Cantina La Veinte

Photo Credit: Celebrity Chef.

Cantina La Veinte is not the traditional small Mexican restaurants you might come across in Miami. Located in the ground level of the Icon Brickell, two brazen sliding doors open up to a bustling bar and lively music. At the end of the short hallway between the energetic crowd at the bar and the adorned furniture, you wait as the hostess sets a table. Your options are open: either inside--under the high ceiling, between walls full of ornaments and and large proyectors--on the patio overlooking Brickell Key, or on the lower level--where its ambiance shifts more to a bar than a restaurant. It is safe to say that the decor is spectacular. Once seated, the waiter brings a small cup of soup. It tastes of seafood broth, and leaves a strong, tingling sensation on the throat (so beware if you have a bit of a cough, which was unfortunately my situation). After a good look at the menu, you can either go straight to the main course or order a few appetizers. Again, I'd recommend ordering to share, just because you can get to try different dishes. If you like oysters, the Rockefeller are a must; they were definitely spectacular. The Tacos Gobernador are basically shrimp tacos. They were very good and only a bit spicy but have a kick at the end.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

I enjoyed fusing the flavors of some of the sauces it brings on the side. The dish comes with three rolled up tacos per order. The main course were the Camarones (shrimp) al Ajillo, which were laid on a bed of rice and were delicious. All these dishes were wonderfully accompanied by a large glass of frozen Margarita. And I am not big on Margaritas, but the one in Cantina La Veinte is definitely worth it. There are also two things to mention about the restaurant. First, it's definitely a good idea to make a reservation, because it really does get packed. Second, keep in mind that it's the type of restaurant where you're paying more for the experience than for the actual food. But overall, if you're in for a modern kick to Mexican cuisine and don't mind paying extra, it's a great place to try out.