Last month I stayed at Acqualina Resort and Spa in Miami, Florida, and enjoyed two memorable dinners on the property. The resort features two distinct restaurants: Il Mulino New York and Ke-uH, each offering a unique dining experience.
On our first night we chose Italian cuisine at Il Mulino New York. Seated outside with a view of a glittering pool and the sound of the ocean in the background, we were welcomed by a friendly waiter who described the evening’s specials. Everything sounded tempting, so I ordered the veal shank special with Parmesan risotto while my partner tried the lobster ravioli. While we waited, we were served a selection of starters: spicy zucchini crisps, bruschetta and freshly made focaccia bread—each flavorful and well prepared.
Our mains arrived beautifully presented. The veal shank was tender and falling off the bone, with marrow that delivered a rich, buttery umami taste. I couldn’t sample the lobster ravioli because of a shellfish allergy, but my partner declared it the best he’d ever had. We paired our meal with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and enjoyed every bite. After finishing our dessert digestif, we received the check and returned to our room satisfied.
© Audrey Lee
The second evening we walked through the lobby to Ke-uH, where our server explained the menu and recommended the chef’s tasting so we could experience a curated selection. I reminded the staff about my shellfish allergy to ensure the tasting avoided any problem ingredients. The bartender started us with a Samurai cocktail—a blend of bourbon, red wine and fruit juices—served with a decorative mini sword and an orange.
The tasting progressed through a series of dishes: sashimi, sushi pizza, ceviche and, my favorite, pork belly served with watermelon. The pork belly achieved a perfect balance of salty, sweet and juicy, and each course showcased care and creativity. For dessert we asked the waiter to choose his favorite and surprised us with a warm molten lava cake à la mode, topped with hazelnut candies and a chocolate drizzle. It was an indulgent, satisfying conclusion to the meal.
After these two dining experiences at Acqualina, I’ve recommended both restaurants to friends and family visiting Miami. The combination of attentive service, thoughtful presentation and flavorful cuisine made these meals among the best I’ve had, and I look forward to returning to sample more from both menus.
For reservations, contact Il Mulino New York or Ke-uH through the resort’s dining pages.