Casual, yet exotic and wildly exciting, Ghee Indian Kitchen flaunts new flavors and adds character to South Florida’s thriving dining scene.

Chef Niven Patel, former chef de cuisine at Michael’s Genuine, brings his authentic farm-to-table concept to Miami. The restaurant uses as much produce as possible from his two-acre farm, nicknamed Rancho Patel, in Homestead. Fresh and home-grown Indian cuisine never tasted so good!

Walking into Ghee’s new Design District location, I couldn’t help but notice the complete transformation of the space once occupied by the upscale Cypress Room/Tavern. I’m not just talking about its decor, although that has also somewhat changed. Right away I noticed the absence of the crystal chandeliers and taxidermy that once adorned the restaurant interiors. Then, a paralyzing aroma filled the quaint room, caught me off guard, and reshifted my focus. I couldn’t wait to begin, I had a good feeling . . .

What I tried:

Spinach Pakora

Pani Puri

Smoked Duck

Short Rib Uttapam

Avocado Tuna

Green Millet

Eggplant

Channa Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala

Charred Ribs

Chocolate Chai

Meet hay: walnut cumin cookie, apple karanji, cardamon shortbread, kaju katli

Roasted White Chocolate Kulfi

Reasonably priced at $55, the Family-Style Tasting Menu is the perfect way to try out a good portion of the menu. Consider adding the tender, fall-off-the-bone, heart-stopping goodness that is the $25 Smoked Lamb Neck, if available. There’s a reason I named it one of my top two bites of 2017!

In concept, I didn’t initially think the Tumeric Marinated Swordfish would match the intensity and rhythm the rest of the menu promised. It took just one bite to know it was, indeed, a perfect fit.

Turmeric Marinated Swordfish

Smoked Lamb Neck

Smoked Lamb Neck

The food, complemented by delicious and interesting sauces, greatly varied in taste and texture. As the night went on, the feast’s intensity grew, and dinner flowed nicely. I picked up some items directly with my hands and spooned condiments on others. There was a crunch here and a crisp there. Cold ingredients mixed with hot. Sweet bites and sour notes. A salty this and a tangy that. Creamy sauce on one and a liquid base defining the other. I closed my eyes, wowed and mmmd more times than I can remember. I didn’t want dinner to end. I watched in amazement as incoming guests steadily packed the small bar waiting to be seated. I guess it won’t be a secret for much longer. Ghee is truly the shizzle and will become one of my top visited spots this year. Guaranteed.

Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 5pm – 10pm
Friday – Saturday: 5pm – 11pm
Closed Sunday

Design District
3620 NE 2nd Ave
Miami, FL 33137

Parking:
Guests can park next door at City Parking using pay by phone.

Downtown Dadeland
8965 SW 72nd Pl
Kendall, FL 33156

Parking:
Guests may Valet or use underground parking garage free for 3 hours with validation.