Best Contemporary French Restaurants in Miami Shores

A unique and wonderful dining experience. Select small menu, best preparations. Attentive but not intrusive service. Plenty of parking. It’s kind of difficult to get there but do not be put off!

The setting is quiet, well decorated, pleasantly quiet. Definitely sit at the counter - you have a great view of the kitchen. The people set the tone for the evening. the hostess immediately lead us to our seats. Igor, our waiter was great - very personable, great recommendations, appropriate sizing of our order for us. He was fun to talk with, but not obtrusive. Other staff were all excellent - did their roles but didn’t interfere with our experience. One suggestion - while they were attentive to our water early on, once the main course was served they weren’t. The amuse-bouche was out of this world. Warmed foie gras topped with Parmesan foam. We could have stopped there. Amazing. Bread was fresh, warm. Croissants were incredible - best I can remember anywhere in the US. Flaky, buttery. Baguette was excellent as well. Appetizers were excellent. Hamachi was very fresh, flavorful with an accompaniment accentuating a mild fish. Foie gras was excellent as well. Second course - sweetbreads. Amazing. St. Jacques (scallops) was superb. Best scallops in many years, perfectly prepared. Duck was perfectly cooked, slightly crispy on the outside and rare/medium rare in the center. To top off an outstanding meal, dessert. The chocolate cremeux was excellent. It was anniversary so they served a celebration cake that was the best of the desserts! The Mille-Feuille with mango was a creative take on the classic, but the mango was overwhelmed by the taste of the pastry - I would prefer a bolder mango taste. Chardonnay (me) a champagne (my wife) were excellent choices. They were kind and gave me a little champagne so we could toast our 27 years together. L’Atelier has a well deserved reputation as an outstanding restaurant. From the moment we were greeted at the reception desk until we left, this was a first class experience. We will back. A MUST try if you haven’t.

Great service and food! We've eaten here 3 times for dinner and breakfast each day of our vacation. Excellent!