Nestled within the luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel on Brickell Key, Miami, La Mar by Gastón Acurio is more than just a restaurant; it is an experience that transports diners to the heart of Peruvian culinary tradition with a modern twist. 

With its stunning waterfront location offering panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and Miami’s skyline, La Mar seamlessly combines high-end dining with the vibrant energy of Peruvian culture.

A culinary vision by Gastón Acurio

Gastón Acurio is renowned as the ambassador of Peruvian cuisine, having popularized his nation’s rich culinary heritage worldwide. La Mar, one of his flagship restaurants in Miami, is a testament to his dedication to showcasing authentic yet innovative Peruvian flavors. 

The Miami location, opened in 2014, has become a cornerstone of the city’s dining scene, combining the best of Peru’s native ingredients with techniques from Asia and the Americas.

Peruvian cuisine itself is a blend of influences from indigenous Inca, Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese cooking traditions. At La Mar, Acurio’s menu reflects this diversity, offering a creative fusion of traditional dishes with a contemporary flair. 

From delicate cebiches to hearty, wok-fried seafood, La Mar celebrates the versatility and richness of Peruvian flavors.

Executive chef Diego Oka: A true master

Executive Chef Diego Oka, who has helmed La Mar since its inception, plays a pivotal role in curating the menu. His culinary expertise stems from years of working under Gastón Acurio and honing his craft at Acurio’s other restaurants globally. 

Chef Oka’s deep connection to Peruvian cuisine and his Japanese-Peruvian heritage allows him to innovate while respecting the authentic elements of Peruvian cooking.

Oka’s menu at La Mar ranges from classic Andean dishes like causa limeña (a mashed potato terrine with avocado and seafood) to modern interpretations like tiradito nikkei, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion dish with tuna tataki, tamarind leche de tigre, and sesame butter. 

His ability to seamlessly integrate Asian techniques into Peruvian cuisine is a hallmark of La Mar’s culinary identity.

An exquisite dining experience

Dining at La Mar offers a sensory journey. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant’s chic ambiance is as much a part of the experience as the food itself. The modern, open-concept design features vibrant colors and a lively atmosphere, making it perfect for both casual dining and special occasions. 

The expansive terrace, which provides views of the city’s skyline and the bay, elevates the experience, offering diners the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.

The dining experience is enhanced by La Mar’s signature dishes, which are bold in flavor and exquisite in presentation. 

A meal here can start with an array of cebiches, like the cebiche clasico featuring fresh fish marinated in a zesty leche de tigre, served with sweet potato and Peruvian corn. 

From there, diners might move on to anticuchos (grilled skewers), which come in varieties like octopus with panca chili sauce, offering a smoky, slightly spicy bite​.

The menu also offers larger entrees such as arroz con mariscos, a rich and flavorful seafood rice dish with shrimp, octopus, and wok-fried calamari in an ají amarillo sauce. 

This dish showcases the harmony between traditional Peruvian ingredients and Asian cooking methods, a reflection of Peru’s historical connection with Chinese and Japanese immigrants​.

Brunch at La Mar: A must-experience

La Mar’s Sunday brunch is a standout feature of the restaurant, drawing locals and visitors alike. This indulgent brunch offers an extensive selection of Peruvian specialties across various food stations, from sushi and tiraditos to grilled meats and fresh ceviches. 

Guests can enjoy iconic dishes like causas and arroz chaufa aeropuerto (a wok-fried rice dish) while taking in breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay​.

Brunch at La Mar also includes a two-hour drink package with free-flowing champagne, selected wines, and cocktails, making it a favorite destination for those looking to enjoy a lively weekend feast​.

Drinks and Desserts: The perfect ending

No meal at La Mar is complete without exploring its cocktail and dessert offerings. The bar program focuses on classic and contemporary Peruvian cocktails, with a particular emphasis on pisco, a grape brandy that is the pride of Peru. 

Signature cocktails like the Pisco Sour, with its blend of pisco, lime, simple syrup, and egg white, are staples, while innovative drinks like the Pisco Punch, featuring pineapple and citrus notes, offer a refreshing take on traditional flavors​.

For dessert, the menu offers traditional Peruvian sweets with a modern twist. The suspiro limeño, a creamy caramel mousse topped with meringue, and tres leches cake are crowd favorites. These rich, decadent desserts offer the perfect conclusion to a meal filled with bold, zesty flavors.

Service and Atmosphere

La Mar’s service is consistently praised for being attentive yet unobtrusive, allowing diners to fully immerse themselves in the experience. 

The staff is well-versed in the intricacies of Peruvian cuisine and is always ready to guide guests through the extensive menu, helping them choose dishes that best suit their palate.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is vibrant yet refined, with a cosmopolitan feel that complements the glamorous surroundings of Brickell Key. 

Whether you’re seated indoors or on the terrace, La Mar exudes a sophisticated energy that is perfect for romantic dinners, group celebrations, or even business meetings.

Recognition and Accolades

La Mar by Gastón Acurio has garnered numerous accolades since its opening. It is consistently recognized as one of Miami’s top dining destinations, including receiving recommendations from the prestigious Michelin Guide and features in top culinary lists such as 50 Best Discovery. 

The restaurant’s ability to blend traditional Peruvian cuisine with global influences while maintaining an elevated dining experience has made it a favorite among food critics and casual diners alike​.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio is a culinary destination that offers more than just a meal—it offers an experience that blends the rich flavors of Peru with the cosmopolitan flair of Miami. 

Whether you’re indulging in fresh cebiches, sipping on a Pisco Sour, or taking in the stunning views of Biscayne Bay, dining at La Mar is a celebration of the senses. 

Perfect for those seeking authentic Peruvian cuisine with a modern twist, La Mar continues to be a must-visit restaurant for anyone in Miami.