just looked very weird on a plate- I tried it nonetheless and the flavor was great but the texture wasn't agreeing with me. If you like octopus I'm sure it's delish though. The food took a lil long but it was because the kitchen is tiny and we didn't mind 'cuz the place was so pleasant. We shared the village pasta, which was very hearty and delish and the lamb chops w/ pilaf that were also great. They only had one choice for dessert- not sure the name but it was a richer version of Tiramisu, sooo yum. The check was very reasonable considering we had about 7 drinks, 2 apps, 3 entrees and dessert. After we paid we stayed about an extra hour just hanging out and yapping and no one came to bother us- this place feels very homey and would be nice for a birthday dinner. Great to feel so welcome at a restaurant- it's not easy to find that in Miami anymore. This place wins!
(4)
Sarah S.

So Amazing! Quaint little place with really good food.
(5)
Sandy L.

I never heard of this restaurant until today. One of our friends suggested it and we went.The food was great,we had a village salad and zucchini to start and I shared a Moussaka with my wife, The moussaka is a casserole with eggplant with a spiced meat filling then topping it off with a creamy bechamel sauce that is baked to golden perfection.The bechamel source was not to heavy, it was just fine. We some wine and no deserts.The food was great and I can't wait to return. The service was superb. I can't wait to bring the kinder
(5)
Michael M.

Mandolin is outstanding. Read about this place on Eater before a vacation to Miami - came here for dinner during our visit and really loved it. The place executes really good simple but flavorful dishes in a setting that is casual but sophisticated. I think it succeeds in pulling off the feel of dining at an outdoor Mediterranean bistro. Appetizer 1 was Octopus which was prepared simply with some lemon and herbs -- the texture was perfect. Appetizer 2 was something called Kopoglu which were potatoes with eggplant, peppers and a greek yogurt sauce -- dipping the fresh bread served with the meal in this yogurt sauce was really really good. A greek salad followed - classic preparation with fresh tomatoes, onions, green pepper, capers. Nice but not remarkable alone but the block of fresh feta it was served with was fantastic. Wish there were more of the kalamata olives mixed in. Entree was a whole roasted red snapper -- clearly very fresh, very simply prepared -- really nice. Finally we had a chocolate cake type dessert - very nice also - chocolate was sweet but subtle enough to not be overpowering. We also had a $30 bottle of prosecco that was a good match. $100 for a really excellent dinner for two. One of my favorite meals of 2009.
(5)
Romain L.

This restaurant is unlike most restaurant in Miami. I like it because it is cosy and has a very nice and soothing atmosphere. I gotta say though, the food is not amazing and not very filling. The menu is also pretty small but typically Mediterranean. I mainly like this place because of the atmosphere.
(4)
Carolyn D.

My fav go to spot . good service, awesome food and great backyard patio .So quaint and chill!
(5)
John T.

Great spot. Exactly what Miami needs. A cute very reasonably priced eatery that uses fresh ingredients and knows a thing or two about ambience and being original! Like it a lot!
(4)
kim n.

The white sangria is a nice change of pace. The turkish sampler is a great way to start off any meal. Love the walnut tomato dip. Enough for a large party to enjoy, just make sure to ask for more pita bread. We have tried the gyro, the lamb, and the moussaka. Everything was good, but not the best I've had in Miami. I actually prefer the lamb and moussaka from Anise Taverna. Service is always spectacular and the restaurant has a charming appeal, which makes me understand why people continue to pack this place every night....
(3)
Rachel G.

A gem in the Design District! Absolutely adore this restaurant, one of my top five restaurants in the city. The food is outstanding and the atmosphere is extremely cozy and laid back, you feel like you are dining in someone's backyard! I love the greek salad and the trio sampler with the fava bean dip, the fresh bread that accompanies is outstanding! Skip the grilled cheese - it's nothing to write home about. This place has become increasingly popular - highly suggest making a reservation :)
(5)
Jorge B.

The worst service I have ever experienced. They gave my party of 10 a time limit to eat and leave the table available. The owner and management were the rudest people I have ever known and the food was not impressive! Don't waste your money...
(1)
Elyse W.

Sitting pretty on 2nd Ave, out of the bustling core of the Design District, is this sublime little Mediterranean bistro just begging for a visit. It's hard to miss, classically blue and white, and blanketed in bougainvilleas. And although there's an adorable back patio filled with lots of wooden tables and striking cobalt blue chairs, the interior dining room is a little awkward. It's very small (but quickly turns from cramped to cozy) with probably only half a dozen tables and to get to it, you have to cross by the kitchen window which is a tad informal and initially a little confusing (Did I come in the right way? Do I seat myself?). But the informality of this place is also what makes it kind of intimate and special. Servers dress in their own clothes and are super friendly and helpful. Fresh bread is served warm in little paper bags and in lieu of traditional salt and pepper shakers, on each table is a unadorned bottle of Kala salt for seasoning. They also place a big jug of water on your table so you can help yourself, which I prefer rather than waiting around for a server to refill your glass. Food was fantastic as well. I shared the fresh mussels with a friend and they were simply seasoned with lemon, white wine, and oregano and were garlicky in a good way (not too abrasive) and very meaty. It was lunchtime when I went, so I ordered a pulled lamb and grilled onion sandwich. Again, very simply seasoned, highlighting the smoky flavor of the lamb which was perfectly tender and came in a very ample portion. Plus, it came on fresh baked, pide bread, which is kind of like pita, but fluffier. DELICIOUS CUBED (Delicious x delicious x delicious)! Ah, and it came with a leafy green salad with feta and sprinkled with dill which was a pretty refreshing side for this type of sandwich. I also caught a whiff of the fried calamari from a neighboring table...it almost made me drool. I would suggest this place for a date on a cool breezy night so you can utilize the awesome patio. But it's not a great place to go if it's crowded and rainy. Also, the parking is all street, so, good luck with that :P
(5)
Fernando R.

Great food, good service, and very nice ambience. Prices were very resonable for the quality of food. I will definitely be going back.
(5)
Brad H.

I used to like this place. Ordered food for take away a couple of weeks ago at 8pm and was told it would be about an hour. At 855pm, while I was on my way to pick it up, they called to say they "were pretty backed upon the kitchen and at this point it would be better to cancel the order." I was apparently speaking to the manager - which amazes me - and I gave her ample opportunities to fix the situation, but she declined to do any one of a number of things to rectify. This place lost all respect in my book - obviously not well run.
(1)
Bibi N.

Phenomenal I've never really been called to Greek or Turkish food.. but this made me fall in love with it Food: I've tried the chicken kabob and the village pasta. They were both awesome but the village pasta would definitely win in a throw-down. Order it, you won't be disappointed. Had the chocolate cake for dessert, amazing! SERVICE: Very friendly!!! One of the best in the area.. it was so odd to be treated so nicely in exchange for money Environment: Beautiful!!!!
(5)
Kevin W.

Ate at Mandolin Saturday night. Sat outside in the beautiful garden while listening to Turkish/Greek music. In the beginning, the service was great, and then they kinda forgot about us. Started with the Turkish sampler which was really good. The bread was yummy. Also, the grilled octopus and village salad (greek). We ordered a bunch of different main courses. I had the pulled lamb with onions which was good but on the same bread that you get at the start of the meal plus no sause. I used the yogurt sause from the side of fies that we ordered. These are potatoe wedge-cut fries so not really fries in my opinion. Wifey had the fresh fish of the day which started out as branzino but changed to mutton snapper by 8:00 p.m. Kinda strange. The fish was whole and grilled. Really nice. Strong Turkish coffee at the end of the meal with a dessert of chocolate something.. tasted almost like tiramisu. Oh... I almost forgot about the wine. Started with a really nice Albarino that was perfect temp. Than an amazing Crianza from Ribera Del Duero, Spain. Very reasonable and tasted great.
(4)
J B.

Always good
(5)
Melissa S.

Lovely lovely lovely. Just north of the design district, a little sapphire of a restaurant has emerged. Simple, elegant Turkish and Greek food served by friendly staff in a homey environment. I couldn't stop looking around and smiling. The white sangria, pulled lamb, and whole grilled fish were favorites at our table. Prices are reasonable and I'm looking forward to sampling the rest of the menu. Also, parking is free and if you feel like driving around the neighborhood a little, there are some gorgeous old-Miami houses and apartment buildings to be seen.
(4)
Ross B.

Very cool venue- relaxing atmosphere. The service was the only reason it didn't receive 5 stars from me but other than that, it was great. I had the gyro which was phenomenal and we started with the Turkish sampler which I also highly recommend. The sangria was tasty as well
(4)
Kat B.

Fresh and enjoyable food. I liked very much being in the open air, which is very rare for Miami.
(4)
Karen B.

Ate here the end of November, was looking forward to it from friends reviews. The welcome was not great but luckily the server was fantastic and made the evening for us. Ambiance is lovely - nice to get off the beach. We tried several beers and lamb and tomato salad - simple but tasty, and the octopus was worth going back for.
(4)
Loren P.

Great food. Even better time. Reasonable price. Everyone was having a good time enjoying the food and the atmosphere. Outside is the place to sit, but inside is great too. My friend who lived in Greece for a summer said he felt like he was transported back to the island. A fun meal.
(4)
Beatriz S.

I write this review from exile in Switzerland, as I'm sure the Yelp Community will want nothing to do with me after I partially discredit Mandolin Aegean Bistro. It's not that I disliked the place, because I didn't. It's just that perhaps the hype has blown a bit out of control. I was positively giddy with excitement before dining here. The only words that kept flashing through my head were "best hummus in Miami" and "grilled marinated octopus." I read the reviews and they couldn't all be wrong, right? So I drag my finicky dining companion there and assure us it's going to be the best everrr. I totally get why people rave about the ambiance. The dining areas are just darling. Quaint and picturesque, like you stepped into a cottage in a Greek or Turkish village. Each table gets it's own carafe of water which adds an authentic, rustic touch. The wait staff was nice. Although, it irritated me slightly that they were dressed in regular clothes - well, hipster/indie clothes. You could differentiate the servers from the patrons only because they wore aprons. However, the host did not. I was hesitant to approach him to ask for a table, fearing he may not even work there. That is NEVER a good thing in the restaurant biz - to have customers hesitate for any reason about getting a table at your establishment. Our server was, indeed, very pleasant and knowledgeable about the wines. She made a recommendation for me which I appreciated. The atmosphere in the courtyard was relaxed and the diners seemed almost intoxicated with (the sangria and) the feeling of other placeness this restaurant evokes. It was truly a joy to sit in that patio. The trouble came when the food started to arrive. I, as my friends all know, am a self-proclaimed pigmonster. I love food and lots of it. I had heard so much about the food here and the menu looked so incredibly delicious that I wanted to try every single thing. My dining companion and I narrowed it down to 4 apps and an entree to share. They were: saganaki (grilled cheese), turkish sampler (hummus, walnut spread, and fava bean spread), fetkes (beef and lamb meatballs), grilled marinated octopus, and the chicken kebab platter with ouzo pilaf and salad. Let me start with the star of the evening, the octopus. The texture was heavenly! The most tender, succulent octopus I have ever had in my life. You could still taste the sea in it, mixed with the char of the grill. Add a little lemon juice and you have a killer app. for $12. Not bad at all. The chicken kebab platter was good but a little pricey at $16, I thought. The rest of the dishes left much to be desired, with the exception of the walnut-tomato spread which was quite tasty and fresh. I regret to report that the hummus was absolutely horrifying. I heard somewhere that this was supposed to be "the best hummus in town." What I sampled was a bland, grainy spread which wouldn't taste good on anything. We left all of it, ALL OF IT untouched on the plate. The fetkes lacked seasoning and tasted to me too much like ground animal and nothing else (sorry about the visual). Not succulent, expertly-seasoned ground animal - just ground animal. (I'm going to hell for that one) The rest of the dishes were ok, but I was expecting better than ok!!! We each had two drinks (wine/beer) with our meal at around $6/glass. When all was said and done, we dropped $100 on dinner for two. At this, I was outraged. We weren't feasting on steak and shrimp, we were eating fava bean spreads and chicken kebabs for God sakes!!! And I get the ambiance merits a small hike in prices, but this isn't exactly Bal Harbour, by any stretch of the imagination. Before the first dish came out of the kitchen, I was staring glossy-eyed at the menu, marveling at how delicious this experience would be and how I wanted to come back again and again until there were no new dishes left to try. Now I say I don't think I'll return to try anything else again, ever. Well, that's a lie. I'd cross an ocean for that octopus dish.
(2)
Dilo G.

I give this place a 2 Stars because of the location but food wise I have my mixed feelings. We started with the octopus and shrimp which were very delicious. Since they don't have a full liquor license we ordered some a Riesling bottle because they didn't have it by the glass which by the way was $50 and it wasn't the greatest. My friends ordered their greek beer. Three of my friends ordered the skirt steak and it was served with fries and ketchup really? I was expecting another side like orzo or even mashed potatoes. Too expensive for what is offered and was not even top of the line skirt steak. I ordered the lamb chops and were ok not that much flavor though a little too well done but orzo was good. The overall experience was ok but not something that I will crave for when visiting Miami. I was expecting more for the value.
(2)
Edith W.

Great food! Great atmosphere!! The octopus is of the chart good!! Amazing experience
(5)
Errol J.

My friend Andres called me the other day to say he was in town. I was delighted to hear his voice. It has been a challenge to talk to him because he worked at WD-50 in NY and the ionic restaurant was being force to close after 11 years being open. Of course everybody wanted to share a piece of history making restaurant, so my friend had barely time to sleep, let alone talk. So how excited I was that he wanted to have lunch and talk. He chose the Madoline because a friend of his was the executive Chef there and the food was good. I lived in Greece for three years and have had some of my fondest memories from there. So it was no surprise when I entered through the wooden gate to see rows of simple tables and chairs underneath a large white canopy. There was a house in the back which was blue and white, matching many of the fabric chairs. When you walked in the house there were more tables and chairs, but in the middle was a room where a happy dark haired man with a big smile was making the fresh Pide in small circles coated with sesame seeds ( a turkish flat bread/Pita ). I asked if I could take a picture and with much pride he said please and then offered me a fresh baked Pide. In the back of the house they had wonderful gardens of herbs and vegetables that would one day be on the table of the restaurant. The restrooms were clean and spacious and the decor reminded me of some small bistro in Greece. The Chef Erhan Ozkaya was small in stature but big with culinary passion and Turkish culture. One example of this was the bulgur salad we had. Every bite was seasoned evenly in acid and spice. It was his grandmother's recipe. Though I didn't get the recipe, he did give me the secret to cooking bulgur and that was worth the trip there. We had the Calamari and though some reviews discouraged it we love it. It was hearty, but soft in bite and the breading was even and crisp. The almond tartar is something I will try to replicate at home, so good! Then we had the split prawns and they were grilled to perfection. Chef Erhan recommended the fried artichokes and we were glad. I still think about how marvelously balance they were. Most tender artichoke and they seemed pan fried to perfection without the hint of fry oil. They led on a bed of Hummus made of eggplant and chickpea. Finally we had the fried sheep milk cheese served with slice Pide in a brown bag. Though I would like to say everything was perfect, unfortunately it was not. The parking is hard to find, but valet is available and recommended. They do not hesitate to tow in the residential area behind the restaurant. Though the parking was a little rough it was no different that the rest of Miami, especially South Beach. The real problem was the serve staff. our server was horrible. He did not seem like he really wanted to be there. We asked if we could see Chef Erhan and he wasn't sure who he was. Then he said he couldn't find him. We let someone else know and eventually he came out to talk to us. We waited a while for our food and because were ordering multiple plates of food we thought he would ask us if we wanted anything else. We would have to call him for each plate. One plate we waited for 15 minutes and finally flagged him over and he said he forgot to order it. Then we ordered turkish coffee which I thrived on living in Greece, he rushes it out to us in american coffee cups with coffee grounds running down the cup. When I asked why the coffee was not served in traditional turkish cups he said none were cleaned and he didn't want us to wait since he messed up on the last order. He was a terrible server and the only flaw to the restaurant. I can not say enough about the ambiance, it reminded me of Greece. There was this comforting hum of intimate conversation from patrons around us. It reminded me of european lunches that could last forever. Between the colors, the food and the brick flooring I felt at home. I will return again with more friends and more conversation.
(4)
Spencer A.

Cannot imagine this place needs another review. 1. It's delicious and fun. 2. Parking sucks. Valet recommended. 3. It's not cheap. Brunch for four today almost $200 with tip. Will I be back? Not if I have to pay. Price to value did not sync for me.
(3)
Simon B.

Lived in Miami for 6 years now, and this has been my all time best food, service and ambience experience so far. Food and service were perfect! Highly recommended ..
(5)
Ryan L.

If you like patronizing restaurant with very average food that seemingly in collusion with the local thieving tow truck (Molina towing) company. Than by all means eat here. Make sure and have 1.5 hours and $118 extra in your night allotted. When you get your car towed (from one of 5 spots in front of their business) and restaurant manager refers you to sign placed 12 foot high where no one looks rest assured you got screwed. When the valets watched it getting towed and management did not have staff alert you got screwed like we did.
(2)
Francisco M.

Setting is very hip and cool; food was nothing more than ok; service was ok; crowd was trendy; price was bad. Our orders: Grilled prawns with paprika: very good. Meat was hard to peel from the shells, but it was great nonetheless. Kefte: highlight of the meal. Very correctly cooked, yummy, well seasoned, with a very good seasoning of yogurt and herbs (traditional greek/arab/turkish seasoning.) Whole branzino: very correctly cooked, but not seasoned enough. No taste. Chicken kebab: a little too well done. The traditional rice (oso araf I think) was ok. Everything was lacking seasoning. The salad that came with it - lettuce and yogurt seasoning - was good. Service was a bit jumpy. The lady that served us was really nice, but we could see she was a bit overwhelmed. Prices are a bit too steep for the type of food/service combination. As a comparison, we spent roughly what we spent on Casa Tua ($ 250) for a meal for two (two beers, two glasses of wine,) but in a MUCH more informal setting.
(3)
Adal D.

Although the place has a great atmosphere, the food was mediocre at best. The portions were ridiculous for the prices we paid, in comparison to other places we've been to around town of the same caliber. Our service was overly friendly; not very professional. We had the Chef's special for the evening, a fish dish $38, with no presentation or flavor, accompanied by rice pilaf which seem to be out of an Uncle Ben's 90 second pouch. The other dish was the lamb (it looked like a mini version lamb shank) $36. Our appetizers were hummus $12 (served with what the restaurant called Turkish bread) and the grill octopus (18), which portion was a little bigger than a finger. Finally, we had a baklava (11) which was nothing out of the ordinary, just ok. Don't think we'll ever come back.
(1)
Michelle G.

The best authentic Greek food I have had in a long long time. Starting with the ambiance, this is a super romantic place where you can take a date as well as a few friends. The place is covered by orquids and beautiful flowers everywhere, they even had fresh lilies in the bathroom. Now for the food part of it, OH - MY - GOSH. we first started with the most delicious mouth watering hummus. I even had to ask the waitress how on earth did they make that hummus because as a person that loves to make hummus at home, I have never been able to get it that smooth and delicious. (see the pictures below). We ordered the meatballs as an appetizer and they were perfectly tender, not too salty and just the right size. I wasn't too fond of the sauce accompanying the meatballs but they didn't need anything to be honest. As an entre I ordered the pasta with beef and my partner ordered the chicken kabobs. Honestly the chicken was bland for my taste and nothing special really. The pasta was freaking incredible (and I don't eat pasta very often). From the layers, the bechamel sauce and the taste of the beef; all of it, was magnificent. Also, they have a great selection of wines. I had a great Italian wine (i took a picture of the name) that was very smooth, great taste. All in all, with the food and atmosphere, will definitely be coming back here again.
(5)
Camille O.

Been here many times and have never been disappointed. I love their "kefte" grilled meatballs and the lamb chops but everything else is very good. Their version of the Italian lasagna is delicious and a must try. Love the outdoor patio ambiance especially during the winter months.
(5)
Anhara M.

I enjoyed the dinner and service. The restaurant is very cozy. They have fresh flowers even in the bathrooms. We ordered the grilled octopus and mussels as appetizer and I have to say the octopus was perfectly delicious. I would had three of them. As entree my husband ordered the lamb chips perfectly cooked. My daughter ordered the Turkish Chorizo and I ordered the beef and lamb meatballs. The shrimp with paprika was also good. The pistachio baklava was so good too. Overall we had a great dinner. The menu is small and simple but very good. Will definitely return. Suggestion to make reservations specially if you want to eat in the patio.
(4)
Luis D.

I arrived to the Mandolin restaurant on a busy Monday for lunch with a party of 9. They were able to accommodate us on a short one hour notice comfortably. We ordered several appetizers. We started off with the Greek & Turkish samplers which brings several dip like dishes that are served with Greek bread. I liked them both, but if you like fish eggs the Greek sampler brings a dip called Tarama it was exceptional. If you don't like fish eggs but like hummus I would get the Turkish sampler. We also got the fried calamari & the marinated grilled octopus which were both perfectly cooked, the octopus almost melts in your mouth & it was probably the least chewy octopus I've ever had. The fried calamari doesn't fall far behind that it too was very tender. The waitress recommended we try the hand cut fries with garlic yogurt. It was exceptional! The fresh cut fries & garlic yogurt mixed with the yogurt sauce almost tricks your tastes buds into thinking you're eating the best baked potato you've ever had. Which brings me to my main course. I had the grass fed strip steak with a side of the garlic yogurt fries, except this time I asked for extra sauce on the fries. The steak was cooked exactly how I asked for it and was delicious. My friends ordered the fresh whole fish, chicken kebab, the the grilled lamb chops. I don't recall hearing a single complaint from anybody in my party & thought the food came out perfect and on time. We also had drinks, I drank their house beer; mythos beer & it tasted like a light refreshing beer. Some of the people in my party were drinking sangria which was made with white wine & green apples. I didn't taste it but everybody in my party though it was great. For appetizer we ordered baklava. It was delicious & my party agreed unanimously. In conclusion, I've eaten in a lot of Greek restaurants in my day & thought this restaurant is probably one of the best in Miami. The food tastes very authentic & fresh. The service ran like a well oiled machine. Even the ambiance is comforting & relaxed. Mandolin is not a cheap restaurant, however the dishes are reasonably priced given the quality of the food. Greek food is laborious & I would have to imagine that most of their ingredients & spices have to be imported.
(5)
Prina B.

My husband and I ate dinner here this past Friday. There were some pros and some cons. Ambiance - It feels very much like a neighborhood restaurant, which I liked. The restaurant has a cozy, outdoor patio enclosed with plants and shrubs and lighted by lanterns. Unfortunately, we were starving and unwilling to wait the 45 minutes for an outdoor table and sat inside instead (which in no way compares to the outdoor patio). Food - We ordered the Greek Sampler (Tzatziki, Eggplant Puree, substitution of Fava Bean Puree for Tarama), Kefte, and the Sirloin and Lamb Cheeseburger. All of the dips in the Greek Sampler were very flavorful (though the Eggplant Puree was heavy on the garlic and I'm happy that I came with a pack of Altoids). The Cheeseburger was good and the Kefte was okay but nothing that I would come back for or feel compelled to order again. I've definitely had much better meatballs and burgers. Service - Service was slow. We were seated for over 5 minutes until someone showed up at our table. On the bright side, our bread basket was always kept full. I'll give this place another try, but maybe only for drinks and dips prior to dinner or for lunch and definitely only when I can secure a reservation for the patio. I'd love to try the Turkish Sampler and the lamb gyro the next time. It's hard to go wrong with a gyro! I wish Yelp allowed reviewers to award half-stars because I would ideally give this place 3.5 stars.
(3)
Giovanny G.

Welcome to a Turkish/Greek restaurant that feels right at home from the cozy interior decor to the husband/wife team that run this place. Some of the best stuff on the menu: * Smoky eggplant dip * Savory fish egg whipped w/ olive oil * Turkish gazpacho * Turkish salad (similar to a tabouleh w/ added pomegranate) * Seafood stew w/ shrimp, mussels, calamari, tomato, and oregano * Grilled whole fish like Mediterranean sea bass and local snapper Don't forget to order a pitcher of Aegean Sangria :)
(5)
Krupa H.

So I finally got to try this Yelp hot spot last tonight for dinner and was a little sad we weren't able to sit outside due to the dreary rainy weather, but the food made up for it. We ordered the Turkish Sampler as an app. and the nice waiter allowed us to substitute the fava bean puree for the tzatziki and along with the hummus and the tomato walnut dip, it was the perfect starter. The hummus has the perfect amount of garlic and tahini to it and the tomato walnut did was like something I have tried before and my favorite part was that it had green onions in it and tasted very fresh. The tzatziki was ok, and I am kind of sad we didn't stick to the fava bean puree, but there's always next time. As for the entree, I opted for the chicken kebab with orzo pilaf and maroulosalata and it was a large portion so I recommend splitting the dish. The chicken was tender and juicy and not dry at all, perfectly marinated with Greek seasoning and the orzo pilaf was coated with garlic butter which would make you unbutton your pants (because you have eaten too much) and beg for more. As for dessert, we got their chocolate desert which was layers of dark chocolate with a thin crispy biscuit separating each layer. Yea we licked the plate clean. Overall good food, good wine, good service, and good prices. Great little gem in the Design District.
(4)
Joseph G.

My 2nd trip didn't go well. No reservations (my mistake). My group of 4 was turned away to dine elsewhere Friday night. Food is incredible but FYI you may need reservations. Buddha says: "more table, more people" Time to add a couple tables!
(3)
Oscar H.

As good as it gets for those in search of an original atypical evening out in Miami. If you love some awesome Mediterranean NOmNom and the Design/Art district then this is tu spot. Even if there is a wait, the waiting was very easy due to the charming decor of the waiting area and the drink service that is offered. We had the Sangria which has a hint of Rose Water, very unique and refreshing on these humid S.Fl evenings. The lamb on a bed if pilaf was YUMMMMMMMMS! I wanted to ball up in a bed of pilaf myself. I took a great lady, who I was looking to score points with at the time and I am almost certain that MAB worked it's charming kick ass magic. Great date night for those who are looking for ambiance and quality food without breaking the bank. If she doesn't like it then she isn't the kind to waste your time on ;-P
(4)
Jessica G.

While driving around, just outside the heart of the Design District, is one of the most wonderful hidden gems in Miami. This Greek Restaurant, that once was a home, gives you the feeling that you have just gotten off the plane and escaped to a beautiful Island. The interior serves as a great place if the weather isn't great but I recommend dining out in the quaint backyard area. The lighting is soft, lit with candles on table tops and Lanterns hung from the trees. From the moment you enter the restaurant, you feel welcome. The service is amazing. If the server makes suggestions, TAKE it...because they will be delicious. Aside from the great ambiance and service, the food is fresh and delightful. I highly recommend discovering Mandolin!!
(5)
Tough C.

One of the best dinning experiences you will have in MIami. The ambiance is laid-back, relaxing and the staff is friendly. I highly recommend the Turkish sampler, the white sangria, and Chicken Kebab.
(5)
Phillip B.

Great, great, great. We had the turkish platter, sea bass and moussaka. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Summer L.

By far, the most romantic ambience you'll find in Miami. It's like being transported to the Greek isles. The food is extremely fresh and tasty, and the experience is fantastic. Just a lovely place overall. And the service is always quite good. Great for both lunch and dinner.
(5)
Agi B.

I went here a few months ago for a good friends' birthday. The food and atmosphere were equally terrific! The menu is a mix of Greek and Turkish food (reflecting the husband and wife owners.) This is a small place so if you plan on coming with a large party call ahead. Enjoy!
(4)
Peter S.

Authentic Greek food, tavern style like the best in Greece, with the best infusion of Turkish dishes (or the other way around depending on your perspective). Wonderful relaxing outdoor ambiance, friendly service, and enough on the menu to share the many great appetizers or mix in some main dishes. Everything we had was wonderful: salad dips to start, shrimp, fried zucchini, and Turkish sausage, amazing lamb chops, and baklava like grandma made it!
(5)
Rodrigo A.

good service. good food. awesome location and vibe. really enjoyed it
(5)
Richard R.

I went here on a dinner date recently, and I'd say this is one of the most charming places I've been lately. The restaurant is in a 40s-era house, and you enter it through a wood gate at the side of the actual structure. Entering through the wood gate transports you to another place and PACE. You are in the back yard, which is furnished with tables and chairs, decorated with dangling lanterns, and shaded by a large oak tree. The color scheme is blue and white, evoking the hues of the Greek Isles. I immediately felt myself beginning to relax. The food was absolutely delicious. What I like about Mandolin is that the menu includes both Greek and Turkish items. I also like the fact that there's a wide price range, so you don't have to spend large amounts to have a satisfying, unique dining experience. We had the Turkish sampler to start. It included three dips/purees/sauces, each of which was delightfully flavorful in its own way. I ordered the Smyrna sandwich, and my date ordered the pulled lamb sandwich. Both were delectable and yet affordably priced. To round out the meal, we shared a phenomenal baklava-like desert (I forget the name). To drink, we had white sangria, which was wonderfully refreshing for an outdoor summer meal in Miami! If you want a special dining experience that includes not just excellent food but a relaxing, romantic atmosphere, this is a place you must try. I hope to return soon.
(5)
Bernard R.

The food is no fresh, very surprise by this success. Near a new Greek restaurant and for me the best, go to eggs and dart. Outside very nice, but only this. I never come back in this place.
(1)
Eddy D.

Welcome Home, this was so comfortable, when you are sitting in a home converted into a restaurant there's this feeling of family that's so comforting that you just want to take your shoes off. The look and feel of this place is very risky but they pull it off so well. I have to compliment their menu for being entirely fresh, light, and bright with flavors. The Sangria was refreshing just not that good, the mix of fruits gave it a slightly bitter taste so I would go with something else. All around this is a real cute place to have a nice low key evening with delicious food and good service.
(4)
Lindsay G.

I am so glad to be able to update my review of this place. Finally, a server who wasn't an idiot-thank you Yvette. The night started out terrific with everyone in the party having a cava. This time I ordered the grilled octopus which was terrific and perfectly cooked with the exception of a few smaller pieces on the plate. I also had the kefka (the lamb and beef meatballs) which were perfectly cooked and not too greasy despite the fact they were cooked in oil. My husband had the gyros again; they were much better this time according to him. My friend Marc had the Greek noodles which were fantastic-it was sort of a Mediterranean mac and cheese combined with lasagna and his wife had the chicken kabobs which were perfectly cooked. For an appetizer we had the Greek sampler which in my opinion is much much better than the Turkish sampler. My only regret is we had to sit inside again.
(4)
Canan Y.

first time we are in Miami and we heard about Mandolin from our friends. We wanted to try ourselves. Food was super delicious and fresh and service was excellent.
(5)
Marisol R.

After trying once to get reservations and not succeeding - the 2nd was successful and worth it! Imagine walking into your friends newly remodeled back yard that looked like something out of Home&Garden magazine! The type of place that you stop and stare and know this is going to be a great experience! Well it was both in service and food - I highly recommend the zucchini fritter as an appetizer with a must-have glass of Mandolin Specialty Sangria (please eat the apple infused inside the sangria). For dinner I had the grilled calamari (wasn't that good) yet the traditional Greek gyro was delicious partnered with yummy fries! Please make it a date night, girls night or any night soiree!
(4)
Jeanette E.

Ok...so the last thing this place needs is another 5 star review. I'm on a Delta flight to NYC and I'm bored so it's going to get one anyway. I grew up in the Roads and live in Silver Bluff so when you wanted Greek, you went to Mykonos or Maria's. Both are decent, solid Greek. But oh my.... Mandolin is SO NOT in the same category. I've been there 3 times in the last month and couldn't recommend it more. I'm a big gyro (pronounced GEEERO puhleeez) fan, while realizing that it is known as street food. This is the best gyro I have ever, EVER tasted. Everything I've had there has been fantastic from the Turkish sausage to the beet salad special (yes, beets can be memorable). I have no menu suggestions bc I assure you that whatever you get will be DELISH. The last time I went we were a big party and it took forever to get our bill. I'm not even going to discount a star for that. The food is THAT good. Call ahead and reserve a table outside. You'll feel like you're in Santorino if you're lucky enough to get a nice breeze over from Biscayne Bay.
(5)
Michal A.

Exuding emotions of both the rustic & chic, this place is the utmost experience of Mediterranean/ Aegean cuisine in all of Miami. Try the Sangria, an intoxicating elixir of Aegean ingredients, including rose water and apples! As a first date, you are BOUND to impress with this place
(5)
Stavros M.

I eat here often, with good reason. I'm Greek and they have amazing Greek food. The ambiance is amazing and the food is really good. Prices are a bit high for what it is, but whatever, it's super yummy.
(5)
Kelly O.

Greece is a magical place in my book. Athens somehow made it on my top cities I ever visited. It reminded me of Miami but with culture, incredible food, and men that had one of the best accents I have ever heard. Mandolin Aegean reminded me of the perfect summer dinners that I had while I was in Greece. The restaurant is tucked away in the middle of the Buena Vista area in Miami. The patio is quaint and romantic and lends itself to long leisurely meals. Last time I was there we ended up eating and drinking sangria for about 4 hours. Order the Sangria, drink, enjoy, and repeat. The food was delicious. From the turkish sampler and shrimp ouzo for appetizer to the pulled lamb sandwiches and moussaka for the entrees. I was slightly obsessed with my friend's zucchini fritters which were unbelievable. You can't go wrong with their village salad which comes with a wedge of feta just like in Greece. Dessert? none other than baklava which is perfectly crispy and drenched in honey. Aside from Buena Vista Bistro & Michael's it is one of my favorite restaruants in the Design District/BV area.
(4)
Courtney C.

This place really is great. We went earlier this week and have nothing but good things to say about Mandolin. Great outdoor space, great service, this is just about as good as it gets in Miami.
(4)
kevin b.

After reading some great reviews for over a week, I thought it was time to drive down to the design D Bringing in the girlfriend I took the wrong turn and ended up in some other area when she locked the doors and asked if I had my gun. I knew I needed to find this place quick. After a quick trip around the block we arrived and she said this is it? As I opened the front door she saw the kitchen and said the same this is it? I said walk to the back please....and then the Smile hit her face oh nice this is... That back patio is great what a hidden treat this was. Then the bottled water came out to the table which was a hit for me...but NO ICE why? The cute menu on the boards were great. The menu is short and simple..or perfect for small bites. We ordered two apps and two entr which turned out to be a perfect match for two people. I thought the Sangria for 6.00 a glass was a bit much and 5.00 a beer. Now the portions are a bit small but very flavorful. I think if you want to get away for a night and think of a quint little spot to relax and eat .....this is it. I enjoyed the night and will return. 68.00 BILL a bit much but I think I paid for the patio. Will go back
(4)
Denise P.

Cute little house turned into a restaurant that is very cozy. I definitely recommend sitting outside but you need to make reservations if it's a Friday or Saturday night. The food is very delicious and I've only tried a couple of items because they're just so good I keep ordering them over and over. The lamb/beef burger is DELICIOUS. The lamb meatballs are great too, and the sampler appetizers are all very good and you can mix and match based on your preferences. The greek salad is a classic and made with very fresh ingredients. The chocolate dessert they have is also great. Highly recommend it as a date place, especially because it has very affordable prices. Also a good lunch place when it's nice outside!
(4)
Adam O.

This place is great. They really take pride in the food. A lot of these dishes are simple, yet delicious salads, cheeses, seafood and lamb like you might get in Greece or Turkey. White wine sangria is hard to go wrong with.
(4)
Brant L.

Love the food here and atmosphere but little taken aback to show up on a Saturday at 6:30, see about 10 open tables and be told they were full. Felt like we had gone to South Beach instead of Design District. We had gone before without reservations and never had problem. As much as I love their food, don't think I'll be going back. I know it's Miami but I still expect decent treatment.
(1)
Yajaira P.

This place is so romantic and the food is absolutely delicious!
(4)
Sean P.

Great service and awesome atmosphere. We sat outside, which makes up most of their dinning area and with all the fans were plenty cool. Great service all around and food came as ordered and tasted great! A great place for a date night
(4)
Sylke C.

My friend and I live on south beach and decided to venture and and try something new for dinner on Saturday night. She had heard of a good little Greek restaurant near design district, but we didn't know the name, we drove around and found it. It is adorable, small, romantic, cozy, with lanterns on the tables. I def felt like I was in Europe, the staff was great, food came out fast and it was delicious, we were happy that we could customize our own sampler. We got a sampler, the village salad and the fried calamari which was very fresh and we were full, oh and a bottle of wine. We didn't even make it past the appetizers page, The crowd varied from couples to groups of families. I def recommend this little hidden gem. Oh and valet was only $3.00!
(5)
Erin D.

I recently discovered this restaurant last Thursday and I was so impressed. I loved the atmosphere, food and amazing service!! I want to also mention how wonderful the manager Zelia was by accommodating our table and making everyone have an amazing experience. Thank you Zelia!! E.D.
(5)
Joshua W.

I know I have written a lot of 5 star reviews lately....but it's only because I don't go to places that aren't great if I can help it, and when I do, I rarely waste my time bashing them, I simply don't go back. This place has one of the best vibes, most reasonably prices menus, in Miami. So nice and chill, no attitude, comfy service, and just all around pretty damn great. Octopus and the villager pasta are tops on my list, though I have had everything on the menu many times and there is no wrong dish to order. They always have great specials, though I usually stick to my favorites...like the pasta, like the lamb, the greek salad, the keftedes, I guess what I'm saying is there is no wrong dish to order. Totally reasonable wine list and just fair pricing with great quality all around, period. This is on my list of maybe 5 to 8 "don't miss" restaurant in Miami...along with Il Gabbiano, Fratelli Milano, Fratelli Buffala, Bernie's LA Cafe, Juvia, Macaluso's, Meat Market, The Dutch, Estancia....
(5)
Future J.

Solid spot for a nice meal in a good vibe. Good for a romantic date, in the open air. There is inside seating, too, but less of it than outside seating. I've been here about 5 times and 3 of those times I had satisfactory service; the other two were, you guessed it, less than satisfactory. But, there was always another employee around to help fill the shortcomings of the waitress, even though I think it's rude to have to ask another employee; rude on both parts. One brief time, looking for seating on a busy night, I dealt with an older lady, i assumed to be a manager. I found her to be authoritative, but nice enough, I suppose. That being said, their food is very tasty. A great selection of Aegean food, some of my favorites are the cheese saganaki, lamb meatballs, and baklava. They have specials too, which are sometimes very much worth trying. Decent prices, always a good meal, I'll be back again.
(4)
Agustina P.

Great decor, service and food! The lamb chops are tender and delectable. Best item on the menu: Their chocolate mousse wafer. Mmm!
(5)
El T.

i've been here several times and the food is delicious. From the typical med salad which has marinated tomatoes, red onion, feta and olives, to the pulled lamb sandwich with statziki sauce on a homemade roll to their grilled octopus, just yummy. No gimmick food. You get what you order. The outdoor seating is great as well. Casual, beautiful courtyard, friendly waitresses, and great sangria. For 2 entrees, 3 apps, one dessert and 2 sangrias it was 103 bucks. The only negative is that the street parking sucks. Bigtime. Although they have valet for 3 bucks and if not you can park a few blocks away down a charming residential street.
(4)
Priscilla A.

Super cool little spot! Great food and ambiance. This place makes you feel like you're eating at someones grandmother's house in Greece somewhere. Probably the best grilled octopus I've had in Miami. I totally recommend their mussels, hummus platter and lamb. Soooo good!
(5)
Shelley M.

i love Mandolin. i won't shut up about it & i think i'm annoying everyone. having said that i guess i can keep the rest of the review succinct. sangria: LOVE kÃ¶poglu: LOVE octopus: LOVE saganiki: LOVE shrimp uzo: really good sucuk: really good kefte: eh greek village salad: eh turkish spoon salad: eh gyro: eh ambiance: one of miami's best service: the server was on point (regrettably i forget his name) reservations: it would be dumb not to, there's only like 30 tables
(5)
Angel D.

If it's a nice night, I highly suggest Mandolin. If I were Greek, I would say this place tastes authentic. But I am not. I am just a Miami boy who likes good food. So all I can say is the food here is fantastic. Great service and great vibe. The food is affordable and they have a very nice wine list. For appetizer we split the greek sampler and the Kefta meatballs....awesome. I had the grilled lamb, which as the menu says is grilled perfectly. My girlfriend had the moussaka, which was delicious as well. Highly, highly recommend this place. Will definitely come back. One caveat, sit outside.
(5)
JJ T.

Best Greek food in Miami. Beautiful setting. Reasonable prices. A real winner!
(5)
Stan K.

Fresh really good middle eastern food in a open court yard. We really enjoyed it. Service was solid and friendly.
(4)
Matt Y.

Quick review... Service was horrible: 1 star Food was pretty good: 4 stars Had the following dishes: Grilled octopus Gyro Mousaka All the food was pretty good, but it took us over an hour to get our first dish and the servers never checked in on us. Pricing was reasonable, but don't expect anything in terms of service or a fine dining experience.
(3)
Naty K.

I finally decided to try this place tonight, after all the hype on Yelp, and unfortunately, hype is all that this placed turned out to be. Let me start off with the parking. Parking is awful, there is very little street parking so there alone, you're forced to valet unless you're willing to circle around for a long time, but I wouldn't let this bother me and just ponied up the money for the valet. I entered the locale, which is very posh and cozy, and was impressed with the tables out in the courtyard and how chic yet homely it all looked. Unfortunately, my impression only lasted this far. After standing around for 5 minutes waiting for someone to instruct me on whether to sit anywhere or sit at some chairs with bench-like tables to wait my turn for a table, I ended up sitting on those chairs and waited, waited, at least 20 minutes before someone had the audacity to even look at me. I must say that never have I experienced worse service, and it wasn't even that crowded to justify it. Finally, they sat me at an outdoor table, and again, the waitress took off. It was about 5 minutes before she returned to ask about drinks. The funny thing is, she had no problem chit-chatting the neighboring tables, and I must say that I felt discriminated, although for what reason is unknown to me. She would swing by every other table and when it came time for her to come by mine, she'd turn around and walk back indoors. I was starting to become disappointed but refused to allow this to disappoint my meal. I stayed with an empty glass a good 15 minutes, with a dry mouth, something I am just not used to, as most waiters will re-fill when my glass is a quarter empty or come by to ask me if I'd like a new drink. I ordered octopus, lamb chops, and the grilled fish. They took forever to come out, and the octopus was dry, poorly seasoned and overcooked, the lamb chops were tough and chewy, and the fish was small for what you pay. They barely even gave me enough sauce for my fish but if I was to wait 20 minutes for service, I'd starve so I decided to eat it as it was. I felt terrible about having picked this place over Anise, which has treated me so well and has delicious food, and over My Big Fat Greek Restaurant which has generous, tender, juicy portions at an unbeatable price. I would give the locale and the courtyard of Mandolin a 5 as it does resemble a Greek taverna and is very charming, but the service was awful and the food was maybe a bit above average, but definitely not worth 5 stars. I never got the brown paper bags of bread that other reviewers mention either. Eventually, a gentleman, who I assume was the general manager, noticed my failed attempts at eye contact with the waitress and he pulled her aside to tell her to please pay more attention to my table, but he shouldn't have had to do that! This was my first (and last) time here. The food was overpriced for what it was and the service was terrible. It truly ruined my experience to the point that I am unwilling to waste my money and 2 hours of my time waiting for 3 dishes. I will stick to what I know and trust, and take my business to Anise when I am not up to driving to Fort Lauderdale to eat at Greek Isles or My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, my favorite traditional Greek restaurants so far.
(2)
Ozzy C.

Phenomenal. The marinated grilled octopus is tender and well prepared. The fish is fresh. The greek salads and spreads are deliciuos. Yea the place is a real gem go check it out. Sit outside. Bring friends. Get lots of wine. You won't regret it.
(5)
Peter P.

Don't go with a large group, and the owner needs to work on his people skills. I found Mandolin on Yelp, read the reviews, saw the pictures, and went immediately. Initially I loved it, however my latest experience was unpleasant (to be kind). Having been there several times, I decided to invite a large group of family and friends. Mandolin is extremely inflexible and unaccommodating for large groups, limiting our dining options and imposing time regulations with penalties. Additionally, the quality of their food suffered while catering to our large group. The worst part however was the owner, Ahmit. He was rude, cold, and ruined our dinning experience. He seemed annoyed at our large group, as if we were going to create too much work for him, and dismissed us. It's a cute place with decent food, but the owner has to work on his people skills.
(2)
Jenna G.

I was very impressed with the decor and food. Even in the heat of summer we enjoyed outside dining in the afternoon. Great bread and the gyro was perfect. We will defiantly make this a new regular spot.
(4)
jcs s.

super adorable, romantic quaint hideaway in the middle of the design district. loved the decor inside. BUT the outside patio was even better. perfect for a date night or even a nice, chill girl's dinner out. the food was deelish. we had the turkish sampler which is a MUST. the fried calamari and the pulled lamb. the service was excellent. the food came out in less than 10 minutes which was awesome since it was 9:45 p.m on a weekday and we were starving! i called my mom from the restaurant to let her know that she HAD to take my dad to eat there. it was that good. i definitely want to go back.
(4)
Felicia B.

Great overall dining experience. When I entered their wonderful courtyard I was greeted with a smile and seated at a lovely table for 2 that was very well placed- the tables are nicely spread apart. The servers were very nice, knowledgeable and efficient. We started with the shrimp appetizer and grilled octopus, which were both good. Also, I loved that they serve fresh (homemade?) bread in little paper bags- it was a tasty and smart touch. I then had the mussels and the spoon salad, which I enjoyed. My friend had a lamb sandwich that I know she enjoyed. We washed it all down with a great bottle of Prosecco. The food was sophisticated and fresh and overall the place makes for a fun evening out and a great value.
(4)
Lusi F.

Yummy food, lovely location, though i did not think the grilled octopus was all that, especially given that it was a tiny portion
(4)
Kate A.

Can't say enough good things about this place. I crave the gyro at least once a week! The courtyard is just the most relaxing, comfortable spot. I love dining under the trees! Highly recommend this place for lunch or dinner.
(5)
Andrew J.

Mandolin is a treasure! It feels like a dinner party at a house in the Greek Islands. The food is fresh, delicious and well priced and the staff is great. A wonderful addition to the Buena Vista neighborhood.
(5)
Victoria L.

First off, I am a big fan of greek food, so when I heard that there is a new restaraunt in town and it was getting high reviews from my fellow yelpers, I had to go. The place turned out to be great! The moment I enetered, I felt the greek presence from the simple white and blue decor, the aromatic smells and the friendly servers. It was almost like being in Greece. They have a very charming backyard full of tables, which I intstantly placed in my memory for future events. Majority of the tables are outside with only 4 seatings available inside, which can be a challenge for the restaraunt in case of rain. Maybe they will come up with a solution like partially covering the yard without taking away from its under the open sky feeling. The food was superb. We ordered mouthwatering calamari, gyro sandwich, which was full of flavor and the village salad (known as greek salad outside of the greek restaraunts). Make sure to try their white Sangria - it is very good! The whole experience was amazing. They put a lot of attention to every detail from the plates on the walls to the serving dished and I felt like I came to visit my friend in Greece rather than being in a restaraunt...that's how cozy the place is. I love it. I will most definately come back and bring more friends. Only if it is not a rainy day.
(4)
Ashley N.

Great atmosphere, great food, great service...Miami has needed a place like this for a long time. It's more an experience than a restaurant, as the outdoor garden makes you feel thousands of miles away. The grilled octopus is to die for, and the Greek sampler is a perfect starter. Ideal for a date or a small party.
(5)
monica a.

Absolutely amazing! Great food , great price, and great service. Need to make a second trip because first experience was too good to be true. The spot is very romantic and charming. Definetely one of the best restaurants I've been to in Miami.
(5)
Joshua G.

Nice atmosphere. The outdoor dining area is really pleasant. Server was attentive, nice and competent. I wish I could say the food was awesome, but it was inconsistent. The grilled fish was nice. The filet was flavorless. Olives were awesome. Dinner for two (one take-out dish) without a bottle of wine and no desert was $123 before tip. It felt more expensive than it should have been. I'd probably go back--with a group and do appetizers (olives and mezze) with some cold white wine, but skip the full meal...
(3)
Ultra A.

its a spectacular place for couples very romantic staff are very friendly and helpful they have always good specials !!i wish they can serve raki there .whole Mediterranean sea-bass was so tasty !!cigar rolls was awesome !!soon we will be there again !!
(5)
John T.

I don't know much about Turkish food, but Mandolin was really satisfying. We started with the leeks w dill w olive oil and carrots. I had a sandwich with cheese, tomato and Turkish "chorizo". It was really good. The bread was interesting and the sausage was relatively lean, unlike some other chorizo I've had.
(4)
Ferit U.

Best freaking restaurant in Miami I just love every thing in the menu
(5)
Whitney R.

I am kind of in love with this place. It has old world charm in the heart of the design district. The wooden tables, with white and blue decor is inviting. Each table comes with its own shaker of Greek salt, and a bottle of water for the table. The wait staff is friendly, and down to earth. But lets get to the important part... the food!! We started with the Fresh Mussels with white wine, garlic and lemon and oregano. They came with a little paper bag full of warm bread, with which to dip in the delicious sauce. They were cooked to perfection, and served quickly. I had the Smyrna street which was kafalograviera (cheese) tomato and Turkish chorizo. It was served warm on home baked fresh pida break. The sandwich was great, I totally recommend it for the non vegetarians. Surprisingly I enjoyed the salad that it came with just as much. A mix of fresh greens with dill, feta and scallions. The dressing was clean and again fresh. Mandolin uses fresh ingredients, and serves great food with nothing flashy. It tastes like an Aegean vacation would feel.
(4)
Greg C.

Excellent food and a great wine list. The leek app is excellent.
(4)
jason r.

An excellent meal at 11 pm on a Saturday night. Only in Miami would you have to wait for a table; but, the food was worth the wait. Thanks to little red Evette for the great service.
(5)
Erica V.

Amazing ambience, and their hummus sampler platter is a must! This is one of my favorite spots in town,
(5)
Anna B.

Mandolin was such a great place, I wanted to apply for a job there so I would never have to leave. The food was amazing, the service was amazing, the atmosphere was amazing. Honestly, this place gets it all exactly right. Just go there already.
(5)
Idelsy L.

Really nice place to go to. The decor was really nice and cozy. I loved the meze platters especially the octopus... and the pinot noir was delicious. It's a great place to go with friends, order a bunch of stuff and share.
(4)
D. G.

Tasty food. We stuck with the Meze menu. Good specials. Good service. Nice to sit inside or outside. I felt like I was in Greece at a taverna. Fair prices.
(4)
Nina T.

great, good vegetarian selection, great service, slightly pricey..... couldn't really find any fault.
(5)
George K.

I'm Greek and I can tell you that Mandolin is an authentic Greek tavern with delicious food!
(4)
Marivi I.

Take your taste buds on a Greek vacation. Delicious! Try the grilled octupus for starters. A favorite entree is the grilled fish served whole (but be careful with those spines ;). Do leave room for dessert. Very fresh food, a cool setting with a very local feel and decent prices.
(4)
Jacques L.

excellent food, great service, beautiful place
(5)
Rick J.

I really wanted to love this place. The decor and location was perfect. I felt like I was in a rustic courtyard back in Greece or Turkey. The hostess (who I think may have been the owner as well) was overly accommodating and offered me a glass of wine while I was waiting for the rest of my party to arrive. All in all, this place had the perfect bones for a memorable dining experience. Unfortunately when it came to the actual food and service it fell a little short. Our waiter seemed more concerned about looking cool in his fedora than actually tending to our table. He seemed overly eager to move on even sometimes when we clearly hadn't completed ordering yet. In fact, it seemed like he wasn't expecting a party of three to order more than four appetizers and champagne before deciding on main courses. It felt like we were inconveniencing him by ordering too much. We ordered the octopus which was unfortunately overcooked and had taken on the taste of canned tuna fish which I've experienced in the past sometimes happens with the preparation of this item. We also ordered all their dips - Zaziki and hummus were spot on, the babganoush lacked a little more smoke and was a little on the acidic side. We also ordered their leeks poached in olive oil which were very nice and their lamb meatballs which were a little tough but flavorful. I was surprised that they served French baguette with their dips instead of pita or some form of rustic torn bread. The entrees overall were good and we really enjoyed the lamb. I think where they really fell short was service. Our waiter just seemed disinterested and unavailable. We asked for more bread twice and it never came until we asked someone else. He was so rushed that he didn't pay attention to the wine we were interested in. Then it started raining and he never showed again. Once it started pouring we actually had to flag down other servers to order dessert and eventually get the check as he had gone missing apparently. So, in a nutshell - I will probably give it another try and see how they do this time.
(3)
Alfredo P.

Exceptional food, very simple and well executed. try the octopus, its expensive but worth every penny
(5)
William E.

What a gem!!! This place is delicious, quaint and just perfect. We dove into the appetizers for a little tapas take and every bite was delicious. What really gets you though is the space. Tucked in the backyard of and old converted Design District home, you feel like you might have just stepped through a portal to Greece. Open air dining, plain wooden tables, and something peculiarly sweet in the air. I can't say I would venture here in the middle of August, but hey its Miami, we can have open air just about any other time.
(4)
V C.

This place is absolutely wonderful. Its a small, simple place with a very rustic feel to it. There are not too many tables but this adds to the charm of the place. The food is also very good. I tried the zuchinni fritter which was to die for . The spanikopita was good but a little disappointing since they dont make it with phyllo pastry. My husband tried the lamb chops and mussels and really enjoyed them as well. All in all a wonderful place. However it would be nicer if they served more the wines by glass, they have a very small selection for that. Also the desserts are on the sweeter side and could be toned down as well.
(5)
Solomon S.

Went here over weekend with two other couples. Ambience is ideal. We sat outdoors in the serene patio. The kitchen and indoor part of the restaurant feels like the east village of manhattan, in a good way: charmingly small. Our reservation was not until 9:30 so they were out of moussaka...that was the only disappointment. Their house sangria is perfect for groups (and i think made with ouzo...yum). We shared about ten dishes in total and they were all great. The calamari was delicately fried, their lamb was cooked perfectly. Given that the food was as good as anything we have had on south beach, we were shocked to see how affordable the bill was. We will definitely be going back!
(4)
Lisa S.

Loved this food! Absolutely delicious. Thank you Aegean! - L
(4)
Amy S.

I wish I could do half stars because I would give this a 4 and a half. I love Mandolin and am so happy to have this in the neighborhood. Hope it leads to other great places like it! There's lots of meter and residential parking nearby which is nice. We got there pretty early on a week night and asked to sit in the courtyard. There are only a couple tables inside. The courtyard is gorgeous and absolutely feels like Greece. Its dimly lit but they offer flashlights if you need help with the menus. We had the saganaki and Greek sampler to start, both good. For entrees we had the village pasta and the lamb. The village pasta was pretty heavy but great especially when eating with other items. The lamb was very well cooked. We also had the grilled octopus, not my favorite but I am not a huge octopus fan to begin with. The service was great! She was very helpful with the menu, super friendly and didn't pressure us to leave even though we hung out for over an hour after we were done with dinner. The sangria was too sweet for me but my girlfriends loved it. There was a good, cheap selection of wine by the glass. Everything was really reasonable which makes this a great place for a casual night.
(4)
Michael P.

I've only been here once, but boy-howdy will I be back! The back patio is a GREAT place to sit and eat. The staff were very pleasant and welcoming. I had the spanokopita, which was delish, but the side salad (maroulosalata) is what really sold me--it was lemony-dilly fresh! I look forward to trying the rest of the menu.
(4)
Anthony D.

Loved it. Good food in a causal atmosphere. Definitely going back. Nice change to the hyped restaurants in Miami. $3 valet.
(4)
Steven G.

A real jewel. The ambience, prices, food and service are all great. You can tell the owners and staff appreciate your business. Short on the regional wines you would expect, the only complaint. This is simple, super healty food.
(5)
Daniel W.

Marinated Grilled Octopus = Straight From Heaven!!! Decor = amazing, homely, backyard style; feel like you're in a Greek home! Wine List = Great Prices Overall = Would come back in a heartbeat, and might have supplanted Buena Vista Bistro as my go-to "good meal". Only negative= entrees don't really come with sides of vegetables (have to be ordered separately), and our waitress didn't inform us of this. She was great otherwise!
(4)
Kyrene G.

I loved it!!! Charming little place with delicious food.. Good for dinner or lunch!! The mussels are great!!
(5)
Seb A.

I love this place. The food, service, and ambiance are outstanding. Everything they make is delicious. I particularly like the kefte (lamb meat balls), greek salad, and the branzino (mediterrenena sea bass). For lunch I like to have the Gyro. Prices are very reasonable.
(5)
Ronald F.

Cozy, comfortable bistro with very tasty and simply prepared Mediterranean food. I had the whole fish - Lavraki (Mediterranean Sea Bass). Very simply prepared and very good. The two people with me had the chicken kebab with orzo pilaf and maroulosalata - they enjoyed it. Limited in the dessert department.
(4)
Victor M.

Healthy, fresh, yummy. I love the grilled octopus, never had anything like it before, it has the texture of grilled cheese. Unbelievable. Nice relaxed outdoor atmosphere. Packed on the weekends but with a cool, grown-up crowd.
(5)
Sol D.

went back again with a large group and everyone loved the food. octopus delicious! still love the steak and the chicken kabob. and tried another two special, one was beet? very good and a pretzel, ok. the same lady was our saver, she offered a much better service this time. the guys were very attentive. love this place and the food!
(4)
Justin M.

Fantastic restaurant from start to finish. The food is absolutely simple, fresh, and delicious! The Greek sampler, stuffed grape leaves, kefta, and whole grilled fish were all wonderful. The sangria went down way too easily and the atmosphere really couldn't be any mire delightful. This is an escape from Miami as most know it.
(5)
Ana Karina F.

Awesome place, great food. I loved the grilled octopus, the kaftas and the lamb. The ambiance is great as well i was transported to a little garden in a hous in Greece. Great to catch up with friends over the delicious sangria or just to have a long brunch. Must reserve, the place is always packed and they even have valet parking now.
(4)
Abigail M.

Wonderful atmosphere, excellent food and friendly service.
(4)
N D.

Was not what I expected. The "grilled" octopus seemed was grilled while frozen, came out very "mushy". The mussels were good, turkish sampler nothing to write home about. The entrees were poor: the moussaka had too much meat, the new York strip was not good, the lamp chops had no taste, the tomatoes in the salad were soggy, the olives were ok, the fried calamari ok, price was ok
(2)
Holly B.

My favorite restaurant in Miami, everything is absolutely fabulous! The fava bean dip, greek village salad, the grilled octopus, the whole fish- I could go on and on.... The ambiance is so charming and the service is great too!
(5)
Jen M.

A charming setting, delicious food and a good wine list.
(4)
Alexis Y.

DELICIOUS! My party of 3 walked in on a Monday night with no reservations and were given what could have been the best table in the house aka patio. I would recommend getting there early because the restaurant filled up fast about 10 minutes later. We shared the Greek sampler, with fresh tatziki, eggplant and caviar with fresh sliced bread in small brown paper bags. We then took a chance on the grilled sucuk - which is a Turkish chorizo made with beef rather than pork. It was a little spicy and delicious. To be fair we had to cut the last piece in 3 equal parts. For the entree we ordered the fresh sea bass (with head and tail) cooked in lemon and garlic with a side of fresh hand cut fries and garlic yogurt. I don't remember seeing a wine menu but I just said "Pinot Noir" and it was wonderfully mild and smooth. Our server was wonderful, filled our water bottle regularly and was spot on with her recommendations. I'm already planning my second visit.
(5)
Meli G.

I had the most romantic dinner at the Mandolin. Grant it, it was Valentine's day but nonetheless, I have been to restaurants on Valentine's day and they haven't had such a romantic atmosphere. The patio with the trees and the lanterns and the music....just perfect! For a second, I thought I was somewhere else and not in the middle of the design district. I was a bit hesitant about ordering the white wine sangria since they don't offer it with red wine but I was pleasantly surprised - it was delicious! For food, we had the Turkish sampler which brought three different spreads. My husband loved the hummus and I loved the tomato based one. And, we couldn't get enough of the bread in those cute brown bags. We also shared the mussels and gained five extra pounds dipping the bread in the wonderful sauce. The pork chops were good. My husband enjoyed them more since he eats the meat off the bone - I'm a bit picky about the fat so I ate most of the rice instead. Desert was our favorite part - a homemade Turkish treat with butter cookies and lots of chocolate. Overall, it was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend it as a date place or even as a place for a group of girls to enjoy dinner and feel like they are in that little restaurant in Mamma Mia!
(4)
Erika C.

My boyfriend decided to take me here on a Thursday night for the first time. Neither one of us had been here before. When we arrived, we were both greeted by the friendly staff and quickly seated outdoors. The place is absolutely beautiful and romantic. I was very impressed! It took a while for a waiter to come to us. As a matter of fact, we noticed other tables who experienced the same delay. Aside from that, our food was awesome. We shared one of the specials: Zucinni stuffed with pine nuts and feta cheese and greek yogurt. Delicious! For a meal, I ordered the mussels special which was amazing. It is an appetizer, but big enough for a meal. Probably the best mussels I have ever had. I also ordered the side of spinach which was disappointing. The taste was good, but the portion size was tiny...kind of insulting! My bf had the skirt steak, which was a bit cold, but very very very tasty. The fries were also very good! How can we forget the wine...a delicious Malbec! We did not have dessert because we were stuffed and did not want to overdo it. Aside from the service and the tiny amount of spinach, we will go back! We had a nice time and really enjoyed the atmosphere and location!
(4)
Ron H.

I used to like this place alot. It now is very hit or miss. It's not really a Greek restaurant but more Turkish. Some of the dishes are great but others are terrible. Same thing with the staff. The owner is very moody to. I love the setting but the uneven food and service makes me not want to rush back. I'm glad they are busy and I will return with friends. Just not in my top 10 any longer
(3)
Sidd F.

The length of those of us who bother to review this charming place, along with their star rating, clearly shows how good the Mandolin truly is. I went there for a business lunch and expected little. I'm not Greek, I'm Italian, but had a dear friend in college who's father was from Mikonos and ran a gyro trailer at local fairs as a side job....I think he was a painter. I ate at their house a few times and was awed by the tenderness and flavor he got out of that hunk of rotating meat...and then there was the tzatziki.....since I have been disappointed regularly, as I try the gyro if it is on the menu; more than 20 years of disappointment. And then i absentmindedly bit into the gyro that was placed in front of me with a generous salad, as I read the end of Stephen King's latest novel and stopped short at the zenith for what I tasted brought me back to Zimmy's house in 1989....wow....well done mandolin. And the service was impeccable...a little out of the way but worth the trouble of finding parking....valet available...that's just not me. Next time I'll definitely try their pulled lamb.
(5)
Sonia L.

Everything was amazing. Food, atmostphere, drinks, service. Great for night out with the girls or for a romantic date. You can't miss the white sangria. I would recommend ordering several mezes and sampling a little of everything. It was so refreshing to sit outside on a breazy February night in Miami and enjoy good company and good food. Will definately be going back. Be sure to make a reseravtion before you go. Also, there is $3 valet right in front of the restaurant.
(5)
Robert S.

The best little hidden spot in Miami. Food is amazing.
(4)
thetruth h.

very cute, romantic service ok portion size ok delicious moussaka over priced for sure - $8 for 3 tiny squares of baklava??
(3)
Mel B.

Amazing! We are from NYC and have never tasted Greek food this good. A must try!
(5)
Nadduda S.

I was recommended to this place by a friend of mine that works in the area. I give it five stars not necessarily for the food but the entire dining experience. Not to be mistaken, the food was great and fresh, the crowd and the vibe was happening and refreshing. The outdoor seating was amazing especially during this time of year and the ambiance is intimate, chill, and relaxed. The special fish of the day was simple and amazingly delicious. The octopus was outstanding. Fresh, fun, and fantastic place!
(5)

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Address : 4312 NE 2nd Ave
Miami, FL, 33137
Phone (305) 576-6066
Website https://www.mandolinmiami.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :12:00 pm - 11

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Greek Cuisine

Greek food is a fine melody of the finest pressed olive oil, fresh fermented bread, colorful vegetables, juicy meat, sea food all cooked in spices and fresh rosemary. The people from Greek were great scholars who aimed to excel in everything they do. The results are quite visible in their food as they are the inventors of olive oil which is beneficial to health. Greeks also made different type of wines from the best quality of grapes fermented in controlled environment.

Today, you can find hundreds of restaurants offering authentic Greek food or popularly termed as Mediterranean cuisine in New York city alone. People wait in line to taste the exotic Greek dishes like saganaki, taramasalata, souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita, moussaka, and many more. One thing which most people like about these authentic Greek dishes is abundant use of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. A smart mix of few ingredients can virtually take you on the pebble streets of beautiful city of Greece.

For those who don't have time to enjoy fine dining should try tasting the famous souvlaki with pita which is type of meat dish, also a trademark Greek fast food. For those who are vegetarian, or vegan can try different versions of Greek Salad. So, if you wish to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal that tastes divine then try dining at the best Greek restaurant in your city. Greek cuisine not only tastes good but also help maintain your body in a natural way through healthy diet.

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Mandolin Aegean Bistro

4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33137

Mandolin Aegean Bistro Menu

Mezes

Salads

Sandwiches

Mains

Sides

Healthy Meal suggestions for Mandolin Aegean Bistro

Mezes

Salads

Sandwiches

Mains

Sides

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