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Elcielo Miami

#7 of 22 Restaurants in Miami

7.9Friend Score / 10

Florida's only Michelin-starred Colombian restaurant, where chef Juan Manuel Barrientos turns an 18-course tasting into theater — the tableside 'Chocotherapy' ritual, where you dip your hands into warm chocolate, is the moment everyone remembers. Modern Colombian flavors, dramatic and heartfelt. The caveat: it's a $245-$289 fixed experience only, dinner-only, so come ready for a splurge and a full evening.

“Elevated Colombian food and dramatic presentations, from the tableside "chocotherapy" to the "Tree of Life" bread service.”
— MICHELIN Guide

Key facts

Hours
Monday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Price$$$$
Nearest transitFifth Street Metromover station (Brickell loop), a 2-minute walk; Brickell Metrorail/Metromover station about 10 minutes on foot
Time neededAbout 2 to 2.5 hours for the full 18-course tasting
Best time to goA weeknight (Wed-Fri) when pricing is lower and the room is calmer; book 2-4 weeks ahead
Last verifiedJuly 13, 2026

Friend Score

7.9/10
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Frequently asked questions

How far ahead should I book, and is there a dress code?
Reserve two to four weeks out for weekends; weeknights are easier. Reservations are prepaid or card-secured, so cancellation windows matter. Dress is smart-casual to dressy — no strict jacket requirement, but this is a special-occasion room and most guests dress up.
How much does dinner cost and what's included?
The tasting menu runs roughly $245 to $289 per person depending on the night, with dynamic pricing (weekends cost more). That covers the full 18-course experience but not drinks. Wine pairings start around $198 and Champagne pairings around $175, so a couple can easily clear $1,000 before tax and tip.
Where exactly is it and where do I park?
It's at 31 SE 5th St inside the Brickell on the River North Tower, right on the edge of Brickell near the river. Valet is the easiest option, and the Fifth Street Metromover station is a two-minute walk if you'd rather skip driving in Brickell traffic.
Is there an à la carte option or do I have to do the full tasting?
The dining room is tasting-menu only — the 18-course experience is the whole point, and there's no shorter or à la carte alternative. If you want just a bite or a drink, that's not what this place is set up for. Plan for the full multi-hour commitment.
What is the 'Chocotherapy' everyone talks about?
It's the restaurant's signature ritual, served tableside near the end of the meal. You're invited to plunge your hands into warm melted chocolate as a sensory, almost meditative pause. It sounds gimmicky on paper but guests consistently name it the most memorable moment of the night. Come prepared to actually participate rather than just watch.
Is Elcielo Miami really Michelin-starred?
Yes. It earned a Michelin star in the inaugural 2022 Florida guide and has retained it every year since, through the 2026 guide. It's the only Colombian restaurant in Florida to hold a star, which is a big part of what makes it a destination rather than just a nice dinner.
Is Elcielo good for a special occasion?
It's built for one. Birthdays and anniversaries can be added on (around $85) for a personalized touch, and the theatrical pacing — from the bread 'Tree of Life' to Chocotherapy — makes it feel like an event. It's less suited to a quick casual dinner or a large rowdy group.
Do they accommodate dietary restrictions and vegetarians?
Yes, but you must tell them in advance. When you book, note allergies or vegetarian/vegan needs and the kitchen will build an alternate progression. Because the menu is a fixed choreographed sequence, walk-in requests are much harder to honor, so give them a few days' notice.

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