After great anticipation, Olla has made its debut in Miami Beach on Lincoln Road in the space formerly occupied by Altamare. Doors opened on Nov. 28 to great acclaim. Scott Linquist and entrepreneur Aaron McKown shared a passion and when the opportunity arose they collaborated on a concept that is now a masterpiece. Olla (pronounced “oi–ya”) celebrates Mexican authenticity featuring diverse regional cuisines complemented by contemporary global influences. Linquist is well known in the culinary realm for both Coyo Taco and the restaurant brand Dos Caminos.
Olla has been conceived as a destination driven towards locals combining a superior dining experience with affordable prices. Having dined at Olla three times in the past week, I can attest to the fact that their goals are both achieved and surpassed. The managers and wait staff are warm, welcoming, and share both a casual vibe and a Bohemian sophistication. The restaurant interior is rustic and inviting with a warm color palette. Ambient music is mixed across genres and enhances the experience with its variety. Inside seating accommodates 69 people at both traditional tables and a large communal table. Outdoor seating is available for an additional 36 people.
LEFT: Interior seating. RIGHT: Welcoming entrance / host stand. (photos by Ed Fisher)
Olla has an inviting bar with a spectacular landscaping mural painted by Juan Manuel Rozas. The well–known Mexican artist Diego Rivera lends inspiration for the piece.
Bar seating
Chef Scott Linquist and Chef Robert Hernandez use only the freshest of quality ingredients in their innovative and delectable creations. The menu is thoughtfully divided into sections with dishes intended for sharing. Options range from small plates to full entrees. The beverage choices have been carefully crafted with cocktails ranging from the basic to the exotic. Artisanal spirits and homemade shrubs augment a wide selection of tequila and mezcal. A rare selection of wine and beer from Mexican and local brewers is available. My table ordered the house Olla–RITA made with cazadores blanco, lime juice, and agave nectar. Ingredients were perfectly blended and the results refreshing.
Olla-Rita
Guacamole mashed to order with Hass avocado, chiles, tomato, cilantro, and queso fresco is a classic beginning with a unique finish. Warmed chips and a variety of salsas accompany with flavors ranging from sweet to piquant.
Guacamole
Four starters, described as Tarro, are served in jars. Our first was Remolachas composed of cubed beets, poblano-style walnut cream, queso fresco and toasted walnuts flanked by Belgian endive. Spectacular in presentation, it has a sensational flavor created by a brilliant melding of individual elements.
Remolachas
Our second jar was Ahumado – hot smoked salmon, boiled egg and green chili tomatillo served with pieces of bolillo, the Mexican variation of a baguette. Warm and exquisite, a true palate pleaser.
Ahumado
We moved on to the restaurant namesake – Olla has a long history across many cultures as a type of pot used for cooking. Our first was Huitlacoche – corn "truffles," wild mushrooms, toasted garlic, chile de arbol, queso fresco, and epazote – served in a hot skillet. Mushrooms are exotic, rich and meaty. This dish is extraordinary in texture and flavor.
Huitlacoche
Coliflor – cauliflower, roasted poblano cream, toasted pumpkin seeds, pan molido and cotija – is visually pleasing with florets carefully arranged. Pumpkin seeds and bread crumbs add a balanced texture to this unique preparation.
Coliflor
Masa items offer a variety of corn meal derived options. Our Gordita – duck carnitas, pasilla oaxaca, orange–kumquat marmelada, and requeson – was succulent and robust.
Gordita
Enchiladas are served piping hot in colorful ceramic dishes. We chose Costilla –short rib, guajillo salsa, quest oaxaca, roasted tomato salsita, and Mexican crema. This dish combines smoke and spice with an abundance of zesty premium short rib.
Costilla
Categories untouched on this visit include four entree items with mole sauce as well as an additional four choices each of Mar (Sea) and Tierra (Land).Dessert choices vary. We chose a flan topped with a raspberry purée. A perfect finish to an extraordinary gourmet Mexican journey.
Flan
Olla is a crown jewel in South Beach and truly a masterpiece of culinary sophistication.
Olla is located at 1233 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Call (786) 717–5400. Reservations are accepted by phone or via Open Table.
Hours of operation:
- Monday – Friday (lunch, noon to 4 p.m.)
- Monday – Friday (dinner, 5 to 11 p.m.)
- Saturday brunch (noon to 4 p.m.) Saturday dinner (5 p.m. to midnight)
- Sunday brunch (noon to 8 p.m.)
Limited street parking and nearby garages. Valet parking available.
