Come on in, the Water’s Fine
The name Yaku may mean water in Quechua, an ancient language dating back to the Inca empire, but this bar is definitely no dive. It’s a new extension of La Mar, the Peruvian restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, helmed by acclaimed celebrity chef Gaston Acurio. Open Thursday to Saturday, it is poised to become the next ‘it’ spot to unwind during weekends.
Featuring an extensive menu of handcrafted Peruvian-inspired cocktails, it’s the perfect place for an aperitif to complement a meal at the restaurant. Some noteworthy libations include the signature Yaku Punch which comprises rum, mango puree, lime juice and chicha morada, a sweet Peruvian drink made from purple corn, and the cheekily named Sexy Bombon Punch with bourbon, orange juice, cinnamon and orange bitters.
If all the drinking has one feeling nibbly, Yaku also serves a small selection of light bites. Try the Cebiche Tostado, a dish of tuna tartare with crispy onions, chipotle aioli and avocado, and Los Choritos, mussels served in their own juice with flavours of caucau (a Peruvian spicy tripe stew), toasted bread and crostini.
It’ll be hard not to gaze out at the bar’s unobstructed waterfront view, but its interior hasn’t been neglected either. Teak wood furniture, bronze, terracotta, and turquoise accent pieces are given a touch of local style with Peruvian-inspired textiles.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami
500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami
Florida 33131
United States of America
Tel: +1 305 913 8288
