Boia De opened its doors Thursday, June 27, in a strip mall in the Buena Vista neighborhood. The restaurant is obviously a true labor of love for the culinary team Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer.
Previously operating the Mexican food cart, La Pollita, in the Design District, Boia De provides a platform for the pair's culinary talents to take center stage. Both chefs have impressive resumes that include establishments on both coasts, Scarpetta, Carbone, Animal, Son of a Gun, Eleven Madison Park, and The Nomad in New York City where they met.
The 24-seat Boia De incorporates both table and bar seating in an atmosphere that is intimate, warm, vibrant, and energetic. The decor is chic Bohemian with elements that resonate from contemporary to vintage. Ambient music is at a comfortable acoustic level with styles that shuffle from alternative pop to rhythm and blues to yesteryear favorites.
Banquette table seating (All photos by Paul Petrella)
On our recent weekend visit, we were enthusiastically welcomed by Bianca Sanon, an alumna of the New York restaurant scene who is fulfilling roles of both general manager and sommelier. The beverage menu currently includes Aperitivo cocktails incorporating vermouth, sherry and lillet. A full liquor bar is forthcoming. A complete wine list includes bubbly, red, white, contact, and rose offerings by the bottle. Wines by the glass are available along with cider and beer choices. Dessert cocktails and dessert wines complete an impressive list. Nonalcoholic options include a variety of sodas, lemonade, teas, and coffee.
Boia De’s menu encourages the sharing of dishes, and ranges from starters to larger plates incorporating locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The chefs ensure that they are supporting local artisans and purveyors including goods from Sullivan Street Bakery, Proper Sausages, Frice Cream, and Great Circle Coffee.
Menu
Our experience started with hamachi served in crudo style and carefully plated.
The fish was luscious, sturdy, and buttery. A yuzu salsa verde added a tangy accent with fried capers and thinly sliced fresno peppers yielding texture and piquancy.
Hamachi crudo
Crispy polenta had a delicate crunchiness accompanied by a savory marinated eggplant, basil, and ricotta salata.
Crispy polenta
Grilled broccolini had a precise smoky flavor dressed lightly with a house made ranch.
Shaved bottarga added a particularly subtle saltiness to the preparation.
Grilled broccolini
Baked clams are constructed with nduja, a spicy spreadable sausage of smoked pork unique to Calabria, lemon, and lightly adorned with bread crumbs creating a unique and delicious blend.
Baked clams
We finished with a dark chocolate torte, richly dense, topped with a dollop of Chantilly cream, candied hazelnuts, and a caramel emulsion.
Dark chocolate torte
Boia De showcases Giangrandi and Meyer's fusion of extraordinary talent. Buena Vista has added a shining star to its evolving dining scene.
Boia De is located at 5205 Northeast Second Avenue, Miami, FL 33137. Call (305) 967-8866 or reservations through Resy.
Hours:
- Sunday: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
- Monday: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
- Tuesday - Closed
- Wednesday: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
- Thursday: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.
- Friday: 5:30 to 11:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 5:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Plans for lunch service at a later date. Ample parking in lot available.
