Papi Steak has been on my radar for quite some time, thanks to all the buzz surrounding it, and Miami Spice gave me the perfect excuse to check it out without overspending on a Thursday night.
However, fair warning: valet parking is pricey, so be prepared for that extra cost.
Ambiance
Upon entering the restaurant, I was immediately struck by the chic yet jungle-like decor—floral wallpaper paired with luxurious red velvet couches. A live DJ added to the vibrant atmosphere, which made sense for the Magic city where Thursday often feels like the start of the weekend.
We were seated right away at a cozy two-person table, though the dining room felt rather cramped. Our table was so close to the neighboring ones that I could have easily snuck a fry or two from our neighbors. Despite the tight space, the service was excellent. The staff was attentive without hovering, allowing us to enjoy our meal at a relaxed pace.
Drinks
As for drinks, I opted for a Cosmo instead of my usual glass of vino. Unfortunately, this choice ended up being a bit of a letdown—the drink was light on vodka, despite my upgrade to Belvedere. I was expecting a more balanced cocktail, especially given the price.
Food
Moving on to the food, I started with the Wagyu beef carpaccio, which cost an additional $10 beyond the Miami Spice menu. It was worth every penny. The beef was of exceptional quality, and the seasoning was spot on, with just the right amount of salt and a touch of what tasted like an aioli sauce. I appreciated that they didn’t drown the dish in sauce, allowing the flavor of the beef to shine.
For the main course, I ordered the 6-ounce filet cooked medium. While the steak was cooked to the perfect temperature, it arrived lukewarm. I’m sure if I had mentioned it to the server, they would have rectified the situation, but I was too hungry to wait. The fear of it being overcooked after reheating kept me from saying anything. On the bright side, the creamed spinach was fantastic, piping hot with the ideal cream-to-spinach ratio.
Dessert was a mixed experience. We ordered the carrot cake and the profiterole. Oddly enough, we ended up swapping desserts, with me enjoying the carrot cake while my companion polished off the profiterole. Both desserts were good, but neither was exceptional. I’m curious to try their regular menu offerings next time for a better comparison.
Thoughts
Overall, I had a great time at Papi Steakhouse and look forward to returning—just after I’ve tackled some of my credit card bills! While the dining space could use a bit more breathing room and the drinks might need a stronger pour, the quality of food and the ambiance definitely make it a spot worth revisiting.
