Slim staple
Slim’s (Bal Harbour)
RESTAURANTS • First Word
The Skinny: Restaurateur Stephen Starr’s latest Miami opening officially landed in March with Slim’s, taking over the former Makoto space and replacing Le Zoo, Starr’s previous restaurant at Bal Harbour Shops. A moody, vintage-inspired steakhouse dripping in old-school glamour, it’s got the relaxed polish of a Houston’s with a more bespoke, less-boxed-experience touch. Decked out in checkerboard marble floors with cheeky deco murals and plush leather banquettes, it makes for an ideal shopping break.
The Vibe: A glamorous universe where martinis are mandatory and nobody’s in a hurry. There’s an unmistakable Art Deco retro energy in the room: a bit theatrical, but still distinctly Miami. The crowd is fashionable, the service is polished, and the soundtrack hums at the right volume.
The Food: The menu covers all the steakhouse classics, but with the occasional playful twist keeping things interesting. There are a dozen steak cuts, plus towering sides, truffled roast chicken, pigs in a blanket, and even a wildly indulgent $100 cheesesteak loaded with black truffle and foie gras. The crab-stuffed avocado is the sleeper hit, reconstructed and coated in “black panko” to resemble a whole avocado once again. It was surprising in presentation and tasted genuinely delicious. My New York strip arrived perfectly cooked, the Caesar salad was sharp, and, for my money, their hash browns and oversized onion rings are non-negotiables.
Also, don’t overdo it before dessert. You’ll need to save room for the pink champagne cake, made with layers of fluffy vanilla cake, champagne buttercream, and pink crystal sugar. It’s one of the most celebratory desserts in Miami right now.
The Drink: The cocktail list is also classic steakhouse fare: half a dozen martinis to choose from, and a wine program extensive enough to impress the oenophiles passing through. Start with a martini, specifically, the Vesper. Slim’s nails it.
The Verdict: Managing to feel transportive in a way few new Miami restaurants do with polished service, an appealing room, and a menu full of crowdpleasers, Slim’s already feels destined to become a staple. –Amber Love Bond
→ Slim’s (Bal Harbour) • 9700 Collins Ave • Mon-Fri 1130a-10p, Sat-Sun 4-10p • Reserve.