Dive into the Grecian splendor of Estiatorio Milos in Miami Beach. Discover how this stunning eatery embodies traditional Greek hospitality.
Oh, you thought Miami Beach was just bikinis, art deco, and thumping bass? Honey, let's flip that script.
From succulent Mediterranean seafood to a wine list that could make Dionysus weep, this isn't your everyday catch; it's a seafood symphony! The glam, the quality, and the pizzazz — oh, it's like Athena herself opened a beachside taverna.
You have to “sea” the food at Milos to believe it. It’s good stuff. If you’re in the Miami area, we suggest hitting up Estiatorio Milos By Costas Spiliadis. It was named one of Ocean Drive’s Best Seafood Restaurants in Miami in 2021, and we totally get it!
In a city where glamor and excess often steal the show, Milos is a masterclass in understated elegance and palatable perfection. Are you intrigued? Well, adjust those Gucci sunglasses, darling, because we're diving deep into what makes this haute spot a must-visit.
You know how everyone's raving about mindfulness these days? Milos has been mindful since before it was a hashtag.
Let's talk about philoxenia. No, it's not the latest diet trend or some obscure yoga pose — it's a cherished Greek principle emphasizing hospitality that's as warm as the Aegean sun.
When you walk into Milos, you're not just another reservation but an honored guest in their Mediterranean home. The place oozes authenticity, mingling modern aesthetics with traditions that are as ancient as the Acropolis.
Philoxenia doesn't just shine through in the greetings and smiles but also in the culinary craft of every dish. Each morsel of seafood is treated like a tribute to Poseidon, prepared with utmost care and simplicity to let the natural flavors shine.
The organic materials, the olive oil, the honey — all sourced to align with their guiding principles of simplicity and connection to the earth. A dinner here is a verified Greek ritual, a celebration of life’s simple yet profound pleasures. Show up for the experience, the fellowship, and the unmatched dedication to a life well-lived.
Upon examining the menu, you’ll find Greek and Mediterranean dishes as well. Popular selections include Greek salad, grilled octopus, lamb chops, and fresh fish. But before you can peruse the menu, you’ll first take in the sights — and what sights they are, friend.
As we all know, you’re not just paying for the food. It’s all about the experience.
The “ambiance.”
(We love that word. Say it with us: ambiance. Again, but this time, drag it out with your chin lifted up. Ammmmmmmmbiance.)
There you go.
As you step into the restaurant, you’ll notice the white walls, which give it a very light feeling. The blonde wood ceiling and beams and marble floors complement these. On top of that, the open kitchen and comfortable seating are also nice touches that add to the overall atmosphere.
If you think open kitchens are so 2010, think again. Milos breathes life back into the concept, making you feel like you're part of the culinary drama, watching master chefs create their seafood magnum opus right before your eyes. It’s like your favorite cooking show, but honey, you're in the VIP section.
The dining room evokes the island spirit while keeping it chic and stylish. Step outside, and you'll find the true beauty of Florida mingling effortlessly with Grecian aesthetics. Yes, darlings, those diaphanous white curtains gently swaying in the ocean breeze were handpicked to create an aura of casual elegance.
But let’s not forget the outdoor seating — where Florida's sultry air meets Greek sophistication. Imagine billowy white curtains, caught in a sensual dance with the ocean breeze, framing your dinner experience.
It's like Mother Earth herself was invited and showed up dressed to the nines. It's casual elegance with an Instagram filter, but it’s real.
So, who is Costas Spiliadis? He was born in Patras, a port city near the ancient Greek village of Olympia. (Think he’s qualified to provide you with an authentic Greek meal?)
We also learned from his bio that he considers his cooking to be “refined, yet unpretentious.” He's the culinary equivalent of that guy who rocks a tuxedo with sneakers — and absolutely slays it.
Now, if you think Milos is just a Miami affair, sweetie, you've got another thing coming. This Greek goddess of a restaurant is a globe-trotter! From the cosmopolitan streets of Montreal and New York to the glitzy alleys of Las Vegas, Milos has planted its flag.
But wait, it gets better. Ever wanted to be boujie on the sea? Well, make room for Milos at Sea — the yacht experience that turns Poseidon green with envy.
Imagine savoring world-class seafood while cruising the Aegean or the Atlantic. That's a hashtag-worthy life moment, if ever there was one.
And wine aficionados, lean in. Milos Wine Bar is not your run-of-the-mill vino stop. We’re talking an entire library of Greek wines — 100 selections, to be exact. It’s a veritable Odyssey of grape and terroir. This is a Dionysian temple for your palate.
If you're considering a fine dining experience that captures the spirit of Greece while giving you global glam, Milos and the genius of Costas Spiliadis should be at the top of your list.
Alright, let's dish about the dish, or should we say dishes? The Milos menu reads like a siren's song of the Mediterranean, beckoning you into a sea of flavors.
A gastronomic curator, the Captain at Milos' fish market, will introduce you to the stars of today's culinary lineup. We're talking prime seafood, darling! Dover sole, red snapper, and, let's not forget, oysters that could spark an epic more passionate than the "Iliad."
Now, hold your seahorses! This is not only a pescatarian paradise. Feast your eyes on the Milos Special.
They’ve managed to elevate zucchini to a form of high art. Imagine paper-thin zucchini and eggplant chips, fried to the epitome of crispness, lying seductively beside a lump of Saganaki cheese and a dollop of tzatziki that might as well be Zeus's nectar. Yeah, veggies never had it so good.
Got a penchant for surf and turf with a dash of Americana? Make space for the Maryland crab cake and grilled octopus. This fusion dish is the culinary equivalent of a transatlantic flight — comforting, exciting, and exposing you to something deliciously different all at once.
Should you wish for an intimate Grecian experience sans the outing, Milos has got your cravings covered. Check out their website for their takeout options. It’s essentially the Trojan Horse of luxury dining — bringing all the grandeur and taste of the Mediterranean right into your humble abode.
But this is just their a la carte menu. If you want to savor the best of the best without having to do all of that pesky choosing, then their prix fixe lunch is the way to go.
Let's get to the heart of the matter: the prix fixe lunch menu. This isn't your typical grab-and-go sandwich affair. No, darling, this is a three-course thrill ride that serves as a mini-vacation in the middle of your day, available every single glorious day of the week from noon to 3 p.m.
For your initial indulgence, you've got options that range from the exotic to the comforting. Opt for The Greek Spreads if you're craving a tour of tzatziki, taramosalata, and htipiti, accessorized with grilled pita and a cavalcade of raw veggies.
Tempted by tartare? Two variations await your selection: the zesty Faroe Islands salmon tartare teeming with Fresno chili and cilantro or the elegant Bigeye tuna tartare spritzed with micro basil, serrano chili, and orange.
Still not wowed? The octopus — charcoal broiled and of sashimi quality — could grace your table for an additional cost, as could a tomato salad brimming with vine-ripened gems.
Here's where your taste buds start their dance of joy. The Dorado Royale, festooned with Santorini capers and a blend of olive oil and lemon, is pure marine perfection. The Faroe Islands salmon arrives simply grilled, harmonizing with Santorini piazzi-style beans.
A roasted organic chicken breast makes an appearance, too, all dolled up with roasted eggplant, peppers, mint yogurt, and herbs. If red meat calls your name, don't ignore the fresh grilled lamb chops, seasoned to magnificence and paired with Greek fried potatoes.
Oh, you thought we'd forget the finale? Never! The Yiaourti-Meli offers a soothing curtain call with a choice of thyme honey or spoon sweets. But, should your sweet tooth demand a more decadent ending, cheesecake, and daily ice cream specials stand ready to heed the call.
The quintessential charm of Milos lies not just in its luxurious fish or awe-inspiring locale but in its unique offering of a genuine slice of Greece in South Beach.
Like many of the restaurants we discuss here at Food God, this place can leave your wallet much lighter than when you walked in. There are no prices featured next to the items, which means you could be in for a bit of sticker shock when the waiter ever-so-kindly drops off the tab.
But if you’re looking to splurge on some Greek cuisine that began its existence under the sea, then you could do a lot worse than Estiatorio Milos!
As the Greeks would say: νόστιμο
(Look it up.)
