Lobster Bar Sea Grille, from the award-winning Atlanta-based Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, is one of the most stylish restaurants in South Beach, with upscale seafood second to none. The beautifully-designed space blends classic and modern elements with an industrial-meets-Art Deco flair. At the entrance to the dining room, a massive display made of Thassos marble imported from Greece showcases each day’s catch on crushed ice, leaving no doubt about the freshness of the offerings. As Buckhead Life notes, their relationships with some of the “most reliable and reputable” fishing contacts in Greece, Spain, New Zealand, Japan and the United States, among others, affords them unprecedented access to the freshest fish available, flown in daily.
The dining room features soft white herringbone subway tiled walls and arched ceilings, reminiscent of the famous Oyster Bar in New York City's Grand Central Station. Warm lead crystal custom lighting creates an “intimate and inviting” ambience, while just off the main dining room is a Honduran mahogany-paneled private board room that can accommodate up to 20 guests and a large private dining room for 100 guests. The culinary team is headed up by Executive Chef Arturo Paz, who joined the company having worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants in New Orleans, Los Angeles and Miami. Here he talks about what it’s like to run the acclaimed eatery.
What sets Lobster Bar Sea Grille apart from Miami's other fine dining establishments?
Our number one goal is always the guest experience. We hire the best of the best to execute perfect dining experiences, with pristine seafood, amazing dishes, and the best service in all of Miami.
What are the most important elements of the restaurant's design?
We use Bill Johnson, from Johnson Studios, to design all of our beautiful restaurants for Buckhead Life. The design of our restaurant specifically is inspired by classic New York-style establishments, elaborating on the white subway tiles, with grand-looking arches and lots of dark wood details. We also have an over the top lighthouse-inspired bar, modern glass chandeliers, and an iconic seafood display in the dining room showing off our fresh, flown-in daily whole fish selections.
Was it partly inspired by the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station?
Absolutely. The timeless design of the vaulted subway tile created by the award-winning Johnson Studio provides a perfect look completing the cool ambiance for our one-of-a-kind seafood concept.
What are the most important things for running a world-class seafood restaurant in this day and age?
Sourcing out the best quality ingredients and consistently executing the dishes on the menu to perfection. Complementing the experience with exceptional service, such as table-side preparations and making sure the guests feel welcome and like family. Personalizing the service for the guests creates an unforgettable experience.
How do you achieve a balance between contemporary and traditional cuisine?
We focus on classic preparations influenced by French techniques, complementing it with a twist of current food trends, but the key balance is always demanding the highest-quality ingredients.
What are some of your standout dishes and what makes them unique?
The Fried Lobster Tail is one of the signature preparations for Buckhead Life restaurants since 1979. The golden crispy texture of the lobster combined with the homemade honey mustard sauce has been a staple dish for decades. One of our more contemporary preparations is the Chili Lobster. This preparation is served with a delicious lobster reduction infused with chilis, cilantro, lime, and blistered shishito peppers. The lobster is served medallion style with the shell serving as the bone, keeping the meat juicy.
