Located in downtown Miami’s W Brickell, Cantina La Veinte offers an authentic Cantina dining experience – a traditional Mexican gastronomic adventure in which the bar plays a pivotal role. The 450-seat indoor/outdoor waterfront restaurant and bar, which opened its doors in July 2014, is owned and operated by Cinbersol Group, a leading Mexico City-based hospitality group with over 30 restaurant and lounge concepts throughout Mexico. The Miami location marks Cinbersol’s first US concept.
At Cantina La Veinte guests can experience an eclectic menu of traditional Mexican cuisine, as well as expertly crafted cocktails and one of the country’s largest selections of high-end tequilas and mezcals. At the helm of Cantina’s kitchen is Executive Chef Santiago Gomez, a talented young toque who has a passion for authentic Mexican cuisine with a playful, eclectic twist. A native of Mexico, Gomez worked at the prestigious restaurant NOBU, both in Miami and Mexico City. It was in Mexico City during his work at NOBU that Alberto Cinta – CEO & Co-Founder of Cinbersol Group – tapped Gomez to join the growing culinary empire.
Staying true to his Mexican roots, Gomez serves up authentic dishes from south
of the border. To begin, diners can choose from Seafood Appetizers, Ceviches and Aguachiles or Earthy Appetizers, starters from the land. Dishes include Almejas Chocolata Rasuradas Mexican-style clams, served raw with Maggi-lime caviar and chopped red onion; and Chicharrón De Rib Eye fried rib eye chunks served with guacamole. A not-to-be-missed section on the menu, Make-Your-Own Taco runs the gamut from options of pork shank confit, sautéed octopus and grilled
bone marrow to slow cooked beef tongue. In true Mexican fashion, Stuffed Chiles include Pasilla – a Pasilla chile filled with duck confit in a tamarind-mezcal sauce; and Escamoles – a Chile Poblano filled with escamoles and sautéed with butter, garlic, white wine, olive oil and epazote leaves.
Main Dish highlights include Callo De Hacha Sellados Con Arroz Poblano seared scallops atop creamy poblano rice with sautéed mushrooms and truffle oil; and Dry Age Rib Eye Angus with a sugar cane-chile crust and a 3-chile sauce. Also on offer is fresh daily fish, done-your-way with a choice of A La Talla a dried chili-mayo mix; Cilantro – a cilantro sauce with serrano chile, jalapeno and lime juice; or Adobo a chile guajillo sauce. Rounding out the menu is an array of Side Dishes and Tortas, as well as Desserts such as Ate Con Queso De La No. 20 a baked wonton with quince paste and blue cheese ice cream and the Trufas de Chocolate with mezcal and hibiscus powder.
An essential part of Cantina’s gastronomic experience is the restaurant’s bar and cocktail program, which features a massive selection of over 260 tequilas and mezcals, considered one of the largest in the U.S. Executed by Beverage Director Mark Kinzer, the cocktail menu features an array of Before, During and After drinks for guests to enjoy. Innovative cocktails include Cantina Margarita with chipotle infused Chinaco Blanco Tequila with grapefruit bitters, fresh
Designed by Mexican architectural firm Niz + Chauvet, the 450-seat indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar pays homage to the Mexican Art Deco-style, while maintaining the distinct décor of a traditional Mexican Cantina. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a striking, contemporary, floor-to-ceiling black onyx bar with antiqued mirrors and a geometric, pyramid-shaped black and gold chandelier straight out of The Great Gatsby. Blending modern design elements with traditional history, additional touches include: black and white marble flooring; an open exhibition kitchen showcasing the talented culinary team executing authentic creations; expansive framed windows and rich black wood-paneled walls; and select pieces of sophisticated, award-winning Mexican folk art.
A staircase then leads guests downstairs to the restaurant’s outdoor waterfront patio where the covered al fresco dining area is protected from the elements by thick frosted glass etched with Cantina’s symbols of maize and agave, while the outdoor cooling system keeps the area comfortable year-round. Unique to its concept, Cantina La Veinte also has its own Mercado adjacent to the outdoor dining area, offering prepared foods, wines, coffee, fresh juices and horchatas.
Located at 495 Brickell Avenue at the W Brickell and phone number is ( 786) 623-6135
