I don't have much to say that has not already been said. The Forge is well known and although very STEAP, it is worth going at least once. I have to say that I was spoiled as I ate in the Presidential room so my review is a bit skewed. That room was the most incredible and an experience on its own. I am a food and a bit of a snob when it comes to it, and the food is good, actually really good. The crab legs were out of this world, they were cooked to perfection! We had tons of other appetizers and I cannot remember them all but they were all delicious. I had the steak, which I had to have since it claims to be "The Best in America". Well it is very tender, flavorful and cooked to perfection but by no means is it the Best in America. There are tons of better steaks especially if you have been to NYC or Las Vegas steakhouses. Peter Luger, Strip House, Carne Vino, will take that steak to town. The wine list is phenomenal. It is varied and the prices are actually surprisingly low considering the cost of the food. We ordered bottles in the $120-$150 range and they were really good. We had high end Mendoza bottles from Argentina, St. Emilion and St. Julien from France and they did the trick. No need to go crazy, believe me. Conclusion: It is absolutely worth going to just prepare the wallet or dust-off that old credit card you have been hiding!
(4)
R P.
This place has a great atmosphere and the service is impeccable. The wine list is extensive (80 wines available by the glass!) and they have some very unique cocktails. The food was less spectacular. The filet was good but not great--I expected much more from this place. The sauce served with the filet was too overpowering and masked rather than complemented the flavor of the meat. The beans had too much soy, making this side a little less palatable as well. Nonetheless, I would return to the restaurant and give it another shot--it is possible that they just had a bad food night.
(3)
Rick H.
What a great night -- wonderful ambiance, great wine, inventive menu, excellent food and service. For the level of restaurant, prices aren't eye-popping -- they are actually lower than we expected. Loved the mushroom risotto, the Lobster Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich (you have to try it) and one friend raved about the duck. Our waiter was fun, funny, attentive and seemed to know every ingredient in every dish.
(5)
RA V.
Solid dining experience. The good: the ambiance was great, and the staff was exceptionally friendly. The food was, in general, well prepared and the flavorful. The filets were cooked perfectly. The bad: drink refills had to be requested each time and the glass stayed empty through dessert despite many waiters and the maitre d' walking past several times. I had a difficult time chewing one particular bite of my chocolate souffle - it was a piece of clear plastic about 2 by 10 mm.
(3)
John D.
This place is pricey. Apparently even in my father's day it was a spot to be "seen". Which is not my thing, I like to eat. I was very surprised how good the food was. Our meals were perfect. I went for Miami Winter Spice. The service was great, front waiter, back waiter, bus boy, sommelier. Lots of attention. The rooms have million dollar stained glass adourning the wall. Their wine collection is unparalleled.
(4)
Kate S.
Watch out for the 20% service charge, on every bill (even if it's 2 people that ordered at the bar), that they say DOESN'T include tip.
(2)
M M.
I will never go here again. The service is the worst I have ever had in eating out multiple times a week for 12+years. I tried organizing a private room and the restaurant would never call me back. After waiting weeks and repeated phone calls the man who organizes the private room yelled into the phone, "Well maybe we don't want your business!!" And he hung up on me. I have never been hung up on because I am not rude on the phone. I wanted to complain to the owner, but he would never return my calls either. DEFINITELY GO ANYWHERE ELSE.
(1)
Sheree Y.
first off, the decor is beautiful. i LOVE the chandeliers and the beautiful chairs. it's a bit dark, but i think it's romantic. second, this place has the best starter breads i have ever had. too bad it's all the way in miami! it was a mix combo of breads, which is even more amazing! i think i got full off of trying all the different kinds. haha. anyway, so i ordered the 8 oz filet mignon. it was just right! my gf had the lamb ribs for starters and THAT was good. lastly, if you're cold, they give you shawl. haha. well to the ladies. and omg, the restroom is beautiful! probably the nicest restroom i've seen at a restaurant. i can see ladies spending over 30 mins just touching up. there's a room full of mirrors! hahaha.
(4)
Marie M.
The Forge on Miami Beach is a must if you're a local or in town on vacation. The wine list is extensive as also the food. The decor is beautiful so are the people who visit here fun lounge as well, great place!
(4)
Theo H.
Their Winter Spice (through 2/12) menu changes every Monday. The carpaccio salad was fresh and perfectly seasoned. I tried my friend's lobster ravioli which was good, but the calamari took the prize for the appetizers. The "hobo" steak was decent. I didn't really like the cut as there was too much fat and gristle, but everyone else enjoyed theirs. For desert, I had a chocolate mouse thingy with pistaccios (I'm clearly not a foodie) which was good and not too rich. The wine list was literally a book and seemed quite thorough. The ambiance is definitely different, but the service was impeccable and the music was young and hip (which gave the whole place a bit of a fun edge). You don't get to stick around for 41 years not knowing who you are and trying to be something you're not... Next time I have to take someone out for a business dinner, Forge is probably where I'll bring them. Thanks Martin for the recommendation. ps. Apparently there is a dance hall next to the entrance (I took a peak) and there is a whole club upstairs. I cannot wait to check them both out!!!
(4)
ElGringo S.
Nice place. Good food. Good bar tenders. OK wait staff. (the kind that make you feel uncomfortable) Very pricey. Good for special occasions.
(4)
Christina C.
Friends and I visited the Forge for the first time last week while they were offering the Miami Spice menu. A group of us visited on a Wednesday night and were seated right as we walked in. As per that week's menu, I chose the Salmon croquettes, the Risotto for dinner, and the chocolate cake for dessert. Both the salmon croquettes and the risotto were very good, but I felt they left something to be desired. While the chocolate cake was fantabulous, it was sooooo rich that I couldn't eat more than 3 bites. I must say the ambience was spectacular, the service was impeccable, and it was a very enjoyable experience. I think I would defintiely like to go back and visit the restaurant once again to try their regular menu.
(3)
Matthew F.
The food was fine, but not significantly better than other Miami fare. The staff was extremely friendly, but we had the misfortune to be seated right behind a party of 25, and everything took FOREVER to come out of the kitchen. Our waiter kept apologizing for the delays.... He must have apologized 5 times over the course of the meal. But when the check came, they had comped us.... 1 cup of decaf coffee. Based on this, I would not go back.
(3)
Hesham E.
Try the SUPER STEAK! It is, by far, the best steak I ever had.
(5)
Lizzie S.
We ate here Christmas Eve 2008 and had a great time overall. The decor is an amazing roccoco & art deco wonderland. Just really above and beyond. The food is classic steakhouse fare, nothing surprising. Our service was solicitous and kind but not over the top. Couple problems: We got there super early (for Miami, people dine late in this town), and they tried to stick us at a table in a tiny back room. The restaurant was EMPTY! Fail. We asked to be moved. The sommelier helped is with a wine. There were a few choices in our category, this one was the priciest and he said it was worth it, natch. And it was not. Fail. I have been waited on by MANY sommeliers who have steared me toward wine in my price range, and not necessarily the top end of my price range and have been served amazing wine. The brag at the Forge is the size of their wine cellar so there should have been something in our price range full bottle worthy. The wine we were served was not. The food came out so fast we didn't finish our wine before we were done eating 3 courses. Literally, they were clearning one plate as they were serving the next. THREE courses in under and hour. Well under an hour. My kishkas were verbrundt. Faster than effing mcDonald's. WTH? Fail. The food tasted good and as the restaurant filled up the people watching was fun. The Sandman was spinning at the bar, and he was laying down some phat tunes that had my shaking and shimmying. If I were in town again and friends wanted to go, I might go. or i might try to persuade them to eat elsewhere.
(3)
Arielle S.
I went here with a few girl friends last night to try the Spice menu, we were really impressed. The decor is beautiful (especially the bathroom!) and everything was very good. Our server was great and they actually promote the Spice menu instead of hiding it or acting like you are super cheap for ordering from it. Between us we tried almost every dish from the spice menu and everything was very tastey without skimping on the portions. The winning dish may have been the mushroom risotto. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a nice evening out. Spice or not I will be back.
(5)
Tiffany L.
When I arrived to the Forge I was ecstatic at how nice it looked and how hungry I was. The place was rather dark but probably for the romantic ambiance. It was nice and crowded just as a restaurant should be on a Saturday night. The menus were extremely large and had a wide selection of everything you could imagine. I ordered the filet with creamed corn and the truffle fries. The best part of the meal was the fries for sure. We also had the escargot for an appetizer. My biggest complaint about this establishment was the service. It seemed like the staff was only pretending to care and if you had a complaint theyd just walk away. They hardly came by to check on our drinks or anything. When I was asked how my steak was, after I told the guy that it was rather burnt on the outside he just walked away. The waiter also took the food without asking if we were finished and tossed the bill on the table. If a bill is 400 I'd like a simple thank you before you throw it my way. Way too expensive for the crappy service. Next time do yourself a favor and just go down to Lincoln and eat there. However, the valet people were extremely helpful.
(2)
Felicia B.
Excellent special occasion dining local. Great ambiance - be sure to check out all the different rooms. I found the buttery yet crisp and fresh scallops to be delicious. Had the duck on another occasion and liked that as well. The rest of my party was equally satisfied with their dinners. Food was festive and fun. The seafood appetizer was very impressive. Other pluses: Expansive wine list; Great, knowledgeable servers; cool restrooms. All in all a fun place worthy of the prices they charge for the most part.
(4)
Alph G.
This place is swank, swank, swank. It's all about very high-quality food in a place with true class. Not "Miami" class mind you - not hot pink, Art Deco, in your face decadence - but understated, high-end, old money class. Of course, it is very expensive. Celebs do actually eat here. The food was understated, delicious. I would definitely come here again for a special occasion.
(4)
Tracey V.
Food was horrible. We were a large party and they were clearly in a rush to get us out. The steaks were charred and over cooked. I have had a bone in filet at many steak houses and the one at the Forge was sub par. The duck fat fries were burned and soaked in grease. The duck was overcooked. The tomatoe salad was soaked in a disgusting sauce that over powered the tomatoe. I would never go back or recommend this place to anyone.
(1)
Chip S.
Went for Christmas dinner and it was worth every penny! Delicious coffee steak and lobster pbj's! Ashley was our server and she was amazing! Knew the history of the place. Had an awesome personality and we didn't have to wait for any meals! Couldn't have picked a better place! Will do again!
(5)
Natalie P.
AMAZING. My boyfriend and I experienced the Forge for the first time in June for our anniversary. The first thing that jumped out at me was how much the decor and ambiance differs from the typical Miami hotspot. It is such a warm, welcoming room and very sophisticated. A far cry from the typical trendy Miami restaurant with overly modern decor, the Forge is simply a work of art. We started off at the bar to have a few pre-dinner cocktails. The bartender was really friendly, and recommended some of her favorites for my very indecisive man. I had the Sante, which was just the right mix of sweet and tangy, and I ended up drinking them all night! He went for the Carioca Passion, which was delicious and a welcome departure from the run-of-the-mill cocktail. We moved into the dining room for dinner, and were brought their bread and butter. Well, we certainly weren't expected the deliciousness that arrived! My favorite was the cinnamon-raisin bread. It was crispy, sweet, and paired amazingly well with the whipped honey butter it was served with. Appetizers. We had the kale salad and the lemon dim sum. The dim sum was pretty decent, but being from Vancouver with its huge Asian population, it wasn't the best I've ever had. The boyfriend, on the other hand, loved it. The kale salad was great! It's really something different that you won't see at many restaurants. It was savory and the currants gave it the sweetness it needed - and of course, pine nuts, which you can practically never go wrong with. Mains. I had the mushroom risotto and he had the spice rubbed duck. Being a vegetarian, I love risotto and eat it whenever possible. I was very pleased that their risotto is not prepared with chicken stock, so I ordered it and promptly devoured it! It was so delicious, and quite possibly the best risotto I have ever had in my life! That's saying a lot coming from this risotto freak! The boyfriend loved the duck, and being a southern boy, he also loved the grits. He liked that the duck was crispy on the outside and really juicy on the inside, according to him, it was "just perfect". Dessert. The Marble Souffle. A perfect marriage of chocolate and gran marnier! My dad used to make souffle when I was a kid, so it has always been a favorite of mine. This was one of the best I've had, the flavors were just right, it was served at the perfect temperature. We gobbled it up pretty quickly! Service. Our server had a few tables, and lo and behold, one of his tables included some douchebag pretending to have money ordering champagne with dinner trying to impress the classless bimbo he was with. Since we didn't buy a bottle of Dom, we were somewhat ignored - until I waved the beverage manager over. I stated my concerns, and the manager was literally appalled, I could tell just by the look on his face. He apologized profusely and said that he would take care of our dessert. Not only did he do that, but he personally served us for the entire rest of our meal, as our original server sheepishly walked past us. The manager was phenomenal, and a definite rarity in Miami. We were totally satisfied with his apology and his offer to comp our dessert, that was, until the bill arrived. When my boyfriend opened it up, he had a shocked look on his face. I immediately thought "uh oh, we spent A LOT" but that was not the look at all. The look of shock was because the manager had literally comped over HALF our bill, bringing our total for cocktails, appetizers, mains, dessert, and after-dinner drinks to under $80. In a restaurant setting, once the customer service damage is done, it's pretty much impossible to regain the trust of the customers and turn them into repeat customers or regulars. However, the manager went way above and beyond our expectations, regained our trust, and instead of me leaving ready to rant about the Forge, I walked out of the restaurant thoroughly impressed and ready to rave about our experience. We will most definitely be going back - my stomach is growling just thinking about the risotto!
(5)
Tracy M.
The new and improved restaurant... Beautifully modernized. I simply love the enomatic machines that dispense wine by the ounce for tastings and by the glass when you know you love it! The machines are even hooked up to iTouches were they've also designed an app to allow the consumer to save and email the information on the wines they've enjoyed. Very cute and innovative (although not necessary or a reason to go back). The hubs and I arrived before the rest of our party on a Saturday night. We opted to wait by the bar and order a round of drinks. He had a Stella. I ordered a Carioca Passion - a mixed drink off of their menu. It was superb! The bartender was very nice and attentive. Once the rest of the gang arrived, we were seated at a lovely table. Immediately, a waiter came around and took an order of drinks. The hubs requested a 2nd beer, I was still sipping on my delight. The other couple with us ordered a round of drinks. I recommended my drink for the wife and her hubs ordered a redbull vodka. The boys got there drinks instantly. After about 20 minutes, another waiter came by, introduced himself as our waiter for the evening and recommended a wonderful seafood appetizer for the table. At that point, I advised that I was done with my drink, would like another and also advised that our lady friend hadn't received her drink yet. He apologized and said he'd take care of it. Another 20 minutes later, a beautiful arrangement of seafood (crab legs, oysters, tuna tartare and lobster salad) came out. Still no drinks. Half way through that appetizer, the waiter came back and took our order for entrees. I requested my drink for the second time, and hers for the third. He apologized again and then said he had a better idea. He was suggesting a drink he was sure we'd love even more than the one we'd ordered. I hesitated, asked if he was sure. After all, our friend hadn't even gotten her first taste of the drink. He was so addemant about it, he said he'd change them if we didn't like them. Another 20 minutes........ The unknown drinks come out. Not good at all! It took me another 5 minutes at least of neck-breaking attempts to waive him down. He apologized and immediately removed the drinks from our table. Another 20 minutes........ Our drinks finally come out!!! 5 minutes later comes the rest of our fantastic dinner!!! The highlight of the evening! Amazing cuts of meat and fish were placed on our table. I ordered a typical filet mignon (the steak was perfectly cooked to order, tasted really delicious but I was not crazy about the mustard-based sauce it came with). Both men ordered the 18 ounce bone-in-filet. Huge and absolutely mouth-watering. 5 stars for that dish! Our girlfriend had a salmon dish which she said she thoroughly enjoyed. Honestly, no room for desert! I'd love to give the place 4.5 stars, but the service...Come on! I expected more from this restaurant. My expectations were set much higher than what I got. It's not like the restaurant was slammed wall-to-wall. There were empty tables around us. I need to know that service has improved before going back.
(3)
Warren W.
In we go all twelve of us, following the scantilly clad hostess who knows we slimy older guys are watching her every move. We are disgusting. Past the board room with it's 7' foot tall high back chairs fit for royalty and definitely not executives. But I could see a Russian quickly rich oil emprezario sitting at this with gold rimmed wine glasses and a slinky wife tied to the table with a pet tiger off in the corner eating the help. Into the library room we go. Tall ceilings, books of all types and readings from floor to ceiling. Me thinkst quickly that it must cost less to outfit this place with books from several yard sales then to keep up with painting this ornate room. Why take a way from the food? I am on sensory overload and they haven' brought out the bread. Many restaurants required a fixed menu with groups and this is one of them. Because, not only am i here with these horny old bastards, i' m part of about another 30. So the dilemma is.....how do I cop the silly yet super rated lobster and pb& j sandwich i yearn for. My fellow.colleagues yearn for Svetlana the hostess or maybe her name is Lolita or could it be Maria? Who cares I want the lobsta. Waiter arrives to take one's order and I lean close and he has.a look that says oh oh one of those........not me I would like thepb&j lobsta please oh kind sir. You must pay sir I can't put it on the bill. Fine, the total of the bill for the evening I think approached $7000.00 but who cares don't throw me a freaking' bone. So the pb&j with L is delivered. Crunchy peanut butter, Maine lobsta, and what I believe is a caramelized onion that substitutes for jelly. Ingenious..incredulous, delicious and yet am I crazy to share. A growl comes from my throat as my fellow diner eyes it. How is it he asks? Rrrrrrrrr! Buzz off I reply. Next comes my order of crab cake. Light, a very large cake, and perfect lump crab I bet from the Annapolis waters of the Chesepeake. Two would be dinner they are that large. Now arrives a wonderful pasta of rigatoni boiled to perfection and seasoned and assisted by cauliflower, roasted pepper, garlic and pesto.....damn good. My entree is a braised short rib that may have been braised since labor day as it not only fall off the bone but really was mushy. Bone was good. Last came dessert. Just not a dessert guy. A lemony jellowy concoction that left an aftertaste in my mouth of well let me say i wish it weren't there. Tried it again, still there. Washed down with some cab....still there. One last bite to see if i had developed acid reflux...still there. I think it's me. So I leave a twenty dollar bill for my waiter friend who never came back for payment. Get on the very cool black executive bus and settle in for some deep conversation and who pops up but my waiter with a check? Slightly embarrassed amongst the stares from my well lubricated friends I said you should hasten to the table least the water boy grab your doe$$. Seriously, great spot deliciously ......over the top. Very good food! Nice atmosphere that wouldn't fly in Boston. In this concrete jungle known as Miami that really wishes it were NY I say .....to each his or her own.
(5)
Andrew A.
I should be the president of the "Forge Fan Club." The ambiance is Miami Beach classy, the wine list is made to match their extraordinary steak, & the bar will prompt you & your party to find the nearest DD. The restaurant is not cheap & I would definitely classify it in the "special occasion" category but they will cater to you whether it's your birthday or a regular night out (if you're lucky nough to make it your 'regular' spot). We went on Valentine's Day & had a reservation but still sat at the bar waiting to be seated. Expect big food, big flavor & a big bill BUT it's worth every penny. Try the churrasco for a surprising blend of wood fired flavor ;)
(5)
Jason R.
What a great place. The atmosphere and people watching were tops, followed up with great food and attentive service. A must try is the Super Steak, advertised as the Best steak in America...how can you not try it. It was amazing, best steak I have ever had, eh not quite but very close. Others in our group enjoyed the Snapper "in a bag" and the Tuna. A dessert must is the Apple Pie Sundae, wow. Service was superb but the wine list, that's where they lost the 5th star for me. Its an extensive list (received Wine Spectators 2nd highest award) but not much in real depth.
(4)
Heather W.
I have to say, I freakin' love this place. Ask for Table #12-the owner's table (I think it's 12). Best seat in the house. It's one of the things I miss about living back home in Miami. The wine sommelier seems a bit obtuse, but eh, whatever...(I would ask what to look for in a certain wine and he didn't seem to get the question, so I'd explain it more and he'd tell me how to open it up. Okay, dude. I've been to Sonoma plenty of times. I know how to "open it up".) Anyway...the lobster bisque, the presentation, the duck (which I'm not usually a fan of), the desserts, you can't go wrong with anything. Expect to spend some money. Worth it.
(5)
Eric P.
The food, decor and service were amazing! I had the duck with sangria sauce and an apple martini. I also had the best wild mushroom risotto ever! Everything was first class. The sommelier even gave us a tour of the wine cellars.
(5)
Sarah M.
I had the Ceviche as an app, it came with Yucca chips and it was fantastic! As a main I ordered the Tuna last night, it was AMAZING! I took the Asian veggies out and had the delish sesame crusted fillet medium rare. Great wine- Spectacular! Only negative was our server was too opinionated and not funny. Usually they are great here but this guy was not up to forge standards. I got married here and have been a repeat customer for 6 years!
(4)
Alejandra M.
I know that I am kind of late in writing my review for this amazing place, but it was worth the wait. Trust me when I tell you that I had to gather my thoughts in recollecting everything that I experienced at this place. The place is fit for royalty. The decor that I found here at The Forge was just plain amazing and breath taking. Every room here has it's own sense of WOW factor! The bathrooms are wow! Their bar is WOW! and their service is wow! WOW is the only word that comes to mind when describing this place. I will have to say that the price you pay to dine here is worth every penny. I honestly think that this place is not expensive at all for a fancy romantic dinner for two! Make sure you check out their large selection of wines. Here at the forge you also have the option to taste wines by the sip, half glass, or full glass. Just talk to wine connoisseur and he will set you up!
(4)
Larry In Miami D.
I'm born and raised in Miami, this is the absolute best Restaurant that i have ever been in, I'm in the biz so " i kno people ". This is 5 Star, first rate business. i don't get here often , only about 3-4 times a year and never ,never a dull moment.
(5)
s d.
Everything about this place is perfect. The decor, the ambiance, the service and the food. I ordered the grilled skirt steak and it was amazing, perfectly cooked with some sweet stuff on top. The only negative is the drinks are a bit pricey, $17 range. Other than that i will definitely go back!
(5)
Laura G.
I wore my nice shoes for this dinner, and one of those "oh, this o'l thing?" dresses. I was imagining a gastronomical masterpiece prepared to perfection by a master chef. We made reservations for 9pm, but were told to wait, so we waited standing up for an hour, then the hostess suggested we sit at the bar. We cringed and made our way to the "nigh club" section of the restaurant. We couldn't even hear each other. We didn't want drinks either so surprisingly enough we weren't ALLOWED to sit at the bar, another hour went by. We finally compromised with the hostess and she sat us three tables away from the night club. The waiter cringed his nose when he took our order because we asked for the Miami Spice menu. Even if I couldn't hear my own girlfriend because of the absurdly loud music, I'm almost sure I heard him say "cheap asses." My girlfriend ended up ordering Filet Mignon because the miami spice menu was terrible. . The filet was dry and came with a side of ONE baby carrot and ONE broccoli. I ordered a truffled risotto which should have brought shame upon the restaurant They even managed to mess up our friend's lobster bisque. By the time the bill came, we had apparently spent $300. I double checked the bill and as it turned out we had been charged for another table's $150 wine, we didnt even get to try it. I asked for the manager but I was completely ignored and the waiter sent us a revised bill, this time, without the extra wine bottle. For the price, I expected a much better experience.
(2)
Carlos P.
OK, so I return to have dinner at the Forge for the third time this summer. Same start as usual, Caesar Salad minus the Beef Tataki. Salad was fine, and then I added some wine. Since I was the only one drinking from my table, I ordered by the glass from their wine stations. Had a couple glasses of a tempranillo, which was pretty good. This time, I went ahead and ordered their 16 oz NY "super steak", cooked medium rare plus. Once again, I found it to be a little heavy with the char. Steak was tender, but chewy (obviously this cut has a little more fat), a little too chewy for my tastes. This cut was a little to fatty for someone who typically sticks with fillet Mignon. Another small complaint was the steak knife given was not quite adequate, more of a jumbo butter knife. I am sure its fine for leaner cuts, but not quite enough for a NY strip. I couldn't keep my plate still while trying to cut and made it really annoying to try to eat. For my side I decided to go with the Duck Fries which were pretty good and a great compliment. So after this, I don't see myself returning anytime soon, three times this summer and yet really to be that impressed. I'd still go Red/Prime 112 first or else Flemings/Meat Market as my backup. Still a good option for drinks and lounging, but for steak, I wouldn't go back anytime soon. BTW, our service has always been great here. Our waiter was extremely patient, especially since one of our guests happened to be an hour late. That wouldn't slide at Prime 112.
(3)
kevin e.
Went here with my wife on a trip to south beach. I have to admit I was tired after a day of travel. So I was not in the mood for a big meal. The decor is gorgeous. Really beautiful. The menus ( wine and food ) are really extensive ( and yes expensive ). You should definitely find something you like to drink and eat. Tons of wines by the glass and many cocktails. Since we were not in the mood for two big meals we went with three apps and one meal. Here is what we what got 1. Lobster PB & J. OMG. Unreal. Worth the trip alone. Thai accented creamy delicious and really does taste like a PB & J. Order it. U will never forget it 2. Yellow fin tuna tartare. Very solid. Good not great. 3. Porcini dusted scallops. Very yummy 4. Short ribs. Big plate. Very tasty. A little fatty. But real good Atmosphere was nice. Service excellent. I guess the five star is based on the lobster PB & J and the fact that the menu looked amazing but we were not in to two big meals so I added a star for that. Enjoy !
(5)
David R.
I went here for my birthday with friends. We all had the same experience. The food was mediocre and the server was very pretentious and intrusive. I hate to give them a bad review because I really liked the old Forge. However, this is a different place than the old restaurant. I will most likely not be going back.
(1)
Ted X.
A go to place for a great experience. Amazing atmosphere and food to go with it. Worth every dollar, every time I go. I would recommend food, but everything has always been great.
(5)
Arelys C.
Food was great. Loved the croquette starters. Service was very good as well. The decor is a bit tacky for my taste, felt like I was on the set of Real Housewives of New Jersey...over the top. Wine selection is extensive, but pricey.
(4)
RJ S.
Alright, so we live at 38th and Collins and have been waiting for a year to try the Forge food. Our waiter went to Clemson and he was definitely a 5 star waiter. He knew the menu, knew the history of the place, and knew how to entertain us. As for the food, we went with 7 people and were able to have a tour de menu. Some of the food was 5 stars, some of it 4, and some of it 3. We will start with the appetizers... The U-2 shrimp were pretty delicious. Large shrimp and marina. Nothing too special here, just delicious shrimp. We ordered 12 oysters. 6 were "creamier oysters" and 6 were Blue Point oysters. Both oysters were amazing, but the Blue Point were definitely the best. If you are into the saltier oyster, then definitely go for the Blue Point. Tuna Tartar - Very good. The quality of tuna was impressive. The tuna had a very buttery/gel-o type texture that made it melt in your mouth. The "cracker" used to dish out the tuna was good. Perfect consistency and flavor. Beef Tataki - Good. Is beef carpaccio ever great? We are not experts on beef carpaccio, so give it a try. Special appetizer of the night 'Grouper, Snapper, Conch Ceviche' - WOW...the ceviche was marinated with peppers and served with fried plantain chips. The mixture of sweet, spicy, and vinegar flavors were amazing. Definitely the highlight of the appetizers we ordered!!! Entrees: Best Steak in America - Well, my friend ordered this steak 'Pittsburgh Style'...they definitely new how to do a Pittsburgh, almost too well. You could taste the charred grill flecks on it way too much. Bone in Filet - Ridiculously amazing. I've eaten at Prime 112 and Red Steakhouse in Miami and this was definitely the best bone in filet I have had in those areas. We ordered it medium rare and were not disappointed. If you want some meat, ordered this bad boy! Tuna - Good, nothing special 8 oz filet - Perfectly cooked and delicious Coffee and Egg steak - According to my friend who ordered it "the best dish we ordered" If you do not like the taste of coffee, do not order this dish. He ordered it medium-rare and the flavors that came out of their steak were mouth watering. Lamb Chops - My order. I consider myself a connoisseur of lamb chops. These were a 7.5-8/10. I ordered them medium-rare and they cooked them perfectly. However, the sauce was a little thick/sugary and took away from the natural juices of the lamb. I would still highly recommend trying them! Dessert: We tried a few of the souffles...what can I say, they were all amazing! Get a souffle!!!! Drinks: I don't want to write a novel on the drink menu, but they were all delicious. I say get adventurous and try some of their drink concotions. We ordered about 5 or 6 different types and all of them were equally spectacular. Overall verdict: Great service. Food would have been a 5 if we had not ordered a couple of average items. It was there 2nd week open, so maybe they are still working out the kinks and it will soon all be five star food? Either way, give it a try!
(4)
Katie T.
We went there halloween night. The service was amazing. The food was great! The dessert was the best, souffle!
(5)
Veronica S.
I can't think of another place to have spent our second wedding anniversary. I haven't been back to The Forge since it was remodeled so I'm glad we were finally able to see the good things we've heard about. Inside, it's gorgeous...I almost felt like I was in NYC. The only thing I was disappointed about was that they do not offer a corkage fee. We brought a bottle of wine that we purchased on our honeymoon and couldn't drink it at dinner but the evening was far from a disappointment. My husband is friends with Chef John so we were excited when he chose 2 appetizers to send out to us. The lobster pb&j is to die for! Seriously...it's the best thing to happen to a sandwich in a long time. We also had the short ribs with a pomegranite sauce that was finger licking good. (We didn't lick our fingers at the restaurant but it was tempting!) For dinner my husband had the skirt steak and a loaded baked potato. He's a man that likes to keep things simple but the steak was tender and cooked perfect. I had the grilled salmon with basil mashed potatoes. It was an interesting spin on mashed potatoes so kudos to the chef for coming up with somthing new for a classic side! The chocolate soufle was the perfect end to our meal. It was warm, gooey and chocolatey...everything that a good soufle should be! I can hardly wait to go back with a group of friends!
(4)
Anthony C.
This is one of my best dining experiences in Miami. It has a Great atmosphere. The steak was excellent. After your food you get party all night. They have a live DJ and on Sundays the DJ may be Biz Markie. You will love this experience
(5)
karen m.
I've been going to the Forge for years and couldn't wait for it to reopen. I went with a group of friends who are all forge lovers....Our entire party was very disappointed. The service was awful and that was a first. The waiter handed us the wine list which is very extensive and as soon as he gave it to us he stood at the table waiting for our choice instead of giving us the time & space to go through it. I used to love the lobster martini so I ordered the lobster appetizer on brioche and the whole thing just tasted like bread - not very good. we ordered steaks and they just had no flavor at all and were not cooked properly. I've always had great steaks at the "old Forge" and always cooked just right. From beginning to end it was a total disappointment for us all and several of my friends have told me they have gone and had the same experience
(2)
Amber W.
Probably my favorite restaurant in Miami. The lobster PB&J app is one of the best appetizers I've ever had in my life. My steak is always cooked to perfection. And if you like dirty martinis and can deal with spice, the hot and dirty martini is my favorite drink on Miami Beach. Their fruity drink concoctions are also yummy as well. The decor is fascinatingly beautiful. The service is incredible. If you want a good steakhouse with a trendy flare, this is absolutely the spot.
(5)
Jessica C.
Came here to experience the nightscene and enjoyed the lounge/club/bar experience. It also helped that we were taken care of by one of the 'owner/managers' there. So, if you can bring in 18 females, I doubt you will have trouble getting in...at least we didn't. No cover, VIP, and complimentary champagne! I liked the european-like crowd. Music was good too--started with house/lounge in one room, hip-hop in another. Eventually the night turned into hip-hop. Apparently this is a hotspot in MIami right now. Check it out.
(4)
Kevin F.
Went here for Valentine's Day last year and I have to say this place is amazing. Immediately when you walk in you know you are in one of Miami's elite spots. Valet parking service for your entrance in your luxury automobile, we started out at the bar where some good music was playing, the decor was beautiful and screams "money". We were seated in one of the dinner halls, the dim lighting, wine list, and old school waiter to your table approach was great. We were with another couple and well enjoyed our appetizers, dinner, drinks and of course desert. Expect to spend quite a large amount of money ($100+ per head) with everything included.
(5)
Meg D.
We had a great meal. The place is marvelous! The owner took us into the wine cellar and we just toured around with our mouths ajar, drooling allover the musty temp controlled room. The most expensive bottle is 165K, yes thats what I wrote. It was bottled in the 1830's w/ re-corking every twenty years. After that we went to the other rooms. What was a tad annoying is that we would have had to purchase a $100 bottle to sit in the chill out bar room after we spent a small fortune for dinner, not cool. The place has all different rooms with different themes, the dining section is in the typical brasserie fashion, the house room is very cool with white skances lit up like understated disco balls. The music pumping. The bathroom is all in art deco, erte style, all different on the bathroom doors. This place just opened up late last year, go there for an experience you won't forget!
(5)
Ginger H.
Before this weekend, I hadn't been to the Forge in eons. The redone digs are spectacular. It's white, it's modern and it's what you'd expect from this Miami Beach institution. Our Forge adventure centered around a friend's birthday soiree, which lead to us dining in the party room. Cocktails were served in the outdoor atrium. It was a quaint setting for the fete. And the hors d'oeuvres were delish. Next, it was off to the party room for the real deal. The space was beautiful. And the staff was beyond accommodating. The breadbaskets were filled with amazing options, like asiago cheese breadsticks and rosemary rolls. The first and second courses were simply divine. The pasta dish with cauliflower was perfection. The main course, however, wasn't as tasty as the previous dishes. Hubby said the filet could have spent a little more time on the fire, and I agree with my vegetarian meal. But, when you have large gatherings like these, it's different than having a individual meal. I'd like to give this spot a second go, in a non-party setting, to give the food a real review. Set menus don't always live up to a restaurant's full range of abilities. But when it comes to charm, this place is packed with it. And history to boot. We ran into the owner on our way out, and he, like his establishment, was just as accommodating. Now that the new Forge has piqued my interests, I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Sportsbillie S.
Despite all the great reviews that I read before going to this restaurant, my husband and I had a mediocre experience. Maybe my expectations were too high based on all the reviews I read, comments in the media and from friends. Waste of a nice elegant outfit. Hostess was great and ambiance is wonderful. I am not a trained chef but I prepare better meals at home. The lamb ribs were so charred it was pretty much inedible. Spiced duck breast was dry and lacked a quality presentation. Skirt steak (i ordered medium well) was served in small pieces, each piece was a different temperature (medium rare, medium, medium well, well and burnt). Our server needs to be trained on how to attend to customers in a high end restaurant. She inquired if it was our first time, we said yes, and that was the end of her involvement with us, other than taking our order, no conversation, nothing to ensure that we had a great first experience and would come back. We ordered champagne and there were times that my glass just sat empty. I inquired if the entrees came with a side or if we needed to order. I was about to order a few and she told me not to, that they do and the portions are normally huge. My entree came with only skirt steak. So had to order sides after receiving meals, which sat and got cold in the meantime, no apology from our server. Our entree plates sat infront of us for about 30 mins after we were finished eating, during which time our server walked by us numerous of times and said nothing. Eventually i had to put my plate on the very edge of the table so they would take away the undercooked and burnt meat from infront f me. We waited another 30 mins for dessert (which is not made to order) and again our server walked by us a couple times without saying a word to us. It was my husband's birthday. When I made the reservatioin, the hostess took my hubby's name and said they would bring out a candle with dessert. They brought out a candle alright, on the wrong dessert and even wrote his name. So i had to sit and eat a dessert with happy birthday written all over it. Once again, server walks by and says nothing! She didn't even say happy birthday when she brought the dessert, nor wished us a good evening, nor thanked us for coming. At no point during the evening a manager came by the table. Needless to say my hubby was extremely disappointed with the food and service we received. We will not be returning to the Forge or recommending to our friends. Lesson learnt - not all reviews are equal; its dependent on age, color of skin and experience in eating out at other high-end restaurants.
(1)
Lindsay G.
The Forge, as always, remains a good solid restaurant in the Miami Beach wasteland of "trying too hard," too trendy," "bad food, "and "overpriced" locations that litter the rest of the street. We sat in the library and although they were out of my favorite violet liquor the cucumber martini was perfectly light and refreshing. We started with the shrimp cocktail and lobster peanut and jelly. The shrimp were colossal and delicious. The lobster peanut butter and jelly was merely fine but I am not a fan of Pb and a j. My friend ordered her steak well done because she likes inhaling carcinogens but despite this the Forge miscooked her steak twice. The waiter noticed (even though we didn't really) and offered a free blacksmith pie (which is no longer on the menu but is available in the back if you say how much you love it). My husband's normal, medium rare steak was perfect and delicious and my lobster was perfect. Forge remains in my mind a standout amongst several losers on Miami Beach.
(5)
Myrtha P.
My family and I went to the Forge because it was my mothers birthday we wanted to make it special for her. I loved it! Everything was perfect. Automatic valet parking so there was no hassle about finding parking. The setting of the restaurant was romantic dim lights wonderful artwork the was just luxury. My little brother age 9 had the lobster ravioli he loved it! My mother and I had the aged steak, Mine was prepared medium rare just how I like it, My mother on the other hand like hers well done. I don't really remember what everyone else had but I know by the end of the night there were no complaints. Every meal was perfection, the waitstaff were very attentive to each persons needs. It was a memorable experience I would go back again. But don't go there unless you're ready to spend a pretty penny, but it was worth it!
(4)
Stacey M.
rococo haven wednesday bacchanal great food mc sandman rocks
(4)
Pam H.
The two stars represent "Meh. I've experienced better." Unfortunately, I have experienced better at THIS VERY RESTAURANT. It used to be old school, upper class Miami dining at its finest. Now it is a parody of what it used to be. They used to have wait staff who had waited at this very restaurant for 20 years. Wait staff that seemed to have psychic abilities and knew just what to recommend to whom, just when to check in on a table. Now it is trying too hard to be... what? I have no idea. The old Forge was a gift. There are better restaurants out there now. Which is a shame. Because it was something to be treasured and it was "updated" into banality. You want to be treated nicely and served excellent food? Go to Michy's. Yes, it is more trendy but it is also service oriented so that you don't mind paying the price to eat there. You get good food and you get sweet service. RIP old Forge. I miss you.
(2)
Rob C.
came here for a dinner talk. (tried lobster bisque, NY strip, salmon, blacksmith pie and creme brulee) high marks for ambiance. nice stained glass. so dark that you have to bust out a pen light to see anything! the vibe is one of wealthy sophistication--people here get decked out. as a steak house, it's fine. not really a foodie destination, but most certainly a nice collection of wines. went back for the new, improved Forge. chef from North 110. menu revamped with new small eats. focus still on the wine collection, but better pricing and now using the cool Enomatic wine dispensing system. also toured the library, and the 2 separate private dining rooms, one very cool space downstairs. ambiance very hip. shared: porcini seared diver sea scallops lobster peanut butter and jelly sandwich -- unusual, but not in a particularly good way oyster po boy mini grilled shrimp waffle three mushroom risotto -- definitely made expertly with a lot of white truffle oil and parmesan steamed local snapper in a bag bone in fillet great marble souffle (chocolate and grand marnier)
(4)
David R.
Big disappointment. Went with a friend who was 23 who didn't have ID (with 4 other 50 year olds). The waiter whisked away his glass without a comment. Very much in the tone of the soup Nazi - "you don't get wine" - but without an explanation. We complained and the manager came over and recited the most insincere explanation. He didn't even ask us for our concern. Aside from that mess, the food was mixed. The chef relies on rich foods - even you can cook a good rich food dinner. There are so many better restaurants in Miami.
(2)
Peter B.
Love this place!! Had an amazing steak done the right way. Amazing service as well. These guys run a good show.
(5)
sharry g.
The Forge is a Miami Icon, and deservedly so. The food is phenomenal, and it's served in a storied establishment. Here are a few tips... Important Tip Number One: Don't go for the Spice menu. Instead of being a good example of their full menu, you get a lesser meal with second class service. But it is hard to eat for $40 at a restaurant where you'd normally spend $140 and expect the same food and service, although you perhaps should be able to do so. I think the waiter sees his tip cut by 3/4, and loses interest quickly. Important Tip Number Two: Go on a Tues or Thurs evening, early. You'll have the place to yourself, and you'll have the full attention of your server and the sommelier. One or both may even take you on a tour, highlighting the wine cellar, the bar, and the dozens of historical artifacts and priceless pieces of fine art. The place is stacked with Lalique stained glass, Napolean's sconces, and thousands of rare first editions line the walls, ceilings, and shelves. Each piece has a story, and if you catch it just right, you might be lucky enough to hear some of them. The food is pricey, and perfection should be expected. The service staff are lifers, and they've put a ton of work and effort into being deserving of a 20% gratuity of the certainly large bill to come. We had local caught fresh yellowtail snapper, a Miami favorite, and the ribeye. Everything was over the top and superbly prepared and presented, as one might expect. High quality, high price, certainly worthy of both, and certainly not suprising to find only one other location other than in sun-drenched, money-grows-on-coca-plants Miami, and that location is in the sun-drenched, money-sprouts-sprouts-from-oil-wells nation of Dubai.
(5)
Lisa E.
I don't understand why an up-scale restaurant has to have televisions in the dining room. No! I do not want to watch sport/CCN/ANYTHING while I am enjoying dinner. The meal was fine, but nothing out of the ordinary. The steaks were jus average, not extraordinary. Bread was removed from the table before the meal was served, which was disappointing. Look elsewhere if you're celebrating a special occasion. If you're on an expense account, then this is OK.
(2)
Cherice J.
I am an absolute fan of the Forge. Very exclusive and always celebrity filled, simply because it's an high-end sophisticate establishment. The food is always delicious and the servers are very professional. This place is managed to perfection. On Wednesday's, and Friday through Sunday, you must head to the Forge for the live DJ and dancing crowds after 11pm. Club Glass is adjacent to Forge and many times patrons will go back and forth to experience the great vibe. I love this place!
(5)
Vi N.
mixed feelings here. scenario: step into a beautiful restaurant, with stained glass windows, large wine cellars that fill entire walls, dimly lit table with white linens, and 11 of your friends. it's a birthday celebration. everyone is looking forward to a nice dinner, and partying afterwards. it's the forge, it's sunday night. your waiter is in a tux, well, all the waitstaff are mr. belevedere-like. hip hop is blasting through the room. "sweat drip down my balls" is being rapped while you slice into your $50 filet, no sides. what?! the forge is probably a wonderful, elegant restaurant on other days, maybe even earlier on sunday night. but the night i went, late on a "soul kitchen sundays," it was, for lack of a better word, G-H-E-T-T-O. it is hard to enjoy your juicy steak when there are people grinding to hip hop in the room next to you. it's hard to spend $260 (2 ppl) for a dinner and feel good about it when the room is hot like a sauna of gyrating bodies. bottom line: great restaurant, great food, great service. shady clientele on sunday nights, random "charges" on our bill (they brought a sparkler out, for the birthday boy, then charged me $3 for it). see? mixed feelings!
(3)
Meesh C.
came here for miami spice week. heard good things, read good reviews, and apparently it's one of gloria estefan's favorite restaurant (according to a cab driver...). the atmosphere is hard to grasp--it's a fancy place with a fancy decor, yet they were blasting club music. they are trying a little too hard with the extremely dim lighting [the waiter busted out a raver l.e.d. light so we could read the menu...that's how dark it is in there]. it's not a great place for large groups--i kept getting bumped by people walking by. this review is for the food on the pre-fixe menu. overpriced for what it was: the "glazed" salmon was not so much glazed as it was smeared with a goopy layer of what tasted exactly like hoisin sauce (the dark sauce you use in pho). the steak was meh, small and bland. the dessert choices were cheesecake and icecream. the cheesecake was a stick of sweet cream cheese--there was no crust. the ice cream was good, but all they had to do was scoop it and put it on a plate. the lady's room is pretty cool--there are birds in there.
(2)
M K.
This place is pretty over the top in terms of design. The ceilings are super high and the chairs make you feel like you're Alice in Wonderland. The food matches the over top decor and is first rate. I was a bit surprised though to find the portions so big. Typically when you go to a restaurant if it's really trendy looking then the food sucks or is really good but tiny. Not here. I wish my wife and I just ordered one main dish and split it rather than the two we ordered. Make sure you get the souffle. Who can resist warm gooey cake?
(5)
Pia P.
Like a wedding. Or a funeral parlor.
(1)
Sonia K.
What an amazing place. My husband and I were just here over New Year's and had a great dinner. The decor is gorgeous - so many intricate details, and very romantic if you're in one of the side rooms. I had the filet mignon and my husband had the super steak - both were great, as well as the mashed potatoes. The souffle was also delicious. Overall a great experience, but definitely overpriced. Probably not something I would do again, unless I was going with people who hadn't been there. But definitely worth a visit. And we got to sit on a really comfy sofa to eat - what could be better than that =)
(4)
Bonnie L.
Was not impressed, the food was not really tasteful.
(3)
Lindsay S.
ok, so this is a pretty big statement, but i think this is my favorite restaurant ever. the food was so perfect. the chopped salad was delicious. crisp and very tasty. my entree i did the supersteak. perfectly cooked. incredibly full of flavor. and a great sampling of dipping sauces came with it. we also did the mushroom risotto which was amazingggg. for dessert i had the marble souffle. soooooo good. i was so stuffed at that point, but their souffles are a must try. i wish i could remember the wine i had, but the waiter recommended an excellent pinot noir. the service was impeccable. very well informed wait staff. now, for the decor, where do i start? it's almost like being in a museum in that you want to walk through all of the rooms and just gawk. and you should. just take a spin through and take a gander. it's quite impressive. the bathrooms are also super cool. square toilets! next time i am in miami, i will definitely be back. this is a must-see, must-eat when in miami!
(5)
Myhogany B.
ended my annual girls getaway at the forge last sunday and let's just say, we'll be back next summer and the summer after that. food was delicious. prixe fixe menue inlcuding was only $35. it was a great option. must have the cucumber martini, $14 but def' worth it. it's a beautiful place with great food. back patio was nice too and made for great photo opps. you must indulge at the forge!
(5)
victoria r.
I could have sworn I wrote a review for this excellent spot about a yr. ago! Anyways, it doesn't really get much better then this! One of my favorite places to dine in Miami... definitely in my top 3. Elegant and tasteful. Extensive menu. Kumamoto oyster app. is amazing. MUST try the steak! Dover sole and black &white tuna makes a statement. Prime rib is good and you MUST try the super steak. AMAZING. Unbelievable wine menu!!! They said there is like 300,000 bottles. Also, an amazing souffle. Very rich in flavor. Reservations required. You will easily become addicted.
(5)
Cristina S.
I should be the president of the "Forge Fan Club." The ambiance is Miami Beach classy, the wine list is made to match their extraordinary steak, & the bar will prompt you & your party to find the nearest DD. The restaurant is not cheap & I would definitely classify it in the "special occasion" category but they will cater to you whether it's your birthday or a regular night out (if you're lucky...
(5)
Dan R.
The space is amazing but it doesn't stack up to the food. We dined with 8 in our party and 5 entrees had to go back because they were cold! The cheese selection with the tomato stack was over powering with tomato and prosciutto. The service was slow and a problem with the bill went unresolved by management. Don't bother!!
(2)
Mike C.
I had dinner here with a party of four Saturday night. This was my second time dining here. We had reservations for 7:30 and were seated immediately upon arrival. The decor, ambiance and service are beyond compare. The highlight of the meal was the seafood appetizer consisting of king crab, colossal shrimp and oysters along with small servings of lobster and crab salads and tuna tartar. We specifically asked the waiter how much this would be and he said $30 per person. Take note ~ when the bill arrived it came to about $50 per person as there was an additional charge for the lobster and crab salads and tuna tartar which we hadn't asked for but which our waiter had added anyway. For dinner, we all had either the "super steak" or bone in fillet. Although very good, there are much better steaks elsewhere in Miami/Miami Beach. Or maybe it was an off night for steaks at The Forge. I ordered my "super steak" medium and it was somewhat dry and not the tastiest. All this being said we had an enjoyable meal and nice night nonetheless, perhaps because of the fine Chilean wine. I will go back again but it won't be on a weekly basis. If you've never been, I would recommend it. It's a great experience for which you'll pay handsomely.
(4)
Gaby C.
Since cheff LoSasso took over, The Forge has freshen up considerably. The ambience and dècor are excellent and varied, as if you go with a group you may reserve different rooms with particular themes. The service is flawless, in the many times I've been here I've always felt how perfect it is (and that's not an easy thought in Miami and a mostly unthinkable thing in Miami Beach,for the most part). The next step is the wine. Well, wine here is not cheap but the wine list is just one of the best in the Miami area. So finally, let's get to the food. It used to be mostly a steak house, but now the menu has several of Dewey LoSasso creations, keeping some of the old stuff as well. Needless to say, this means the whole menu was revamped and is reflective of a more fusion cuisine still keeping the steakhouse theme. My recommendations: crabcakes, chopped salad, mushroom risotto, short rib, lamb. Desserts are all good. The steaks are ok, but lack the genius of the cheff and these are the same kind of steaks The Forge has offered for decades, so nothing gourmet in this department. Yes, you could have had all these creations and more in LoSasso's own venue until a couple of years ago for 60-70% of the price, but that's not posible now, so if you want to keep having 3 mushroom risotto, you have to put up with MB and The Forge's prices.
(5)
Melissa Y.
fantastic food. great dining room. absolutely beautiful. attentive waitstaff - they really push the wine, they refill your glass every time you put it down. kind of expensive and a very scenester vibe at the bar. I swear there were football players hanging out at the bar but this was the weekend before the superbowl so it's entirely possible. also, a good number of "working ladies" accompanying some of the gentlemen at the bar. we shared the lobster bisque and stone crabs to start. both had very fresh seafood and the bisque was very well seasoned. i had the lamb. it was excellent. boyfriend had a steak. also delicious. we split the cuban sweet potato mash. it was very rich but tasty. we split a desert that was way too rich. not sure of the name but it's the pie with the vanilla custard and chocolate bottom.
(5)
Danielle B.
Went on a Saturday for a relatively early dinner (7pm) the place had not gotten crowded yet at all....the food was great, the bread basket alone was fantastic and the amuse bouche served (though I can't for the life of me rememeber what it was) was also delicious.....the rest of the meal stood up to the fantastic reputation that proceeeded it...on food alone I would have given the place 5 stars....but the service was a little spacey and the wine list (while impressive) was WAY overpriced....a little off the beaten track but the food is awesome....definitely worth the trip
(4)
Sam S.
Awesome time at this venue. We went to the OVUM records party here...mostly house heads for the party, but lucky for us Forge has a very bougeious international crowd, so the sexyness was brought up 10 fold..not to mention the bartenders were quick and HOOOOOT!!! (a rare combo!)
(4)
Juhani P.
I went there on Saturday evening for some dancing and partying. And liked what I saw! Forge was very European, in terms of both music and the crowd. I will definitely need to get back for a dinner.
(4)
Brian N.
Likely my favorite restaurant in the United States. The best steaks imaginable, and excellent mashed potatoes. The atmosphere is amazing and reminds you of old Miami Beach. If you go for your first time, make sure to ask for a tour of the wine cellar, it will blow your mind!
(5)
James S.
Always a home run. Great service. Great food. Great wine. A perfect American steak house.
(5)
Carolynn R.
To start off your would never know this place is here, but once you walk threw the doors you feel transported to a amazing historically significant trendy hot spot. The music the food and the servers are all top notch. Make sure you ask about the chandalier and sconces :)
(5)
Michael H.
Very rude manager. Wouldnt honor my yelp reservation. Got there about ten minutes before reservation confirmation, yet still had to wait about 40 minutes. Took about 90 mins to get through dinner cycle. Wait staff very slow and only seemed intererested in serving large heavy hitter tables. Food was okay at best.
(1)
Inna P.
I love The Forge. Love Love Love. Food is great, service is spectacular, and atmosphere is hip and trendy. However, I'm SO sad they took my favorite thing off the menu. It was the burger with lobster marmalade and short ribs...WAH!!! I was so sad when they couldn't even make it for me. I got the regular burger instead and it was great, but nothing compared to that other one. Oh well :( I'm sure I'll still be back though!
(4)
Laura R.
Nice place. Excelent service. Very good food. I recomend the apple pie for desert. The rib eye with Marsalla sauce is very good choice.
(4)
Julie G.
Loved this place so much! The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and the food was delicious.The black truffle mac & cheese pot pie is a must try. The "forge" chopped salad was also really interesting and a delicious take on a chopped salad. The steak was amazing, perfectly cooked and flavoured! The chocolate souffle was unreal, one of the best I have ever had. Such a fun atmosphere and decor was so pretty. Not to mention the service was great, the waiter was friendly and helpful and we were seated promptly at our reservation time. They have space for large parties. Will definitely be coming back here.
(5)
B L.
I went with a large group. Tried just about half the menu... Nothing positive stood out except that the place is nice. Giant $35 a piece crab claw was kind of frozen and difficult to eat. Giant $14 shrimp was beautiful, but not as tasty as the smaller, yet still large shrimps that I have tasted elsewhere in my Miami. Burger sliders not particularly great. Kale salad average. Filet mignon steak ok, not magnificent 4/5 Ambiance 4/5 (several rooms, many choices, all nice) Wine list superb - 6/5 plus many wines by the glass. Truffle fries I hate(many may like - im not a truffle lover) Desserts were only fair - and I dont like the way many are served in upright glasses - not easy for eating or sharing. Service was good. Super expensive. Very unlikely to repeat. I like Prime "112 in south beach" or "Bourbon steak in Aventura" better as steakhouses!
(3)
M.M. K.
This place alsolutely blows off my mind every time I get to go there for a meal. Fantastic food and the atmosphere is one of a kind. Purely unique!
(5)
Kathy H.
Attended a private dinner in the Wine Cellar. Interesting history surrounding this building and restaurant. Pan seared scallops were perfectly cooked and filet was medium rare, as ordered. My friend said the crab cake app was excellent. Great decor and atmosphere! Our servers were very polite and knowledgeable.
(4)
Lavinia P.
Every dinner at The Forge is a real treat - upscale ambiance, fantastic food, top notch service and overall experience make you feel like royalty. I had the pleasure of dining in their wine cellar during a couple of high end whisky dinners and I will never forget the experience. No place like it in Miami. Or anywhere else for that matter. The Friday happy hour is not to pass, please ask for Justin, their irreplaceable mixologist, and ask him to make you a "Blood & Sand". You will never want to drink anything else.
(5)
Tiffany T.
Randomly stumbled upon The Forge when looking for a dinner spot close to our hotel in Miami Beach. Luckily, there was no wait for a party of 3 at 9:30PM on Friday. We walked through a few rooms, each with a different theme, to our seats in the back. Since this place is a restaurant and lounge, there was a bar with bumping music and bottle service in the next room over. It was loud but we didn't mind for our girls dinner on Friday night, just keep in mind this might not be the best setting for a quiet romantic date. It took a while for us to get menus and water. We were starving and had to flag down someone to bring our server over. We asked for recommendations and ended up ordering the following items to share: Lobster Risotto - 4.5 stars Foie Gras - 2 stars Chopped Salad - 3.5 stars Brussel Sprouts - 4 stars Porterhouse - 5 stars Smores Souffle - 4 stars The risotto was very tasty and well balanced with chopped snap peas to offset the richness of the dish. Our foie came out grossly UNDERCOOKED. We hesitated to tell the waiter when he asked about the food but eventually gave him our honest feedback. The presentation of the chopped salad that many reviewers posted pictures of was more impressive than the taste. The porterhouse cooked medium rare was the highlight of the dinner for me. The steak was very well seasoned and cooked perfectly. I thought the both sides of the beef were juicy and flavorful. Even after reading the positive reviews, I had doubts about a restaurant/lounge having phenomenal steak, however, I couldn't stop myself from going for 2nd and 3rd servings. Souffle was a sweet and delightful way to end the meal. When the waiter brought our check, we were disappointed that he didn't take off the foie gras (it was inedible raw liver) nor was there any sort of apologetic gesture from the kitchen. The waiter did offer to take us on a tour of the restaurant. Each room had a different theme and was filled with tons of antique collectors decor from the Paris Opera House and beyond. We we're really impressed with all the art and history under one roof. He showed us the private dining rooms and told us about some of the recent celebs that have dined there. We walked around and took plenty of pictures. I do hope the kitchen and management refines it's minor flaws by my next visit. I wasn't a fan of the automatic 20% gratuity tacked on our bill. However, the delicious steak and tour really made our dinner memorable. That, and the upscale decor really earned this place 4 stars.
The Forge is not just a regular night out, but a DINING EXPERIENCE!!!! Tonight was a my special date night with my princess and I could not have picked a better restaurant, than the Forge. Although located on a main street, the facade definitely stands out amongst all the other storefronts. Once you enter into the Forge, you feel as though you have been wisked back into a time of elegance. Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Sammy Davis Jr. could still be felt walking around or grabbing a Martini at the bar. Walking into the restaurant, the ambiance, chandeliers, lighting and decor were jaw dropping. I watched my daughters eyes taking it all in and my heart leap with joy. We escorted to our seats, a feature with in itself, a high back, white leather throne. I noticed there were several different types of seats, that one could choose; even ones especially for couples, where you could enjoy your meal sitting right next to each other, for more intimate dinner. Yes, I have already started making future plans for my return. This restaurant could give lessons in customer service. From the moment we entered, we were given the royal treatment. Because it was a slow night, we given out preference of seating. All of the wait staff were attentive and continuously checked on us. BEWARE: The water is $9 per bottle!!! I found that out, after I received the bill, (4) FOUR bottles later. Now to the part you guys really care about, the FOOD!!!! The Cerviche was fresh, but the citrus was a bit overpowering. My steak was perfectly cooked and seasoned. I was tempted to see of I could cut it with a butter knife. The desserts were refreshing, but I didn't feel they were up to the standard of the rest of the meal. I will be back, maybe on a Friday night. Let's all meet up for a glass of wine
(5)
Abigail B.
Back for Happy Hour again. I love it all! The food, specialty cocktails, music, ambiance, and most of all Frankie :) He always takes such good care of us! Ask for him when you go (unless I'm there. In that case, he's mine lol)
(5)
L S.
The Mother's Day brunch was a bit disappointing. It was bland and unexceptional. The food kept running out and replenishment took forever, causing a line around the buffet area... The unlimited mimosas were pre mixed in a carafe and was mostly OJ. Our waiter took our order and then ignored us for an hour until I asked several other staff to assist us. A 20% tip was automatically added to the bill so I imagine staff was not motivated to provide any service since the tip was in the bag. The Forge has nice ambience but this experience was terrible.
(2)
Bridget O.
Came here with my parents. The atmosphere is great and the staff is very friendly. My parents both ordered steaks and I ordered the salmon. The steaks were a little better than average but not as good for the price they were charging. I was not a huge fan of the salmon, probably would not order that next time. On the other hand the sides were great. We got Mac and cheese and it was delicious highly recommend ordering that. The mash potatoes were great too.
(4)
Chris S.
Wonderful service, beautifully prepped delicious food and an amazing wine cellar that you'll want to tour.
(5)
YJ L.
This restaurant is Beauuuutiful!!!! We went to Miami for a bachelorette party and we were supposed to eat at some other steakhouse but being the gilt whore that I am I happened to see a deal for Miami at this restuarant and it was too good to resist. The other girls agreed seeing that everything 3 course meal + 2 glasses of wine was $47 and we changed reservations to here. Honestly I was a little nervous because I didnt want the dinner or ambience to suck since its for a bach party and I was the one who suggested it but right when we entered the restuarant I knew it was gonna be a good night. Being from LA I really didnt think any restuarants in Miami would impress me, but there goes my foot in my mouth, the Forge is gorgeous and is the perfect place for a bachelorette dinner. Its classy, trendy, and plays good music too! The girls loved the looks of the place .. now we just needed to taste the food. OMG from the bread, to the amouse bouche ( yup prob botched the spelling) , to the risotto , steak, salmon, and dessert everything was beyond delicious. the wine machine things were pretty fun too. All in all everyone enjoyed their meal and thanked me for it.. yay!! Go here if you have an event to celebrate or if you just feel like it =D PS their bathroom is ridiculously pretty.. not gonna lie we spent about 20 min in there taking pics. true story!
(5)
Lynn E.
This place is a Miami necessity; I find myself coming back every time I visit. Very trendy vibe but not obnoxiously so. Big fan of the focaccia bread and cauliflower appetizer. My sister and I both had the New York dry-aged steak, which was pretty good although not as good as when I first tried it here two years ago. Overcooked for medium-rare. The pistachio souffle more than made up for the mistake steak. Holy delicious!!! :)
(4)
Whitney K.
The soft shimmer of a chandelier that once hung in the Paris Opera House greets you as you enter the main dining area. Just inside, a dining library complete with stained glass windows repurposed from Trinity Cathedral in New York City, authentic Tiffany glass and glowing fireplace invite you in. In another room, a white lacquer piano surrounded by blown glass champagne bubbles is offset by custom dining tables made of repurposed wood from Indonesia. A $7.2 million wine cellar beckons to you from the balmy outdoor terrace. History runs deep in the Forge, where you'll find intriguing stories around every corner, from Napoleon's writing desk hiding upstairs to unassuming fixtures from Jackie O's White House decor hanging outside the Boardroom. Each dish, boasting a modernized and artistic twist on classic, haute cuisine, is worthy of this rich history and brings an equally rich palate and range of flavor to every course. The food's presentation is as beautiful as the ambiance and sure to leave a lasting impression. The experience is completed by exquisite service. Our server, Jill, struck a perfect balance between anticipating our every need and convivial conversation that both educated us about the restaurant and delighted our party with subtle humor and good energy. I believe my father's final words were: "I'll be back. This raisin bread, these martinis - and you of course - made the night." Coming from a man who has notoriously high standards of service: this is saying something. The raisin bread WAS pretty good. The experience and service were better.
The Forge was selected by a friend at random for a 30th birthday celebration. Although skeptical by the external first impression, we were pleasantly surprised upon entering the lavish establishment. Greeted by a pleasant doorman and an even more politely prepared front desk team to receive us, we were truly taken back by this hidden gem! For large groups like ours (10 people with a reservation) we were immediately attended and given instruction on how the seating process goes. During the transition of waiting for the rest of the group to arrive, we were welcomed to the bar area. The ambiance was fantastic, decor leaned towards a "Great Gatsby" profile. Excellent dj with an excellent playlist set the vibe. They did have good drink specials, and free appetizers during happy hour which was a definite plus while you wait. We were seated promptly after our entire group arrived. The quality was exceptional, and portions were slightly above average. The only two cons I can critique: horribly slow service and wait times to receive meals and drinks, which was extremely disappointing when you're in a group expecting good service for the price and caliber of restaurant this place intends to portray. My second con was the inability to split checks and the lack of genuine care and concern of our server to solve our basic needs. Overall I would come back, but to the bar, for drinks and appetizers only due to the superb vibe.
(3)
Erica B.
Typical South Beach. Great ambiance, beautiful decor and good music. Food was extremely overpriced, extremely small and extremely mediocre. We ordered the truffle Mac and cheese and I tasted like Kraft Mac and cheese. Our salad was only enough for two bites. Would never return again.
(3)
Jennifer S.
Beautiful restaurant...I mean really beautiful! We held a group dinner for 40 people at the Forge in July and had a great experience...my only complaint is the group space wasn't nearly as nice as the main dining room. The staff was great - attentive and efficient, the food was delicious - the filet was so tender, and the people watching was great too in the main dining room.
(5)
Elizabeth R.
SHORTS AND T-SHIRTS OKAY. Granted it was a Sunday night, but when did it become acceptable to dine at the Forge in grubby jeans and a ratty T-shirt? It wasn't just one guy, there were a few "just rolled off the couch" looking patrons. And then, as we were getting ready to leave, a group of five 20-somethings strolled past our table to the bar wearing gym clothes. Seriously. Shorts, sneakers, sweaty and smelly. Whatever. When I saw the Gilt City deal for a 3-course meal at the Forge (Su-Th only) it seemed like a great way to get a jump on Miami Spice. Now I know to give it a miss. Things didn't go well right from the start. The hostess led us to a tiny 2-top next to the door. Only one dining room was open and it was full. Every other couple seemed to be seated at a large table with banquette seating, so I was really nonplussed at being cramped against the wall, and then the hostess pulled out a chair to reveal food scraps that had been left on the seat from a previous patron. Mr. Wonderful was giving me the, "Just deal with it!" look so I brushed off the chair and took the other seat, and thought, "So far, it feels like we're at Denny's." But really it's all about the food, right? Meh. Best dish was corn chowder appetizer, but it was listed on the menu with caviar. No caviar. Dessert was a hazelnut chocolate cake that tasted mostly like the inside of a refrigerator. Worst offender was very tough beef. All around disappointment. I understand that the discount dining opportunities tend to be hit and miss. But the Forge was miss, miss, and miss. It makes me sad that I can't recommend an iconic Miami institution like the Forge, but really, there are far too many alternatives that are so much better close by. We'd visited the bar at the Forge several months earlier and were similarly disappointed. We ordered some snacks that were puny and overpriced. A game was on, but the TVs were miniscule. I wish there were something nice to say about the Forge, but I can't come up with anything. Sorry.
(2)
Adam H.
If you love Prime 112, things just became better! This hands down is the best food in Miami! The attention to detail, and the food was amazing! Great job!
(5)
Karla R.
the happy hour on Friday nights is amazing! champagne specials and $6 belvedere cocktails! I did miami spice, the onion soup was incredible, the cheese was aged and delicious. the filet mignon was good, I'm a filet girl and it definitely did not make it onto my list of best filets. hubby got the rib eye which was fantastic. we also got the black truffle Mac and cheese pot pie, it was good. for dessert we got the chocolate lava cake, yum but nothing to write home about. the place is gorgeous and the bathrooms are unbelievable. anyway if you want to go to a beautiful restaurant with miami beach vibe (and by vibe I mean everyone looks rich and makes you feel very very poor) then check it out!
(4)
Vanessa T.
We celebrated a birthday last year at the Forge. Our only complaint had been that we had ordered too much!! The food was phenomenal and our service was excellent -- it is why I chose to surprise my bf with dinner at our favorite place for his bday. Prior to going, I made sure to call and place several asks including a special table, a bday surprise with our desert and lastly I specified that I would be paying with a Travel zoo. I was assured that all of this would be noted in my reservation. We arrived and were seated in a very nice area with tons of lights around (on a stage). Hardly private but pretty. Our waitor came by and offered wine - my bf asked him to please select a nice red for him. It was only when he came to give us the menus that I had to ask if there was a special one for Travel Zoo. The bewildered waitor said "i wish you had mentioned this earlier - those wines you selected are not included". I was embarrassed. He came back with the menu and took our order and Then i decided to ask him to take a look at the notes in my reservation. I had to ask him to do this!! Isnt this what the hostesses are meant to do? Not just stand pretty and say good evening? So annoyed. We enjoyed our meal (as always) but was really dissapointed that when the cake came, the waitor dropped it off and walked off. He didnt sing, he didnt even say Happy Birthday. It felt awkward. At this point, Im upset and just want to leave. To my surprise, the worst was yet to come. The bill arrives at a total of $81. What was the point of the Travel Zoo? There were several unexplained charges and I noted that the wine that the waitor chose was $21 a glass. We didnt even have the two glasses included in the Travel zoo, you would think he would have altered that -- nope. To add a cherry to the cake and make the occasion worse, they forgot to give us the wine cellar tour that I had been offered during my conversation! Bottom line, meal is great and their steaks are legendary -- just dont go for a special occasion. So dissapointing.
(3)
Klime K.
For our first Christmas together with my Australian wife, I wanted to take her to the iconic 'The Forge' which certainly lived up to it's exceptional reputation. In summary, our experience unfolded like this .. We reserved a week in advance and the day before, we received a phone call to confirm the reservation which showed this place is professionally run. On arrival, the hostesses were super friendly and we were immediately greeted and lead to our table (which by the way felt like we had the best seat in the house). The decor is very aristocratic and the ambiance world class. There was a mixture of families, couples and groups of friends. The menu was extensive with variety to suit all. The renowned wine selection is like no other and certainly hard to match anywhere else. Nothing was late, the service was good and there was ample staff on the floor. A delicious assortment of breads were provided while deciding on the menu. For the appetizers we had the Pan Seared Crab Cake and Grilled Roasted Beets, and for the entree we had the Grilled Salmon and Grilled Hanger Steak. While we were full after our meal, my wife couldn't resist sharing a serving of the Chocolate Souffle which we were advised to order early so that it could be prepared in time. Everything was outstanding. Evidently 'The Forge' has positioned itself to be always relevant and timeless.
(5)
Leon K.
We expected over the top decor but did not expect brothel decorations. The food also left a great deal to be desired. The chopped kale salad was bland, without substance and did not have enough vinegar which was not offered on the side. The signature dishes, steak, were also diappointments. My strip was stringy though cooked to the correct temperature. My wife ordered the waygu at $20 an ounce requesting pink. It was derlivered rare. Steakhouses should never get the temperature wrong on their specialty. I had just returned from London after 5 weeks and chose the Forge as the place I wanted my first American steak because of its iconic stature. My wife tried to talk me out of it. She couldn't, because I had heard about wonderful changes being made. My wife was right and I was wrong. I was sorely disappointed and wish I had chosen one the numerous steakhouses in the Gables or on the Beach.
(1)
Charmie P.
Wonderful restaurant, always impeccable service and outstanding food cooked to perfection. The bread basket is delicious, my favorite is the onion focaccia, for side the polenta with kale is a must and so it the mac & cheese, and the steaks are ridiculous good. The first time I went a few years ago I was with a big group, the sommelier gave us a tour of the wine cellar, the collection is impressive. The decor is classic and elegant, with beautiful chandeliers through out. It is pricey, great for a special occasion.
(5)
Boris K.
The forge is a great experience if you are in the Miami area. The decor of the place is beautiful and if you are seated in the main room you can't help but constantly look around. (The big chairs are really cool) They have an impressive wine book with a huge selection of wine and a sommelier on premises. However, the best part of my dinner was my unforgettable waiter Mike Moon. It was because of this man that my dinner was different than any restaurant I have ever been to. Mike was not only the most professional waiter I have ever had but he made my girlfriend and me feel as if he has been our personal chef for over 10 years.(His knowledge of the food and restaurant is remarkable) When we first read our order to him he suggested that we have ordered too much and should make some adjustments. (Not something that you usually hear from a waiter). We went with the beef tartare and the kale salad as our appetizers. I personally really did not enjoy the kale salad, (which I got based on reviews) I found it to be too bitter. Mike was kind enough to replace it with the burrata which was fantastic. We then ordered the porterhouse for two with truffle butter and ginger sauce. We also got the lobster risotto as a side to our steak. The risotto was great but the steak wasn't anything too special (I guess I'm spoiled because I'm used to eating at Peter Lugers in NYC). But however, thanks to Mike we ended up getting the perfect amount of food. If you are looking for an unforgettable dinner experience I would most definitely recommend coming to The Forge. Hopefully you'll get lucky enough to have MIke Moon as your waiter!
(5)
Bruce R.
Do not go to the Forge on a Friday night. It is so loud that it is impossible to have a conversation. After repeated requests to turn down the sound in the "library' area the management did so, but the requests had to be repeated several times. The food is not special, but the waiter, Jonathan McCort was. He was attentive, sensitive to our needs and if you do go to the Forge, ask for him. We had good wines that were not overly expensive, but the four of us agreed that we would not return. If you are interested in fine dining, the Forge is not the place. If you like over the top glitzy decor, mediocre food, good service, good bread and a scene, then the Forge is for you. 2.5 stars.
(3)
Victoria A.
The service was impeccable! The food left me absolutely speechless! I ordered the Kobe Beef with Foie Gras on top and Truffle Sauce, accompanied by a side of Mac and Cheese Truffle Pot Pie! Oh Yes, it exists! The ambiance of the restaurant is very calm, perfect for a date night. I would recommend this restaurant for the ultimate dining experience! 5/5!
Great drinks, extremely creative. However, the steaks, aweful! I tasted more than one type of steak, since there was 6 in my party. Very bland, no flavor what so ever! I had to ask for ketchup! If I was blindfolded I would have thought my filet was a T-bone steak. The service sucked, I had empty drinks on my table, dirty napkins not collected, and had to ask for my server multiple times.... To be honest, I am very disappointed!!... This place is overrated!!! Would NOT recommend to anyone!
(2)
C. M.
Finally after all these years, I finally made reservations to this elegant and chic the restaurant is...truly remarkable. We were seated right away (being a Wednesday night) and it was surprisingly slow. The waiter (Renzo) did a great job of briefing the menu and wine list for us. The restaurant has a sommelier to assist in selecting wines. He directed me to an Italian red - Nero since I was the only one drinking wine. Excellent choice! It was smooth but with great flavor and he didn't try pawning off a more expensive wine, like other restaurants. So after minutes of indecision we ultimately went with the NY Strip and mushroom risotto as a side. Good call on that one Renzo. The risotto was f'ing remarkable! The strip was cooked to perfection, very tasty but a pricey given the type of cut. Today I dreamt of that risotto.... The wifey ordered the lobster Thermidor, it was good but I would rather have ordered the surf and turf with the 6 oz filet. For desert - the Blacksmith pie- huge slice, but the custard makes it light and the chocolate is ohhh so fluffy! Ordered it with a side of vanilla ice cream, it was a perfect finish to a great meal. I expected better service but they may have had staff missing bc it was slow. Had to ask several times if they could bring me more water. Usually the fine dining establishments refill your water after each sip, so that was a little disappointing but the overall experience was solid. Can't wait for Miami Spice and see what they will be offering....
(4)
Leslie R.
Amazing I loved the food and the service was great!!! I love everything about this restaurant
(5)
Sherry S.
Wow! What can I say bad ( nothing ) lol. Everything was amazing. Mike was our server,funny guy and very knowledgeable about the food and decor! Who in fact gave us a exclusive tour around the restaurant to private rooms and wine chateau / wine cellar. Manny step in with the tour and provide wine knowledge. The manager Adam stop by our table just to check if everything was going good. Which was very nice ( good looking young man ).lol also was introduce with amazing mixologist / manager Justin mass. Mr.maas whip up one of his special raspberry drinks so delicious. Great staff .Omg... the food wow! love every bite. I did miami spice. The first course: Caesar salad with fresh real anchovies. Second course : 6 oz filet mignon cook at the right temperature. Last course : warm lava cake,mmmmm so moist .My pallet had a great time. Ugh I can't wait to go back . If you love wine,great food come to the forge. They really accommodate their guest. Thank you .
(5)
Nicole L.
Amazing ambience. Dark, old fashioned luxury and an stellar wine collection. The sommelier Gino gave us a tour of the old cellars and all of its collectables; including the Magnum room. This is definitely a wine lovers dream; they have the modern pouring system where you can choose from a taste to a glass. I went for one of their tastings and the secretive elegant feel of the place left me feeling very magical. If you want old fashioned exceptional service and a killer wine list, this is the place for you!
(4)
Swatee G.
I was surprised at how big te place is when we walked in.. Loved the decor and the high ceilings.. Had been super excited about the Alice in Wonderland chairs, but they have been smushed into dark corners.. barely noticed them.. not happy about that! The waiter was super snooty.. star off for that.. yeah.. I do not like snooty service, especially since I had heard good things about the place and the fact that I was paying for my food.. not the snootiness! gah! Anyways.. The mushroom risotto.. to die for! I'd come back any day, JUST for that bowl of heavenly goodness! The complimentary bread basket.. yum yum yum! Their butter was sooo good, and the assorted breads were all super soft and yummy! Their Forge chopped salad.. really good..! Loved the olives and the caper berries.. the vinaigrette was BEAUTIFUL and the Gorgonzola went so well with it! The polenta on the side.. pretty yum, nothing extraordinary though.. My friend had been super excited about the lychee drink, and hey - no offense, but if the bartender reads it, the champagne ABSOLUTELY kills the delicate flavor of lychee! sorry, mate! Need to redo it with rum maybe? I got the strawberry shrub cake, which was really yum.. loved the herbs in it.. added some much freshness! All in all, I loved the place (let's forget the fact that we paid an arm and a leg for what we had), but I'd love better service next time! :)
(4)
JamesBrownInMiami ..
Amazing $50 a bottle Veuve Happy Hour on Friday Evenings 6-11. The best filet minion in Miami Beach.
(5)
Robert D.
Excellent food and servic. Ask for the Library if you want the quiet scene.
(4)
Tony L.
Very average food. The scene is good but everything from the salad and apps were average. My friend ordered the scallops and they were way to fishy than they should've been. I ordered the sea bass and it was just ok.
(3)
Shenika T.
Lovely restaurant, however I did not dine here. I went for an event. Unfortunately, the event was wack. How do have a networking event at a huge bar with no place to network? Definitely wont return to these events.
(3)
Tiberiu K.
Locals should be aware that the food at the forge now is bland and has no flavor. You definitely do not get what you are paying for. What happened to the chef ?.. Beautiful place, good service, very tasteless food. My opinion, don't go here if you want good food.
(1)
Katie M.
Amazing dining experience a The Forge! We had the scallop ceviche, tuna tartare, pea ravioli, lobster risotto, black truffle mac & cheese, sea bass, the pastrami duck along with dark chocolate napoleon and the key lime tart. The service staff was attentive, the food came out timely and the atmosphere was chic yet comfortable.
(5)
Jason S.
The service at this restaurant is a 10+ our server was welcoming, friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and well educated on wines. Two managers greeted our table one different occasions to check on the food and service. We ordered the table side Caesar salad - there were so many ingredients on the board he came out with I can't remember them all. Perfection, is the best way to describe the salad, the perfect amount of lettuce to dressing ratio and the flavor was so savory. For the main course I ordered the Peppercorn crusted filet mignon, the presentation was beautiful, the steak itself just average, however. The meat was not as tender as I would have liked it and overall the temperature was more on the medium side then med rare. For dessert we had the souffle, well worth the wait. Warm chocolate syrup poured over a chocolate cake with toasted marshmallows. Mmmh so good! Overall great experience, I just had higher hopes for the food, will go try again.
(3)
Jessica B.
Still great after all these years... Love the food, attentiveness of the servers and ambiance.
If you have money to burn on excellent food and HORRIBLE customer service, come here. The waiters were attentive, though also a bit impatient, and the food really was good. But as good as the food was, it was not anywhere near worth the hassle of having incomprehensive management that literally told a table of 5 people that their system "doesn't allow to split a check 5 ways, but does allow to split it 4 or 6 ways". Also, you can skip on the tip since they already slap on a 20% "service charge". Needless to say, I'm taking my money elsewhere. I'm never going back. The Forge in one word: overrated.
(2)
Juliana G.
My hubby and I headed to The Forge for a romantic dinner at the restaurant where we got engaged and where his dad used to deliver booze during prohibition. Call him Al Capone Jr. :) We had a small bump on the road at the beginning when the brand new hostess gave us a rookie table and refused to move us to a different place. Fortunately, this was very short-lived because the MOD immediately intervened and placed us in the best table in the restaurant. Thank you MOD! As soon as we were seated they brought us bread four-ways which I proceeded to eat while my hubby chose wine (rookie!). Then they brought us the amuse bouche consisting of BBQ lamb chops, which were delicious to me even though my rookie hubby thinks that they were too big to be an amuse bouche. Yes, I know, crazy and a rookie! For real, they were tender with a thin layer of fat that made them juicy and flavorful. While we waited for our appetizers and decided what to order, they brought us a bottle of bubbly from Spain from 2004. We then opted for the chop salad for my hubby and the caesar salad Forge way for me. Both great choices. The Chop Salad is their traditional salad in a beautiful presentation. My hubby likes the old way better where they brought a mountain-full plate, but I still think it was wonderful. My gigantic caesar salad was fresh, crisp, and authentic, just like it used to be when restaurants used to make caesar salad table side. We also ordered the fried cauliflower, which disappeared in just a few seconds because we liked it so much. The batter was light and the cauliflower had the perfect consistency (not too soft or too hard). For our entrees we both ordered the filet mignon, which was very tender and cooked perfectly. They come with a mustard sauce that is so amazing I could have shots of it and be very happy. We both cleaned out our plates. We added a side of duck fat fries which we order every time we go to The Forge. They are amazing! with little pieces of fried duck and the potatoes are smothered in duck fat. A portion is probably 10,000 calories and worth every single one of them. Yummmm :) We have had duck fat fries at several places and even the best don't even come close to these ones. For dessert we (rather, I) had the chocolate bread pudding which was yummy. It was more like a cake drizzled with melted chocolate and a side of fresh strawberries. I ate about half of it until I decided that I wanted to save the rest for my 3:00 a.m. cravings tonight. Besides, I also ordered the mango sorbet and it was melting in front of me. It was very nice but we made it even better by adding a shot of Gray Goose to it :) I think they should make that their dessert choice, it was unbelievable! All in all, the Forge has consistently good food, in a romantic setting, with servers who know what they are doing and how to create a nice dinning experience for their customers.
(4)
Nathalya G.
Food is quite good, the decor is very stylish and beautiful. The costumer service is also good.
(4)
Evonne L.
Chopped salad= cut up pieces of different veggies wrapped in cucumber slices. Was not a big portion, we tried to share it with 4 girls but I found myself trying to eat all of it since it was really good! Oak grilled super steak, aka "The Best Steak in America" according to Wine Spectator was not true. The steak was good, but wasn't as oaky or as flavorful as I expected. This is one thing I was glad my gfs and I shared because it was $55, and sadly, not worth the hefty pricetag. Coffee and eggs = "COFFEE CRUSTED RIBEYE, GOAT CHEESE FRITTATA" tasted weird. We were feeling adventurous and who doesn't like coffee and goat cheese, but the pairings didn't complement each other and the actual steak was dry. The high point of the night was the souffle, which takes 30 minutes to prepare but was amazing. Definitely big enough for 4 small girls (or one hungry girl) to share. Ambiance of this place was great, especially for a big party since they have big tables to accommodate.
(3)
Tito B.
Two visits in and the same conclusion- the ambiance is absolutely unmatched- gorgeous beyond words. The food, however, although good, is really nothing out of this world. I thought maybe it was a fluke when I came the first time, seeing as this is such a highly-rated restaurant, but I had the same impression on the second visit. It's just okay, and when you are paying a lot for the meal, I just expect more than ok.
(2)
Michelle W.
Not impressed at all with the food here. I had high expectations based on the reviews, but nothing I ate was worth any money... I was glad I did not wast my own money on food here. The only reason I gave them 2 instead of 1 star is because the service was good and I really like the atmosphere, plus the Alice in Wonderland sized chairs in the private dining areas rock. Anyhow, so here is the skinny on the food (which I only picked at & ended up going home and eating something else) Lobster bisque - not good at all. First of all it was brown and looked totally unappetizing. Second the creme ball that they put in it wouldn't really mix into the the broth. Lastly, it was bitter and I have no clue why. Black & white sesame encrusted tuna - Fail, the tuna was not cooked at all... I'm not sure if they can't tell because the amount of sesame seed they put on it, but there was no seared edging on the tuna. It was maybe only 1-2mm of color. And it was completely cold. The dish itself looked beautiful and it was a complete let down when it was no good to eat. I had desert, but can't remember what it was. At least my wine was good. So, I would only go back here for drinks at the bar. Nice atmosphere & set up with a good wine selection. Save your money & eat else where, totally not worth it here.
(2)
Alberto R.
Ultra classy place. The music was too clubby for a place of this quality. Only thing that made it 4 stars out of 5. Food was outstanding.
(4)
Meagan M.
The food was fantastic! We went for Miami Spice ($39 for three a coarse dinner) and they also had a few glasses of wine that were $6. That seems to be the way to go since it is usually $100+ per person. I ordered the ravioli as my appetizer. I wasn't expecting them to be fried, but they were still delicious. Others at the table had the Forge Salad and that was great. The filet was very well prepared and seasoned. Some at our table went as far as to say it was "the best steak they had ever had". Finally, the cheesecake was AMAZING. Overall we had a fantastic experience. The ambiance is awesome, waiters were nice/attentive and really know the menu, and the food was delicious. This is a great place to go for a special night out!
(5)
Silvia C.
Excellent food, service and ambience. The risotto appetizer was out of this world .
(5)
Ed L.
This is a "oh you're fancy huh" kind of steak house in every way. The decor is very elegant and upscale and the food and drinks mirror in complexity. They have great cocktails that are very unique which is a great way to start the night. The bread basket is fantastic with a variety of bread and one of the most delicious Foccacia cheese breads ever. Although they have various cuts of steaks, I think the OAK GRILLED "SUPER STEAK" is a winner. It is proclaimed to be the best steak in America and it is definitely in my top 5. It is grilled nicely with great char on the outside and juicy in the middle. I would have preferred a little more rareness but it was still very good. It comes with an assortment of dipping sauces which makes the experience unique. Great steak but can be pricey for $50 a pop.
(4)
Courtney N.
Always an excellent choice. Had the fillet mignon and it was prepared excellent. The server was sharp and attentive with a good attitude. Always a safe bet and great atmosphere.
(4)
Donnie M.
Between the DJ, live singers and over the top decor this is one of the coolest restaurants that I have eaten at. Try the happy hour on Friday nighs with $50 bottles of Veuve.
(5)
Jorge E.
OK...you want to make an impression for your significant other or for that important out of town business client....THIS is where you bring them! I mean...whats not to LOVE about this place?! The decor "over the top" elegant and beautiful! The food is some of the best in Miami! Some people would argue that they liked "The Forge" better pre-renovation but the "meat and potatoes" of this place are still there and that is their food and service. We are talking Miami Beach here so it can be expensive especially if you try one of the MANY awesome bottles of wine they have! In life they say..."You get what you paid for"! That is NOT true in the restaurant business as their are as many overpriced and just average places as there are underpriced/amazing joints few know about! The Forge is right smack in the middle! Expensive..yes! But worth your time and money.
(5)
Stephanie L.
The Forge of the past and the remodeled updated versions are night and day different. What would have been 2 stars a few years ago, was one of the best meals I've had in a long time post-update. I'm not going to comment on the boring meal that once was since it's not something you can (or have to) have anymore. ATMOSPHERE: Dim and quiet, but upscale and modern. Most recently sat in "the library" and loved the feel like it was something out of a Disney ride. It was elegant and inviting, feels like perhaps you are dining in the house of a very wealthy food connoisseur. Each dining room has a different feel though so you can have a completely new experience depending on where you are. SERVICE: Exceptional and impeccable! Our server was very knowledgeable and helped us navigate the large wine list to find the perfect pairings for our meal. FOOD: Inventive, decadent and so flavorful. Had the tuna to start and it was literally as huge bowl of fresh diced tuna big enough to be an entree. It came in sesame oil and some other seasonings I can't place, but they really enhanced the dish and elevated a basic, fresh tuna to extraordinary. For the entree I went with the grilled skirt steak, leek chutney tomato jam, and tostones. All I can say is WOW! The meat was cooked perfectly, and there was a slight sweetness to the tomato jam that was the perfect match to the grilled flavor of the beef. For dessert I had the lemon panna cotta and it was the perfect ending to cleanse the palate. Slightly sweet, slightly tart and absolute creamy deliciousness. Had a wonderful experience and would definitely recommend the Forge for a special occasion, date or dinner with friends.
(5)
Josiah G.
This is one of the most interesting and beautiful restaurants I have ever seen. The decor is like no other. It's mad hatter meets old masonry and ironwork. It's simply amazing. The food was just as amazing. We ordered the lamb ribs for an appetizer and it was some of the best lamb I've ever had. I ordered a pesto rigatoni with roasted cauliflower that was so good, I ate the whole bowl in just a couple minutes. What is also great is that, for an experience like this with amazing food and over the top service, the prices were not unreasonable. For what we ate and how we were served, I thought the prices were just right. Anyone stopping in should also take the time to walk around inside the building. The outside bar area is stunning and the iron work inside is original to the very old building. Great place and I can't wait to come back!
(5)
Larry K.
We dined at the Forge this evening and had a wonderful experience. Our server Jill was as attentive as can be and the food was impeccable. I highly recommend this restaurant and don't forget to request Jill if you want the experience of a lifetime!!
I made the mistake of taking my wife here for valentines day and experienced the single worst restaurant experience of my entire life. 1) I showed up 15 minutes early and was directed to the bar to wait for our table. Within 30 minutes the bar was overflowing with people all waiting for tables. After 75 minutes of waiting we were finally seated - only after my wife and I argued with the manager and hostess three separate times to be seated. It was clear that these guys overbooked and had no proper system for reserving tables. Despite our complaints we received no apology or offer for comped drinks. 2) After FINALLY getting seated it took nearly 30 minutes for a waiter to take our order. By this point (9:15 vs a 7:30 rez) we were starving and both ordered the prix fixe meal - a shared app, filet and desert. 3) At 9:45pm, nearly an hour after we were seated the waiters brought our steaks (BEFORE the apps. After informing the confused and overworked waiter that we did not receive our app he quickly took the steaks away. 4) At 10:15 (90 min after being seated) we finally receive our appetizer. It was an absolute travesty and not what I would expect of any decent restaurant. It consisted of: 1) a small dish of "ceviche" which was gray and basically inedible accompanied by a soggy plantain chip, 2) two cold soggy pieces of fried goat cheese that appeared to be cooked hours beforehand and 3) a bruschetta of artichokes which was decent but clearly not fresh. 5) By 11pm we still had not received our steaks. At this point there really was no choice - WE WALKED FROM THE MEAL. Never in my life have I walked from a $300+ tab but this level of service was insulting and shocking. I could not even find a manager to speak to. 6) Last but not least - there was a near riot at the valet parking stand. Some folks had been waiting for an hour and arguments were breaking out btw the valet guy and manager in front of customers. I finally just told the valet kid to give me my keys and had to get the car myself. 7) At this point its almost midnight and we still had not eaten a proper meal. Fortunately the Burger King drive through around the corner delivered what the Forge was so incapable of - hot food served with a smile. I will NEVER return to this place.
(1)
Abby W.
My better half and I came here the first night of our vacation with a Gilt City voucher in hand. The space is beautiful, quite large and well-decorated in a classic steakhouse way. Comfy chairs. Our server was very personable and suggested that we supplement the salad/entree/dessert courses supplied by the voucher with an appetizer and/or a side dish. We opted for both and got the croquettes plus a side of the lobster mac and cheese. The enomatic thing is really cool, and I was pleased with the wines we got as part of the Gilt City promotion. All was going very well, we were enjoying our wine and the complimentary bread was fantastic, but then came the apps and amuse bouche and things began to fizzle a bit. The salmon croquettes were really pasty and lacking in flavour, super disappointing. The accompanying white fluff had no flavour at all and it was difficult to even figure out what it was supposed to be. The amuse bouche was a barbequed pork rib that was chewy, really fatty, and not that tasty. The sauce tasted too much like Masterpiece BBQ. Salads were enormous but very fresh and well-presented. I wished the cheese on the chopped salad was a stronger bleu, but overall it was delicious. The Forge redeemed itself on the filet, though. HOLY COW. We both opted for the filet entree, one medium and one rare, and they both came as ordered. Like butter in your mouth. The steak was literally perfect in every way. The mac and cheese, not as much. The noodles were majorly undercooked and we both only ate a few bites. For like $16 that is a real bummer. Despite the shortcomings we ended up extremely full by the time dessert rolled around so we hardly touched it. We got one each of a banana and chocolate bread pudding, the banana was by far the winner. I nitpicked a lot but for a place that charges as much as they do, a customer is entitled to nitpick. I would maybe go back with another voucher, and get the risotto instead of the mac since that seems more their specialty, but I probably wouldn't do a full price meal here. Oh, near the end of the meal the server knocked over a wine glass that broke and glass got all over my boyfriend. They cleaned it up quickly and efficiently but did not offer to move us to another table.
(4)
Bettina S.
Great restaurant, fun and busy Friday night vibe, and excellent service. The porterhouse I shared was very tasty, and the lobster risotto was delicious. The wagyu ordered by another girl was fantastic and the others raved about their French onion soup. Would definitely go back!
(4)
Imee B.
This is my go to special occasion restuarant in Miami Beach. I have dined here a few times and they exceed my expectations every time. This probably the most romantic restaurant in Miami- perfect combination of modern and old world opulence. The service - the valet, host stand, waiter, and sommelier - is always warm and pleasant and very professional. My favorites are the lobster pb&j (weird but tasty combo), mushroom risotto, and Oak Grilled super steak. For two people, you can expect to spend well over $200 but you will not be disappointed! Well worth the $$$$$!
21st Birthday dinner was to die for. This place is nothing short of amazing, the staff is super attentive and friendly - not snobby like other fancy places in the area. The decor makes your jaw drop - from the chandeliers to the leather couches, to the posh bathroom. I loved the Steak special I ordered, I loved it so much that I have dreamy about it... Yes it is that serious. Also, I have to rave about the fabulous mellow playlist they had going on - everything from Norah Jones to Lauryn Hill and even some babymaking Ginuwine. Yes! This place gave me life. We popped bottles, ate like Kings/Queens, and laughed like no other. I would hands down recommend this place to anyone who is looking for an intimate, fun, photo friendly place. Trust me, once you take a picture of one thing you have to cover it all. I would host a Vogue photoshoot here, its so prettttttty. It is going to be hard to top this birthday dinner.... I might just have to go to Miami for my 22nd Birthday as well.
(5)
Chris T.
This restaurant was amazing. The decor was unbelievable, the wine list was impressive, and the food was delicious. I have to say the service was by far the best I have ever had. You won't go wrong eating there.
(5)
Deena M.
The Forge was overpriced, overrated! Service was poor and the steak was dry and tasteless! Really felt we were ripped off!
(1)
Ahmed A.
I have to admit this was a very glamorous place and it accommodated a mature/older selection of people. So, presentation was great and it was a comfortable atmosphere. With food now me and my friend tried the lobster and the best steak of America. The best steak of America was really good but I don't think it is really the best steak in America. The lobster was really good too. The service was not bad and our waiter was pretty attentive. The only thing was it was an expensive meal so be prepared to spend a little$$$. Overall I had a great time and would try it again if I'm ever in Miami again.
(4)
Chris S.
I was a regular here (great steaks, beautiful space, very good service) until I saw a bartender blow his nose on a napkin and then return to making drinks without washing his hands. The manager was indifferent when I mentioned this to him. Probably a fluke, I wouldn't recommend eating there after that experience.
We found this restaurant on Yelp and decided to go to The Forge for my sister's birthday dinner. Our reservation was at 6:30 and though a member of our group was missing, we were escorted to our table. Albert was our waiter and he made sure that we always had wine and water while we waited. During this time, Albert brought us a bread basket with yummy bread and also brought Fernando (the wine genius) to come and recommend some wines. I ended up talking to him for a little while about Peru. An hour later, the last person from our group showed up (He blamed it on Miami traffic). The decor inside is great but our favorite part were the staff and the great music they played. The playlist included Norah Jones, Aaliyah, Ingrid Michelson and a lot more. -For an appetizer, someone ordered a kale salad for the table. Everyone enjoyed it, but I'm not a fan of kale. -The birthday girl ordered the OAK GRILLED "SUPER STEAK" and loved every single bite. It is very huge and she shared it with another person. -I had the grilled salmon and it was amazingly cooked to perfection. -other people with us had the ceviche which was very tasty and -We ordered the asparagus, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, and Brussels sprouts as side dishes. We enjoyed all of them except the asparagus which looked like it had been cut prematurely as they were very tiny. All in all, we had a great time and ended up spending quite a bit, but it was definitely one of the best meals we had while we were in Miami. I'd definitely go back!
(5)
Kathryn S.
This place is just absolutely amazing. From the decor to the service, everything about it was great. I decided to try the Forge for the first time since it was on the Miami Spice list. I started the evening arriving a bit early for my reservation so I can check out the place and have a seat at the bar. While I waited for my reservation I took in my surroundings while sipping on some champagne. Everything about this place screams decadence. The decor has no exact style, I felt like it was many styles thrown into one wondrous place. The walls have crown molding which are beautiful. After taking in the place my friend and I were seated at our table. We were seated in the second room on a raised floor that had a bubble design behind us. It was beautiful and wonderful. I was so happy we were seated where we were. At that moment out server, Esteban, came by and took some more of our drink orders and served us bread. Let me just say, the bread is amazing! There are several different types, I personally loved the rolls, and this cinnamon bread that taste like Christmas. To begin with, I got the salmon croquettes which were delicious. I'm not even a fan of seafood and I thought they were great. My friend got the coconut steamed mussels and clams and she did not stop raving about it. Her exact words were "I want to bathe in it." That's how much she loved it. For our entrees I got the three mushroom risotto and it was to die for. I mean, it was just so good. I don't think i've ever devoured a meal as quickly as that. Every single bite was just as great as the last one. My friend got the grilled skirt steak and was also talking about how much she loved it. For dessert we got the two options that were offered. I had the flourless chocolate torte which was just so decadent. It was very rich and just scrumptious. But, it was the cheesecake that was the true dessert winner. It was just amazing. Overall our experience at The Forge was memorable. Everything in the restaurant was wonderful. I especially enjoyed our waiter Esteban who made the experience even better with his wonderful service.
This place was within walking distance of our hotel so we decided to give it a try. They were participating in Miami Spice so we were definitely going to get bang for our buck by patronizing at a prix fixe price! The food was amazing! I had the salmon it was delicious and my boyfriend ended up ordering off the regular menu since he wanted to try a particular steak they had won awards for. There was a small issue with the steak being over cooked and our server was quick to whisk away the incorrect steak and bring over two gigantic Indonesian shrimp for him to nibble on until his new steak arrived. This review is partly for how good the food way, but it's more of a review for the amazing staff. Our server was phenomenal and one of the chefs came out and actually apologized to my boyfriend for overcooking his steak. Side note: The restroom is amazing...a woman's dream...feminine and chic. Professionalism at it's best! Bravo Forge!
(5)
Mike A.
I have been going to the Forge for years and always have loved the place. That said, it's about to take it to another level under chef Chris Lee and master entertainment innovator Shareef Malnik. We had the good fortune to get a sneak peak at what's to come last night and it is special. As you know I judge based on four criteria: food/wine, price, location and ambiance. The food crushes it (I highly recommend the filet mignon and kale salad), the wine cellar and bar is world class, the location is good on S Beach, the prices are reasonable given the quality, and the ambiance is amazing and about to go off the charts when they pull off there next iteration of the Forge in the coming months.
(5)
Tenzo A.
Alright, so one of the things I really LOVED about this place was the fun music they were playing. As twenty something year olds who like to have a good dinner before partying the music really sets the vibe. Plus the place was recently remodeled (so I heard) and really really cute. Absolutely loved the service, especially since we were treated with attitudes everywhere else in Miami .. including our hotel restaurants (Fontainebleau) which calls for a whole other review. Anyways, our waiter, wish I remembered his name, was awesome and very accommodating. I ordered the artichoke risotto with shrimp. The shrimp was delicious!!! The risotto itself was a liiiiiiiitle too heavy. a bit more creamer than usual, but it was still great! Now for the my favorite part, the tuna tar tar. OH-MY-GOODNESS. AMAZING. That's all I'm going to say cause I MAY start drooling. lol .. ORDER FOR SURE.
(4)
Gabe A.
Who Severs a burnt center cut filet?? This guys do!!! We where in town for a night and we pick this place of all the places in Miami. I was needing a great Steak and this place boasted one of the best steaks in the country. This place is your typical over priced place that we all love to eat at. But if you are going to charge a premium you should provide a premium product. Like I said I was in need of good steak. So I order a center filet medium rare . The steak came out and no one ask me to check the temp. I cut into it and it was more medium but we had been waiting for a while and I was hungry. But when I got to the Half that was burnt I could not eat it. The guy came to take the plate. I express my concern to him and he asked I wanted it to go? really. Yes let me take this dry price of meat home. Maybe I could give it to someone one ther street but I doubt they would eat it. Expressed same concern to waitress. Then the manager came over. Same deal!!! They where all very sorry for my horribly cooked steak. Never offered anything. To make it right. Except I wish you would of told us sooner. Well no one ever asked!!! I was not going to wait 10 min for some one to come over. But what can you expect from a over priced steak house that Automatically charges 20% gratuity no matter what. Sounds like socialism to me. What incentive do they have to deliver a quality product or to give a shit. If you are looking for a cool place with bad customer service and sub par food then this is your place. You have to love dropping 150.00 in dinner then grabbing a 5.00 slice of pizza that was better than anything this place severed.
(1)
Todd N.
Took my wife for a special dinner at The Forge. The atmosphere was elegant but not pretentious, the service was prompt, servers were knowledgable and engaging and the food was excellent. My filet was cooked perfectly as was my wife's and the accompaniments complemented the meal quite nicely. All in all, a nice, romantic dinner!
(5)
Celia E.
I've lived in Miami for nearly 20 years. I used to go to the Forge restaurant alot around 2006 and even had a big birthday party there in 2007. I actually had not been back since then. So I went there last Friday after about 7 years. I didn't really avoid it on purpose it's just that so many hot new restaurants have opened in Miami that I've just been trying all the newer trending places. This is the reason I'm writing this review. My husband and I eat out ar least 4 days a week and there are so many cool new scene type of restaurants that are overpriced with disappointing food and service. I fundamentally won't write anonymous bad reviews online because I think it's smarmy so I won't mention those multitudes of mediocre places on South Beach, the Design District or Wynwood (especially). I wanted to take time out to praise the Forge. I was shocked that after all these years it's still one of the very best places in Miami. The interior design, the food, the service and the atmosphere were truly fantastic. It's pricey but when things are done right, it's ok. And really the prices at Forge are on par with a lot of places that are pretending to be fine dining in Miami but don't have fine dining service. So long story short Forge is still great.
Came here for valentine's day and ordered their special menu which included mixed appetizers, and entree of filet mignon with polenta and mixed desserts. The best of part of this restaurant is the restaurant itself, which is gorgeous. We had a beautiful table that felt very intimate. We ordered wine and an additional appetizer of pomegranate glazed ribs. The best part of the meal was the polenta! Creamy and delicious. The ribs were second. As for the rest, not impressed. My filet had a burned after taste with every bite (my boyfriend felt the same exact way). The appetizers were not seasoned well (ceviche, crab bruschetta) thus tasted bland. Maybe it was our mistake by ordering from the "special menu". But, I originally went for a coffee rub ribeye with a goat cheese frittata, which was not on the menu that evening (bummer!). For a better steak given my filet mignon experience there, I'll just stick to Prime 112 or Smith & Wollensky. Maybe, given that the polenta was great, I'll go more towards the Italian route. Overall, we were both unimpressed. If you are curious, the bill was $260.
(3)
J N.
So disappointing. Made a reservation for my boyfriend's birthday on Monday night. Food was awful!!! I have absolutely no problem spending money but the quality of the food was salty, over priced and over rated. We started with the fried cauliflower, and the lobster pb and j. How could a lobster pb and j taste bad? They found a way to make it take flavorless. Really bogus. My boyfriend ordered one of their signature steaks (most expensive may I add recommended by the waiter) and I had the chilean seabass. The fish was actually pretty good but the steak was soooooo salty I swear they bathed it in salt. GROSS. For sides we got the trio of mashed potatoes which were ehh and the mac and cheese which could have taste better out of a box. Halfway through dinner the waiter asked us if we wanted to order the soufle, we said yes but were never shower the dessert menu so I don't even know what else was offered. They did make the birthday dessert special and personalized the plate with my boyfriend's name. I will say the only positives were that the hostess, bartender, waiter and water boy were absolutely excellent and attentive. Decor is cool as well. Our waiter gave us a tour of the restaurant after dinner and told us about the history as well which was really great. If you are looking for good food I would pass. Not worth $300 for two people.
(2)
Cynthia C.
The space is a wonderful representation of all things Miami: glamorous, sexy & fashion forward. The tables, booths are spaced apart and surprisingly it's a very comfortable scenester environment. Shared eats: -Kumamoto oysters, came w/cocktail sauce, grilled lemons, mustard & relish, sweet & fresh flavor. -Hamachi Tartare, liked the asian flavors & the plantain chips. -Crabcake, bountiful meaty portion w/a perfect sear. -Kale w/Parmesan, I think I would have liked it in combo w/another veg -Filet Mignon, solid, cooked the way I like, rare w/o the blood oozing. Note: DO dig into the complimentary bread, there is an amazing herby cheesy crusty bread, devoured all of it. The 70+ wines by the glass are awesome, we got to swish, swirl & taste six different varieties of wine, over half are priced under $15/glass. What a great way to start the trip: open late, we had a 1230am reservation, good food, wine & company.
(4)
Linda M.
I was soo sad..great interior, good looking people, good bar. Atrocious service and food was even worse. Maybe people only go to drink? Sad..as it's a mijami landmark.
(1)
Nadeem B.
The steak was billed as "The Best Steak in America", as challenging a statement as I've read in quite a while. However, I have to say they are quite correct. It was, hands down the best steak I have ever had. To make things better, the Apple Pie Sundae was even better, if you can beleive that. Although the prices are steep, it was worth every penny. I cannot reccomend this place highly enough. If you are in Miami and can only eat at one place, this is it.
(5)
Kristiana W.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I loved the ambiance, the decor, the food and the crowd. I will be back at least once a month. This is my new Friday hangout, I highly recommend as a great start to a night out of you sit at the bar or if you are just looking for a lounge vibe. It's upscale but they are afraid to play hip-hop, or old school music. A must visit.
(5)
Shannon M.
Ok we have been to The Forge many times, one of our go to's when we go to town. Well tonight was a far cry from a good experience. I knew it was bad when I ordered a glass of Vueve and the waiter looked at me like I had three heads. Then my husband ordered a Bombay sapphire martini and he didn't know what Bombay was....We were with another couple and our 2 children. Obviously we are cognizant of having 2 9 year old girls so that is why we had 6:30 reservations on a Monday night. Fast forward to dinner arriving, my steak was under done & I sent it back. No one really cared. At one point the server said to my friend sorry for not being attentive, really?? Did he just admit his service was sub par??? So he proceeds to clear the plates and spills ketchup on my daughters phone. At this point I don't even know what to do. He proceeds to clear the table and leaves the ketchup laden napkin on the table. My husband gets up and hands it to another waiter. The check comes and at this point we are mortified. Again another long wait for someone to return. At this point my husband gets up to hand the check to someone to ring us up. In 20!years of marriage I have never seen my husband get up and complain. He did and spoke to whoever was in charge for the night & I use that term loosely. Nothing changed and rest assured we won't be back. The irony is we had reservations for Friday night again & cancelled due to the poor service and food quality. For $800 for 4 adults & 2 girls who basically earlier birds is ridiculous for the service & food quality. We won't be back and if you are contemplating, don't go on your dime. Zero stars if I could rate it. Don't bother wasting your money.
(1)
Steve R.
I went to the Forge last night and had an overall great experience. This is old school service with contemporary cuisine. The Forge nailed it like so many restaurants do not. Our server, Michael Moon knows how to read a table. We were there for the exact experience he gave to us. The service was the perfect speed along with professionalism. I was overwhelmed by the iconic wine list and was looking for something just right and that is when Dean, the Sommelier showed up and helped us select a couple of bottles for the evening. ( if you are interested in drinking bottles from the civil war this is the place). Dean took the time to show us the whole restaurant and wine room. They offer an incredible private dining area if your celebrating something special. If your looking to "grab a bite" skip the Forge. If your looking for a dining experience, look no further but make sure you bring your wallet. But hey....if your looking for the best of the best your going to pay for it and the Forge is well worth it. I will be looking forward to creating an excuse for my girlfriend for why we must eat here soon.....Why not celebrate Labor Day!
5 stars. Hands down, the best dining experience I had with my fiance in Miami. We came here for a private event. We literally flew in and came straight here. When we arrived, the hostess took us back to the private room that was reserved and we had a few personal waiters for our group who stopped us before we entered the room so we could make our meal selections. We were two courses behind everyone so we had some catching up to do. First let me say that this was incredibly professional of them to do. I was impressed with them from the beginning. We had an amazing dinner of Lobster bisque, crab cakes, filet mignon, and topped it off with panna cotta and green tea. Everything was cooked to perfection - ESPECIALLY the filet mignon. I am still dreaming about it right this second even though I'm no longer in Miami. The panna cotta was also really good so I suggest getting that if you get a chance to. My only regret was that my stomach wasn't big enough and I didn't eat everything on my plate. It was all so delicious! It's certainly worth ruining your workout for! The staff was also incredibly accommodating and so wonderful. It was a private event and they did a very good job at coming in and out at the right times. There was never an awkward moment where they barged in on an intense conversation or anything so I was very impressed by their professionalism. Attached to our private dining room was the wine cellar. After dinner, we all walked around a bit and mingled in the room and we had access to the wine cellar as well which was great! It was honestly such an amazing room. They probably had every single wine you could possibly dream of that was aged to perfection! I mean our meal from start to finish here was just phenomenal. From the staff to the food, and all the little details (switching out our utensils for our upcoming course by bringing them to us on a little tray) - I was just completely blown away. If you have a private event coming up and you're looking for a place to have it - I highly recommend The Forge! I can't speak much to their dining room experience, but I know that for private parties, they really knock it out of the park! I would definitely come back. They have a customer for life.
(5)
Michele P.
My husband and I came on a recommendation. We were in Miami for work. Wow. Are we glad we did!! Our food was mostly good, not blow your socks off, but them we had the 3 mushroom risotto!! Holy Mary, mother of Jesus was that AMAZING!! Made this the best place we've been to in Miami!! As a side note...when we got our ticket and there was a 20% service fee. This was in addition to the taxes and we were expected to tip ON TOP OF THAT!! I have only ever seen this with larger parties. There was 2 of us. The waiter said it's applied to ALL tickets. Has anyone ever seen this? I'm kind of angry!
(4)
Xasperniak B.
Ambience is wonderful, Fridays are the day with DJ and $10 Veuve in the bar where one can mingle with Miami's finest, according to our host. Gangsters and ballerz regularly eat here, so we have read, and with no shortage of cash to buy only the best--because that is what it is--my dry aged steak was apparently over a month of curing and won wine spectator's "best in America" award. The bone-in filet was the other entree and we shared a 1lb de-shelled Maine lobster as the side. The wine selection is massive, we did a bottle, and the giant glass list is visible behind glass in the walls. Chandeliers dotting the tour of this beautiful, century-old venue MADE our night--one can see why the biggest of names frequent, and frequented the Forge.
THIS PLACE IS NOT JUST FOR STEAKS! Having been a vegetarian for the last xx years, I have come to appreciate steakhouses as having some of the best and freshest seafood ever! This place nails it. Their seafood dishes are creative and full of taste. They also upped their craft beer selection to compliment their sick wine bar. Super classy, great food, great staff a must if you are in the area.
(4)
Ming P.
decor: 4 food : 4 Service : 4 I had an excellent Bday dinner.
(4)
Harper S.
I crowdsourced to find out people's favorite restaurants in Miami and several people said The Forge. Always love restaurants on OpenTable especially when it's for a group of nine. I had absolutely no idea how fancy it was until we got there. The website is sort of misleading on that front. Needless to say, we loved this place. It was a bit swankier than I think we all expected but the food was exceptional. I had the troffi pasta with yellow tomatoes, basil and ricotta. Now, you think, that sounds very generic but wow, I've never tasted pasta like this in my life. it was alle dente and just perfection. Every bite was better than the last. The brussel sprouts were great too. Overall great experience, good service, and can't wait to go back and sit in the library room. Only thing was - we were all stunned when the bill came out. It's really not cheap but the food truly was exceptional so it was worth it.
(5)
Roxy H.
Part of me really wants to give this place 5 stars, we went Christmas eve and they were slammed and it's not really fair. The building is beautiful and historic. It is very opulent. Everything about the inside of the resturant is beautiful and unique. Nothing was over looked. For dinner we ordered some starters: Chicken Dim Sum which came in 3 small bowls with a tamarind broth and some chopped argula. It was good - not a life changer but I was with people who don't enjoy fish so this was for them. I didn't hear any complaints. Lobster, Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich toasted brioche with chopped fresh peanuts. This sounds somewhat questionable but it was by far a super star of the evening food wise. Crospy Corn Ravioli - They are fried and dusted with parmesan cheese. I didn't have one but they did go quick. Stone Crab Claws - These were a special and they were as big as my head. Huge... I was full from one! Yellowfin Tuna Tartare - Good! Fish was fresh Soups/Salads: Wedge Salad: Large portion, typical wedge. Big chuncks of maytag blue cheese Kale Salad: Heard it was good Tomato Stack: Big slices of tomatos, looked really good Lobster bisque: Large chunks of losbter were in the soup. Entrees: I had the spice rubbed duck - It was amazing. The chedder grits with it were a nice addition. Several ordered the filet which they all said left something to the imagination. Nothing spectacular. Seared Tuna was really yummy! For sides we ordered the duck home fries. They were very very good. We also ordered the sauted paradise farms oyster mushrooms - waste of calories. They were tastless and soggy. No thank you! Make sure you order the souffle for dessert. Simply phenomenal. Overall it was a good dining experience - A few hiccups such as drinks taking forever to come, having to ask for an iced tea 4 times before it came and waiting 20 minutes for the waitress to come by so we could pay. It is worth checking out.
(4)
Elizabeth B.
Great!
(5)
Ryan L.
Trying to think of a reason not to give it 5 stars and honestly the only thing I can think of was the dirty bathrooms (which when ur spending good $$ u expect to b clean). Outside of that - everything was 5 stars! Can't wait to return!
(4)
Erin M.
Recently went here with a group of 17 girls for a bachelorette party. We reserved the big tasting table. Not only is the restaurant beautiful but the food was amazing! Every single one of the 17 people loved their appetizer, main dish, and dessert. The service was amazing and drinks were amazing. I can't say enough about how much I loved this place and what a great experience we had. Thank you to the forge for making my sisters bachelorette party dinner so wonderful!
(5)
Davina S.
Vueve Cliquot Fridays 6-11PM Only $50 bottles! Best happy hour in Miami! The bar is the perfect spot in this classic Miami hotspot!
(5)
Emmanuel L.
My boyfriend is a huge fan of The Forge, so when Miami Spice arrived we had to jump on the opportunity to dine at this ultra lux restaurant. Despite what seemed like an inadequate prefix menu selection, the food was on par with the ambiance and service. Our 3 courses consisted of shrimp gazpacho, crab potstickers, (2) hanger steaks, and banana bread. Sure, the names on the menu are fancier and fluffed, but this is what it was. Now, we've never tasted said hanger steak, which excuse my ignorance, but the sheer sound of it seemed as if they were sacrificing quality and portion size. It was the only steak offered on their spice menu and we even debated ordering off their dinner menu, but we came here for a deal and so we stuck to it. And did they surprise us! Our steaks were cooked as requested (medium rare) and to perfection. They weren't the least bit dry and were succulently marinated. As for portion size, I had enough for leftovers! Yes, I left the forge with a takeout bag and let me add I sure wasn't the only one. I followed after an older Russian woman wearing an outfit reminiscent of Bjork's famous swan dress. If she can do it! Dining in this opulent restaurant only calls for wine, so take advantage of their vast wine selection. Though please head this warning, if you're a Miami Spicer and your curiosity for fine dining on a budget brings you to The Forge, beware of the increased cost of alcohol as it will get steep. With that said, it was expected and therefore does not reflect on my 4 star rating. The reason I gave this place 4 stars and not 5 is reflective of 2.5 things: 1. The Table. We were sat on a small two top, so small their massive menus obstructed the view between my date and myself. No really, I was talking to my date as if he was Wilson from Home Improvement. We had to ask the waiter to kindly remove them as they were in the way of our romance. Not only was this table small, but it was in the way of all traffic, like an old lady crossing a 6 lane street. Our waiter was kind enough to move our table, but it didn't fix the problem. 2. The Appetizers. I'm not a big shrimp person and NEVER order it at a restaurant. Maybe it's because they are bottom dwelling insects better known as cockroach of the sea. Their prefix menu featured for Spice left me with the only option of ordering the Shrimp Gazpacho. Enough said. Negatifs aside, this place is still a winner. Everything is attention to detail all while maintaining exceptional service. If you're a dining snob, then this is the place for you.
(4)
Sebastian D.
Outstading service ! Super Steak was extremley good!
(5)
Shirley W.
Came here during Miami spice, got the chopped salad, mushroom risotto, and chocolate layered cake. My favorite thing about the meal is actually the bread basket, awesome variety with the breads. The chopped salad was good, definitely would recommend. The mushroom risotto came in a big portion, very flavorful. The chocolate layer cake was good but didn't stand out. Overall it was a good meal but not quite what I would expect for a restuarant at this price. Also they have an extensive wine list, there's even 80 wines by glass, a bit on the expensive side but good selection. Overall a good experience, didn't stand out though
The bar/happy hour was excellent! The table service was horrible. The food isn't good at all. Definitely only a place to drink and look at the decor. I expected a lot more especially because I was going there for my birthday!
I loved this place! Really easy to make a reservation on open table and when we arrived 15 minutes early we were seated immediately. The interior is really beautiful and was recently remodeled. Their wine list is a huge book that's helpfully organized by type of wine and region. The food was delicious, and although I was skeptical at first, I still find myself thinking about the delicious lobster pb&j. Save room for dessert! We had the souffle (we chose the mix flavor) and it was fabulous. Equal parts decadent and light. The only negative was that our waiter was kind of snobby, but he was also prompt so it wasn't that big a deal. I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking to have a nice dinner out in Miami Beach.
LOVE LOVE LOVE First time here and I fell in love with the place!! It's like walking into a lounge, very chic feel to it. There are different rooms for dining sitting and a closed large party table maybe seats about 20(?) in front of the kitchen. Came here for Miami Spice and also ordered al la carte food. The Lobster, Peanut butter and Jelly appetizer was pretty good... but kind of onion-y and it would've been better if it came out hot/warm rather than chilled lobsters. Snapper "in a bag" was good, you can taste all the herbs and what you smell is that you actually get. Definitely would order that again. The Barolo Braised Short Rib was delicious serving size was pretty huge. You definitely get your money's worth with that plate and the polenta mmmmmmmmm so so so good. Polenta was devoured within minutes. A def must try if you ever visit the Forge. Crispy Corn Ravioli has a nice crunch to it with a hint of salt and pepper on the outside. You get about 4 pieces with each piece being a generous size. It's also light to the stomach not to heavy.
(5)
Costa P.
2 stars for the deco and the food was ok. Less stars for the crowd. If you're under 50, then go somewhere else. Service was painfully slow. Took over an hour for meal to arrive after ordering (the excuse was because one person in the party ordered the burger and the meat is very thick, it takes a long time to cook). The music and C grade entertainment cater to the seniors market (the table of geriatrics next to ours were loving it) Was here a few years back and it used to be way better. In summary, this place is waaaaay past its prime. Don't bother.
(2)
Rebecca A.
Oh wow! What an amazing experience I had here! I was invited for a friend's birthday party and we had a private room. As usual, I was the first person to arrive and so I was escorted to a beautifully appointed and decorated wine cellar. Immediately the waitstaff began to compliment me and offer me anything my little heart desired. It goes without saying that the wine list is very impressive and the chance we had to tour the other cellars was a great touch. So much great wine to drink and so little time! As the room filled with 20 some-odd women, the waitstaff stayed right on point, anticipating our (many) needs and learning our names to give us personal service. I'm as much impressed by their service as I am by their food. A fixed menu was chosen for us by the birthday girl and almost everything I had was divine! I had a braised lamb chop with pomegranate reduction appetizer that was amazing! Perfectly seasoned and cooked, perfectly delicious. For entree I had a snapper and vegetable coulis which was delicate and divine. The only disappointment was my dessert, the Forge cake, which is described as vanilla pudding and chocolate ganache layer cake/pie with a chocolate cookie crumb. The chocolate parts were all good, but the vanilla pudding/custard left a lot to be desired. It was too tough, like the texture of jell-o and not creamy at all. Ruined the whole dessert. However, I did taste my friend's chocolate and banana bread puddings for dessert and they were amazing! So I'm gonna forgive the Forge for my dessert because everything else was just so fantastic.
(5)
Vany S.
Our first nice restaurant experience in South Beach... We just moved here and we went to the Forge on our 3rd night... The maitre 'd was very welcoming. Felt like we were entering a dining room in someone's mansion. Everyone was very attentive. We had no idea about the Miami Spice promotion and wow, that was a nice promo. They didn't make it feel like it was a promo because you get the cool food items as your selection. We had corn ravioli and tuna tartare to start with. Three mushroom risotto was cooked and seasoned to perfection. My BF had skirt steak that was awesome. Fo dessert the server recommended a s'more shot....YUM! We also experienced the Enomatic Wine Experience. The sommelier, Fernando was VERY engaging and attentive...he always showed up unexpectedly each time I went to "the cool machine". I think we spent more on the wine card than the whole dinner! We wish the food runner would explain the food when he dropped the food... And the bathroom could be a little bit cleaner. We would def. come back!
(4)
Aman S.
What a disappointment. The sommelier only knew the 3 most expensive bottles. When I asked him about the 3 wines, he said, "this is a really good pinot, this is a really good cab, and this is a really good merlot..." That was all he had to say; he just wanted to sell us teh most expensive bottles! The food was priced comparable to other steak houses but didn't taste as good. Also they try to up sell you on everything and at every course. I truly felt like they were trying to sell me a used car!! Save your time and money. Go to Prime Italian, 112 or Barton G.
(1)
Nathan G.
The Forge always nails it if you are in the mood for meat / beef in Miami. ~ Great wine list. ~ Cool historic old SoBe place that dates back to the Capone days. ~ Great steaks. Fancy pants good, and expensive, but this is SoBe, so it's what you expect & it delivers.
(4)
Gordon B.
The first drinks we ordered arrived promptly enough, only one problem: if there was any alcohol in them it was negligible. We ordered two more and requested the alcohol be served separately from the mix. Some difference, we got respectable servings. I ordered the two and one half pound lobster, The lobster served to me was obviously a chicken lobster and could not have been one and a half pounds, When we brought this to the waiters attention he admitted that some lobsters were "a little lighter". Sixty eight dollars for a chicken lobster and meat from only one claw and not much of it at that. These were only two of the multiple annoyances endured by my wife and I on Christmas Day. The desert ( twenty five dollars ) was not what we ordered and we sent it back. The item was still included in the tab at the end of the meal. We complained, the waiter told us in due course, that the manager had "GRACIOUSLY" (that was the waiter's word) agreed to remove it from the account. The account THEN was two hundred and seventy five dollars for the two of us. You tell me, is two stars too much for this tourist trap?
(2)
Leslie K.
Ambiance? Elegance? People, the emperor has no clothes! Maybe it is standard Miami atmosphere but no self-respecting legit fine dining establishment in another city would blare crappy music like some terrible bar. The waiter's response to "could you possibly turn it down?" "Huh???" Irony much? Then after repeating myself, "No. And it will get louder." Uh ok? The food was decent -- I had lobster and bisque-- but not worth the price tag. This place is riding its overblown rep.
(2)
Melanie A.
Amazing! Very unique food and drinks. The decor is amazing and very unique as well. Definitely have the cucumber martini! I can only have cucumber martinis at The Forge. They are not overly strong as most restaurants make them. There must be an added ingredient at The Forge. Definitely get a few things to share and have the chocolate cake for dessert! It's big enough to share with the entire table. Very intimate experience and the private dining room is out of this world however, not the most ideal place to have dinner with friends as everyone is extremely spread out at the table and it is very hard to speak to each other. It is good for a business dinner or something of that nature. For a regular evening in the dining room, it is a great locals choice!
(5)
Blanca R.
I loved the ambiance, the decor, the delicious food and the crowd. I will be back at least once a month. I highly recommend as a great start to a night out of you sit at the bar or if you are just looking for a lounge vibe. It's upscale but they are afraid to play hip-hop, or old school music. This is a must visit!
(5)
Fauzia I.
Went here for the last night of the Gilt City promotion. I had read the reviews but was not prepared for how big and cavernous the room seemed. Definitely elegant but in a big (everything was huge) way that made me think it would appeal most to rich old people. I did spend some time pondering how the chandelier in the front room stayed up - it looked really heavy. I would be nervous sitting under it ... but I digress. I don't know how they assign tables, but we got what I assume would be a really good seat (clarifications welcome) in the very center back of the front room, right against the dividing wall. Both seats faced forward towards the entrance, side by side on the bench. Which I found slightly disconcerting - it's strange not to sit opposite. Also, it was really really dark. If you have trouble seeing ordinarily, you'll have more here. It could have used a bit more light, at least to see the menu by. I liked the wine concept but MH missed the usual table service. It could have been explained better by the server. I didn't know it was possible just to get tastes - thought it was only by the glass. Other than that, the service was good and friendly. First time I've seen waiters go around and refold napkins while the diners are getting wine, etc. And they clean tables with a small flashlight. It was a set menu with choices. I'll rate the dishes in order. 1) Bread - a nice variety. Hot and fresh. One was sweet. My favorite was the crispy cheese. Served with creamy herb butter at exactly the right temperature - no hard pats here! 2) Amuse-Bouche - a dollop of hummus, some pita triangles also served with black and green olives. Nice but not spectacular. 3) Salad - this is based on my tasting bite. Good but the bottom line - it is salad. very nicely presented. Encircled on the plate by two long, see-through fine slices of cucumber. 4) Wild Mushroom Risotto - one bite and I discovered a new comfort food. Something about this just made me feel warm, cozy and ready for a perfect night's sleep. I could have taken an hour to eat it, very slowly. I should have gotten some to bring home - am kicking myself now for not thinking of it ... I would pay for this recipe ... 5) Filet Mignon - We asked for this medium well and it came looking a bit charred on the outside, which initially made me think it might be overdone but it was very well done inside - just a little pink and very tender. The char was crispy, which I also really enjoyed. I had been looking forward to the 4 mustard sauce b/c I love mustard, but it turned out to be a bit too sweet for us. 6) Dessert - the only choice was Lemon Panna Cotta. As a person who 1) has never had panna cotta before and 2) prefers chocolate it was a bit disappointing. I wish there had been a choice, especially since the Apple Pie was less expensive on the menu. The biscotti was just ok too. I had two bites of each before leaving it. The small scoop of accompanying ice cream was better. Definitely an experience!
(3)
Lindsey R.
Beautiful atmosphere, delightful staff, amazing wine selecting, and an unbeatable presentation - the food, drink, and company were absolutely fantastic! If I'm ever in Miami Beach again, I'll be sure to make reservations at The Forge!
Holy. Mother. The lobster and P&J sandwich is, as my mother would say, to die for. I'm talking about the kind of thing you put in your mouth and you never forget. If you like Thai food, you'll love this concoction -- 'Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich' is a misnomer. Think a spicy thai sauce and an onion marmalade slathered on brioche with chunks of lucious, juicy Caribbean lobster in between. Just very, very good. Their burger is also one of the best in Miami. The truffle oiled fries on the side were perfect. The design of the restaurant is fashion forward, certainly Starck inspired. Their salt and pepper grinders were a hit with the fiancee and I, and we bought the same ones at Crate and Barrel yesterday.
(5)
Karen P.
A friend from the neighborhood recommended the Forge after recently returning from vacation in South Beach. She described it as good food and one where they kept bringing her glasses of wine. Being a wine-o, I oculdn't ask for a better recommendation! We arrived on time and were promptly seated. My first thought was "cool decor"! The distressed brick walls, interesting lighting and big mirror on one wall - great ambiance! Almost French Provincial meets New York City. I started with the Ceviche special - the waiter highly recommended it. It had large chunks of fish in a tangy citrus marinade. The popcorn on top was an interesting addition but didn't do much for me. I then had the Mushroom risotto off of the menu - delicious. My friend started with the kale salad and then had the fish specail - both were very good. The wine list, particularly by the glass, was extensive but a little expensive. I stuck to prosecco and a nice French Burgundy. A side note: people watching was a lot of fun here - the "nice people" of Miami Beach - look for Ferrari's, Maserati's and other to drive up for valet parking.
I love this place! The beef tartare is to die for and the wine selection is really good. We went here for dinner with 2 friends and we had a great time. The ladies singing out of nowhere is hilarious and highlight of the nite. Their food is incredible, coming back here very soon.
(5)
Jenna R.
I heard that Forge was a place I would have to experience if I was a foodie.... I made reservations for 8:00 and got seated at 750 which was a nice surprise . I started my evening with some champagne of veuve clicquot that was 25.00 a glass which I thought was a little high . If you come on Fridays they have 10.00 a glass or 50.00 a bottle.... Which is a great deal! I was very frustrated at first when I tried to order my dinner... I have a gluten allergy and also dairy ... I asked my server to help accommodate and the result ended in one fish option or I would have to get steak..... That was a very disappointing solution and with a late reservation I really didn't want steak at 930 at night ... The service besides that hiccup was actually very good ... They had a man coming around always checking to make sure that everything was okay .... I did get steak which was the filet mignon 8oz and found it to be amazing. My aunt and I both got the filet and I got it medium and she got it medium rare ... There was absolutely no difference in color . The Vice President Joseph Day was an obvious presence of authority- he visited casually at tables to make sure the experience was what people were expecting. I hesitated to speak up when he approached our table but decided to mention two key points 1) when ordering your drinks be mindful it's going to take a good 20 minutes- I ordered a wine with my steak and literally had to wait to have a bite of it for at least 20 minutes when no one was at the bar 2) when you are told that you can't make a piece of fish gluten free dairy free get the manager because it's absolutely possible ( finding out later) Joe turned my awful dining experience into a very memorable amazing experience that has left me wanting to experience it over and over again- I gave it 4 stars for the hiccups but the management and customer service changed an entirely bad night into a very special dining experience . I also wanted to mention the customer service that Justin provided who was also just a gem in the dining industry. I highly recommend this restaurant not just for the great food but for the ambience, customer service and ability to take responsibility and make your dining experience be magnificent.
The service was great! That i give them a 5 for. The ambiance and the decor was also really cool and gave the restaurant a great vibe. The food however, was not that good. The filet Mignon was a little dry and not too flavorful, the salad was okay. On a positive note, the bread variety basket is great!
(3)
Casey D.
My husband and I went while on vacation in Miami we had reservations at Michael Mina but we sat down there and quickly left after the service was horrendous so glad we found The Forge!. From the minute we walked in we were greeted by a sweet hostess that actually ran outside to get us because we went in the wrong entrance! The restaurant is beautiful! We were seated in a great table with a seat that made me feel like a queen! Then the biggest surprise! My husband discovered he knew the Chef Christopher Lee from his Four Seasons days. Being my husband is an amazing 5 diamond award winning chef makes it hard to find restaurants up to our standards! Chef Lee made our experience just incredible and came out and talked about the old days as well as his excitement to come to Miami. Our waiter was very professional and charming as well. We had the beef tartare The crabcake (my favorite), and a french onion soup that was perfectly prepared. THEN...the Chef sent over many dishes for us to try including the amazing donut with foie gras on top! That was heaven on a plate! To end our dinner, the pastry chef sent over amazing and beautiful desserts. To end our dinner again, the incredibly charming sommelier gave us an incredible tour of the vast wine collection that would blow your mind. The entire experienxe was perfect. The other waiter serving next to us, Chris was so good that I had to comment to him how good he was and could hear his passion. It turns out my husband knew him too! What a small world which turned out to be an amazing experience for us. This restaurant should be at the top of your list NOW! We are very picky when it comes to food and mostly service and this exceeded all of our expectations. Why in the world those other restaurants are even on a list of go to places doesnt make sense. THE Forge blew them away!
What an AMAZING experience!!!!!!! When I inVision going to a restaurant I expected to be like this. This place is superb. The food, the ambiance, the service, alllll stellar. Not 1 complaint. Christopher was our server/tour guide. You can tell he really enjoys his jobs & respects the Chef. He ra down the Chefs AWSOME accolades. He guided us through the menu like a perfectly navigated capt. My mother feel in love with him which is a plus. I think he actually enhanced my taste buds as he described the menu. If I open up a restaurant I need this guy. I hope this restaurant takes care of this guy as well as he does the customers. We started off with the jerked bacon, sushi, & ravioli, all three were excellent & perfectly cooked. Cesar salad was made table side by a very entertaining gentlemen, didn't catch his name. Entrees we had the Red Snapper(Best plate presentation of a fish dish I've ever seen in Miami), & the Duck w/gnocchi. So good, I wanted to ask for an encore, instead we just ordered an awesome dessert The custard pie with vanilla gelato Excellent. Thank you Forge
(5)
Ethan G.
I am a frequent customer of The Forge and there is nothing more impressive than taking your out-of-town relatives to just about the best dining EXPERIENCE in South Florida. Everything was as usual...perfect. Thank you once again and I look forward to hearing this being said to me many more times..."Great choice Ethan...!"
(5)
Jack S.
Celebrated a birthday with friends at the famous forge Beautiful place with a lots of history We ordered one entry from apps to soup & main course The house chopped salad great Scallop app very skimpy but good Overpriced The lobster corn chowder was very good The tuna great presentation but bland The steak was very good We spotted a glass of wine for 6.00 deal But an average cup of American coffee Was. 6.00 come on All in all service was less than ok Overpriced. But that's the forge
(3)
Natasha P.
What happens in the champagne room stays in the champagne room. Or just stop by the back private room at Forge if you're doing a big group dinner. Rumor has it that a power hungry JackieO sold off the chandeliers at auction while redecorating the White House, and they found themselves hanging above our heads at the Forge. Further Pro tip: make your own playlist and they'll stream it directly into the back room so you can enjoy a perfectly seared filet, and a plethora of bread choices all while listening to Ms. Taylor Swift discuss her next mistake. Only downsides include lighting so low that I had to pull out my phone to see, and chairs spaced so far apart you better enjoy your closest neighbors company as across the table footsie will remain merely a pipe dream.
(5)
Remington T.
Worst "upscale" dining experience of my life. We did go on Valentine's Day--not really realizing it was Valentine's --which was a huge mistake. Service was stretched, crowd was probably uncharacteristic of this restaurant. Food was solid. It may get a second chance next time I'm in Miami--if I can get over the initial memory.
(2)
Irina R.
I really enjoyed the trendy atmosphere of The Forge. My reservation was a late one, 11pm, and the restaurant was visibly slowing down at that point. The ambiance of a partially busy space made it just right. I could hear myself talking. I liked the scallop risotto and the drinks were pretty good too. Weird thing I liked: the bathrooms are awesome! Very trendy.
(5)
Michelle R.
I'll start out by saying the service was top notch at The Forge, but that's the only aspect of my experience that I can speak highly of. My boyfriend's filet mignon came out medium rare/rare although he ordered it medium well. My lobster thermidor was not very memorable, as I kiiiiinda wish I had it steamed instead. The mac and cheese congealed almost immediately after arriving to the table, not a creamy mac and cheese you usually get at a great steakhouse although it was tasty. Overall, not impressed and wouldn't recommend. Although, it must be mentioned that the interior of the restaurant is quite beautiful - reminded us of the Oak Room in NYC.
Being invited for Miami Spice dinner I was expecting a great dinner because of this restaurants fine reputation. They did not disappoint, everything was great. There was a moment where it became awkward, we ordered a bottle of pinot noir which was recommended by our fine waiter, the problem was that the wine was weak at we were not pleased by the recommendation. After some give and take the Sommelier returned with a better choice of pinot noir wine. The food was great, chop salad to start, filet mignon for main course with mashed potatoes that were amazing! The cheesecake was to die for, very light, a foam creation, no crust. The service was great also, the waiter was awesome and able accommodate my secret request for a separate bill to allow me to pay for the coffees and gratuity, its the least I could do.
(5)
Enjoli G.
I wish The Forge was closer to me. I would be in the library everyday. It's a stunning restaurant with a very attentive staff. The menu could be more varied though.
(4)
Yara V.
Great place for dining! The ambiance is a little loud when you walk in. The crowd at the bar was older than myself. It was like 40+, but great 90's music everyone was loving. I don't recommend the tables near the bar cause u probably want be able to hear anything (music is too loud). The food was truly amazing. The lobster risotto to begin with, followed by their filet mignon with black truffle mac n cheese and mexican corn could not have made my night better. It was truly delish! Service was great! Great dessert.
(4)
Elana M.
The Forge has a new chef. Christopher Lee has now brought the food to a serious new level. Last night was by far our best visit. Everything we tasted was outstanding. The menu has changed and you may notice many new dishes and some of your favorites may not be served anymore, but that is OK! I was sad to see the mushroom risotto no longer offered, they now offer a Maine lobster risotto, which I didn't try last night. Even the wedge salad was innovative and different from anything I have ever had. I loved the addition of chopped olives and dried tomatoes. Another stand out was the English Pea Ravioli. I must have used the entire bread basket sopping up the sauce. My husband said his salmon dish was the best he has ever had. The Sweet Potato Gratin with Gingersnap Cookie Crumble was obviously sweet, but at the same time, very savory. The chef used delicious herbs that took away the over the top, dessert like taste. It was so incredibly balanced. I used to love going to The Forge mainly for the ambiance. It is possibly the most beautiful restaurant in Miami. Now I have the whole package. With this new chef, The Forge has it all! And I have to agree with a rant from a fellow yelper. What the hell are people thinking coming to The Forge in shorts on a Saturday night???? Thankfully most know how to dress, but those couples who can't bother putting on some nice clothing should go to Applebee's or stay home.
(5)
Coach M.
SuperSTEAK was an A+. The Forge is a classic steakhouse with a larger than life feeling. Seating in a 3-4 person chair / couch with a 15 ft mirror next to our table it is a grand feeling. The service was alert The pre bread assortment was a homemade fresh with 6+ varieties the onion bread was our tables favorite. App : Colossal shrimp - worth each cent ! Large (JUMBO) fresh white shrimpy. SuperSTEAK - Medium plus to my liking, cooked perfectly ! The flavor was exact with no fat to cut away, returned the plate clean. A+ Chilean sea bass in miso- cooked well done , nice , flakey fish with a good crust, quite salty. B+ Sides : Garlic mash potato, fries, brussel spouts, and green beans all sides were small and nothing was special ? C+ The steak was $60 and worth it, sides for $10 plus no flavor.... not worth it, sea bass was $40 and delicious. For a special event or great date this pace is great.
(3)
Tina V.
Food was mediocre at best but service was impeccable. Ambiances was elegant and catered to the trendy older folks. Ill give them credit for the decor. 2 stars for the ambiances and the service Filet on the bone (2/5) sent it back because it was cooked medium well and i had ask for medium rare. It was a bland tough piece of meat. Mac and cheese (1/5) it was not good. Drinks were good but overall i would not return.
(2)
Mimi B.
I have been to the forge several times and never once left disappointed. Their menus during Miami spice are also very good and a great deal for what you get. I love how this place is decorated.
(5)
Stephen D.
I really enjoyed eating here, I would come again. I took our friends and my wife for dinner. Our service was impeccable, 3/4ths of the food was outstanding and ambiance was very good. One draw back was my wife's steak was horrid (dry and not very good) but I dont think that is usual. I will give them a chance again! The reason I could not give them 5 stars is the music level. It was very loud. I do not send food back and I don't complain. Sorry my DNA won't allow that! I just think if you want to be dinner theater, you should advertise that. But, I return!
(4)
Adam F.
The Forge is as good as it gets when it comes to the complete package. Amazing food, wine, service, decor, music...and the list goes on and on. I brought my fiance' here after proposing on the beach and the night kept getting better! I got the reservation and table I wanted with help from Justin Maas who came through for me and I have absolutely no complaints. When I visit Miami going forward, I'll always be sure to spend an evening here.
(5)
Douglas C.
Planned to meet my father and brother for a boys night out at Joe's Stone Crab. When we got there, the restaurant's power was off due to some rather strong storms. The kitchen closed, and were left in the dark literally and figuratively as we did not receive timely updates as to their reopening as the place began to fill. My father suggested we go to The Forge, where he used to eat back in the 80's and 90's. We had an awesome meal and did not miss Joe's one lick. Arrived kind of early on a Thursday night and seated in the over the top wood paneled room with huge crystal chandelier. Simone was our server and she was excellent. Friendly, funny with educated recommendations, she took care of us well the entire night. Food was great too! We started with Jamaican jerk bacon, foie gras on a donut, and scallops. Foie gras was my favorite of the three. Interesting sweet and rich flavors. Bacon fell in the middle and scallops were OK. Then we all opted for steaks. Each one was massive and cooked to perfection. I had a rib eye that was spiced really nicely, and not too fatty. The filet Mignon, one bone-in, one without, were tender and tasty and the mustard dipping sauce served upon request was awesome. Side of uniquely prepared creamed corn shined. Hash browns were unimpressive. Overall an excellent dining experience. Expensive, yes, but worth it.
(4)
Vanessa L.
Went to The Forge - for the first time - for Miami Spice a couple of weeks ago and it was superb. Many restaurants participating in Miami Spice don't put much effort in their menu which I find ironic as it's the whole purpose of Miami Spice. Not so for this newly remodeled Miami institution. It was ALL absolutely scrumptious, from beginning to end. And to top it all off the service was excellent. The ambiance is also fantastic - great for a romantic dinner for two or for a group of friends. Already looking forward to returning to The Forge and putting it in my list of go-to restaurants for great food, service and ambiance.
(5)
Leilani D.
I've been here a couple times and all I can say is the experience does not disappoint. - The food is amazing. They have a very extensive menu but from what I've tried the Mushroom Risotto is one of the best I've had, although the Black Grouper, Tuna Tartare, and Filet were all also amazing. I would avoid the Snapper & Grouper Ceviche - I ordered it this last time confusing it with the tartare and was disappointed. Do make sure you get one of the souffles. Both the Grand Marnier and the chocolate are fantastic. Even the bread they serve you at the beginning of your meal is wonderful... - The decor is even more amazing. I never went before the renovation, but I can say that no detail was spared. It's opulent and beautiful. Bonus: if you ask they'll let you tour the private rooms, which while keeping with the same style, are dark and intimate v. the large open dining room. - The service is top notch. Absolutely on point. Never rushed, incredibly helpful, professional, and courteous. Exactly the type of service you would expect to receive in a restaurant of this caliber.
(5)
Janelle F.
The Forge left me so...underwhelmed. Walking in, I thought this place was going to be packed, as it was a Saturday night at around 8 o'clock and there were actually tons of empty tables. I started off with the lobster bisque that was just okay. In fact, I think I've had better lobster bisque at a Steak and Ale! I also tried the lobster PBJ sandwiches that everyone raves about. I thought they were so gross. I took one bite and that was all for me! The only thing that saved this meal was my steak--- it was cooked perfectly and the seasoning was just right. For dessert, I had the marble souffle, that again, left much to be desired. Expensive meals should be worth what you pay for them. I think the Forge is not worth the hype- or the price. NEXT!
(2)
Sally K.
Amazing decor, great place, good service - the food is good and plenty of it. Not Michelin level, but really good. A wine cellar to die for.
(4)
Ruth N.
As good as it gets! Excellent service without being overbearing. Magnificent presentation. Superb meal. For starters, Spouse and I had the Chilled Roasted Beets - a masterpiece, and the Crispy Corn Ravioli - interesting. We shared the Oak Grilled Super Steak - probably the best steak we ever had - lean and tender and flavorful. For dessert we had the Forge's signature Chocolate Souffle and did not regret it. We thought that the beer selection was wonderfully varied and eclectic enough for our taste. Appetizers for two, shared main course, shared dessert, tea and beers totaled around well spent $150.00.
(5)
Franky A.
If you ever wanted to feel like Tony Montana, this is the place to be for you to be decadent and then some. Actually, this place has been around for ages and was once (probably still is) the spot where the real-life cocaine cowboys hung out. It's THE spot to check out celebs, high rollers, Arab royality, drug lords, hot girls, etc. I'm warning you ahead of time that this place is on the pricey side so don't go and be cheap because you won't have any fun. Wednesday nights are the best nights to go.
I'll give two stars for the space and the fact the fact that they had a special on @VeuveClicquot at the bar. Otherwise, this experience was disappointing to say the least. We had a 9pm res and they didn't seat us until after 10pm- unapologetically, I might add. The service was nice but ineffectual. The food was good- but not good enough to make up for the bobbles elsewhere. I would recommend only going for a cocktail and saving your money for a place that will actually appreciate you being there.
(2)
Jessica E.
Food is great. Service is spectacular. My only advice is to be careful about anything that says market price. My husband and I ordered 2 jumbo stone crab claws (1 each) they were $150 for both. The rest of our bill was $150 so $300 and $150 solely on appetizers! We almost had a heart attack because we had no idea they cost that much, we wish the server would have mentioned it. I know the forge was pricey, but I didn't expect it. I will ask from now on!
(4)
Diana D.
The Forge restaurant was amazing! The food Is delicious and the people are very friendly! I got the mushroom risotto, which I highly recommend. Also, I ordered the sweet potato fries, which were fantastic! The portions were bigger than I was expecting so i had to take some leftovers to my hotel. The restaurant is very fancy, and so are the prices. The total amount for my family of 3 was $380.00! Very very pricey, but it was definantly with it. All I have to say is the food was a bit salty for my liking. Definantly is worth it, though.
(4)
Reena M.
We came earlier than our reservation and waited at the bar until we were ready to be seated. Everyone who worked there was really nice. The decor is very chic and different; something one of a kind. We are from Houston and there are not many places that can compare to The Forge so to us, we loved it here. We started with drinks at the bar: -a Kiucumber (a drink mix that is so refreshing! it is a combination of vodka with Kiwi, cucumber, basil and lime juice) i score it 5/5 - the wines are available by bottle or by tastings. They have stations set up categorized by type/body and you are able to select the amount you want to try with the corresponding prices. I love this idea because you are able to try some really good ones for an affordable price other than a full 5 ounce price. I had a tempranillo which was in station 4 which was really smooth and prepared my pallet for the dinner. For the meal: 1. Grilled 8oz filet Mignon. $38 rating 4/5. the flavor is all I have to say! 2. Barolo braised short rib $30 rating 5/5. (it is one huge rib with a huge bone sticking up. The meat was so lean and tender. They placed it on top of the polenta and had an onion ring on the bone. I was not even able to finish the whole meal. With just having the main meal we were very satisfied. The portions were great and the food was delicious. There are no complaints! One perk: we were having dinner next to one of the Real Housewives from OC. I know that when I come back to visit, I will be coming here again.
(5)
David Y.
This has to be one of the most consistently great restaurants any where. The food was beyond relishes and the service was tops! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
daniel v.
If you spent $450 to treat 5 people and the tastiest item on my menu was the fries, and wind up getting Chinese food elsewhere because you're still hungry, then you'd probably be pissed. But much to the Forge's defense, this shee shee foo foo type of establishment is not my cup of tea to begin with. I ordered the sea bass, my family ordered crab leg, filet mignon, NY strip steak and a burger. They all enjoyed their food and although my bass was good, I've had much better for 1/2 the price. I was really disappointed with the 1 crab leg which was the size of a woman's palm at $45. I could have gotten twice that portion at Joe's stone crab. If you plan to go here, keep in mind that 1/2 of your bill is for the ambiance, which resembles old-world charm in Westchester NY. The service was impeccable as it should be for a place of this caliber, and if you want to impress a date who won't step into anything less than a late-model BMW or Mercedes, then this is your place. But if you just care for good food without the high price and ambiance--like I do--then look elsewhere.
(3)
Akram b.
Just dined this past Saturday ordered the barbecue hamachi not very impressive as well as the special burrata but again very disappointing. I also ordered the fried ravioli and again this was not impressive . Main course was the steak which was again acceptable but not to par with good steakhouses in miami . I would give it 3 stars just because the service and ambiance is great. I would go there again on reason of these things but for food I would not go back
(3)
Andrew S.
The Forge has always been one of our favorites during our annual visit to Miami. It's disapointing to see an old friend slip this much in a year. Good points: 1. The decor is top notch 2. The people watching is great 3. The bread is amazing Bad points: 1. Don't sit an the stage seating, there are two tables that are too well lit. We asked the waiter to reduce the lighting he said it would be, it never occurred. 2. As a starter we ordered the scallops from the "share the tables menu section". It only contained two small scallops......not much to share across a table. 3. My wife ordered a bake potato side. It didn't have any cheddar cheese and was not hot, so it was returned (with the food runner) when her crab cakes arrived. I would have thought that everything would arrive at the same time. To add insult our waiter never came over to ask about the baked potato. 4. My wife also ordered a side of portabella mushrooms......they never came. We finally waved at our waiter and asked about this. He didn't know what happened so we asked him to cancel the mushrooms. 5. As a main my wife ordered the crab cakes. Too much breading and not near enough crab. 6. The service was poor. At the end of the dinner it took over ten minutes for our plates to be cleared. 7. They added a 20% service charge to the bill. I've never seen this with a party of only two people!!!! Needless to say, we won't return during our next visit to Miami.
(1)
Amber L.
Back in December (my, how time flies!!!), I was at The Forge for a Yelp event. I'll only be commenting on the design of the place, as I didn't eat a meal. This restaurant has gone through a complete transformation from what it was before. The dining area has been expanded with beautifully designed seating at glass tables in the brighter middle dining room. For more intimate dinners, there's a room in the back with dimmer lighting and different kinds of oversized chairs at smaller tables, making it feel like each group is in its own mini-restaurant. There's a separate room housing a massive bar. It feels almost Alice in Wonderland-ish with pink and purple chandeliers hanging from the ceiling for a modern twist on a classic decor piece. The piece d'resistance for me are the wine-dispenser WALLS surround the bar area. Checked out the prices and there are some very affordable options. An enthusiastic sommelier is available to walk customers through the available choices. Also, I'd be remiss in not mentioning the ladies' restroom/lounge! Mr. Malnik and I had a nice convo about his efforts to make sure the ladies had a gorgeous and comfortable space in which to handle the most urgent matters. Very nice, indeed! I'm looking forward to returning so I can try out some of the menu, as we only sampled a few delicious appetizers.
(4)
Jessica A.
The whole time I was there i realized I was one of the only woman there that didnt have botox and fake b**bs. Was a beautiful place inside and I loved the bathroom! But not my crowd of people at all! This place isn't what I think of when I think of Miami at all, seems very LA like.
(2)
Edwin M.
It's a shame about this place because the food was really good but everything else was horrible. If you're planning for a quiet evening then don't come here for dinner. It was as loud as a club. We couldn't have a conversation because we couldn't hear each other. There was a point where we didn't talk for at least 10 minutes because people were yelling and dancing by the bar. The final straw was seating us in the worst possible place, right next to the entrance where everyone was bumping into me as they passed by, especially the drunks that were stumbling around. I inhaled my food just so I could hurry and get out of there already. And no, we couldn't just leave because my wife had purchased a non-refundable voucher from TravelZoo for this place for my birthday. We even asked the waiter if it was the normal type of atmosphere for the forge, he says it only happens on Friday nights, so I guess we just picked the wrong night? Either way, first and last time for me.
(1)
Reena K.
The grilled skirt steak melted in my mouth, my friend's mushroom risotto was delicious (she still talk about it, 4 months later), and the wine selection is INCREDIBLE (even the whites were well chosen). Easily one of the top 5 restaurants I have been to in the last few years. The decor is gorgeous, their chairs are all different styles, but work together really well. The high ceilings and the perfect lighting makes the place look larger than it already is. This place is one that everyone MUST try when in Miami.
(5)
Stella T.
Opulent is the perfect word to describe this restaurant. It is simply gorgeous! Every room is decorated to the max. Every detail is beautiful. The food is over priced, but totally worth it. Everything comes out so beautiful you almost don't want to eat it. While dining here JLO stormed thru the back door past our table. If she dines here, you now they are doing something right in that kitchen.
(5)
V. H.
I had been to the forge a few times for dinner prior to its renovations, but when I realized they were now serving brunch, I knew I had to check it out. To start I had the bloody mary ceviche. Soo good and surprisingly, a lot of fish. For entrees, I ordered the french toast and my friend went with the jersey eggs Benedict. The French toast could easily serve three people. Seriously, it was that big! Aside from the size, it was delicious and moist... this coming from a girl that used to think she didn't care much for french toast! My friends jersey eggs Benedict were nothing to write home and neither was the dessert. If you're in the mood for french toast in an upscale setting, this is your place.
(4)
Derek F.
Very nice interior and the Service was great
(4)
Komal B.
I loved the old Forge and I love the new Forge just as much. I grew up on Miami Beach and the Forge stood for mystery and class and smelled of old money. Now it smells of really good food and wine and new money is everywhere. The design is elegant and inspired and the wine bar at the back is captivating. Went with a party of 3 and I wish I had taken notes so I could tell you what bottle of wine we ordered. It was a luscious full-bodied red. The service was stellar. None of us liked the original red we ordered so they took it back and brought us another. (They did include it on the check but took it off when I brought it to their attention. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that was an honest mistake.) Food: Lamb spare ribs -- delicious and tender. Yellowfin tuna tartare -- a burst of flavor Alaskan king crab legs-- incredibly soft and flavorful Maine lobster -- the best I have had anywhere -- tender and flavorful. Everything was tender, everything was flavorful. I know that's irritating in a review but I'm not a frigging food critic and unfortunately, I didn't write the review as soon as I got home because said bottle of wine had made me too happy to care. Save up some money or better yet go on someone else's dime. You won't regret it. If it's romance you're looking for, ask for one of the cozy highboy-height banquettes at the back. And don't forget to check out the whimsical restrooms!
(5)
Jenny C.
So, I decided to celebrate my wedding dinner here, since we had planned a destination wedding. I have to say that the restaurant is gorgeous. But I have to say the food was so so. We both had a steak, I asked for mine to be medium well.. And my husband asked for his well done. My came out well done, and his came out overlooked. The potatoes were delicious, and the broccoli was great to. Don't take your kids, they have nothing to offer them. I did give her some of the Mac.. Since you have to order aside, and she seemed to enjoy that. My daughter loves olives, so I asked the waiter if they had any black olives that I could order on the side. He came out with bacon stuffed olives, great for us, not so great for the kid. Regardless, the server was great and the great music playing in the background made it a nice atmosphere. The food is ok, but for customer service and ambience it's an At.
(3)
Ali K.
Fun place for ladies night. Gal pals and I had many, many bottles of Veuve (great deal on Veuve bottles). Service was nice and above SoBe average. Food was yummy. In fact, we were so stuffed by the end of dinner that we could barely breathe! Then again, we were wearing fairly tight dresses to begin with... Which, by the way, appeared to be the preferred attire of most the lady patrons... ;)
(4)
Kati E.
romantic night out. definitely recommend for a special occasion. food is delicious. tried the ceviche - scrumptious! the mashed potatoes are beyond this world - orgasmic! the salmon was well season, nothing to brag about.
(5)
Brittany R.
So this place has a lot of history. It had A LOT of hype going into it as well. I decided to go for my birthday. We went on a Sunday night and the place was dead. They closed off the entire place, which had most of the appeal to me. The lights were literally off in the other rooms, so you couldn't even tour around to check them out. I was extremely disappointed by this. It was very unwelcoming and the decor is a huge part of the appeal to this place, after all it was just redone. The hostess wasn't the most friendly either. She was annoyed that we didn't want to sit at the first table, when you walk into the place. But apparently we didn't have a choice as they only had the first room open and it was the only table set up for 5 people. The room we sat in was cool but we were just next to the entrance way, and to be honest, it didn't have this amazing feel to it. The food was good but not incredible. The tuna steak dish was very good. The crab cakes were good. However, the New York Strip steak that came was not. It was fatty and chewy. When going to a restaurant like this, the last thing you expect is a bad piece of meat. Just disappointing. Also, realize that if you have never been to this area of town or don't know your way around, be prepared to be forced to valet your car for $10. Yes, they do this, after you go in and get ready to spend at least $50 a head. Very nickel and dime if you ask me, for such a luxury style restaurant.
(3)
Robert C.
I have lived on the beach my entire life, and never dared to step foot into this place until last week. I was always told it was too expensive and exclusive for me, so as any naturally intimidated person, I told myself I would avoid this place until I became an oil tycoon or Mr. Monopoly. But nonetheless I was invited by a buddy of mine last week for Miami Spice. He assured me that I did not have to wear cuff-links. I accepted. We sat at the bar, and were greeted by several attentive bartenders. They gave us a long and exhaustive drink menu. I, being the lazy/illiterate person that I am, just told the bartender (His name was Ariel, tip him well) that I was looking for something bitter and tart. He told me not to worry, and made me a drink off the menu. Impressive and tasty. I later found out that all the bartenders were certified mixologists, and that they even had a sommelier on staff. As for the food, being Miami Spice week, we ordered off the 3 course $35 pre-fixed menu. I got the lamb knuckles, peppered duck, and sorbet. The food was mouthwatering good. The knuckles were a little too tangy, but were still fall off the bone good. The duck was made to perfection, nicely seasoned with their special rub. We paired up each course with a personal recommendation from the sommelier. One of the wines was not to my liking (seemed a little old), but the other was on point. Ended the meal with the refreshing sorbet, the perfect cap to a great night. Tips: Go after 9pm and avoid the old money rush. Talk to the bartenders and the sommelier, they are helpful. Make sure to check out the wine bar, very cool. The only knock on this place would be its reputation, and pretentious crowd. Otherwise, service was great. Food was timely and on point. Price was to be expected. In the end, I salute the Forge with a respectful golf clap.
(4)
Carolina C.
Went to this restaurant a couple weeks ago with my husband. The place is beautiful! So romantic and perfect for date night! Food and service were excellent.
(5)
Marisa Y.
This was the perfect place to catch up with a friend and discuss old times, as well as new. I choose the Forge on a Saturday evening because of a GiltCity voucher I was waiting to use. I did not know what to expect but as soon as I walked through the door, I was amazed. Walking in was like entering some inner sanctum that only the privileged get to visit. The surroundings were awe-inspiring and I openly stared as I was led to the bar, where our seats were set up. The voucher entitled us to glassed from the Ergomatic wine set up only for use by Gilt Members and we also received a tour from the sommelier on each wine and what pairings would work best. We were also entitled to a plate of signature appetizers and while some of the descriptions made me balk, every bite I tried was a foodies dream. The lobster PB and J sandwiches need to be tried to believe and should be. I do believe heaven tastes like the perfectly blended flavors in this sandwich. Try Forge; despite being across the causeway, this part of the beach is quiet in the evening and into the night. Parking is free (after six, the meters are no longer in operation) and ample. Impress a date, meet up with a mate, whatever your fancy, the Forge is sure to please
(4)
H. R.
When a "restaurant" (a landmark......a culinary institution) can last this long in one of the fastest changing trendy hot-spot cities......they're doing everything right. From the moment you arrive......"you have arrived." No matter how many times you have been here.....it's always impressive. There's a sense of aristocracy. Driving East on 41st Street (Miami Beach)....just before Collins.....this regal landmark sits awaiting your arrival. Like a Palace with guards.....the Valet awaits. Valet....Doors were opened...we were greeted cordially and escorted to our table. White glove service. Evening started with a bottle of Merlot from the amazing wine list (more like a wine book).... a Caesar Salad (for 2)....and a Raw Platter (which includes oysters, Lobster, Ceviche). Also a favorite and not available everywhere....this seafood extravaganza was accompanied by Caviar. mmmmmm but save room....the chef is detailing your entree. As my wife was deciding between the Chilean Sea Bass and the Ribeye Steak....I had decided..... Coffee crusted Ribeye Steak.....and to this day....it is always what I go back for. Just amazing!!! Sides: Asparagus.....Mashed Potato Funny....Steak lovers from out of town always compare and ask about Prime 112 vs The Forge....which are 2 of the finest restaurants in Miami Beach (my opinion)...but comparing them is trying to decide between a Ferrari and a Rolls Royce. At the end.... as long as the budget allows.....you need both...and budget is required for both the cars I mentioned and the restaurants. Prime is hip....no question....an amazing Steak Institution....and from my review....it is obviously one of my favorite restaurants. The Forge is Regal.....absolutely one of the finest settings for fine cuisine in U.S....the Forge delivers "Royalty"....Formal Elegance....with a menu that delivers to every desire and taste. To impress a client.....that someone special.....or just to experience culinary perfection.......the Forge is a (with only 5 stars available).....a 6-star......and what an amazing job with the last remodel. Btw....it is also a favorite of celebrities.....so don't be surprised or star struck to see some of your favorite actor/entertainers. At the end.....work hard...invest your money wisely.....because The Forge is worth it! 6 Stars!
(5)
Winnie C.
Decor was amazing, a lot of history to this place, and they kept the chandelier in the main dining hall. Food is very good. We went for Sunday Brunch $55 per person, they had the all you can eat section with ceviche, heirloom tomato salad, couscous, prociutto with grilled melon, devil eggs, potato pancake, sausage, roast beef, crepes, breadpudding, cheesecake etc..etc... This place did not have the omelette bar but the brunch came with 1 item from their menu. I have tried their eggs benedict, the sauce is one of the best. Service from the waiter is first class, he even told us the whole history of the Forge. Everything was organic, all you can drink mimosa and had a bloody mary bar.
(4)
Dayna A.
The Forge is incredibly beautiful. Once you get past the formidable velvet rope crowd, you gain passage into another world. As far as I was told all of the mahogany and stained glass were shipped in from mansions of Europe, but maybe that's just an urban legend. The last time we there, it was a Russel Simmon's Art for Life after-party. The scene was bumping and it felt like were in an old exclusive speak easy. I would love to return for a Southern soul food night--- I've heard fantastic things.
(5)
Kate S.
Celebrated my 26th birthday w beau at The Forge. We had such a good time, felt intimate and surreal. Beauty emblazed from ceiling to floor, service to food. Considerably the best wine list I've seen in Miami. Shared the Salmon croquettes with guava sauce. Chose to start with caviar, I enticed beau to try the caviar, a great triumph on my behalf. Ordered the "Coffee and Eggs", a coffee crusted ribeye and goat cheese frittata as my entree. The steak was cooked to my liking. He had the corn raviolli and the "snapper in a bag". Which he said were both good. For dessert. The exquisite marbled chocolate, grand marnier souffle. Prepared perfectly. Wish it was my birthday everyday : )
(5)
Jay P.
I would've given this place a 5 star rating if I were still an Omnivore but I'm not. Great service...Great quality of food and atmosphere especially if you're a celebrity or business-man. It's just not my cup of tea anymore b/c I am now a non drinking Vegan that's allergic to soy, gluten and dairy products.
(4)
sean k.
Where do I even start with The Forge? If I ever had to choose a last meal, this would be the place I'd dine at. Best Filet Mignon, hands down, every time I've been there. They even have the most comfortable chairs. The bread basket has the best assortment of bread you'll ever get served to you before any meal, but don't fill up on bread, because you MUST save room for the Lobster Bisque, served with the lobster in the bowl, then the broth poured over it. The shrimp cocktail had shrimp the size of my forearm! And they were delicious! The Bone-In Filet, Perfection. Perfectly cooked, seasoned, sized, and served. Juicy, tender, beautiful DO NOT forget the soufle!
(5)
Kate V.
opulant, chic and dramatic are just a few words that come to mind when i describe the forge in miami beach. my designer / architect friends will also appreciate the rich cultural history of this site which now serves as an inspired farm to table restaurant, wine bar and social staple. the forge has been reinvented many times over the past 90 years but what i love about the history is that in the 20's, it started literally as a blacksmith's iron forge. dino phillips designed decorative iron gates and sculptures for miami's wealthy which included the firestones and the vanderbilts. not too shabby as far as clients go... in the 30's, phillips converted the space to a restaurant and casino, attracting starlets, musicians and famous actors. there was another large renovation in the late 60's and yet another just a few years ago. today, the space feels like a sexy, loft speak-easy with signature furniture and lighting accents. the forge continues to attract a-listers and travelers like us alike. while waiting for our table, the enomatic wine system caught my eye. you can sample any number of wines by a tasting size, half or full glass. i learned the enomatic system perfectly seals the wine bottle after every pour, ensuring the freshest taste possible. we could have happily stayed at the bar all night, the bar tenders were quick to serve and there were plenty of seats so we could sit back and relax. when we eventually got to our table, our server ran us through his menu favorites and offered up recommendations from the wine list. he was a stellar salesmen, we pretty much ordered everything he had described... how can you go wrong when you start with a few stone crabs, follow that up with what's known as lobster pb&j sandwiches and finish off your meal with an insanely tender bone-in steak and succulant three mushroom risotto? you can't. the meal was over the top. not that we had an ounce of room left but somehow we managed to take down a s'mores souffle for dessert. this thing even came with a fluffernutter cream on the side and warm chocolate syrup to douse over the top. i'm very, very sorry i don't have a pic of this one. we were too excited and dug right in! put on your fancy duds and strut over to the forge if you find yourself in miami beach~
(4)
kelly h.
Decadent decor, attentive service, and great food about sums up the Forge. It was just me on a Sunday so sat at the bar. Both bartenders were attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Here's what i ordered: Two raw oysters (Atlantic & Pacific) Lobster peanut butter & jelly sandwich 8 oz. Filet Steamed Chinese broccoli with almonds and orange sauce Let's just say I finished the entire meal with not a single piece of food remaining. I had actually planned to only taste the lobster pb&j sandwich and bring the rest to my hotel, but it was too savory to put down... By the second bite any portion control I had set was duly over. The only other comment is that I'm not a big fan of F's special mustard sauce that comes with the filet... too sour. I paired my meal with Acacia Pinot Noir. The entire experience was enjoyable. See you next time!
(4)
Monika K.
mamas birthday in mia, first time at the Forge, decor amazing and restaurant is beautiful, saw barry gibbs there from beegees that night, mama was excited for that, service great, food, meh! vino list was nice a lil annoying to have to order everything at onceper chefs request that night east vs west oysters, 4 were so small you could barely seem them 4 were huge, chicken wontons in some tamarind broth was the blandest stuff I ever tasted. sister got the super steak with baked potato she said it was good but the 'best steak in america' not so much. mama is a light eater so she ordered chilled lobster and crab salad which was tasty, prob the best of the night which isn't saying much. I had the special of striped sea bass with 4 mussels ramen noodles and mustard greens in a broth. again lackluster in flavor. ordered a grand marnier and chocolate souffle marble, tasted so plain. not exciting one bit. for a bill of $350 for 3 people, I'd expect a much tastier meal, but that didn't happen. maybe we were there on an off night but next time I'm going on someone else's tab.
(2)
Rich K.
One of the best dining experiences of my life, based on venue, food, service and ambience. Everything was fantastically fantastic. I was very lucky to attend my sister's day two birthday party at the Forge. My brother-in-law is a very generous guy who paid the tab for the entire party of 14. We were lucky to have our meal in the private wine cellar, with Tim as our server. This guy was fantastic in how he managed to serve a party of 14 effortlessly. And at the same time being able to address all the guests by first name, amazing. This place is a real treat if you're celebrating a special occasion or if you happen to have a couple of Benjamin's burning a hole in your pocket.
I've been getting down about eating out lately. The quality doesn't seem to be there and the prices seem to have been going up and up. I had never been to the Forge, "pre-abscondment," or before the time the place mysteriously and suddenly closed but I had always wanted to go. I guess I was afraid of the cost. Ha! (considering what I've been paying to go out lately) To my surprise the Forge menu is reasonably priced. They have many, many wines by the glass under $10 and the entrees are in the $30 - $50 range. I had an enormous ribeye, called "coffee and eggs" for $38. That's reasonable because a ribeye half that size, half as good and a little more expensive can be had in many of the steak places in town. In addition, our table had the chopped salad, the short ribs, the hamburger and the chocolate souffle. Oh that souffle. Just get it. They make you order it before you've eaten anything so it's coming, ready or not; very good. I'll have to go back and just get the burger which was pretty good. The short ribs were standard melt in your mouth braised beef ribs. I had the Forge Manhattan which was pretty damn good. The Jim Beam was expertly tempered with port and there was a little slimy cherry on the bottom. It was supposed to be a very elaborate thing called "cherry caviar" but it was very anti-climactic. Our waiter was attentive, maybe a little too aggressive on the sales job but not too annoyingly so. When we were finished our plates sat in front of us a little too long and they did mess up the seat positions when serving. Nothing that detracted too much from the experience, just nit-picking. All in all, a very enjoyable meal. Large portions. Delicious food. This could very well be a place good enough to bring friends.
(4)
Omid Z.
The experience at the Forge did not start off well, but ended up being decent. I made a reservation, but it was virtually ignored. My group of 4 had to wait 50 minutes for a table, and that's after I asked the hostess 3 times about the status of the situation. Very disorganized hostess and lack of concern from another employee that was supervising. After we finally were able to sit at a table, our night got better.. the specialty cocktails were great to start (best Pimms cup I've ever had), we ordered duck and pasta off of the miami spice menu and both were very good. Service from the waitress was fair, she was attentive but was pushing me to order things that I didn't want--kind of strange behavior. The ambiance and decor are the best part of this restaurant, fancy & chic, good vibe. I would good back with friends, but a risky place to bring someone who you are trying to impress.
(3)
Samir C.
Been looking forward to go here. I've been in the business for over 13 yrs. Came in and i had to wait for the hostess to get off the phone to get a hi and get seated, very rude. Hostess or server never offered black linen since we were all wearing dark clothes. Btw for those who don't know if you go to a "fine dining restaurant" you should offer that before you are seated. Never saw a manger on the floor which I though was very strange. Food was good but not great. The cheese cake was very dry and tasted old. Lamb ribs were really good. Server didn't even get us thru the menu or the wine list. This is a must when you know they're first time diners. Great ambiance but I'm not impress with this restaurant at all.
(3)
Praneeth W.
This is the perfect place to go for an anniversary dinner or if you want to impress a date. Our server went out of his way to make us feel comfortable, including a tour of the restaurant and giving us a history of the place (tour did not include the famous wine cellars though). The bank security door that was brought from San Francisco to be the door for the wine cellar, the huge chunks of wood flown in from Asia to make the giant wooden furniture, etc.. Food was great, the wine that the server helped us choose, exceptional and the ambiance was amazing: it's a beautiful restaurant. If listening to music with a beat while enjoying a perfectly cooked meal in a romantic setting is what you're looking for, Forge fits the bill. The Forge would definitely be a five star if it wasn't for how expensive it was, so don't let my 4 star rating stop you from choosing this for your special dinner. Note that Glass next door is closed for refurbishing (at least when we were there), so if that is part of your reason to visit Forge, check to make sure the club has reopened. They have an elaborate automatic wine dispensing / sampling system that I did not get to try.
(4)
Hildegarde L.
Chef Dewey La Sasso really puts a twist on American Cuisine Went twice for Miami Spice and loved the food, the menu changes and ample amounts of food on plate . Everyone loves the bread basket. The Lobster, Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich toasted brioche with chopped fresh peanuts--Not for me, please dont ruin lobster with that mix! Appetizers- Crispy Corn Ravioli - They are fried and dusted with parmesan cheese and perhaps corn meal, awesome! BBQ Lamb- ample serving for appetizers! great smoky taste, very tender. Tomato Stack: Big slices of tomatoes yellow and red- was good Another night I had the Chicken wings and they were excellent, along with BBQ chicken for entree that was obviously farm raised, juicy and tender, and a huge portion I had the spice rubbed duck - via Miami Spice last and It was very good, and again, ample serving, could not eat it all. The cheddar grits with it were a nice addition. Steak rubbed with coffee was not part of Miami Spice but my friend's choice and was great. Wonderful Panna Cotta for dessert comes with Miami Spice menu as a choice. This is the opulent, glamorous, Forge, the new Forge with new decor, music, scene and reasonable menu done by creative chef. Lots of stars and attraction. I think the waiters need to stop the tourist attraction attitude and stick to the old steakhouse attitude where the service is impecable and you assume that everyone is your repeat customer. Service varies depending on waiter, some of the young, new waiters are annoying and not professional or what is expected from The Forge. The Forge experience is where you want to take your friends from out of town, reservations a must.
(4)
Meo M.
i can eat the three-mushroom risotto every day.
(4)
Noelle N.
I recently was taken on a first date to the Forge, and I must say, this was a smart move on his end. We walked in and the decor was amazing. I felt as if I was walking into a NYC restaurant. Even the bathrooms were truly unique and stylish. Our server was extremely helpful picking our dishes and drinks. Their cocktails and wine were amazing. My date is somewhat of a snob, and he was impressed, so you know its good. The food was delicious. We started off with the kale salad. To be honest, I actually wasn't that excited to try this dish. But my date asked me to and I did. It was delicious! I cannot suggest it enough. My main course was the mushroom risotto. I wish I could have eaten every bite. I was full, but I certainly tried to eat as much as I could. The only complaint I have would be the fries that are "saturated in duck fat". Stay away from these! They look more like reindeer droppings than anything. All and all - this was the best first date I had been on and though I'd like to give him all the credit for such a great date, it wouldn't be nearly as good without the Forge!
(4)
Eve C.
The Forge is a Miami Beach institution, albeit with the prices to match. The exterior of the building looks very ornate, but does not match up to the interior decorations. The inside is a mix of many different murals, as well as a huge ornate mirror along one wall of the main dining room. Either way, there's some cool stuff to look at on the walls as you dine. The Forge is a steakhouse, so of course, that's what I ordered - the filet to be precise. It was absolutely delicious! I also split the wedge salad with a friend - and it was huge & yummy too. We ordered a bottle of Chilean wine that was very good. I know they have a huge wine list, but I didn't pick out the wine, so I didn't peruse it. Also, we started the meal with a lovely amuse-bouche from the chef - it was a calamari salad with an asian twist. It was outstanding. We ended the evening with the chocolate & vanilla bean souffle (which we ordered at the same time as our entrees) - and it was fab! There was absolutely nothing amiss with the food at The Forge that night. However, our waiter was just the slightest bit overbearing. He came around to talk about wine and the menu before we even had the menus in our hands! And then he proceeded to give us a 10-minute diatribe on his choices on the menu - which, of course, were the most expensive things on there. Oh, he also insisted we scoot away from the table as we looked at the menus, for fear of knocking something over. My recommendation - get smaller menus! Overall, it was an excellent meal, and I highly recommend The Forge. I just hope I get a less obnoxious waiter on my next visit!
(4)
Todd S.
Georgous place. Beautiful rooms with high ceilings. Service is great. Food was fantastic. Best steak is the the best steak. Better than Peter Lugers or any other steak I have had. Seafood platter was huge, tasty. Chocalte suffle was unbeleieveable. For a person who doesn't eat many desserts, have it. It was my brithday dinner. It surpassed it reputation.
(5)
Emerio Joel M.
The various bread and whipped butter with honey was total seduction of my tongue. Salmon croquettes were awesome and had ideal structure; they were slightly golden brown and a bit moist in the inside, with good dipping sauce. Skirt steak was really good but I have had better, surprisingly, in more modest restaurants. Cheesecake was good but as a dessert freak, it wasn't amazing; However, take note that my standards for desserts are higher than for food, so it may "rock-your-boat". The artsy-luxe decor is visually stimulating and fun. The bathroom surprised me; a pop-art style photo of a crocodile eating a person is employed to posses your attention. I suggest you make reservations in advance, if you want to avoid having dinner at the bar. However, the waiters are attentive and the courses were delivered within an ideal time frame from each other. More than anything, this place is to be seen and to feel "bouge". If you want a decent meal, posses disposable income, and want to feel "bouge" then, The Forge will certainly provide your needs.
(3)
Diana N.
Food i give it 3 stars, but it gets bumped to 4 stars because of the service. I was so impressed by everyone here. They were so warm and friendly. VERY attentive. we wandered into the courtyard to take pictures although it was closed. they were nice enough to turn the lights on for us. I felt like royalty...well ok not really but it was pretty awesome. For a Wendesday night, I was surprised at how crowded the place was. Tried the Miami Spice menu (3 course meal fro $35) Appetizer: salmon croquettes were ok...kind of forgettable. the gazpacho was refreshing but very typical entree: had the Burger and Bordeaux: angus sirloin burger topped with boneless short rib. one of the best burgers i've had in awhile. perfect medium, so so juicy and packed full of flavor. the truffled fries with the pomegranate ketchup were ADDICTING. the bordeaux on the side was a nice kicker. never a big risotto fan, but my friend's 3 mushroom risotto was quite tasty. she LOVED it. wine list was pretty extensive with a nice selection. not too pricey. honestly can't remember what i had for dessert...was a bit tipsy by then.
(4)
Blaine Z.
Last night I went back for the first time since the renovation.Food is still pretty good , though I did not have steak - and some of the best service in town. I do miss the darkness though - that was one of the best things abou the old place.
(3)
Esteban Z.
Went here on Thanksgiving for their special menu. One look at the normal menu and we were asking ourselves if having oysters and steak for Thanksgiving would be bad. We stuck with the plan and had the most delicious non-traditional traditional meal. All the ingredients were the same but the chef's haute twist made it extra awesome. I looked at one of the couches and started imagining unbuttoning my pants (a Thanksgiving tradition in my family) readying myself for a nap. That was the worst part about the meal....having to drive home. The space itself is certainly Miami. Great vibe overall. Can't wait to go back. I also gave thanks that my hearing came back. I've been to quieter concerts.
(4)
J H.
The Forge has a bone-in fillet that is not offered at any other steakhouse in Miami to my knowledge. They fillet here is excellent especially if you have a girlfriend that only eats fillets and you want to introduce her to something with a bone and more flavor. They also have EXCELLENT escargot at the Forge. The Forge has an excellent ambiance to it, really dark and old-school Miami gangsta.. and a really really cool bar area to chill at before or after dinner. And if you're lucky enough to go on a really really slow night or can prearrange it ask for a tour of the wine cellar. The Forge has a phenomenal collection of antique wines and really really cool cellar that can actually be rented for dinner. Its def worth the time to set up the tour and walk through. I love the forge and if you go on a wednesday you can slide into the club next door for a few drinks afterward - wednesday is one of the best nights there.
(5)
Rhiannon R.
The food here is absolutely amazing. They did a great job with the renovations. Without a doubt, my favorite place to eat in miami.
(5)
T R.
While the restaurant had a beautiful ambience and terrific service, the experience was very dissapointing. We ordered three types of steak which were all inferior in quality and taste. The sides were mediocre and lacking in flavor. Our sides consisted of crispy corn ravioli (which was bland and basically a deep fried piece of batter), the truffled fries which were incredibly salty and somehow tasted stale, the creamed kale, the tuna tartare which was overwhelmed by onions, and the seafood sampler which was a major disappointment. Every dish was substantially lacking in the flavors we were so looking forward to experiencing. The choice of wine was limited and pricey. Most glasses ranged from $25-45/glass. The only redeeming dish of the meal were the green beans. Overall - we were happy to pay the price for a wonderful and delicious dinner. Unfortunately, experience was underwhelming and the chef did not deliver. We will not be returning.
(1)
Frank G.
Amazing Place. There is a lot of history here. When you walk in it feels like your dragged into the movie set of Scarface. Its an automatic time warp. You can feel the 80's. The food is outrageous. I recommend: The lobster Bisque. "The Super Steak", Flavor aged for 21 days and seasoned with an herb marinade and slowly grilled over oak wood. Its voted #1 steak in America by wine spectator magazine. I spiced it up a bit and add twin grilled Florida Lobster Tails. It really complimented the steak. They also have a very nice wine collection and wine cellar. I have been here many times and the sommelier has never failed us.
(5)
Dan B.
I and my fiance ordered meat dishes that came with potatoes. I am diabetic and she watches her figure so we asked to substitute the potatoes with a green vegetable but the chef refused because it "violated the integrity of the dish." We were visibly annoyed but paid $9 for a side of brussels sprouts and asked for our entrees to come out without their potatoes. Get over yourselves. NOT COMING BACK.
(1)
Alex G.
The last time I dined at the forge, you were permitted to smoke cigars at the table - that's how long ago it was! The new ambiance is combination of modern deco and hip "old school." While visually impressive, the restaurant is still a conclave of separate rooms, making real "people watching" more difficult than in other SoBe establishments. The four of us sat at a table under a stained glass window, on couches with a huge (7' high) back. We ordered the chilled seafood platter, which was as good as I've had anywhere on The Beach. The steaks we had were perfectly cooked and extremely flavorful. The whole fish was filleted table side; very classy. The food was all delicious, and the place very sexy. Two issues to note: First, the prices are obscene, even for South Beach. I mean ridiculous. Second, the bartenders are clueless and slow. We waited 15 minutes for them to offer us a drink, with a bar less than half full. Other couples walked away, muttering, from being totally ignored by the bartenders. Strange.
(4)
Ericstevenc T.
This is a must see if your on Miami beach. My friend got us a tour of the wine room . Steaks were great !
(5)
Bill B.
Decided to try out the newly renovated Forge a few days after the re-opening. I was thoroughly impressed and would definitely come back again. Gone is the opulent interior and outrageous furniture for a more modern and updated style. However, the stained glass ceilings and some of the original chandeliers remain the same, but still blend well with the new feel. As soon as we walked in we were warmly greeted and decided to check out the bar first before we sat down for dinner. We didn't try the different wine samplers, but would try it out the next time I come back considering it was reasonably priced. For the appetizer we had the tuna tatare and was one of the best I've had. My meal was the 18oz steak with garlic mashed potatoes. The steak was a little over cooked on the outside, but was pretty decent. My girlfriend had the mushroom risotto and that was delicious. I found myself eating off her plate! They still have a plenty of wines to choose from with many at good prices that won't leave a hole in your wallet. I couldn't believe how friendly the waiters, bartenders and maitre d were, hopefully it continues to stay that way. I would come back in the near future because the prices was very good and the food was superb.
(5)
Samantha L.
On a recent trip to Miami I went to Forge and really enjoyed it. We tried the Lobster PBJ as a recommendation and it was interesting but I don't think I'd order it again. We had a great waiter who really knew his stuff and we got smores souffle that was to die for. It's for sure a nice little trendy spot with a great wine selection but also a little pricey be prepared. Also, be sure to check out the bathroom.
I honestly don't usually write bad reviews. If the place really sucks then I feel the social responsibility to let others know. The Forge sucked. At least the day I went. First off, the interior is weird. I am not sure what the look is that they are aiming for but it's some strange conglomeration of mirrors, gaudy Versace-esque gold colored accents, and dark wood. Honestly, I'm not an interior designer so I'll just leave it at that. We went with the intention of ordering from the Miami Spice menu then we decided not to because neither one of us wanted to eat prix fixe. We ordered the coffee-crusted steak. It should have been called charcoal-crusted because that is what it tasted like. One would think the steak would be a safe bet. Not this time. The fava beans were strange, too. They were either under-cooked or over-cooked and they were mixed together. My kitchen experience led me to believe that they probably had some left-over fava beans in the pan from another order and they just added more un-cooked beans to the pan then cooked them poorly together. BAD. Also, the "caramelized onions" were little black, crunchy, burned flakes. We tasted several other side dishes which failed to make any impression on me. I'm just going to stop there and say that the only good thing I tasted was the Manhattan I had. You can't bang up Baker's Bourbon Whiskey. Thank the God of Bourbon for that. Thumbs down. Way down.
(2)
Nathan L.
Beautiful restaurant, brilliant food, excellent service. The self serve wine bar is very cool- great way to do a wine tasting before dinner. By the time we sat down very tipsy feeling good. Food was creative, clean, and yummy. Very well priced
(5)
Anthony D.
Bring money.
(5)
Laura F.
Mediocre. overpriced food, overblown cocktails, terrible management. Nothing was as good as it seemed. Our waiter was cool, but everything else was lame. Not worth it.
(1)
Robert P.
Wonderful atmosphere with a very attentive wait staff. The steak I had was outstanding, though a bit overpriced. Desserts were average.
Such a fun place with great service and fun items on the menu for each course. We went here after a recommendation from locals and would definitely go back. This place can get a tad loud, so more fun perhaps for groups, but we did have a couple's dinner and celebrated our birthdays and had a blast. If you have the time and are a wine lover, ask for a tour of the cellar -- you will be blown away.
(4)
Joseph C.
I had the pleasure of eating brunch at The Forge this past Sunday thanks to a great deal that I purchased on Gilt City Miami. The voucher included Mimosas, an appetizer, one entree, and one dessert. Ambiance Any time you go to The Forge you can't help but marvel at the craftsmanship and attention to detail in this place. Everything around you just looks so well put together and has a very "expensive" look to it. From the brick wall adorned with a gigantic mirror that overlooks the main dining room, to the random massive high-backed leather chairs scattered about the main floor. I was also very impressed by the private dining room. Just looking at it from the outside is awe-inspiring. It must be great to have a family dinner in that room. I also heard that the wall art and fixtures belong to Shareef Malnik's personal art collection. The Food For starters, the mimosas were as good as it gets. I don't know what type of champagne they use, but hey, a mimosa is a mimosa. For appetizer I had the snapper and mahi mahi "bloody mary" ceviche. It was served with two thin plantain chips. It wasn't the best ceviche I've ever had but it was pretty tasty. For entree I had the eggs benedict and the french toast. The eggs benedict was delicious and the roasted potatoes were awesome. Definitely some of the best I've ever had. The star of the show here by far was the french toast. It was literally bigger than my head, warm, soft, and incredibly delicious. It blows any french toast I've ever even looked at out of the water. It was toasty on the outside and had the consistency of bread pudding on the inside. It was spectacular. It was so good that I asked the waiter to pack up the dessert that was included with my voucher because i couldn't even breathe when I finished my meal. I can't really comment on the dessert because I never got around to trying it. The Service The service here was very spot on and always is. It's very formal and the waiters are always very attentive. If you ever see that gilt city deal again, I would definitely recommend purchasing it. However, I don't know if the regular Sunday brunch here is worth the hefty price tag it comes along with.
(4)
Susan L.
Went with 4 girlfriends and had a great time. We were all meat eaters and all got the ribs or duck. I liked the duck better- perfect consistency. The ribs was great comfort food but be warned its very heavy. For appetizers we shared the lobster PB&J, oysters and mahi mahi fritters. The lobster PB&J was worth a try for sure, but didn't blow my mind to be honest given the hype. The oysters were my favorite- very fresh. For dessert we shared the smores souffle, which was yummy. Their cocktails were also great and inventive. The ambiance is beautiful: elegant and fantastistical. Feels like you are in Alice in Wonderland. Make sure to check out the bathroom- interesting design, especially the outer powder room in the ladies bathroom. The only criticism I would have to say is service probably not as good as I would've expected from a restaurant of this caliber.
(4)
Anatoli L.
The 4 stars are strictly out of respect - should be 3.5 or even less as the most. Let me explain: Experience - 5 Service - 5 Wine service - 5 Wine Selection - 4 Food - 3 This restaurant has a private cellar downstairs, with overall collection value exceeding $5M - definitely worth a trip ( ask for a tour - if there is no private party, you will be given a tour). Wines are starting from 1822 ( no typo - 1822). This is the experience part. Service is impeccable - nice, friendly and not pushy. Wine service is also excellent - head sommelier, Gino, definitely knows what he is talking about. Wine selection - I would like to see bigger diversity in Cabernet offerings, as well as better representation of Spanish wines. Food - unfortunately, not on par. We got salmon croquets which didn't taste much like anything. Roasted cauliflower was very good. But then two steaks were just mediocre - seasoning and salt were not done correctly, and side dishes of duck fries and mushrooms were too small for the price and server in very awkward square dishes. Dessert was excellent - but it didn't compensate for the shortcomings of the main dishes. Recommended for experience and ambiance, but if you are looking for the great steak - look elsewhere.
(4)
Miami R.
Just came back from another great visit to the Forge. I don't know why I haven't written a review before. Even though the restaurant is an icon, it still deserves being reviewed. Especially since it's so good. The remodel looks fantastic, it's as classy as every. Classy but not dated. When you come a couple of times, they remember your name give you that welcoming returning welcome. If you're new to the Forge, they still welcome you in an inviting way. Joe, the GM, is always on the floor, going from table to table, checking in on the tables, catching up with regulars and creating experiences that make you want to come back. The drinks (which is what my wife is the master of) are fantastic. She gets the cucumber martini every time we come. I get the diet coke. Always a great vintage on the diet coke haha. We almost always get the lobster peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the pomegranate lamb ribs appetizer. This time I had the hangar steak with the tostone and onions ( I don't like tostones, but I love these) My wife had the NY and I brought a guest this time and he had the super steak. He was very satisfied (and he's a pain in the behind a lot of the time) we split some asparagus, short rib hash and duck home fries. The macadamia nut bread they give you is ridiculously good, the butter you can't get enough of. I was sooo close to getting the seabass, but since everyone else got meat, I decided to keep that trend going. Next time, seabass for sure. We had the apple pie sundae. The apple was a little too hard for my liking, but the rest of it was really good. We also got the blueberry fritters. I heard my wife make noises I didn't know she could make. She kept talking about it on the ride home and even when we got home. I strongly suggest you give that one a try. If you feel a little intimidated, come in and sit at the bar. you can snack on items and watch a game or whatever is on the tv's. But, I assure you, you'll come back and you'll sit at a table and enjoy. The wine list is huge, if you haven't already heard, just google it. To wrap it up, The ambiance is top notch The service is high quality The food is world class The vibe is what they write stories about. Go on a date, bring a group of friends, whatever, just go. In case you couldn't tell, this is a positive review on what you should already be trying.
(5)
Max S.
Great place that makes you feel special despite the Miami Spice discounted prices. My girlfriend and our friend each ordered from the Miami Spice menu which everything came out wonderful. There was a slight oops with my steak but the waiter Jason recognized it without me even having to say it. With one look he took it back had them cook me a new steak. While waiting for my new steak they made sure I was not left out of enjoying something absolutely delicious while the others ate their food. In my book the staff at the Forge went well above and beyond in this situation. Additionally the food was amazing. From the bread to the appetizers to the main entrees and did not disappoint with dessert. The Parmesan crusted steak I had was better than I could have expected. A tip on something to enhance the taste was given to me which was to add the onions from the French onion soup to the top of the steak. My girlfriend had the panna cotta which had a marmalade that was to die for. I am not a marmalade person but this I couldn't stop eating it even though I was so stuffed. Overall the food and service and environment gave me a reason to write a review which I almost never do. For management that gets ahold of this review my waiter Jason deserves kudos for handling the situation in the most professional way and making sure the restaurants image remained intact.
(5)
Blak B.
Ok Ok Ok I was patiently waiting for the return of the Forge and all I can say is WOOOOOWWW in my flavor flav voice. lol. They did a hell of a job with the new look! It went from back in the day 1950's mob steak house feel to new posh elegance! Yepper I will be here more often. I started with a very tasty lobster bisque that toyed with my tummy because it was gone faster than a speeding bullet. Then I ordered the snapper in a bag that I felt was less desirable so I sent it back and ordered scallops that were mouth watering yaaay.. My companion ordered the whole fish entree that was also yepperlicious. But ten thumbs up to the dessert menu because it was freakin awesome! We had the berry cake and *drum rooolllllll* chocolate souffle that melted in your mouth and in your hands! If you get a waiter by the name Alberto you will have a fine dinning experience ;-)
The happy hour here is AMAZING!!! If you're looking for a classy, great deal this is it. Vueve champagne for $10 or Belvedere cocktails for $10 (i believe). Not to mention they serve you food while you enjoy your happy hour....for free! So my boyfriend and I came to enjoy happy hour on Valentine's day before our reservation at 8 pm. Upon arrival we let the hostess know we were at the bar and they informed us to come back around 7:45 to check in with them. My boyfriend went to them at 7:45 and they told us they were running behind on reservations. I went up about 8:25 and they told me they were running about 45 minutes behind. So I went back to our bar seats and waited until close to 9 pm. The manager was at the host stand and told me they are sorry but they are still running behind and cannot give an accurate time for when we would be seated. I told him it was now an hour past our reservation time. He said he was sorry, but people showed up 45 minutes late for their reservation earlier in the night. I told him I don't feel that I should have to wait because someone else decided to show up late. His response, "What am I supposed to do? Turn them away??" UM YES! I told him I have worked in the restaurant business many years and that is how it works. Especially on valentines day. I asked him then if he would like to take care of our meal at the bar if he couldn't tell me when we would be sitting to eat dinner. His response, "No i am not going to do that". I asked for a manager higher than him and he told me he was the general manager. I asked for the owner, "The owner is not taking calls right now". I guess to avoid a further argument, he decided to seat us in front of a lot of other people waiting. When he sat me he made a snide remark that it was wrong of me to cut in front of so many other people waiting. I told him that was not my fault and I don't feel that we should be to blame for poor management. After that point we had a great experience. We had an amazing bottle of wine from Veneto, Italy. Our server helped us pair an appetizer. We ordered the mac and cheese, the "famous" steak, and mushroom truffle risotto. The steak was overcooked and not worth it. But the rest of the meal was great. Risotto was to die for!!! and the mac and cheese was amazing!!! Our server was fantastic...I wish I could remember his name. The rest of the atmosphere was gorgeous and we really enjoyed it. I am so taken aback by the lack of professionalism by the general manager...blaming me for being sat over an hour after our reservation time. It's valentine's day...if you don't have a reservation you're not getting sat...so we were stuck there. Not my fault.
(2)
Alyson L.
Nothing more than disappointed. I made reservations 2 weeks ago for my husbands birthday which happens to be valentines day. When we arrived to the restaurant, there was a line of approximately 30 couples ahead of us waiting for tables. There was no way to even reach the hostess. We stood outside along with everyone else who couldn't make it inside the restaurant. They poorly scheduled reservations. None the less, we had to call around to see what restaurant was taking walk-ins at 1000pm because there was no way we were going to be seated before midnight. I can't review the food, but it's safe to say the service was nothing more than horrible. We won't be returning. Thankfully Truluck's is always a safe bet and accommodated us on such a busy night.
(1)
Carey A.
What is there not to like about this place! The Forge is a perfect representation of a unique blend of both an upbeat & modern ambiance and an extravagant menu of excellent options. We were seated towards the back and I got to sit in the Alice in Wonderland-like over sized chair...YES! This restaurant was unlike anything we have ever dined in before. The decor of the restaurant was absolutely amazing. The menu consisted of a lot different & innovative foods and some classics as well. Also, the music was in between "chill", "house", and "trance"....it was a little psychedelic! With so many interesting options on the menu, we decided to order the following: Lobster & PB sandwich-delectable 5/5 Creekstone Filet Mignon- perfect crust 5/5 Coffee & Eggs-4/5 Oyster Mushrooms-5/5 We also got a complimentary $25 gift card to use towards wine with our reservation. Now we just need one of these in D.C.!
(5)
Dinorah a.
Love this restaurant ... Beautiful , trendy elegance.. romantic and fun.. not stuffy.. Food is amazing.. bone in steak.. great coktails.. great service.. I'm a fan..
(5)
Sunny J.
Treated like royalty at the step up dinner table. A must in Miami!
(5)
Matt M.
Great meal and very pricy. Yes the mushroom risotto is a must try....I don't mind paying for an expensive meal when it is worth it and yes this place is worth. What is with the automatic tip? it was just me and my wife and they automatically put on 20%...we had an expensive bottle of wine and I usually adjust for it. I always add appropraite tip but felt adding 20% was not appropraite. If I had known that I would not have purchased the overpriced wine and gone with a more reaonable choice. Overall a wonderful experience....
(4)
David K.
Sorry...this place was a big disappointment. Used the gilt city coupon menu and other than the filet everything was very mediocre. First off, ribs at a fancy joint like this? Come on, I can get ribs anywhere, and these weren't even good. Next I had a Caesar salad, not even authentic, where were the anchovies? It didn't even come with shaved reggiano. Okay, you got me on the filet, one of the best I've ever had, it came with a cooked tomato, no other side. The dessert, shared one each with the wife, the cheesecake and the pumpkin whatever. Have had much much better. Sorry, I'm usually not critical but I have to say besides the filet this meal was very average. If they are trying to introduce people to the restaurant with this discount deal, it's not working, i doubt whether we'll go back. There are much better restaurants for a lot less money. Absolutely positively nothing special.
(2)
Andy T.
The food here defiantly is a winner. Modern cuisine with a ecletic menu.. We ordered steaks, lamb, and a salad. Everything was cooked to perfection, along with a dinner supervised by an attentive wait staff. The atmosphere of the restaurant is almost "loungy", and it made me want to order a drink, and relax. Very cool spot, overall. They loose a star for overbooking the restaurant, We had to wait 45 minutes past our reservation, for a table.
(4)
Roberto B.
As the Herald touted I was prepared to be "wowed" and as Wine Spectator gave them a 2010 Award for one of the most outstanding restaurant Wine Lists in The World (80 wines by the glass now available) and with a new renovation I felt it was time to revisit The Forge for Miami Spice. Now I've been in Miami for 25 plus years and I used to be an active freelance writer on the Miami Beach scene so I am no stranger to The Forge's ability to throw down a good soiree merely by being in the presence of its old school luster and charm. But the renovation has really taken The Forge up a notch in my book - this place is a gem in the crown jewel collection of what makes Miami Beach a tourist destination. And with the new innovative menu (that is actually not that pricey for the selections and ambience) after a brief return for a Miami Spice dinner, I will be putting this on my list of places to return in future months. My partner started out with a gazpacho soup that looked as delicious as she enthused it was - you would think that in a city with as much Latin influence as Miami we'd have a plethora of restaurants who can turn out a good gazpacho but that's not necessarily the case. It isn't just a matter of "less is more" to bring good game to the soup - you have to have a certain turn of hand to create that lustrous mixture of tomatoes, bread and spices to create a shimmering pool of crimson that is pleasing to both palate and eye. I tucked into the wedge of lettuce with signature Maytag blue cheese dressing - a wedge that was easily a half head of iceberg lettuce and boy was that scrumptious. The breads and butter - divine. Each different piece of bread roll was like a confection from a private bakery (which I imagine The Forge probably has). I have to admit I did have a little trouble navigating the 50 plus page wine list - my eye caught the phrase "French Bordeaux 23" which I thought was a heads up to a super bargain on low end Bordeaux but apparently that was the table of contents telling me to turn to page 23 for the selection of French reds - ok, even I giggled. My partner and I did easily find, however, an Argentine malbec at $28 so we weren't too much off target. Let's just say - this is a really BIG BOOK. If only schoolwork had been so challenging who knows where I'd be today? Main courses: My partner opted for the Filet Mignon; and let's not kid ourselves - The Forge is a steakhouse par excellence, a chance to dive into their Filet on a pre-fixe Spice Menu? Well sure! But I had been here for a Spice Menu two years back and I knew what to expect - it was a beautiful presentation, but that piece of meat qualifies as appetizer in my book - too too small. With this in mind I put some thought into the other choices and opted for the roasted chicken - ah this is a culinary delight! With roasted blue Peruvian potatoes and a scrumptious chicken broth au jus on the side - well let's just say my partner had long ago dispatched with her filet and I had to take half my bird home. Dessert? Partner opted for the light and airy flourless chocolate torte and I went for the cheesecake - both were spot on divine. Couple these great meal with the ambience of being served in what I take it was a mock-up library section of the newly remodeled Forge (replete with some beautiful stained glass that makes you feel you're in a belle epoque dining room in Europe - and our gracious server Ashley (a cross between Kate Winslet and Leighten Meester she was a treat herself and she didn't laugh at my wine gaffe) - it was a night to remember. I'm coming back Mr. Malnick
(5)
Paul M.
I have not been to the Forge since their renovation and I have to say that the venue looks great. We came here to celebrate a friend's engagement and had reservations for a party of 7 at 9:30. The hostess instructed us to wait by the bar until a table was ready. It was a Friday night so the place was packed. I'll say the vibe was pretty cool with just the right speed of music to keep it going but not a full-blown nightclub experience. Although we had a great time having drinks at the bar I was a little disappointed that we were finally seated at 11:00 PM. 1.5 hour wait WITH a reservation is never good. We were seated at a nice table in the back and was surprised to find out it was Miami Spice. I'm glad that they actually gave us those menus without having to ask for them like some other places. Some of our table ordered from the regular menu, but I opted for the Spice as it was a very good deal. I started with the shrimp appetizer which was awesome. The shrimp were very large and delicious. The cerviche was also excellent. For the main I had the petit Filet which was cooked perfectly and was definitely full afterward. My buddy had the 14oz bone in filet which he could not finish. I tried it and the petit filet was just as good. The wife had the Arcitc Char which was EXCELLENT. I was a little annoyed that the server tried to give us the bill before our deserts came. After we pointed this out it took and additional 30 minutes for the desserts to finally come out. By the time we left it was probably near 4 hours we had been there. Overall I would say that the food and venue are great. The exorbitant wait for a table and the dessert fiasco were big negatives. Still, if you are looking for a place to impress a date with a great vibe I would probably recommend as long as you know what you are getting into.
(3)
A. L.
The Forge was a staple in mid-beach. It was a place of dreams. I always thought I was in an old classic 50s movie there. Not anymore. They changed it from a special place into a circus: Think "Mangos" South Beach. What's worse is the food was sub par and drinks way over priced. Gone are Donald Trump, Bill Gates, Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan as visitors. Here are Bachelorette parties from Hialeah, Opa Locka, Kansas, and your regular "douche" button up shirt "wanna be' scenesters. Not their fault. They had to keep up with all the steakhouses in Miami Beach so they changed. Fine. But dam- got the Miami Spice menu last Friday night and the Kale Salad was great, bread was great, but the Filet Mignon they poured McDonalds sweet and sour sauce all over it. Might was put ketchup on it. I know from friends of mine who are chefs that they put sauce on ":cheap" cuts of meat. Do you really have to cut corners for Miami Spice. Other than that the evening was OK, performances were OK. Yeah, they have one song every hour where someone sings. What you pay for - loud bachelorette parties, one song an hour, and decent overpriced food. Its just not what it used to be. Positives- Wait staff was very efficient and friendly. Bartenders not bad, but not great. Negatives- (above) Do not come here on a Friday with a date. Come here on an off night. If you have guy friends, girl friends, come for one drink and dip.
(2)
Brenda P.
As a (former) big fan of The Forge, I have lost count of how many times I have dined at the restaurant in the last 15 years. I've celebrated it all since the pre-Yelp and pre-Opentable days. The most memorable for me would have to be my birthday party held in the private wine cellar and attending their Caymus dinner in the back banquet space. The Forge, for me, has always been that "sure-thing" I could always count on: always a class act, deep Miami Beach roots, and exceptional food. I have been meaning to return to try out the new chef's cuisine and was able to finally visit last week. I walked in and was greeted by Hardy. Well, that was a nice surprise. Hardy Hill, formerly of Big Brother (I'm a huge BB nerd) and who I last saw at (the sadly now-closed) Catch Miami. That wasn't the only change. I heard the music right away. I didn't give it much thought thinking it was perhaps the tail end of their happy hour in the bar area, but that was not the case. Old and young Miami Beach were all in attendance. What a mix of people! We sat down right away. Our waiter had to keep bending down, uncomfortably close to speak to us because it was just so damn loud. I need to point out that I don't necessarily mind loud music in restaurants. That just has never been the thing at The Forge and not what I thought I was doing on this particular night. From what I can remember, before the remodeling, the music was always towards the back of the restaurant and never at these kinds of decibels. It can be that the structure is just not meant to hold that kind of level? The acoustics are definitively off in there. As for the music, it was a cross between EDM and lounge music: not as upbeat as EDM and not as slow as lounge tunes. What I do know is that it was the same thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump,thump, FOR AN HOUR. NO LYRICS. NO TEMPO CHANGE. JUST thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump. Then, in a random change, the "DJ" (or someone) played (freestyle) "Diamond Girl." Huh? Only to then thump thump it again for about 5 minutes. Then, he/she/it played Yaz's "Situation" and back to the thump. *Check out the 3 videos I uploaded* But wait, there's more! A spotlight came on and a (jazz or something like it) singer came out for ONE song. Again, it was all off because it was SO.DAMN.LOUD. Once she was done, you guessed it, back to the thump thump thump. So, in a nutshell. Thumps for an hour. Diamond Girl. Thumps. Situation.Thumps. Jazz. Thumps. I could not get out of there fast enough. The food? Oh yeah, the food. Who could think of the food in the midst of all that madness? I will say that I loved the foie gras-cronut appetizer and the table side prepared Caesar salad. The salad was fun and definitively a one time deal because it's overpriced. As good as it was, it's still just a salad. The Colorado rack of lamb was smaller than I'm used to, not the best I've ever had (like at Wolfgang's), but it was good. My husband seemed to enjoy his sea bass. I didn't love the PB&J wontons, but did enjoy the Dark Chocolate Napoleon. Another sour point to my night? The bathroom attendant. Again with the club thing. The Forge has one of the coolest bathrooms on the beach and perhaps the most photographed one. Everyone photographs themselves inside the opulent, chic mirror framed interior. Well, that just got ruined. The bathroom attendant has a huge spread of hairspray, brushes, make up, yadda yadda cluttering up the counter. And really, why do we need an attendant? Are we dancing? Sweating? Is it too hard to pump our own soap and grab our own towels to dry our hands after we wash them? Was dinner that strenuous that I need backup help to look perfect? GTFOH! I feel like the restaurant is trying way too hard to compete with it's southernmost SOBE sibling and I really don't think it needs to reinvent itself to be that way. Why? It has always been full when I visited before as it was now. I've never put say, STK and The Forge in the same sentence. If I want the clubby feel with my dining I will head to (soon to reopen) STK, a place like Baoli, or any of the frivolous-trendy-never lasting- restaurants in South Beach. Lastly, their policy of not allowing outside wine with a corkage fee is outdated. While I always put up with it before because of my love for the place, I am certainly over it now. It's a big deal considering I am paying (up to) four times, over retail, for bottles I have at home. Not worth it. I hope they rethink this phase, go back to their roots, and start behaving like the Miami Beach ICON that has always been The Forge. Until then, I'm out!
(3)
Eddyg M.
Our family of five came here for the Miami Spice menu. Our son is getting ready to return to FSU & this was our last fancy meal before he goes. We had never been before. Our waiter was Endy Morffi. His attention to detail was excellent! He was very thorough explaining the history of the restaurant, as well as the providing tid bits on the decor. At the end of the meal he gave us a tour of the establishment. He was great at conversation & customer service. We had a marvelous waiter & a wonderful time. Our appetizers were yellow fin tuna tartare, bleu cheese wedge salad & French onion soup. Our entrees were filet mignon & the salmon. Our deserts were the chocolate lava cake & lemon pound cake. We were thrilled with the meal. Very delicious! The Miami Spice menu at The Forge changes weekly. We can easily go back and have another great experience.
(5)
Nicole C.
The Forge was absolutely fabulous they treat my hunny like a King on his Birthday. The food was so fresh the waiters was so nice and the Wine was great and I'm not big on wine. They gave us first class service and its was so worth the check and much more
(5)
Belinda B.
So this is my second Forge experience, the first was almost flawless...this second was flawless! From the first step under the entrance awning to the entire wait staff (can we bookmark a waitstaff on yelp? I'm bookmarking Jonathan from NYC) to the mixologist (mad scientist) to the manager (great table-side convo) to the beautiful lady that helped me in the restroom! Flawless. Wait...I'm forgetting something, oh, yes!, my meal was impeccable! Sweet and savory, soft and crispy, elegant and rustic breads accompanied by creamy butter, whimsical tuna tartare with scallion pancakes, salmon cooked perfectly with fresh greens, beautiful lemon pound cake to complete my meal...and a nice, crisp Riesling. Can I say more? Yes, but go experience it for yourself and tell me what you think. According to my daughter, The Forge is the best restaurant in Miami. I concur.
(5)
Kim C.
This restaurant was like something out of a dream. Beautiful architecture and a warm ambiance makes your dining a true experience. Live entertainment on Saturday nights too! Came during MiamiSpice restaurant week and had a three-course meal for an unbelievable $39! Our server, Matthew, was phenomenal; very attentive, informative, and even gave my party a private tour of the grounds. The Forge is a must for your visit!!
It would definitely be 5 stars for the service and the breathtaking style and architecture- but I have to account for the food too unfortunately. I'm really disappointed by their filet mignon. The edges were charred and it fully took away from the flavor of the meat; it just killed it. I've been to many fancy steakhouses and never have they done this to my meat- and on top of that, they didn't even ask my permission to cook it that way. The bread was also nothing special and left me needing to down my wine to get the taste out of my mouth. The only item truly worth consuming was the chocolate lava cake desert- it was rich and heavenly. Also while we were there, on one side of us was a young couple throwing a fit in the middle of the restaurant. The woman was raising her voice and cussing and stamped out multiple times to cry in the bathroom. On our other side was a pimp (seemingly) and two higher-class hookers. Lol- this place is definitely the place to come to people watch! The people that dine here have less class than people at Denny's! Still I would probably come back, give them another try, have their amazing desert, and take in the gorgeous art everywhere. Do not order steak- if you like to enjoy the actual flavor of your meat. Bring a camera to capture the Jerry Springer episode unfolding throughout the dining room. Check out of the wine cellar- it's definitely a sight to see.
Solid steakhouse in Miami with excellent service. My friend made reservations for a party of 4 at 8pm on a Saturday night, and they were packed- definitely make sure you have a reservation if you're dining here on the weekend! We were seated right after we arrived, and we ordered: -Complimentary Bread Basket: I liked that you got a variety of different breads, and they were good, but not amazing. I think I liked the plain butter roll the best. -Yellowfin Tuna Wellington (Wild Mushrooms, Spinach, Foie Gras, Red Wine Reduction, $36, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Not so great, and fishy smelling/tasting. We were all looking forward to trying this inventive dish, but it was so disappointing! And for some reason, one piece smelled and tasted fishy whereas the other one didn't- despite the fishiness, I didn't think the ingredients worked well together and wouldn't order this again. -16oz Spiced Rubbed Boneless Ribeye ($45, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Yum- the rib eye was seasoned well and cooked perfectly. I wish the cut had more fat in it, but I liked that it had a really good sear. -Black Truffle Mac & Cheese Pot Pie ($14) & Roasted Brussels Sprouts w/Duck Confit ($10) [ yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… : Both sides were good, although I liked the mac n cheese a bit more. -Crispy Loaded Baked Potato ($12, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Surprisingly, this potato was actually too crispy for my liking, and I wished the sour cream, etc was served in the potato vs. in separate little containers for you to do it yourself. However, my friend really liked the crispiness of the potato, so it really depends on your preference- I wouldn't order it again though. -Espresso ($6): Nice and strong, and a great way to end the meal. Our server was amazing, and I wish I had remembered his name. He was attentive but not overbearing, and was also super accommodating about taking a group photo for us. We also requested a tour of the wine room, which is a must if you have time and are interested in wine- their room is amazing, and they have some great stories to tell. You also get to see the private dining table in the wine room where past presidents and celebrities have dined at. My only complaint is with the live music- some of the songs were good, but it's really hard to find songs that all of the diners would enjoy hearing, and it was more distracting then entertaining. Overall, The Forge is a great place to go for a nice dinner/special occasion (dressing up highly recommended), with the swanky ambiance and excellent service. Parking in this area seemed tough, although they have valet available.
(4)
Francine S.
What a beautiful birthday experience at The Forge! My serve Audrey was very informative not only about the food but about the history of the restaurant itself! Audrey was very attentive and professional, she made my dining experience very special indeed!!!
(5)
Katrina L.
I've been wanting to try this restaurant for a while and Miami Spice gave me the perfect opportunity to do so. I cannot rave enough about the food and the service!! I had the wedge salad, petite filet mignon and the chocolate lava cake for dessert-- the filet mignon was cooked to perfection and the chocolate lava cake melted in my mouth! I had their signature drink called Smoke on the Water...wow! The flair in which it was presented was sensational...the smoking and the bubbling of the drink was an event and the taste was sublime! I will definitely come back here again very soon. Hmm, my birthday is in December...
(5)
Dan C.
I went with the Travelzoo deal for $99 and I was not one bit impressed. They give you a Travelzoo prefix menu with choices: 3 appetizers, 3 main entrees, and 2 desserts. It also includes 2 glasses of either white wine or red wine per person. So the place itself is gorgeous and very spacious. Beautiful and expensive looking decor. The lights were too dim for our liking. Our choices: For appetizer: German Ale and cheese soup: Completely bland so we added salt which brought out a lot of the flavors. It had duck in it which tasted really good. Salmon tartare: Such a shame here... nice amount of salmon but it was overwhelmed by the taste of the cream cheese on top. It had so much potential :( Entrees: Filet Mignon with brussel sprouts: I ate about half but the smell of the steak was awful...I couldn't force myself to eat it anymore. The brussel sprouts were too salty. The Grouper: Nice size of grouper. This was really simply done so it tasted really good. Dessert: The molten lave chocolate cake was the highlight of this night. Delicious. And the tiny scoop of coffee ice cream was good. The wine was a mystery. The one they offered us was none of the ones in the menu and remained nameless. The server would just bring a cup from the back and fill your wine cup. Weird. It was fine. Probably a good cheap wine. The verdict: I'm sure that based on previous reviews this restaurant has a lot of good things to offer but based on the sample we received, we were left wondering if they are really as good as the ratings claim.
(2)
Nestor M.
I highly recommend the beef and tuna tartar. My spice was a great value and you cannot beat the ambiance or the scenery
(5)
Kimberly B.
Wow wow wow wow wow!!!! Came with a large group of 15 or so and had the private room with the extra large table & chairs. That alone is enough to make you feel fabulous. I ordered the filet with a side of bernaise sauce and the meat just melted in your mouth. The truffle fries were delicious. After our meal we left the room and the main area had a DJ, dancing girls & a great night vibe. I would highly recommend coming here on a date or with a group of girlfriends!
(5)
Ashley K.
Well worth the price! My husband and I recently went there for my birthday. You walk im and the wait staff immediately makes you feel welcomed and comfortable. We ordered the NY strip and the filet. The Filet was the most tender, flavorful steak we had ever tasted. Our server made a great recommendation. The smores souffle was decadent, but light and fluffy. Everything was to perfection!
(5)
Kyle O.
I have been to "The Forge" a few times in the past which always provides great service, delicious food and the best atmosphere in Miami. However, I was never aware of the history of this Miami Staple. I got the chance to see some of the private rooms tonight. Truly amazing. Thank you Danilo for the excellent customer service, I look forward to doing my next business event here.
(5)
Shayla B.
From the moment you feast your eyes on the Alice in Wonderland decor, you will realize why the Forge has been a Miami institution for 40 plus years. We arrived on R & B night (Sunday), where they serve $50 bottles of Moët and the same at $10/ glass. Our bartender Renzo, was pouring up a concoction called 'Smoke on the Water' which I'm definitely going to try next time.The ambiance was fun, the food, exquisite, and the music kept us dancing in our seats. Our server, Richard guided us through our courses seamlessly. The beef tartare is to die for and the Salmon entree provided on the Miami Spice menu ( a special prix fixe menu offered during the months of August and September) was delish!!! I highly recommend this restaurant on ANY night as it is sure to please.
(5)
elizabeth m.
I will begin by stating that this is my first visit to the Forge Restaurant. I invited my sister and we had a wonderful experience. First of all our server Audrey was exceptional she had a smile on her face from the moment she came to our table. She answered all of our questions and gave us prompt, courteous and efficient service. The food was delicious we both had the German and Cheese soup followed by a filet mignonette and the chocolate lava cake. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. The service and food were so great we had to tell the manager in person. He was very humble and gracious. I would rate this dining experience a 10+. If you ever choose to dine at The Forge, which I highly recommend please make sure to ask for Audrey, you will be happy you did.
(5)
Dania V.
visited for Miami spice wonderful food. Perfect portions, excellent service. We had grouper and file mignon, they were both excellent. The lava cake dessert was to die for
(5)
Michelle L.
I'm not really sure if our experience applies for every night but here goes for what you can expect on a Friday night at the Forge. We had reservations for dinner at 9. My friend wanted to have a nice birthday dinner. We walk in and it is extremely hot and packed inside. We give the host our names and she says there is a wait for our table for four but to go to the bar and enjoy some drinks.. We head to the main bar to wait for our table and the music is blarring all sorts of 80s freestyle classics, which was fun, and the special is on Veuve champagne $10 a glass $50 a bottle. We dive in. Time passes and still no word on our table. Finally an hour has passed from our initial 9 pm reservation and the host says, "the guests have finished at your table but they simply wont get up." I guess people hang out at their tables because Friday nights this place is sort of a dinner lounge party atmosphere. Hour and a half and we are finally seated. Normally if I know this is going to happen I would just have drinks and bites at the bar but my friend wanted a dinner so by 10:30 pm we were starved!! We are escorted finally to where our table was. Yes the room is beautiful but it is hard to take in this beauty when we are hungry and hot! "The AC is not working correctly tonight" says our waiter. It's August and the service staff here must be dying. I find all of this to be unacceptable at "The Forge" Ok now for the pros: The Miami Spice menu was good and the filet mignon was delicious. Highly indicative that this place has a great steak on their menu. I would definitely return for that but on a different night where music isnt blarring and the restaurant feels more like an intimate setting rather than Club Babylon from the movie Scarface!
(3)
Peter G.
One word Amazing! Had dinner here last night and everything was perfect. I had the 8oz center cut filet it was to die for. Javier was our server very attentive and always with a smile. Everyone makes you feel like royalty. Only one thing i was uncomfortable with was the restrooms have an attendant there and i'm not to fond of that. Overall excellent experience, Thank you Forge.
(5)
Daniela O.
The place is very nice, it is very chic and retro, the downside is that they charge you 20% tip regardless of the number of people eating at the table. I had the ceviche and it was awful, I honestly never return a plate but had to do it because the taste of the fish was very bad. In summary I think is a very fancy place, very expensive and the food is so so
(3)
Javier M.
Arrived with a large group of ten for a bachelor party and were seated promptly. The decor of the restaurant is excellent and has a mix between intimate but still very live and outgoing. We were seated in the back room, where the bachelor was seated in a giant black chair "Scarface" style which was pretty cool. The rest of us were seated on some metal chairs that weren't particularly comfortable but I can appreciate the restaurant trying to be different and cool. For cocktail I had a mad mango which was excellent. For an appetizer I had a caesar salad which was really, really good. Make sure to try it when you go. They make it at your table with fresh ingredients and it was really the best part of the meal. The wine was also very good. Then it got bad which gave this restaurant 3 stars instead of 4. I may have ordered the wrong thing. Some of the other people in my party enjoyed their main course. For an entree I had the ribeye which was not good. It was dry and really had no real taste to it. As a side they serve you with a sort of bbq sauce which was equally as bad. As a side dish I had the mashed potatoes which were AWFUL. I mean really how can you mess up mashed potatoes? The Forge is worth a try if you are in Miami or around that area. However, be weary of what you order because not everything is good. Overall, I wish I could give this restaurant 3 1/2 stars. Definitely, not four star worthy.
(3)
Lizzie P.
Be prepared to spend a lot of money!!! its expensive AND KNOW THAT THE TIPS IN MIAMI ARE ADD TO THE BILL... check your bill.. I was very disappointing about the food... very expensive and NOT tasty at all,,, ceviche was beautiful on the plate, but flavorless.. The place is beautiful, but very dissapointing to see some people walking in in shorts and flipflops.. This should NOT be allowed by the restaurant management. Most everyone dresses up for the occasion, why not make it classier all the way!!! NO SHORTS NO FLIP-FLOPS
(2)
Michelle C.
My husband took me here to celebrate my birthday. It was a nice trendy restaurant with great decor. It's Miami Spice restaurant month so they had a great deal for prix fix menu, which included appetizer, filet mignon, and molten cake. I highly recommend coming here to try their $39/person prix fixe for dinner.
Great service at bar for Miami Spice stop over. The menu and quality was tiptop. I highly recommend this to anyone.
(5)
Charlotte H.
I celebrated my 25th Birthday here! It Was absolutely delicious! I ordered the filet mignon with the Mac and cheese pot pie! So amazing! Everyone in my party was extremely satisfied with their meals as well. The atmosphere is out of this world. You feel as though you are in a lush restaurant in a Hollywood movie. I gave this place 4 stars because they were a little disorganized with how they take reservations. I had called one month in advanced to make a reservation for 15. When I called the night before to confirm they had no record of my reservation...Even though I had put a card on file. I had to put up quite a fight for them to fit me back in. The manager fid a good job of correcting the error though. All in all it was a great experience; I highly recommend it!
Food was great. Ambience beautiful.Filet very tender. Desserts beyond. Biggest complaint I had is they overcharged us $50.00 on the bill . Waitress said she read the #s wrong. Waiting for it to be settled. Otherwise highly recommend.
(4)
Amanda P.
Pretty good restaurant. The service started out kind of crappy at first when the lady found out that we were part of the Gilt menu (I figured maybe because she thought we were cheap, I don't know) but then she completely changed her mood once the food came and everything was fine! The gilt was definitely worth it but I probably wouldn't visit again. Oh... And the bread was AMAAAAAAAAZING, I wanted a second baskets
(3)
Larry C.
The best of the best Dean their wine expert is so knowledgeable and caring because for most people wine selection intimidating but not here The GM Miki really watches all services and the food is so well prepared I am saving up to go again
(5)
Mark K.
Delicious restaurant. Great service and awesome atmosphere. You'll enjoy yourself no matter what the occasion. CHEERS!
The outrageousness of the price, matched the deliciousness of the steak. 10/10 would go again if money was no object. Had the 16oz boneless ribeye. I can think of only one or two other steaks I've had that were as delicious. What stood out in particular was the spectacular crust. Had a little bit of spice (bite) to it that I really appreciated. The mac and cheese was also quite good.
Frank Sinata. Al Capone. P. Diddy. J. Lo. Just a few of the celebrities who have frequented The Forge over the years. Apparently, The Forge used to be many things before it was a restaurant. It was a residence to the wealthy, an inn for the tourists and a brothel for the horny. If the walls could talk in this place, you'd hear more scandalous stories than TMZ, Perez Hilton and The Inquirer combined. The Forge has an undeniable character and boasts a woodsy-chic decor that smells of rich mahogany and Sex Panther (60% of the time, it works every time). But, we ain't in San Diaaaago, friends. We are on Miami Beach. There is NOTHING in the City of Miami like The Forge. You can count on having a unique experience to be talked about for the ages. Where do I begin? I've been to The Forge twice, both times I dined with work cohorts and clients in their private rooms. EPIC private rooms, I should say. The first room I call: The Alice in Wonderland Room. The table is carved from a massive tree that can only exist in a forest next to Mordor. Don't get me started on the chairs. They are 9 feet high. I'm almost 6 feet fall without heels and I looked like a little baby sitting in this thing. The walls are coated with whimsical patterns and the lighting is part chandelier, part tree branch. The only unfortunate part about the seating arrangement is that you and your brethren are very spread out. You need to pretty much shout across the table to hear each other, but I am not complaining. The Mad Hatter would be pleased and maybe even show up on time for his date. The other room I call: The Grand Wine Cellar. Why? Well, because you are literally dining in their exclusive (and very chilly) wine cellar next to bottles of wine older than my Great Great Grandmother. The room is exquisitely beautiful with mirrored walls and a grand table that stretches the length of the room. Just off to the side are other rooms filled with even more wine - total value of the wine is upwards of $7 million bucks. I'll drink to that! On both occasions, we required the help of Dean, their Sommelier. Dean is a man who is a big teddy bear sweetheart who knows and loves his vino. I can point to a bottle on the shelf and he can tell me where it's from, when it was made, by who and what it would be paired well with without missing a beat. Seriously impressive, but then again, that is his job. Since these were both work functions, my boss got to pick the wine and I honestly could not tell you what it was. All I know, it was the smoothest, tastiest and most expensivest wine I've ever had. I felt like a superstar swirling wine in my glass like a true wine connoisseur would. But, I ain't no wine snob. Bring on the Yellow Tail and this girl is a happy camper. OK, finally, we have the food and service. OMFG. We ordered seafood towers overflowing with ceviche, monstrous prawns, east/west coast oysters, tuna tacos and king crab. I can't even! Succulent. Next in line is the main course. My boss decides to go family style and order plethora of crap from the menu. A little bit of the grilled Branzino with forbidden rice (which I find out is a Mediterranean fish), duck fat fries, t-bone tomahawk steaks with truffle butter, and truffled mac-n-cheese. I'm pretty sure I clogged an artery or two at dinner and will probably pay for this later in life, but it was just too damn good to worry about my diet. Last but not least, we have dessert. Chocolate souffle with Grand Marnier sauce for drizzling purposes. Sweet Jesus. Other honorable mentions include the s'mores/chocolate mousse thingy (see photo) and the key lime tart. Can't end my review without giving a major shout out to the servers who put up with our crazy requests and treated us no differently than Kanye, Kim and their entourage. Clearly I have nothing but great things to say about The Forge. Be prepared to put a hurting on your bank account and eat ramen noodles for the next month. But it's worth every penny my friends. Bon Appetit!
(5)
Danielle G.
This restaurant was just gorgeous. The food was incredible. The server we had was very helpful with suggestions, especially suggesting something according to you're taste. The libations are delicious, fresh and beautiful. The night we went they had live singers that where wonderful. They made a point to sing to the birthday girl i was there with! We we're treated like royalty. I enjoyed everything we had! Definitely going back!
(5)
Gigi M.
We went to the Forge for Miami Spice, and even though we had reservations we had to wait about 40 mins for to be seated. The atmosphere is very nice and trendy. I had the snapper and my friend had the filet mignon. They were both excellent! As a side we had sweet potato mash. I thought it was an excellent value for Miami Spice, otherwise be prepared to spend a lot as this restaurant is on the pricey side
(5)
Mary M.
Hands Down the most handsome, pleasant hostess EVER. This guy really should be in politics: he could not have been more attentive or personable. To review our table: perfect for our birthday celebration, as it was NOT in the main dining room which seemed very loud, impersonal and only a place to be seen rather than a place to dine. Our server, Neal: Lovely. Smart. Funny. Our sommelier, Gino: Perfect. Kind and intelligent and completely behind our $55.00 wine choice (when prices were 20 times higher for many vintages). Our food: Fair. Beware the wild mushrooms: they most certainly are. Tasted like they'd just been foraged from the forest and put on the plate. Beware the $18 sides: they are barely enough for one. Beware the octopus appetizer: it comes on a soupy bed of pale yellow 'risotto' (really? That's risotto??) that was so watery and tasteless it almost made me feel bad for the octopus. A gazillion dollars, even during Miami Spice week, but fun nonetheless to say we finally went to this piece of Miami Beach history. Special thanks to Gino for the wine cellar tour. THAT was special.
(3)
Deepan M.
What a beautiful historic place! When you enter, you are not sure where you are. The blend of artistic lights and tall chairs with amazing tables made with whole trees. Absolutely worth going just for the history. We went for a deal we got on Gilt that was a three course meal with wine. The appetizer onion soup with beef broth got all my senses open. An explosion of flavor! Everyone had different meals, from a nice filet, to pasta, to the salmon. They were all good. The place was a little loud and felt a little like a loud lounge. People were drinking at the bar and the dress code was definitely sportscoat or formal dress. Great fun night, but the thing I remember the most is the tour of the wine cellar and private rooms in the back. Breathtaking!
(5)
Sevann H.
Went here for a work dinner while in Miami. We had a group of 50 or so and were seated in a private dining area. The rest of the restaurant seemed very nice, would definitely recommend dressing up for this place. We had a limited menu to choose from so I can't speak to all of the dishes but I did have a taste of my colleague's chicken, mashed potatoes and steamed spinach dish. The presentation was beautiful, chicken tender and delicious. My salmon was delicious, although nothing life-changing. It was served over a bed of couscous which had just enough flavor without too much salt. The salad we were served at the beginning of the meal was also beautifully plated. Deseret was a chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream. Fantastic! Can't speak to the price since the meal was free.
(4)
Cherise I.
Stopped by a few days ago and had a wonderful experience. My friend was looking for crab cakes, and Forge was one of the only places we could find nearby that had them. From the moment we were greeted the service was phenomenal. This continued to the host that seated us, the server, and everyone else who stopped by the table. The variety of breads were super tasty. Loved the raisin and cinnamon sugar bread! They also had many much more traditional types. My friend loved the crab cakes and said he will definitely be back. I ordered a very simple salad with balsamic vinaigrette. It was very light and refreshing. And the presentation was different which I enjoyed. Besides the food, the decor was awesome. Loved that most 4 top tables had a chair that was definitely for the head of the table. My friend loved it! definitely a 5 star experience. Highly recommend!
(5)
Oodia B.
I had the honor and pleasure to be invited to meet Anwar Zayden from the LegendofAnwar.com for dinner at the forge in Miami beach. I had no expectations, but i knew from the moment i walked in that the night was going to be spectacular. Our Waiter Nathan Gerve showed us 1st class service. I realize this is Anwars Favorite place, so I know they are going to be on their best behavior, but they went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. Even Shareef Malnik came out to take a picture with us. I felt like a king, we had a feast! The Stone Crab Claws were HUGE! After dinner, the general manager gave us a tour of the wine cellar. Wow is all i can say. It was a great night, with great company. And to top everything else off, Catherine Bach came over to say hello.
(5)
Darian E.
I chose the Forge as the location to propose to my girlfriend (now fiance) during our Miami vacation. The food, ambiance, and service were nothing short of exceptional. Food (****1/2) - For dinner we shared a raw Yellowtail Tuna tartare which was rich and mixed in front of us with egg and 5 different sides. It was delicious and refreshing, with a slight asian-vibe that came together perfectly. We followed this with the 16oz Dry Aged Prime NY Strip "Super Steak", the restaurant's signature item, paired with a grand mariner green peppercorn sauce. The steak is among the best we ever had. The sauce, as recommended by our server, paired perfectly and made it spectacular. We finished with a dark chocolate Napoleon cake which was delicious and light and concluded the meal in great fashion. She had a glass of Pinot Grigio and I their blood and sand cocktail which were great in their own right. Ambiance (*****) - The environment in this restaurant is probably what stands out the most to me. Reading the restaurant's history, a number of renovations have been made over the last several years and it shows. A popular site for celebrities in decades past and an inspiration for the scene in Scarface, this place is well fitting of its reputation. The inside is a mix between Alice and Wonderland and an opulent palace, rich with high topped chairs poised like thrones and fancy tables scattered throughout the room. The main dining area is bisected by a triple arch reminiscent of Moorish Spain architecture. In the back is a cozy library filled with books and stained glass, including a few original Tiffany pieces and a Chandelier bought from the Kennedy family's old White House collection. A courtyard was present in the back and a large wine cellar as well (although it was hosting a private event and we did not see it). Most impressive, is that our server and random staff members all knew a great deal about the restaurant's history and the original source of many of its pieces. Service (*****) - Perhaps most impressive of our experience was the service. All of the employees were remarkably friendly, approachable, and seemed happy, nay, honored, to be working there. Christophe was our server that evening and as we toured the restaurtant after the meal he told us much about the place's history, complete with dates and names. It was quite impressive. Given this restaurant's reputation, I chose this as the venue for my engagement proposal and I wasn't disappointed at all. Reservations were easy (albeit I did do this on a Tuesday night), and I called ahead to notify them of the special nature of the dinner the afternoon prior. The manager took note to sit us in one of the nicer tables in the corner, and helped me present the ring in a way my now fiance loved. The entire restaurant applauded and congratulated us throughout the night and the entire experience was excellent. They even treated us to two complementary glasses of champagne, which really capped off the night. Overall, I'd recommend the Forge to anyone who is looking for great food and an amazing ambiance and service. For the special occasion or just a night on the town I recommend it wholeheartedly.
(5)
Kwan L.
Came here with a party of 7 for their Miami Spice menu. It was pretty packed for a Monday night. 1st time dining here & it's definitely impressive. The exterior does a great job hiding the distinctive architecture design within. Miami Spice menu is simple, I started with the French onion soup, next is the grilled swordfish, then followed by molten chocolate cake. The soup needed a touch more salt, but I rather under-salted than over salt. The swordfish portion was less than the other option which is the filet mignon. It was good none the less. Chocolate cake was a nice touch at the end. In addition to our meals, we also ordered the tomahawk steak which we all shared. The steak was definitely a man's steak. 40oz dry aged prime piece of meat. It's suggested for 2 but can feed more. Overall it was a great experience. Will definitely come back & explore the rest of the menu.
(4)
Dominique M.
I had a sincerely phenomenal dining experience !!! I have been there many times before but the service, entertainment and food was beyond expectations. From our waiter, Christopher's attention to detail, attentiveness and personality and the live performance it was really amazing! The Salmon Tartar and Filet Mignon to die for! The service at the bar was not as detailed and friendly but I had a Vesper (Signature Drink) at the bar afterwards and it was great too.
(5)
Shawn H.
Ate dinner here. I had the Chilean Sea Bass. It was outstanding. I was with a group of co-workers. A few others had the Rack of Lamb but I think the Sea Bass was the winner. The ambience was very nice. Upscale but not over the top. A house DJ plays music while you eat. Sounded like we were in a club at some points. They even had live entertainment. Throughout the night at various sites throughout the restaurant they would set up a mic stand, shine a spotlight and a singer would sing. It was a great touch. I highly recommend this restaurant. Oh yeah, the drinks were outstanding too!!
(5)
Alejandra S.
Great service and great ambience. Food was okay. We had the Filet Mignon however the sides it came with could, mash and asparagus should have some seasoning.
(4)
N S.
From the moment that we walked into the door we were treated respectfully and curiously. The maître de, Hardy, could not seat us on time and in a more than generous gesture bought us a round of drinks. After waiting longer he even compt our dessert. Once we were seated the food was extraordinary. Our foigrois was out of this world and the desserts were freshly made and delicious. The steaks were organic fair I don't believe they were prime but they were very fresh. The wait staff, especially Neil, was excellent and clearly professional. On top of all the great food service and ambiance, there was live music. Truly a wonderful experience and must for anyone living or traveling to the area. Kudos.
(5)
Lindsay K.
LOVED this place! The food & wine was 100% up to par. We ate here a few nights ago with a group of 7 people. I don't live in Miami but I'd definitely want to go again.
(5)
Lawrence P.
I was excited to try Chef Christopher Lee's cuisine. But any excitement I had coming in quickly banished. I shall title this review "If I wanted to go to a club, I would have." Are you kidding me? Why is it that a staple like The Forge, a restaurant that has been around since the 1920's, a classic, an icon on the beach, would feel the need to turn its dining room into... a club experience. I didn't go to dinner with the wife to hear crappy Miami Beach music blasting throughout the main room for the entirety of my dinner. Are you kidding me?!?!?!?! The food was fine. The Foie Gras was easily the best in show while the Miso Seabass was well done. Skip the table side Cesar Salad cart experience. The show is not worth $18pp though the salad tasted fresh. Also, The Forge is one of but a handful of restaurants at the beach that doesn't let you bring your own wine. Thus, we paid $157 for a bottle of Col Solare. I have about 40 of those in my cellar... at $39 per bottle. RIP The Forge... You will be missed. Another classic bites the dust...
(3)
Jess F.
I had a fantastic meal at the Forge while visiting Miami. Its steaks were well worth the price. The quality was top shelf and I would absolutely visit again. Highly recommended for a nice date night out on the town.
Delicious food with excellent service. Dinner can be pricy, however, they do have specials ,occasionally, dinner for 2 including a glass of wine for $99.00, can't be beat. Try this gem on Miami Beach you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Carolina M.
The Forge is a Miami Landmark. Went on a Friday night. I had not been back in many years. We got there around 7:30 PM and as a Miamian, i know that is early for dinner, so unsurprisingly, there was not a lot of people there. I had forgotten how beautiful the place is, they renovated it some years ago and looks better than ever. It is a little too over the top, but it definitely adds to the whole ambiance. VERY luxurious. Beautiful decor, huge rooms, chandeliers, books, lights, the works. Our server was friendly and the rest of the staff was nice as well. Everyone greets you as you walk to your table with a smile on their faces. Now to the food. We ordered the Colossal shrimp= yummy. The wedge= OK The black truffle mac n cheese= Delicious Organic salmon= very good Filet Mignon= Very good The panna cotta= which some other reviewer called "flan" , but in reality is a panna cotta= was good but not great. Their selection of wines is outstanding and immense. Good cocktails too but we each had wine by the glass. By 8 or 9 the place was packed. It is very Miami, with the typical Miami crowd, i thought most of the crowds are locals, not tourists. If you have not been, you have to. It's an experience in itself. Like i said,"very Miami" which can be both good and bad.
(4)
Stephen F.
I hesitantly purchased and visited The Forge using a Travelzoo deal for $99 for two, as a birthday gift to my boyfriend. I was initially hesitant because I have had bad experiences dinning at several other nice restaurants during the annual Spice promotions: the wait staff becomes visibly annoyed and less attentive as soon as you request the discounted / pre fix menu. That being said, we were treated like royalty here! The waiter was so polite, prompt, formal, yet personal... everything you expect and hope for when fine dinning. We received a three course meal with two glasses of wine. The french onion soup was perfect, savory taste without being overly salted. The 6oz filet was perfection, tender and lite pink in the center, every bite was pure meat lover's heaven. We destroyed the chocolate lava cake in less than 2 mins. After our meal, I was gushing to the manager about how pleased we were with everything from the service to the ambiance, when to our surprise, he offered us a tour of their renowned wine room. This in itself made the visit worth it. The wine rooms are so amazing and perfectly kept, millions of dollars worth of delicious fruit of the vine held securely in bank vault like conditions. Needless to say, The Forge deserves all the praise and acclaim its known for in Miami Beach. Just a wonderful experience all around!
(5)
Jenny G.
Had drinks at the bar and they were fabulous. Then dinner was one great dish after another. Finally, I had some divine orange dessert. All in all a fantastic experience.
(5)
Andrea M.
Oh let me count the ways I LOVE THIS RESTAURANT! I went on a Saturday with a group of girls for my sister's bachelorette party. We had previously purchased a Travelzoo voucher (normally as soon as the restaurant knows you are not paying full price...the service lacks). Everyone was absolutely amazing! One of my cousins lost something and 5 workers came over with flashlights looking everywhere trying to find it. Our waitress, Mary, was the best. She was patient (9 girls are pretty indecisive lol) and made sure our entire visit was seamless. The manager, Mickey, came over to our table multiple times to make sure the service we received was impeccable. There were live entertainers who made our experience even more amazing. The food....PERFECTION! At the end of our amazing, perfect, astounding meal. We were greeted by Mickey again and asked if we would like a tour of the wine cellar. After we took pictures all over the restaurant (the workers were very patient taking pictures of 9 girls constantly saying..."I do not like how I look in this picture"), we were escorted into the wine cellar where we were greeted by Dean (The sommelier). His knowledge of wine and the history of The Forge restaurant was unbelievable. Of course...we had to take more pictures inside the wine cellar...of which Dean took. I will visit this restaurant EVERY SINGLE TIME I come to Miami from now on. Job well done to all of the Forge workers...I can honestly say this was a WOW experience for my friends and I.
(5)
Kyla C.
The place to go in south beach! Service, food, and atmosphere are on point! I'm vegan, they happily accommodated. Yum! The wine cellar was amazing! A must try for sure!
(5)
Greta G.
What an amazing restaurant! The atmosphere here was awesome and the food was incredible. Our server, Matthew, went the extra mile for my boyfriend and I have the best and overall experience of the restaurant. He even gave us a tour of the restaurant and explained the history of it, which was quite an experience that I will not forget! This was the best restaurant I have had in Miami. Definitely coming back here and wishing there was one in Chicago,
(5)
Ary G.
It was my first time at the Forge with all my girls, the atmosphere was great and the restaurant is beautiful. However, the service was terrible. To begin with, our waitress was Audrey. She denied some of the IDs at the tables because they were bent (this is the first time in history this has ever been a problem for me) Instead of trying to help us and call the manager she just made it a problem for us. Sure enough I, myself, requested the manager and he came and simply solved the problem. Several of us at the table ordered filet mignons. Once we each started eating our steaks we realized that they weren't cooked to the way we requested. They just placed the plates down and didn't make it an issue to give us the right ones. I've been to many other restaurants where they know who is eating what without a problem, or simply they ask! BUT WAIT, two seconds after paying for our food, Audrey asked us to leave the table. Never have I EVER, been asked to leave the table after I paid, no matter how many people are waiting. This to me was just disrespectful and rude. Once we weren't needed anymore for their convenience, we were asked to leave by our waitress. By all means the Forge is a place of great atmosphere, but it should hold up to its standards in every way.
(2)
Yoel G.
This place is a Miami institution and I have being there a couple of time but it has changed a lot. The main room is really crowdie now that you barely can walk between the tables and the bar is right away next to the room, so it is extremely and very uncomfortable lousy, It was a zoo. Luckily my dinner was in the library room, which is quitter and nicer. Very well decorated and a great ambiance. The food is ok, nothing memorable but very enjoyable. The highlight was the panna cota we had for dessert. Service was good and very timely, although the place was very busy. Overall, is always a great experience eating in the forge, even is not that spectacular anymore.
(4)
Mark V.
Recently celebrated birthday there. Good: the food was good all around. Had the 8 Oz center cut along with the Forge chopped salad and chocolate souffle. Our server Mike was a great server in helping with our first visit. Service all around was superb. The timing when each course was served was on time. Bad: had to ask for the Miami spice menu despite putting it on request when making the reservation on OpenTable. I know the note was read because the concierge mentioned happy birthday. Ugly: the noise level was louder than expected.
(4)
Ana G.
I was very much looking forward to my girls night at The Forge this past Friday since reading such great reviews. Unfortunately, my night did not go as expected. The atmosphere was great and so was the music. I can say the bread was the high light of the night. Starting off with the service, our waitress, Audrey did not meet up to the restaurants standards. Carding us for a bottle of champagne was a mission when she began to deny very rudely two of the girls ID's because they were "bent". We got the manager and he finally approved ID's. That was definitely very uncomfortable for us. We are young girls but definitely don't look under 21. Now let's get on to the food. I was so excited for my filet mignon. Being that FOUR out of the 5 girls got filet mignon, we all asked a certain way to have it cooked. When they brought out our entrees we began eating and half way through our steak we all realize and start asking each other "hey how is your steak? Cause I'm pretty sure I got the wrong one..." Really??!? I assumed they put the plates down and knew whose was whose. Was it too hard to ask if anything? Lastly, let's not forget the cherry on top. As we finished our dessert and they picked up the plate, 5 minutes later Audrey came to our table and suggested to take our "little party" to the lounge...Did we just get kicked out of our table? Yes, in an indirect way we were suggested to leave the table which should never happen no matter the restaurant. I am very disappointed. Very unsatisfied for the dinner we were so excited to have, especially the poor service.
(2)
Samantha G.
Forge has become our new spot for NYE...we love the bar staff and food! They have reasonable tickets and a great DJ...
(5)
Philip K.
Food is amazing and ambiance is spectacular. Wife and daughter loved the sea bass and I enjoyed the ribeye. It was rare and delicious. MUST ask the waiter for a tour of the wine cellar. Service is spectacular and a tour of the restaurant is included. Nothing like standing in the middle of a multi-million dollar wine collection.
(4)
Jillian Z.
Ugh. The forge is one of my old fave spots in Miami and usually the first place we go to when we are in town. We went last night (Friday) and was so disappointed in the experience. We were going to sit at the bar but there was a DJ in there, which at first I was excited about, but the music was BLASTING. Couldn't even hear the person next to you unless you were screaming in their ear. Also, the music could not have been worse. We opted for the dining room and had to listen to horrible wedding music all night. Gloria Gaynor? Soul Sisters?! Awful. Our server and all of the support staff were all excellent. The food was pretty good. I was disappointed in a couple dishes. The "whole fish" is not actually a whole fish as they have removed the head, bones etc, so it is just a piece of fish. Also the menu fails to mention that the fish sits on a bed at red bell peppers. (I hate bell peppers) and never would have ordered this dish had I known that it was just going to taste like a pepper. It wasn't terrible busy. We were one of the only tables in the back dining room. I like to course my own meal. We usually order 2 or 3 dishes at once and split everything. I have zero interest in any restaurant that makes you put your entire order in at once and they made us do this last night. Super frustrating.
(3)
Ilissa B.
This place is phenomenal. We were in Miami for a "mini moon" after our wedding and came here for dinner on a Friday night. Yes, the food is expensive, but considering the space, the decor, the quality of the food, and the service, both of us agreed that the pricing was fair. We paid just under what we paid here at a couple other restaurants, and the experience at the Forge was by far our favorite. First off, the property is gorgeous. There are multiple rooms and each is prettier than the previous. Especially exceptional was the private dining room, which was so spectacular. The food was fantastic - we had the salmon sushi and tuna tartare as appetizers and both were incredible, although the tartare was really fantastic. I had the sea bass, which was the best I have ever had, and he had the NY strip, was was also incredible. For dessert we had the special, which was peanut butter wontons with carmelized bananas and grape jelly gelato, and while I wouldn't need to order it again, it was very good and definitely like nothing I have ever tried before. Next time we are in Miami, we will definitely return, and most likely request a table in the library, as it was much more romantic and intimate of a room.
(5)
V S.
Iconic. Had to have dinner here with friends for my 50th. We had a lovely table, the food was really good, but this review is for the service. Our waiter pretty much ignored us and told us that we needed to get our appetizers and entrees at the same time. I didn't want to disagree or argue: it was my birthday and I was happy and open to whatever. While at the restaurant, I let things slide like the never refilled water glasses, the basket of bread (ONE for a table of 12!) that was whisked away and never returned, the over-my-shoulder wine pour that concluded with wine on the table and my arm, the table loaded with food, as per the waiter's insistence, and the insulting 20% gratuity tacked onto our tab. (This place is EXPENSIVE, especially the wine, so be prepared.) I didn't argue anything, but I do know my rights. You should, too: taxfoundation.org/blog/i…
(2)
margie k.
My husband, daughter, son-in-law and myself dine at The Forge this past Saturday, June 6th. We celebrated, birthday and Anniversary. The food and service was outstanding. Our waiter Jonathan could not do enough to make this a memorable evening. I also would like to comment on Gino Santangelo who guided us on a tour of the restaurant and Wine cellar. His knowledge of wine is outstanding. A must restaurant to enjoy a wonderful dining night out. We will be back again Christmas Eve.
(5)
Andi T.
I went with a friend for brunch buffet a while back and loved it. The decor was eclectic and tastefully put together- you can tell a great deal of effort was put into it. The atmosphere was pretty laid back for an upscale restaurant- which I enjoyed. The food was tasty & filling. The staff really drove home the decision that I, in fact, loved this restaurant and would be back.
(5)
Michael A.
This restaurant is impressive from the moment you drive up to it. Valet service is available for $10. We had reservations for 9:30 Friday night, got there at 9:29 and were immediately seated. Unfortunately where they set us at a table for two was too cramped. I asked to be moved and they found us a new table immediately. Mike was our server, very nice and funny as described by other Yelpers. We ordered a bottle of Champagne and ate from the Miami Spice menu. The food was good, not amazing, but it was a great experience. Saw Lisa Hochstein from Real Housewife of Miami and a few Heat players, didn't approach them, in Miami it's no big deal. The waiter wrote on my dessert Happy Birthday. Overall great experience!!
(4)
Ephraim M.
Great and amazng place awesome management and ownerhip I love these people!!
(5)
Elena I.
We came here for a a friend's birthday and we were not disappointed. We had the miami spice menu which was not only affordable, but quite delicious. Their wine menu is insane and surprisingly enough, has something for every budget. As usual, for me, what made the night spectacular was the service. Our server Juan was so sweet and knowledgeable. He took his time with us and always had a smile on his face. This iconic miami restaurant is not only delicious, it is also a feast for the eyes. The decor is as eclectic as they come and just breathtaking.
(5)
Gabrielle K.
Hadn't been to the Forge in (10) years and was surprised at how lively it still was. Our intention was just to have a drink at the bar but going ended up getting seated and having a great experience. The food was amazing and the service impeccable. Mary was our server. Definitely A+ service. She was very attentive and knew what we wanted/needed before we did. Will go back in a heart beat if she's our server again.
(4)
Lyza L.
"Wow," is all I can say. Superlative service, outrageous food, spectacular wine list, lots of wines "on tap." Of course, with a price tag to match. Totally worth it. Also a really cool interior. Perfect for an elegant girls' night out or a romantic date.
(5)
Therese D.
I can't tell you how excited I was to check out The Forge. As a Frank Sinatra I was beyond excited to sit in the same room as the legend had before me. When I went , they were offering the "Miami Spice" special which I took advantage of. Had a signature drink as well. Ambiance is very fancy, sophisticated, elegant. I came from a very late plane right away, didn't have much time to freshen up, so felt quite out of place, but service, food, and ambiance were quite lovely. Server was a little snobby, but it wasn't unexpected, this place is the height of sophistication in Miami!
(4)
Julianne B.
Really gorgeous place! Ask for a tour, and start with a drink at the bar. There's also free parking in the lot behind the restaurant. My three friends and I went to the Forge on a Tuesday night with 8pm reservations, and ordered off the Miami Spice menu. It was kind of awkward trying to find someone to seat us once we were done waiting at the bar, but it wasn't a big deal. We were seated in a cozy, dimly-lit room in the back. The table featured one big throne-like chair that was claimed by the guest of honor. Would be great for the birthday girl/boy. Had both a glass of champagne and their tarragon lemonade, made with gin. I loved the cocktail and would order it again. They offered us a generous bread basket with lots of good choices. You're presented with regular menus, and have to request the Miami Spice menus. There was absolutely no hint of snobbery when we asked for them and ordered exclusively from them. The appetizers were all great. My friends ordered the oricchiette and salad, and I had the French onion soup with bone marrow and beef carpaccio. Loved mine, and everyone else seemed happy. Two of us ordered the filet mignon entree, and they both came out perfectly medium rare as ordered. A nice cut, and a great sear. Loved it. The other two guests ordered the swordfish and said it was great. Desserts left a bit to be desired. One of us ordered the red velvet cake, and we all agreed that it looked like one of those rectangular weight watchers brand cakes that come wrapped in plastic. Gross. Three of us, myself included, ordered the molten chocolate cake. All three were over cooked--absolutely no molten lava to be found! The coffee ice cream and crunchy chocolate accompaniments were good though. Had no desire to finish the dessert. After drinks, tax, and tip, it was still pricy even with the Miami Spicy menu, but worth it. We'd heard this place is annoying with splitting checks, but we had no issue. One guest ordered something to go for her boyfriend, and had no issue getting that placed separately on her card. The rest they were able to split evenly between the four of us. Unlike other reviewers, we had no issues with the AC. Overall, highly recommend for a special occasion.
(5)
Alesandro R.
We were seated in a beautiful, quiet wine cellar away from the noise and hoopla of the main hall. The sommelier is a true scholar and a gentleman. Incredible service. Classical background music. Delicious wine. Best Kale salad I've ever had. Absolutely perfect steak meal. Definitely top-notch fine dining, although I must say if we were seated in the main hall (and not in the quiet private space) I probably would have hated it.
(5)
Lina C.
Ten minutes walk from the popular Fontainebleau, this dimly lit restaurant has nice decor and attentive service staff. The focaccia bread here comes out warm, and it's the best I have had. Unfortunately, the rest of the meal was not so impressive. The ceviche was too sour though the plantains were crispy good. The chopped salad had a nice presentation. For the entrees, the steak is tender except the parts that were blacked which gave it an unpleasant salty burnt taste. The truffled grits that come with it is yummy though. The meaty risotto entree was overpowering, and the risotto was mushy. The dessert sorbet was very good. Overall, a pretty restaurant with ok food.
(3)
ben s.
The best restaurant I have been to in Miami. Bone in ribeye with foie gras and black truffles is the greatest combination in life. The atmosphere is so cool. Definitely recommend for everyone, quite an unparalleled experience.
(5)
Luis A.
went to the forge on a travelzoo deal and to my surprise the selection on the limited menu was excellent i def recommended it specially if your taking a special lady...music was great and atmosphere was rockin...
(5)
Alberto F.
Waiters & bus boys were very professional and efficient. Unfortunately, that is the only pro comment about this restaurant that I will be making. Food: Good, but not impressive. (My filet mignon was the wrong temperature) Check time: what type of restaurant in the 21st century does not split checks? Apart from that they agreed to split but only evenly. Management did not necessarily make it any easier. To make a long story short... Appetizer, entree, and dessert took approximately 2 hours for a table of 11. Paying the bill took an extra 1 and 1/2. I don't see myself returning to this place.
(1)
Michael P.
Here now. Service is horrible and the food is okay. If you are visiting Miami don't come here. There are 1000 other places with better service and better food.
(1)
Michael L.
Everything about this restaurant is pretty amazing. The staff was extremely attentive. Tomahawk steak was cooked to perfection and the sides were on point as well as an extensive wine list. It's everything u want from a traditional steak house and more. Great experience highly recommend.
(5)
Richard P.
Great food, service, and atmosphere. Great place for a romantic dinner. Hardy took great care of us. Place is loud, but not overly.
(5)
Ren O.
I love the interior design, old Europe meets trendy Miami. We ordered the yellowtail and grouper ceviche. It was a bit bland, and I did not like the presentation in a simple cup. For main, we ordered the 8 oz filet mignon, as well as truffled fries and green beans. The meat was perfectly cooked and very juicy. The sides were also outstanding. Good wine list as many other Yelpers have mentioned.
(4)
Inga W.
We had a weekend getaway to Miami so while during the day we were beach bums we wanted to go out to some nice dinners. This place was nice, elegant, good service but the food was not amazing, especially for the price. We started with the stone crab claws for the appetizer and then we both got fish as our entree. The claws were great, the mustard sauce very refreshing and beautifully complemented the claws. I got the fish of the day and my husband got the fish in the bag. The fish were nicely prepared, well executed and presented but the sauces that accompanied them were a not so great pairing for the fish and they were cold, so if you poured it on you basically would have cooled down the whole dish. We preordered a souffle, which was just OK, too sweet, not fluffy enough, we've both had better. The grand total with wine and espressos in the end was almost $250. A bit confusing until we saw how much the crab claws were, $40 each, that's right for just one claw, I'm not sure what the market price for these is but this just seemed a bit high. We probably wouldn't have minded if the waiter let us know. We love good food but we also have high expectations...
(3)
Martin O.
The Forge re-opened in April 2010 so I was anxious to check out the new menu as well as the Enomatic Wine Dispensers in the bar. As we were waiting for our party to arrive, the W and I sat at the bar. The first thing I noticed were the Enomatic Wine Dispensers that allow you to sample a lineup of 72 different wines. The friendly bartender set us up with a Wine Dispenser card and before I knew, the W was off for her private demo on using the self serve wine dispensers. The self-service Enomatic Dispensers allow you to select 1 oz, 3 oz or 5 oz glasses of wine. There are shelves of wine glasses which make it easy for you easily move to your second or third glass of wine. There is even are a number of Apple iTouches with the Forge Wine Application providing you with a description of the wine. Meanwhile, I chilled at the bar and sampled one of their 8 draft beers. When our party arrived, our hostess found us at the bar and came to seat us. The waiter explained that they could serve us 5 oz wines form the Dispensers or were were free to get up and get our own from the Dispensers with the Wine Card. The W and I started that night with the Cesar Salad and it went well with the very large basket of bread. We followed it with Cheese and Bread for Two and the Porcini Seared Driver Sea Scallops (delicious). I sampled a Lobster Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich from a member of my party (one of the most unusual appetizers I have ever had). For a main course, the 3 Mushroom Risotto (best dish that night), the Bone In Fillet (very tender) and Duck Fries (just okay). For dessert, our party shared a Smores Souffle. After dinner, we migrated to the Library with the stained glass and boxes which is the part of the Old Forge I remember. As we were hanging out the library, we were asked of we wanted a tour of their wine cellar and private dining room. Shortly thereafter, we were walking amidst 300K bottles of wines; an office desk centuries old once owned by Napolean; a gated wine cellar that contains a $160K bottle of wine and a very private dining room that was simply museum like. A very nice dining experience with some great friends! There is valet parking and free street parking since the meters in this section of Miami beach ends at 6pm.
(4)
Nish N.
I needed to have one phenomenal dining experience while touring Miami, and The Forge came highly recommended. It's the sort of restaurant where ingredients interact with your senses, and you're challenged to reinterpret food. This can be a disaster in less able hands, but not with Chef Dewey doing his thing. My dining companion and I decided to share a few items, only to both realize that we could order completely different ones the next time without batting a lash. How can one resist a Lobster PB& J sandwich, or a tricked out Burger & Bordeaux, really? The 3 Mushroom Risotto was perhaps our favorite when all was said and eaten, but as I said above, I can easily see another visit to include the "Super Steak" and the Grilled Shrimp Waffle. Our server was attentive and friendly, and the foxy hostess even charged my iPhone for me. To start off the meal, I tried a Hot & Dirty cocktail that kicked me into high gear. The Forge also has an enomatic wine arrangement with something like 80 wines to try. It's yet another way of making the diners part of the experience, and not a bad way to sample some Opus One! Add in all the beautiful women and the men who can afford them and it's easy to understand why The Forge has become a destination worthy of all the accolades. I can now go back to San Francisco knowing that culinary dreams do exist out there, if you go looking for them!
(5)
Jeremy K.
Came here for my wifes birthday dinner. Made reservation 1 month in advance. So when we got there, we got the best seats in the house...smack dab in the middle...where we can see everyone! The building it self is so beautiful with its white outer columns. The hostess were beautiful and sexy!!! Everyone who eats there regularly has $$$$ and it was a bit of an older crowd. We started off with the beef tataki, good and tasty but nothing really crazy out there. She had the lobster bisque, which was perfect!!! not too creamy and heavy but smooth and tasty with lobster chunks.....we also had a few raw oyster, which were delicious and naturally sweet. For our main meal, I had the duck...had them extra crisp the skin so when it came out....it was sooooo delicious!!! It was a huge serving too!!! It was a whole 1/2 a duck....I couldn't finish it...but the crispy skin with the light gameiness of the moist meat was yummy. My wife had the Snapper in the bag, which came out piping hot, moist, tender too!!! Our waiter Preston was pretty nice to us, he had lots of good recommendations, answered all our questions and made our dinner special. He even gave us a birthday dessert on the house. Really cool guy. Would come back if in miami again!!!
(5)
Tom H.
one of miami's classic!!! expensive!!! but the attention, its history and the food is worth it!!!
(5)
Stephanie G.
I went to dinner at the Forge last night with one of my best friends for a belated birthday dinner. Last night was the end of Miami Spice and the restaurant was quite busy, but the service was still excellent. In fact, we were taken aback with the quality of the service. I was also very impressed with their wine list. To start we had the smoked salmon croquettes with a spicy guava sauce and peppered cream. The croquettes were quite good, but not the best I've had. For our entrees we ordered the three mushroom risotto and the oak grilled new york strip steak. The risotto was very good and the highlight of our meal. The steak was mostly fat. Once the fat was cut away there were about three bites left of my half. I think if I hadn't had such high expectations of this place, my review might have been better. I also feel guilty because I chose the venue for our dinner and I think there were probably several better options available. But, knowing that the restaurant's regular menu is quite pricey it makes me think of other steak houses I've been to in Miami where the quality of the meat was just so much better. For dessert we had the turron nougat cheesecake. Although the dessert did taste good, it wasn't out of this world and not what one would except to have at a restaurant the likes of the Forge. They added honey roasted grapes to the dessert along with sauterne jelly, but it was more of a garnish than a significant part of the dish. It didn't seem to "go" with the rest of it. Something tells me the Forge's regular menu is much much better than what they serve for Spice, so I'd give them the benefit of the doubt. But after this introduction, I can honestly say I doubt I'll be going back.
(2)
Janet P.
Best chopped salad I've ever had. Beautiful and delicious. But the place is mammoth and eccentrically designed. We were one of two parties in the room so it was a bit weird and uncomfortable. It's an odd spot, but again...that salad. Amazing.
Young crowd, good atmosphere, great food. If you like martinis be sure to try the bacon stuffed olives
(5)
Mark S.
I've been going to this restaurant since the early 70's and I must say I was very disappointed with my meal and the service. Super steak super raw sent it back three times and they were never able to get it right. Couldn't hear the waiter do to the horrible music and his didn't speak above a whisper. Spent $1500.00 for diner for 8 ,which I certainly don't have a problem with if it was worth it. My guests who all have been going to this establishment as long as I have and where all disappointed. Get your shit together Shareef the competition is brutal.
(1)
Caro P.
My mom and I did the Miami spice here. The staff were exceptional and educated. The FOOD was AWESOME. We started off with the BBQ lamb ribs. Comes with about 5 small pieces . Then for entree we had the filet mignon with the mustard sauce and yucca tostone. Finally, for dessert I had the chocolate and hazelnut cake and my mom had the lemon pan cotta. Oh and I almost forgot the bread and butter they give in the beginning is absolutely amazing! It was truly a 5 star experience.
(5)
Lauren C.
I came here for my friend's 30th birthday dinner. We visited Miami for a celebration, and a celebration we got. The food here is superb. The atmosphere is superb. The service is superb. It really is "as good as it gets!" Now let's talk about The Zombie. It's a drink. Doesn't that tell you enough? It's almost like a better, cooler Long Island Iced Tea. It doesn't make you a zombie... but it does make you super drunk. :)
(5)
Kristen M.
I love the vibe and atmosphere from this place! The high chairs, gold trimmings, and mirrors make me feel like I am somewhere in between a trendy town and a renaissance castle. The music is loud and we were seated in an area lifted above the floor with lights all around us which I loved because you had a great view of everything. Our waiter accidentaly poured an extra glass of the wine I ordered so he just gave it to me for free which sold the deal. The food was good, I had the filet mignon and I wish I had enough room for their famous desserts... My bf likes a quick service and this is not the place where you order receive your food and leave. You can sit there enjoy your appetizer then order your meal, sit there some more and then dessert.
(4)
Rachel S.
I am kind of torn between my rating here. I wanted to give the Forge 5 stars. I really did. But the while the food was 5 stars all the way, the service was 3 at best. Here's the break down: Wine: We started with the 2007 Cabernet Savignon. It was perfect in color, flavor, and paired well with all of our dishes. Appetizer: "PAN SEARED CRAB CAKE,ROASTED APPLE AND CALABAZA SALAD, WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD AIOLI" Lump blue crab meat pan seared in crispy polenta. Every bite was fabulous. Entree: I had the "BAROLO BRAISED SHORT RIB with PROSCIUTTO BACON, POLENTA, ONION RINGS" Beautifully presented, meat was savory, soft-fall off the bone. Delicious My date had the ""BONE-IN" PRIME 18 OZ FILET MIGNON OAK GRILLED, GRAND MARNIER AU POIVRE SAUCE". He really enjoyed it. For dessert we shared the butterscotch souffle. Very Very yummy. Every dish was 5/5. We were told about this expressively when ordering our appetizers and advised that we must order this at least 35-40 minutes in advance. Here's where the rating declined:We felt rushed during the entire experience. Every time we would get into our conversation the waiter would be there trying to get us to hurry up and order, eat the food on our plates, or let them clear it away. I know that some may consider this attentive but it was closer to pushy in this case. After being prodded twice to order more wine we did. When mine was poured, the waiter (accidentally, I think) spilled it all over the base of the glass, the table, and on my dinner fork. He then disappeared. When we finally got his attention he came by and acted as if it was my fault. I hadn't touched the glass since he'd poured the wine. He came back with a napkin, then left again saying it was the wrong napkin. When he returned he did wipe up the wine and took my dinner fork as well. Then our entrees arrived. I had no fork, so my date tried to grab one for me from another table. Just then the waiter returned, gave me another fork and took away the one my date had just gotten for me with an admonishing expression. Once again we were rushed through our dinner and ended up leaving over most of the food. Our waiter and busboy were hovering to try to take our plates so we finally let them. Overall the food was great, but at prices this high you are also paying for great service. It helps when you have both, and we did not.
The best restaurant I have been to in Miami. Bone in ribeye with foie gras and black truffles is the greatest combination in life. The atmosphere is so cool. Definitely recommend for everyone, quite an unparalleled experience.
(5)
Luis A.
went to the forge on a travelzoo deal and to my surprise the selection on the limited menu was excellent i def recommended it specially if your taking a special lady...music was great and atmosphere was rockin...
(5)
Alberto F.
Waiters & bus boys were very professional and efficient. Unfortunately, that is the only pro comment about this restaurant that I will be making. Food: Good, but not impressive. (My filet mignon was the wrong temperature) Check time: what type of restaurant in the 21st century does not split checks? Apart from that they agreed to split but only evenly. Management did not necessarily make it any easier. To make a long story short... Appetizer, entree, and dessert took approximately 2 hours for a table of 11. Paying the bill took an extra 1 and 1/2. I don't see myself returning to this place.
(1)
Michael P.
Here now. Service is horrible and the food is okay. If you are visiting Miami don't come here. There are 1000 other places with better service and better food.
(1)
Michael L.
Everything about this restaurant is pretty amazing. The staff was extremely attentive. Tomahawk steak was cooked to perfection and the sides were on point as well as an extensive wine list. It's everything u want from a traditional steak house and more. Great experience highly recommend.
(5)
Richard P.
Great food, service, and atmosphere. Great place for a romantic dinner. Hardy took great care of us. Place is loud, but not overly.
(5)
Ren O.
I love the interior design, old Europe meets trendy Miami. We ordered the yellowtail and grouper ceviche. It was a bit bland, and I did not like the presentation in a simple cup. For main, we ordered the 8 oz filet mignon, as well as truffled fries and green beans. The meat was perfectly cooked and very juicy. The sides were also outstanding. Good wine list as many other Yelpers have mentioned.
(4)
Catherine C.
I love this place! The beef tartare is to die for and the wine selection is really good. We went here for dinner with 2 friends and we had a great time. The ladies singing out of nowhere is hilarious and highlight of the nite. Their food is incredible, coming back here very soon.
(5)
Jenna R.
I heard that Forge was a place I would have to experience if I was a foodie.... I made reservations for 8:00 and got seated at 750 which was a nice surprise . I started my evening with some champagne of veuve clicquot that was 25.00 a glass which I thought was a little high . If you come on Fridays they have 10.00 a glass or 50.00 a bottle.... Which is a great deal! I was very frustrated at first when I tried to order my dinner... I have a gluten allergy and also dairy ... I asked my server to help accommodate and the result ended in one fish option or I would have to get steak..... That was a very disappointing solution and with a late reservation I really didn't want steak at 930 at night ... The service besides that hiccup was actually very good ... They had a man coming around always checking to make sure that everything was okay .... I did get steak which was the filet mignon 8oz and found it to be amazing. My aunt and I both got the filet and I got it medium and she got it medium rare ... There was absolutely no difference in color . The Vice President Joseph Day was an obvious presence of authority- he visited casually at tables to make sure the experience was what people were expecting. I hesitated to speak up when he approached our table but decided to mention two key points 1) when ordering your drinks be mindful it's going to take a good 20 minutes- I ordered a wine with my steak and literally had to wait to have a bite of it for at least 20 minutes when no one was at the bar 2) when you are told that you can't make a piece of fish gluten free dairy free get the manager because it's absolutely possible ( finding out later) Joe turned my awful dining experience into a very memorable amazing experience that has left me wanting to experience it over and over again- I gave it 4 stars for the hiccups but the management and customer service changed an entirely bad night into a very special dining experience . I also wanted to mention the customer service that Justin provided who was also just a gem in the dining industry. I highly recommend this restaurant not just for the great food but for the ambience, customer service and ability to take responsibility and make your dining experience be magnificent.
The service was great! That i give them a 5 for. The ambiance and the decor was also really cool and gave the restaurant a great vibe. The food however, was not that good. The filet Mignon was a little dry and not too flavorful, the salad was okay. On a positive note, the bread variety basket is great!
(3)
Casey D.
My husband and I went while on vacation in Miami we had reservations at Michael Mina but we sat down there and quickly left after the service was horrendous so glad we found The Forge!. From the minute we walked in we were greeted by a sweet hostess that actually ran outside to get us because we went in the wrong entrance! The restaurant is beautiful! We were seated in a great table with a seat that made me feel like a queen! Then the biggest surprise! My husband discovered he knew the Chef Christopher Lee from his Four Seasons days. Being my husband is an amazing 5 diamond award winning chef makes it hard to find restaurants up to our standards! Chef Lee made our experience just incredible and came out and talked about the old days as well as his excitement to come to Miami. Our waiter was very professional and charming as well. We had the beef tartare The crabcake (my favorite), and a french onion soup that was perfectly prepared. THEN...the Chef sent over many dishes for us to try including the amazing donut with foie gras on top! That was heaven on a plate! To end our dinner, the pastry chef sent over amazing and beautiful desserts. To end our dinner again, the incredibly charming sommelier gave us an incredible tour of the vast wine collection that would blow your mind. The entire experienxe was perfect. The other waiter serving next to us, Chris was so good that I had to comment to him how good he was and could hear his passion. It turns out my husband knew him too! What a small world which turned out to be an amazing experience for us. This restaurant should be at the top of your list NOW! We are very picky when it comes to food and mostly service and this exceeded all of our expectations. Why in the world those other restaurants are even on a list of go to places doesnt make sense. THE Forge blew them away!
What an AMAZING experience!!!!!!! When I inVision going to a restaurant I expected to be like this. This place is superb. The food, the ambiance, the service, alllll stellar. Not 1 complaint. Christopher was our server/tour guide. You can tell he really enjoys his jobs & respects the Chef. He ra down the Chefs AWSOME accolades. He guided us through the menu like a perfectly navigated capt. My mother feel in love with him which is a plus. I think he actually enhanced my taste buds as he described the menu. If I open up a restaurant I need this guy. I hope this restaurant takes care of this guy as well as he does the customers. We started off with the jerked bacon, sushi, & ravioli, all three were excellent & perfectly cooked. Cesar salad was made table side by a very entertaining gentlemen, didn't catch his name. Entrees we had the Red Snapper(Best plate presentation of a fish dish I've ever seen in Miami), & the Duck w/gnocchi. So good, I wanted to ask for an encore, instead we just ordered an awesome dessert The custard pie with vanilla gelato Excellent. Thank you Forge
(5)
Ethan G.
I am a frequent customer of The Forge and there is nothing more impressive than taking your out-of-town relatives to just about the best dining EXPERIENCE in South Florida. Everything was as usual...perfect. Thank you once again and I look forward to hearing this being said to me many more times..."Great choice Ethan...!"
(5)
Jack S.
Celebrated a birthday with friends at the famous forge Beautiful place with a lots of history We ordered one entry from apps to soup & main course The house chopped salad great Scallop app very skimpy but good Overpriced The lobster corn chowder was very good The tuna great presentation but bland The steak was very good We spotted a glass of wine for 6.00 deal But an average cup of American coffee Was. 6.00 come on All in all service was less than ok Overpriced. But that's the forge
(3)
Natasha P.
What happens in the champagne room stays in the champagne room. Or just stop by the back private room at Forge if you're doing a big group dinner. Rumor has it that a power hungry JackieO sold off the chandeliers at auction while redecorating the White House, and they found themselves hanging above our heads at the Forge. Further Pro tip: make your own playlist and they'll stream it directly into the back room so you can enjoy a perfectly seared filet, and a plethora of bread choices all while listening to Ms. Taylor Swift discuss her next mistake. Only downsides include lighting so low that I had to pull out my phone to see, and chairs spaced so far apart you better enjoy your closest neighbors company as across the table footsie will remain merely a pipe dream.
(5)
Deepan M.
What a beautiful historic place! When you enter, you are not sure where you are. The blend of artistic lights and tall chairs with amazing tables made with whole trees. Absolutely worth going just for the history. We went for a deal we got on Gilt that was a three course meal with wine. The appetizer onion soup with beef broth got all my senses open. An explosion of flavor! Everyone had different meals, from a nice filet, to pasta, to the salmon. They were all good. The place was a little loud and felt a little like a loud lounge. People were drinking at the bar and the dress code was definitely sportscoat or formal dress. Great fun night, but the thing I remember the most is the tour of the wine cellar and private rooms in the back. Breathtaking!
(5)
Sevann H.
Went here for a work dinner while in Miami. We had a group of 50 or so and were seated in a private dining area. The rest of the restaurant seemed very nice, would definitely recommend dressing up for this place. We had a limited menu to choose from so I can't speak to all of the dishes but I did have a taste of my colleague's chicken, mashed potatoes and steamed spinach dish. The presentation was beautiful, chicken tender and delicious. My salmon was delicious, although nothing life-changing. It was served over a bed of couscous which had just enough flavor without too much salt. The salad we were served at the beginning of the meal was also beautifully plated. Deseret was a chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream. Fantastic! Can't speak to the price since the meal was free.
2 stars for the deco and the food was ok. Less stars for the crowd. If you're under 50, then go somewhere else. Service was painfully slow. Took over an hour for meal to arrive after ordering (the excuse was because one person in the party ordered the burger and the meat is very thick, it takes a long time to cook). The music and C grade entertainment cater to the seniors market (the table of geriatrics next to ours were loving it) Was here a few years back and it used to be way better. In summary, this place is waaaaay past its prime. Don't bother.
(2)
Paul M.
I have not been to the Forge since their renovation and I have to say that the venue looks great. We came here to celebrate a friend's engagement and had reservations for a party of 7 at 9:30. The hostess instructed us to wait by the bar until a table was ready. It was a Friday night so the place was packed. I'll say the vibe was pretty cool with just the right speed of music to keep it going but not a full-blown nightclub experience. Although we had a great time having drinks at the bar I was a little disappointed that we were finally seated at 11:00 PM. 1.5 hour wait WITH a reservation is never good. We were seated at a nice table in the back and was surprised to find out it was Miami Spice. I'm glad that they actually gave us those menus without having to ask for them like some other places. Some of our table ordered from the regular menu, but I opted for the Spice as it was a very good deal. I started with the shrimp appetizer which was awesome. The shrimp were very large and delicious. The cerviche was also excellent. For the main I had the petit Filet which was cooked perfectly and was definitely full afterward. My buddy had the 14oz bone in filet which he could not finish. I tried it and the petit filet was just as good. The wife had the Arcitc Char which was EXCELLENT. I was a little annoyed that the server tried to give us the bill before our deserts came. After we pointed this out it took and additional 30 minutes for the desserts to finally come out. By the time we left it was probably near 4 hours we had been there. Overall I would say that the food and venue are great. The exorbitant wait for a table and the dessert fiasco were big negatives. Still, if you are looking for a place to impress a date with a great vibe I would probably recommend as long as you know what you are getting into.
(3)
A. L.
The Forge was a staple in mid-beach. It was a place of dreams. I always thought I was in an old classic 50s movie there. Not anymore. They changed it from a special place into a circus: Think "Mangos" South Beach. What's worse is the food was sub par and drinks way over priced. Gone are Donald Trump, Bill Gates, Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan as visitors. Here are Bachelorette parties from Hialeah, Opa Locka, Kansas, and your regular "douche" button up shirt "wanna be' scenesters. Not their fault. They had to keep up with all the steakhouses in Miami Beach so they changed. Fine. But dam- got the Miami Spice menu last Friday night and the Kale Salad was great, bread was great, but the Filet Mignon they poured McDonalds sweet and sour sauce all over it. Might was put ketchup on it. I know from friends of mine who are chefs that they put sauce on ":cheap" cuts of meat. Do you really have to cut corners for Miami Spice. Other than that the evening was OK, performances were OK. Yeah, they have one song every hour where someone sings. What you pay for - loud bachelorette parties, one song an hour, and decent overpriced food. Its just not what it used to be. Positives- Wait staff was very efficient and friendly. Bartenders not bad, but not great. Negatives- (above) Do not come here on a Friday with a date. Come here on an off night. If you have guy friends, girl friends, come for one drink and dip.
(2)
Eddyg M.
Our family of five came here for the Miami Spice menu. Our son is getting ready to return to FSU & this was our last fancy meal before he goes. We had never been before. Our waiter was Endy Morffi. His attention to detail was excellent! He was very thorough explaining the history of the restaurant, as well as the providing tid bits on the decor. At the end of the meal he gave us a tour of the establishment. He was great at conversation & customer service. We had a marvelous waiter & a wonderful time. Our appetizers were yellow fin tuna tartare, bleu cheese wedge salad & French onion soup. Our entrees were filet mignon & the salmon. Our deserts were the chocolate lava cake & lemon pound cake. We were thrilled with the meal. Very delicious! The Miami Spice menu at The Forge changes weekly. We can easily go back and have another great experience.
(5)
Nicole C.
The Forge was absolutely fabulous they treat my hunny like a King on his Birthday. The food was so fresh the waiters was so nice and the Wine was great and I'm not big on wine. They gave us first class service and its was so worth the check and much more
(5)
Belinda B.
So this is my second Forge experience, the first was almost flawless...this second was flawless! From the first step under the entrance awning to the entire wait staff (can we bookmark a waitstaff on yelp? I'm bookmarking Jonathan from NYC) to the mixologist (mad scientist) to the manager (great table-side convo) to the beautiful lady that helped me in the restroom! Flawless. Wait...I'm forgetting something, oh, yes!, my meal was impeccable! Sweet and savory, soft and crispy, elegant and rustic breads accompanied by creamy butter, whimsical tuna tartare with scallion pancakes, salmon cooked perfectly with fresh greens, beautiful lemon pound cake to complete my meal...and a nice, crisp Riesling. Can I say more? Yes, but go experience it for yourself and tell me what you think. According to my daughter, The Forge is the best restaurant in Miami. I concur.
(5)
Kim C.
This restaurant was like something out of a dream. Beautiful architecture and a warm ambiance makes your dining a true experience. Live entertainment on Saturday nights too! Came during MiamiSpice restaurant week and had a three-course meal for an unbelievable $39! Our server, Matthew, was phenomenal; very attentive, informative, and even gave my party a private tour of the grounds. The Forge is a must for your visit!!
It would definitely be 5 stars for the service and the breathtaking style and architecture- but I have to account for the food too unfortunately. I'm really disappointed by their filet mignon. The edges were charred and it fully took away from the flavor of the meat; it just killed it. I've been to many fancy steakhouses and never have they done this to my meat- and on top of that, they didn't even ask my permission to cook it that way. The bread was also nothing special and left me needing to down my wine to get the taste out of my mouth. The only item truly worth consuming was the chocolate lava cake desert- it was rich and heavenly. Also while we were there, on one side of us was a young couple throwing a fit in the middle of the restaurant. The woman was raising her voice and cussing and stamped out multiple times to cry in the bathroom. On our other side was a pimp (seemingly) and two higher-class hookers. Lol- this place is definitely the place to come to people watch! The people that dine here have less class than people at Denny's! Still I would probably come back, give them another try, have their amazing desert, and take in the gorgeous art everywhere. Do not order steak- if you like to enjoy the actual flavor of your meat. Bring a camera to capture the Jerry Springer episode unfolding throughout the dining room. Check out of the wine cellar- it's definitely a sight to see.
(3)
Brenda P.
As a (former) big fan of The Forge, I have lost count of how many times I have dined at the restaurant in the last 15 years. I've celebrated it all since the pre-Yelp and pre-Opentable days. The most memorable for me would have to be my birthday party held in the private wine cellar and attending their Caymus dinner in the back banquet space. The Forge, for me, has always been that "sure-thing" I could always count on: always a class act, deep Miami Beach roots, and exceptional food. I have been meaning to return to try out the new chef's cuisine and was able to finally visit last week. I walked in and was greeted by Hardy. Well, that was a nice surprise. Hardy Hill, formerly of Big Brother (I'm a huge BB nerd) and who I last saw at (the sadly now-closed) Catch Miami. That wasn't the only change. I heard the music right away. I didn't give it much thought thinking it was perhaps the tail end of their happy hour in the bar area, but that was not the case. Old and young Miami Beach were all in attendance. What a mix of people! We sat down right away. Our waiter had to keep bending down, uncomfortably close to speak to us because it was just so damn loud. I need to point out that I don't necessarily mind loud music in restaurants. That just has never been the thing at The Forge and not what I thought I was doing on this particular night. From what I can remember, before the remodeling, the music was always towards the back of the restaurant and never at these kinds of decibels. It can be that the structure is just not meant to hold that kind of level? The acoustics are definitively off in there. As for the music, it was a cross between EDM and lounge music: not as upbeat as EDM and not as slow as lounge tunes. What I do know is that it was the same thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump,thump, FOR AN HOUR. NO LYRICS. NO TEMPO CHANGE. JUST thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump. Then, in a random change, the "DJ" (or someone) played (freestyle) "Diamond Girl." Huh? Only to then thump thump it again for about 5 minutes. Then, he/she/it played Yaz's "Situation" and back to the thump. *Check out the 3 videos I uploaded* But wait, there's more! A spotlight came on and a (jazz or something like it) singer came out for ONE song. Again, it was all off because it was SO.DAMN.LOUD. Once she was done, you guessed it, back to the thump thump thump. So, in a nutshell. Thumps for an hour. Diamond Girl. Thumps. Situation.Thumps. Jazz. Thumps. I could not get out of there fast enough. The food? Oh yeah, the food. Who could think of the food in the midst of all that madness? I will say that I loved the foie gras-cronut appetizer and the table side prepared Caesar salad. The salad was fun and definitively a one time deal because it's overpriced. As good as it was, it's still just a salad. The Colorado rack of lamb was smaller than I'm used to, not the best I've ever had (like at Wolfgang's), but it was good. My husband seemed to enjoy his sea bass. I didn't love the PB&J wontons, but did enjoy the Dark Chocolate Napoleon. Another sour point to my night? The bathroom attendant. Again with the club thing. The Forge has one of the coolest bathrooms on the beach and perhaps the most photographed one. Everyone photographs themselves inside the opulent, chic mirror framed interior. Well, that just got ruined. The bathroom attendant has a huge spread of hairspray, brushes, make up, yadda yadda cluttering up the counter. And really, why do we need an attendant? Are we dancing? Sweating? Is it too hard to pump our own soap and grab our own towels to dry our hands after we wash them? Was dinner that strenuous that I need backup help to look perfect? GTFOH! I feel like the restaurant is trying way too hard to compete with it's southernmost SOBE sibling and I really don't think it needs to reinvent itself to be that way. Why? It has always been full when I visited before as it was now. I've never put say, STK and The Forge in the same sentence. If I want the clubby feel with my dining I will head to (soon to reopen) STK, a place like Baoli, or any of the frivolous-trendy-never lasting- restaurants in South Beach. Lastly, their policy of not allowing outside wine with a corkage fee is outdated. While I always put up with it before because of my love for the place, I am certainly over it now. It's a big deal considering I am paying (up to) four times, over retail, for bottles I have at home. Not worth it. I hope they rethink this phase, go back to their roots, and start behaving like the Miami Beach ICON that has always been The Forge. Until then, I'm out!
(3)
Todd N.
Took my wife for a special dinner at The Forge. The atmosphere was elegant but not pretentious, the service was prompt, servers were knowledgable and engaging and the food was excellent. My filet was cooked perfectly as was my wife's and the accompaniments complemented the meal quite nicely. All in all, a nice, romantic dinner!
(5)
Amy D.
Solid steakhouse in Miami with excellent service. My friend made reservations for a party of 4 at 8pm on a Saturday night, and they were packed- definitely make sure you have a reservation if you're dining here on the weekend! We were seated right after we arrived, and we ordered: -Complimentary Bread Basket: I liked that you got a variety of different breads, and they were good, but not amazing. I think I liked the plain butter roll the best. -Yellowfin Tuna Wellington (Wild Mushrooms, Spinach, Foie Gras, Red Wine Reduction, $36, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Not so great, and fishy smelling/tasting. We were all looking forward to trying this inventive dish, but it was so disappointing! And for some reason, one piece smelled and tasted fishy whereas the other one didn't- despite the fishiness, I didn't think the ingredients worked well together and wouldn't order this again. -16oz Spiced Rubbed Boneless Ribeye ($45, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Yum- the rib eye was seasoned well and cooked perfectly. I wish the cut had more fat in it, but I liked that it had a really good sear. -Black Truffle Mac & Cheese Pot Pie ($14) & Roasted Brussels Sprouts w/Duck Confit ($10) [ yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… : Both sides were good, although I liked the mac n cheese a bit more. -Crispy Loaded Baked Potato ($12, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Surprisingly, this potato was actually too crispy for my liking, and I wished the sour cream, etc was served in the potato vs. in separate little containers for you to do it yourself. However, my friend really liked the crispiness of the potato, so it really depends on your preference- I wouldn't order it again though. -Espresso ($6): Nice and strong, and a great way to end the meal. Our server was amazing, and I wish I had remembered his name. He was attentive but not overbearing, and was also super accommodating about taking a group photo for us. We also requested a tour of the wine room, which is a must if you have time and are interested in wine- their room is amazing, and they have some great stories to tell. You also get to see the private dining table in the wine room where past presidents and celebrities have dined at. My only complaint is with the live music- some of the songs were good, but it's really hard to find songs that all of the diners would enjoy hearing, and it was more distracting then entertaining. Overall, The Forge is a great place to go for a nice dinner/special occasion (dressing up highly recommended), with the swanky ambiance and excellent service. Parking in this area seemed tough, although they have valet available.
(4)
Francine S.
What a beautiful birthday experience at The Forge! My serve Audrey was very informative not only about the food but about the history of the restaurant itself! Audrey was very attentive and professional, she made my dining experience very special indeed!!!
(5)
Katrina L.
I've been wanting to try this restaurant for a while and Miami Spice gave me the perfect opportunity to do so. I cannot rave enough about the food and the service!! I had the wedge salad, petite filet mignon and the chocolate lava cake for dessert-- the filet mignon was cooked to perfection and the chocolate lava cake melted in my mouth! I had their signature drink called Smoke on the Water...wow! The flair in which it was presented was sensational...the smoking and the bubbling of the drink was an event and the taste was sublime! I will definitely come back here again very soon. Hmm, my birthday is in December...
(5)
Dan C.
I went with the Travelzoo deal for $99 and I was not one bit impressed. They give you a Travelzoo prefix menu with choices: 3 appetizers, 3 main entrees, and 2 desserts. It also includes 2 glasses of either white wine or red wine per person. So the place itself is gorgeous and very spacious. Beautiful and expensive looking decor. The lights were too dim for our liking. Our choices: For appetizer: German Ale and cheese soup: Completely bland so we added salt which brought out a lot of the flavors. It had duck in it which tasted really good. Salmon tartare: Such a shame here... nice amount of salmon but it was overwhelmed by the taste of the cream cheese on top. It had so much potential :( Entrees: Filet Mignon with brussel sprouts: I ate about half but the smell of the steak was awful...I couldn't force myself to eat it anymore. The brussel sprouts were too salty. The Grouper: Nice size of grouper. This was really simply done so it tasted really good. Dessert: The molten lave chocolate cake was the highlight of this night. Delicious. And the tiny scoop of coffee ice cream was good. The wine was a mystery. The one they offered us was none of the ones in the menu and remained nameless. The server would just bring a cup from the back and fill your wine cup. Weird. It was fine. Probably a good cheap wine. The verdict: I'm sure that based on previous reviews this restaurant has a lot of good things to offer but based on the sample we received, we were left wondering if they are really as good as the ratings claim.
(2)
Nestor M.
I highly recommend the beef and tuna tartar. My spice was a great value and you cannot beat the ambiance or the scenery
(5)
Kimberly B.
Wow wow wow wow wow!!!! Came with a large group of 15 or so and had the private room with the extra large table & chairs. That alone is enough to make you feel fabulous. I ordered the filet with a side of bernaise sauce and the meat just melted in your mouth. The truffle fries were delicious. After our meal we left the room and the main area had a DJ, dancing girls & a great night vibe. I would highly recommend coming here on a date or with a group of girlfriends!
(5)
Ashley K.
Well worth the price! My husband and I recently went there for my birthday. You walk im and the wait staff immediately makes you feel welcomed and comfortable. We ordered the NY strip and the filet. The Filet was the most tender, flavorful steak we had ever tasted. Our server made a great recommendation. The smores souffle was decadent, but light and fluffy. Everything was to perfection!
(5)
Kyle O.
I have been to "The Forge" a few times in the past which always provides great service, delicious food and the best atmosphere in Miami. However, I was never aware of the history of this Miami Staple. I got the chance to see some of the private rooms tonight. Truly amazing. Thank you Danilo for the excellent customer service, I look forward to doing my next business event here.
(5)
Shayla B.
From the moment you feast your eyes on the Alice in Wonderland decor, you will realize why the Forge has been a Miami institution for 40 plus years. We arrived on R & B night (Sunday), where they serve $50 bottles of Moët and the same at $10/ glass. Our bartender Renzo, was pouring up a concoction called 'Smoke on the Water' which I'm definitely going to try next time.The ambiance was fun, the food, exquisite, and the music kept us dancing in our seats. Our server, Richard guided us through our courses seamlessly. The beef tartare is to die for and the Salmon entree provided on the Miami Spice menu ( a special prix fixe menu offered during the months of August and September) was delish!!! I highly recommend this restaurant on ANY night as it is sure to please.
(5)
elizabeth m.
I will begin by stating that this is my first visit to the Forge Restaurant. I invited my sister and we had a wonderful experience. First of all our server Audrey was exceptional she had a smile on her face from the moment she came to our table. She answered all of our questions and gave us prompt, courteous and efficient service. The food was delicious we both had the German and Cheese soup followed by a filet mignonette and the chocolate lava cake. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. The service and food were so great we had to tell the manager in person. He was very humble and gracious. I would rate this dining experience a 10+. If you ever choose to dine at The Forge, which I highly recommend please make sure to ask for Audrey, you will be happy you did.
(5)
Dania V.
visited for Miami spice wonderful food. Perfect portions, excellent service. We had grouper and file mignon, they were both excellent. The lava cake dessert was to die for
(5)
Michelle L.
I'm not really sure if our experience applies for every night but here goes for what you can expect on a Friday night at the Forge. We had reservations for dinner at 9. My friend wanted to have a nice birthday dinner. We walk in and it is extremely hot and packed inside. We give the host our names and she says there is a wait for our table for four but to go to the bar and enjoy some drinks.. We head to the main bar to wait for our table and the music is blarring all sorts of 80s freestyle classics, which was fun, and the special is on Veuve champagne $10 a glass $50 a bottle. We dive in. Time passes and still no word on our table. Finally an hour has passed from our initial 9 pm reservation and the host says, "the guests have finished at your table but they simply wont get up." I guess people hang out at their tables because Friday nights this place is sort of a dinner lounge party atmosphere. Hour and a half and we are finally seated. Normally if I know this is going to happen I would just have drinks and bites at the bar but my friend wanted a dinner so by 10:30 pm we were starved!! We are escorted finally to where our table was. Yes the room is beautiful but it is hard to take in this beauty when we are hungry and hot! "The AC is not working correctly tonight" says our waiter. It's August and the service staff here must be dying. I find all of this to be unacceptable at "The Forge" Ok now for the pros: The Miami Spice menu was good and the filet mignon was delicious. Highly indicative that this place has a great steak on their menu. I would definitely return for that but on a different night where music isnt blarring and the restaurant feels more like an intimate setting rather than Club Babylon from the movie Scarface!
(3)
Lavinia P.
Every dinner at The Forge is a real treat - upscale ambiance, fantastic food, top notch service and overall experience make you feel like royalty. I had the pleasure of dining in their wine cellar during a couple of high end whisky dinners and I will never forget the experience. No place like it in Miami. Or anywhere else for that matter. The Friday happy hour is not to pass, please ask for Justin, their irreplaceable mixologist, and ask him to make you a "Blood & Sand". You will never want to drink anything else.
(5)
Peter G.
One word Amazing! Had dinner here last night and everything was perfect. I had the 8oz center cut filet it was to die for. Javier was our server very attentive and always with a smile. Everyone makes you feel like royalty. Only one thing i was uncomfortable with was the restrooms have an attendant there and i'm not to fond of that. Overall excellent experience, Thank you Forge.
(5)
Daniela O.
The place is very nice, it is very chic and retro, the downside is that they charge you 20% tip regardless of the number of people eating at the table. I had the ceviche and it was awful, I honestly never return a plate but had to do it because the taste of the fish was very bad. In summary I think is a very fancy place, very expensive and the food is so so
(3)
Javier M.
Arrived with a large group of ten for a bachelor party and were seated promptly. The decor of the restaurant is excellent and has a mix between intimate but still very live and outgoing. We were seated in the back room, where the bachelor was seated in a giant black chair "Scarface" style which was pretty cool. The rest of us were seated on some metal chairs that weren't particularly comfortable but I can appreciate the restaurant trying to be different and cool. For cocktail I had a mad mango which was excellent. For an appetizer I had a caesar salad which was really, really good. Make sure to try it when you go. They make it at your table with fresh ingredients and it was really the best part of the meal. The wine was also very good. Then it got bad which gave this restaurant 3 stars instead of 4. I may have ordered the wrong thing. Some of the other people in my party enjoyed their main course. For an entree I had the ribeye which was not good. It was dry and really had no real taste to it. As a side they serve you with a sort of bbq sauce which was equally as bad. As a side dish I had the mashed potatoes which were AWFUL. I mean really how can you mess up mashed potatoes? The Forge is worth a try if you are in Miami or around that area. However, be weary of what you order because not everything is good. Overall, I wish I could give this restaurant 3 1/2 stars. Definitely, not four star worthy.
(3)
Lizzie P.
Be prepared to spend a lot of money!!! its expensive AND KNOW THAT THE TIPS IN MIAMI ARE ADD TO THE BILL... check your bill.. I was very disappointing about the food... very expensive and NOT tasty at all,,, ceviche was beautiful on the plate, but flavorless.. The place is beautiful, but very dissapointing to see some people walking in in shorts and flipflops.. This should NOT be allowed by the restaurant management. Most everyone dresses up for the occasion, why not make it classier all the way!!! NO SHORTS NO FLIP-FLOPS
Great service at bar for Miami Spice stop over. The menu and quality was tiptop. I highly recommend this to anyone.
(5)
Charlotte H.
I celebrated my 25th Birthday here! It Was absolutely delicious! I ordered the filet mignon with the Mac and cheese pot pie! So amazing! Everyone in my party was extremely satisfied with their meals as well. The atmosphere is out of this world. You feel as though you are in a lush restaurant in a Hollywood movie. I gave this place 4 stars because they were a little disorganized with how they take reservations. I had called one month in advanced to make a reservation for 15. When I called the night before to confirm they had no record of my reservation...Even though I had put a card on file. I had to put up quite a fight for them to fit me back in. The manager fid a good job of correcting the error though. All in all it was a great experience; I highly recommend it!
Food was great. Ambience beautiful.Filet very tender. Desserts beyond. Biggest complaint I had is they overcharged us $50.00 on the bill . Waitress said she read the #s wrong. Waiting for it to be settled. Otherwise highly recommend.
(4)
Michelle C.
My husband took me here to celebrate my birthday. It was a nice trendy restaurant with great decor. It's Miami Spice restaurant month so they had a great deal for prix fix menu, which included appetizer, filet mignon, and molten cake. I highly recommend coming here to try their $39/person prix fixe for dinner.
(3)
Amanda P.
Pretty good restaurant. The service started out kind of crappy at first when the lady found out that we were part of the Gilt menu (I figured maybe because she thought we were cheap, I don't know) but then she completely changed her mood once the food came and everything was fine! The gilt was definitely worth it but I probably wouldn't visit again. Oh... And the bread was AMAAAAAAAAZING, I wanted a second baskets
(3)
Larry C.
The best of the best Dean their wine expert is so knowledgeable and caring because for most people wine selection intimidating but not here The GM Miki really watches all services and the food is so well prepared I am saving up to go again
(5)
Mark K.
Delicious restaurant. Great service and awesome atmosphere. You'll enjoy yourself no matter what the occasion. CHEERS!
The outrageousness of the price, matched the deliciousness of the steak. 10/10 would go again if money was no object. Had the 16oz boneless ribeye. I can think of only one or two other steaks I've had that were as delicious. What stood out in particular was the spectacular crust. Had a little bit of spice (bite) to it that I really appreciated. The mac and cheese was also quite good.
Frank Sinata. Al Capone. P. Diddy. J. Lo. Just a few of the celebrities who have frequented The Forge over the years. Apparently, The Forge used to be many things before it was a restaurant. It was a residence to the wealthy, an inn for the tourists and a brothel for the horny. If the walls could talk in this place, you'd hear more scandalous stories than TMZ, Perez Hilton and The Inquirer combined. The Forge has an undeniable character and boasts a woodsy-chic decor that smells of rich mahogany and Sex Panther (60% of the time, it works every time). But, we ain't in San Diaaaago, friends. We are on Miami Beach. There is NOTHING in the City of Miami like The Forge. You can count on having a unique experience to be talked about for the ages. Where do I begin? I've been to The Forge twice, both times I dined with work cohorts and clients in their private rooms. EPIC private rooms, I should say. The first room I call: The Alice in Wonderland Room. The table is carved from a massive tree that can only exist in a forest next to Mordor. Don't get me started on the chairs. They are 9 feet high. I'm almost 6 feet fall without heels and I looked like a little baby sitting in this thing. The walls are coated with whimsical patterns and the lighting is part chandelier, part tree branch. The only unfortunate part about the seating arrangement is that you and your brethren are very spread out. You need to pretty much shout across the table to hear each other, but I am not complaining. The Mad Hatter would be pleased and maybe even show up on time for his date. The other room I call: The Grand Wine Cellar. Why? Well, because you are literally dining in their exclusive (and very chilly) wine cellar next to bottles of wine older than my Great Great Grandmother. The room is exquisitely beautiful with mirrored walls and a grand table that stretches the length of the room. Just off to the side are other rooms filled with even more wine - total value of the wine is upwards of $7 million bucks. I'll drink to that! On both occasions, we required the help of Dean, their Sommelier. Dean is a man who is a big teddy bear sweetheart who knows and loves his vino. I can point to a bottle on the shelf and he can tell me where it's from, when it was made, by who and what it would be paired well with without missing a beat. Seriously impressive, but then again, that is his job. Since these were both work functions, my boss got to pick the wine and I honestly could not tell you what it was. All I know, it was the smoothest, tastiest and most expensivest wine I've ever had. I felt like a superstar swirling wine in my glass like a true wine connoisseur would. But, I ain't no wine snob. Bring on the Yellow Tail and this girl is a happy camper. OK, finally, we have the food and service. OMFG. We ordered seafood towers overflowing with ceviche, monstrous prawns, east/west coast oysters, tuna tacos and king crab. I can't even! Succulent. Next in line is the main course. My boss decides to go family style and order plethora of crap from the menu. A little bit of the grilled Branzino with forbidden rice (which I find out is a Mediterranean fish), duck fat fries, t-bone tomahawk steaks with truffle butter, and truffled mac-n-cheese. I'm pretty sure I clogged an artery or two at dinner and will probably pay for this later in life, but it was just too damn good to worry about my diet. Last but not least, we have dessert. Chocolate souffle with Grand Marnier sauce for drizzling purposes. Sweet Jesus. Other honorable mentions include the s'mores/chocolate mousse thingy (see photo) and the key lime tart. Can't end my review without giving a major shout out to the servers who put up with our crazy requests and treated us no differently than Kanye, Kim and their entourage. Clearly I have nothing but great things to say about The Forge. Be prepared to put a hurting on your bank account and eat ramen noodles for the next month. But it's worth every penny my friends. Bon Appetit!
(5)
Danielle G.
This restaurant was just gorgeous. The food was incredible. The server we had was very helpful with suggestions, especially suggesting something according to you're taste. The libations are delicious, fresh and beautiful. The night we went they had live singers that where wonderful. They made a point to sing to the birthday girl i was there with! We we're treated like royalty. I enjoyed everything we had! Definitely going back!
(5)
Gigi M.
We went to the Forge for Miami Spice, and even though we had reservations we had to wait about 40 mins for to be seated. The atmosphere is very nice and trendy. I had the snapper and my friend had the filet mignon. They were both excellent! As a side we had sweet potato mash. I thought it was an excellent value for Miami Spice, otherwise be prepared to spend a lot as this restaurant is on the pricey side
(5)
N S.
From the moment that we walked into the door we were treated respectfully and curiously. The maître de, Hardy, could not seat us on time and in a more than generous gesture bought us a round of drinks. After waiting longer he even compt our dessert. Once we were seated the food was extraordinary. Our foigrois was out of this world and the desserts were freshly made and delicious. The steaks were organic fair I don't believe they were prime but they were very fresh. The wait staff, especially Neil, was excellent and clearly professional. On top of all the great food service and ambiance, there was live music. Truly a wonderful experience and must for anyone living or traveling to the area. Kudos.
(5)
Lindsay K.
LOVED this place! The food & wine was 100% up to par. We ate here a few nights ago with a group of 7 people. I don't live in Miami but I'd definitely want to go again.
(5)
Lawrence P.
I was excited to try Chef Christopher Lee's cuisine. But any excitement I had coming in quickly banished. I shall title this review "If I wanted to go to a club, I would have." Are you kidding me? Why is it that a staple like The Forge, a restaurant that has been around since the 1920's, a classic, an icon on the beach, would feel the need to turn its dining room into... a club experience. I didn't go to dinner with the wife to hear crappy Miami Beach music blasting throughout the main room for the entirety of my dinner. Are you kidding me?!?!?!?! The food was fine. The Foie Gras was easily the best in show while the Miso Seabass was well done. Skip the table side Cesar Salad cart experience. The show is not worth $18pp though the salad tasted fresh. Also, The Forge is one of but a handful of restaurants at the beach that doesn't let you bring your own wine. Thus, we paid $157 for a bottle of Col Solare. I have about 40 of those in my cellar... at $39 per bottle. RIP The Forge... You will be missed. Another classic bites the dust...
(3)
Jess F.
I had a fantastic meal at the Forge while visiting Miami. Its steaks were well worth the price. The quality was top shelf and I would absolutely visit again. Highly recommended for a nice date night out on the town.
Delicious food with excellent service. Dinner can be pricy, however, they do have specials ,occasionally, dinner for 2 including a glass of wine for $99.00, can't be beat. Try this gem on Miami Beach you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Carolina M.
The Forge is a Miami Landmark. Went on a Friday night. I had not been back in many years. We got there around 7:30 PM and as a Miamian, i know that is early for dinner, so unsurprisingly, there was not a lot of people there. I had forgotten how beautiful the place is, they renovated it some years ago and looks better than ever. It is a little too over the top, but it definitely adds to the whole ambiance. VERY luxurious. Beautiful decor, huge rooms, chandeliers, books, lights, the works. Our server was friendly and the rest of the staff was nice as well. Everyone greets you as you walk to your table with a smile on their faces. Now to the food. We ordered the Colossal shrimp= yummy. The wedge= OK The black truffle mac n cheese= Delicious Organic salmon= very good Filet Mignon= Very good The panna cotta= which some other reviewer called "flan" , but in reality is a panna cotta= was good but not great. Their selection of wines is outstanding and immense. Good cocktails too but we each had wine by the glass. By 8 or 9 the place was packed. It is very Miami, with the typical Miami crowd, i thought most of the crowds are locals, not tourists. If you have not been, you have to. It's an experience in itself. Like i said,"very Miami" which can be both good and bad.
(4)
Stephen F.
I hesitantly purchased and visited The Forge using a Travelzoo deal for $99 for two, as a birthday gift to my boyfriend. I was initially hesitant because I have had bad experiences dinning at several other nice restaurants during the annual Spice promotions: the wait staff becomes visibly annoyed and less attentive as soon as you request the discounted / pre fix menu. That being said, we were treated like royalty here! The waiter was so polite, prompt, formal, yet personal... everything you expect and hope for when fine dinning. We received a three course meal with two glasses of wine. The french onion soup was perfect, savory taste without being overly salted. The 6oz filet was perfection, tender and lite pink in the center, every bite was pure meat lover's heaven. We destroyed the chocolate lava cake in less than 2 mins. After our meal, I was gushing to the manager about how pleased we were with everything from the service to the ambiance, when to our surprise, he offered us a tour of their renowned wine room. This in itself made the visit worth it. The wine rooms are so amazing and perfectly kept, millions of dollars worth of delicious fruit of the vine held securely in bank vault like conditions. Needless to say, The Forge deserves all the praise and acclaim its known for in Miami Beach. Just a wonderful experience all around!
(5)
Jenny G.
Had drinks at the bar and they were fabulous. Then dinner was one great dish after another. Finally, I had some divine orange dessert. All in all a fantastic experience.
(5)
margie k.
My husband, daughter, son-in-law and myself dine at The Forge this past Saturday, June 6th. We celebrated, birthday and Anniversary. The food and service was outstanding. Our waiter Jonathan could not do enough to make this a memorable evening. I also would like to comment on Gino Santangelo who guided us on a tour of the restaurant and Wine cellar. His knowledge of wine is outstanding. A must restaurant to enjoy a wonderful dining night out. We will be back again Christmas Eve.
(5)
Andrea M.
Oh let me count the ways I LOVE THIS RESTAURANT! I went on a Saturday with a group of girls for my sister's bachelorette party. We had previously purchased a Travelzoo voucher (normally as soon as the restaurant knows you are not paying full price...the service lacks). Everyone was absolutely amazing! One of my cousins lost something and 5 workers came over with flashlights looking everywhere trying to find it. Our waitress, Mary, was the best. She was patient (9 girls are pretty indecisive lol) and made sure our entire visit was seamless. The manager, Mickey, came over to our table multiple times to make sure the service we received was impeccable. There were live entertainers who made our experience even more amazing. The food....PERFECTION! At the end of our amazing, perfect, astounding meal. We were greeted by Mickey again and asked if we would like a tour of the wine cellar. After we took pictures all over the restaurant (the workers were very patient taking pictures of 9 girls constantly saying..."I do not like how I look in this picture"), we were escorted into the wine cellar where we were greeted by Dean (The sommelier). His knowledge of wine and the history of The Forge restaurant was unbelievable. Of course...we had to take more pictures inside the wine cellar...of which Dean took. I will visit this restaurant EVERY SINGLE TIME I come to Miami from now on. Job well done to all of the Forge workers...I can honestly say this was a WOW experience for my friends and I.
(5)
Kyla C.
The place to go in south beach! Service, food, and atmosphere are on point! I'm vegan, they happily accommodated. Yum! The wine cellar was amazing! A must try for sure!
(5)
Greta G.
What an amazing restaurant! The atmosphere here was awesome and the food was incredible. Our server, Matthew, went the extra mile for my boyfriend and I have the best and overall experience of the restaurant. He even gave us a tour of the restaurant and explained the history of it, which was quite an experience that I will not forget! This was the best restaurant I have had in Miami. Definitely coming back here and wishing there was one in Chicago,
(5)
Ary G.
It was my first time at the Forge with all my girls, the atmosphere was great and the restaurant is beautiful. However, the service was terrible. To begin with, our waitress was Audrey. She denied some of the IDs at the tables because they were bent (this is the first time in history this has ever been a problem for me) Instead of trying to help us and call the manager she just made it a problem for us. Sure enough I, myself, requested the manager and he came and simply solved the problem. Several of us at the table ordered filet mignons. Once we each started eating our steaks we realized that they weren't cooked to the way we requested. They just placed the plates down and didn't make it an issue to give us the right ones. I've been to many other restaurants where they know who is eating what without a problem, or simply they ask! BUT WAIT, two seconds after paying for our food, Audrey asked us to leave the table. Never have I EVER, been asked to leave the table after I paid, no matter how many people are waiting. This to me was just disrespectful and rude. Once we weren't needed anymore for their convenience, we were asked to leave by our waitress. By all means the Forge is a place of great atmosphere, but it should hold up to its standards in every way.
(2)
Yoel G.
This place is a Miami institution and I have being there a couple of time but it has changed a lot. The main room is really crowdie now that you barely can walk between the tables and the bar is right away next to the room, so it is extremely and very uncomfortable lousy, It was a zoo. Luckily my dinner was in the library room, which is quitter and nicer. Very well decorated and a great ambiance. The food is ok, nothing memorable but very enjoyable. The highlight was the panna cota we had for dessert. Service was good and very timely, although the place was very busy. Overall, is always a great experience eating in the forge, even is not that spectacular anymore.
(4)
Mark V.
Recently celebrated birthday there. Good: the food was good all around. Had the 8 Oz center cut along with the Forge chopped salad and chocolate souffle. Our server Mike was a great server in helping with our first visit. Service all around was superb. The timing when each course was served was on time. Bad: had to ask for the Miami spice menu despite putting it on request when making the reservation on OpenTable. I know the note was read because the concierge mentioned happy birthday. Ugly: the noise level was louder than expected.
(4)
Ana G.
I was very much looking forward to my girls night at The Forge this past Friday since reading such great reviews. Unfortunately, my night did not go as expected. The atmosphere was great and so was the music. I can say the bread was the high light of the night. Starting off with the service, our waitress, Audrey did not meet up to the restaurants standards. Carding us for a bottle of champagne was a mission when she began to deny very rudely two of the girls ID's because they were "bent". We got the manager and he finally approved ID's. That was definitely very uncomfortable for us. We are young girls but definitely don't look under 21. Now let's get on to the food. I was so excited for my filet mignon. Being that FOUR out of the 5 girls got filet mignon, we all asked a certain way to have it cooked. When they brought out our entrees we began eating and half way through our steak we all realize and start asking each other "hey how is your steak? Cause I'm pretty sure I got the wrong one..." Really??!? I assumed they put the plates down and knew whose was whose. Was it too hard to ask if anything? Lastly, let's not forget the cherry on top. As we finished our dessert and they picked up the plate, 5 minutes later Audrey came to our table and suggested to take our "little party" to the lounge...Did we just get kicked out of our table? Yes, in an indirect way we were suggested to leave the table which should never happen no matter the restaurant. I am very disappointed. Very unsatisfied for the dinner we were so excited to have, especially the poor service.
(2)
Samantha G.
Forge has become our new spot for NYE...we love the bar staff and food! They have reasonable tickets and a great DJ...
(5)
Philip K.
Food is amazing and ambiance is spectacular. Wife and daughter loved the sea bass and I enjoyed the ribeye. It was rare and delicious. MUST ask the waiter for a tour of the wine cellar. Service is spectacular and a tour of the restaurant is included. Nothing like standing in the middle of a multi-million dollar wine collection.
(4)
Jillian Z.
Ugh. The forge is one of my old fave spots in Miami and usually the first place we go to when we are in town. We went last night (Friday) and was so disappointed in the experience. We were going to sit at the bar but there was a DJ in there, which at first I was excited about, but the music was BLASTING. Couldn't even hear the person next to you unless you were screaming in their ear. Also, the music could not have been worse. We opted for the dining room and had to listen to horrible wedding music all night. Gloria Gaynor? Soul Sisters?! Awful. Our server and all of the support staff were all excellent. The food was pretty good. I was disappointed in a couple dishes. The "whole fish" is not actually a whole fish as they have removed the head, bones etc, so it is just a piece of fish. Also the menu fails to mention that the fish sits on a bed at red bell peppers. (I hate bell peppers) and never would have ordered this dish had I known that it was just going to taste like a pepper. It wasn't terrible busy. We were one of the only tables in the back dining room. I like to course my own meal. We usually order 2 or 3 dishes at once and split everything. I have zero interest in any restaurant that makes you put your entire order in at once and they made us do this last night. Super frustrating.
(3)
Ilissa B.
This place is phenomenal. We were in Miami for a "mini moon" after our wedding and came here for dinner on a Friday night. Yes, the food is expensive, but considering the space, the decor, the quality of the food, and the service, both of us agreed that the pricing was fair. We paid just under what we paid here at a couple other restaurants, and the experience at the Forge was by far our favorite. First off, the property is gorgeous. There are multiple rooms and each is prettier than the previous. Especially exceptional was the private dining room, which was so spectacular. The food was fantastic - we had the salmon sushi and tuna tartare as appetizers and both were incredible, although the tartare was really fantastic. I had the sea bass, which was the best I have ever had, and he had the NY strip, was was also incredible. For dessert we had the special, which was peanut butter wontons with carmelized bananas and grape jelly gelato, and while I wouldn't need to order it again, it was very good and definitely like nothing I have ever tried before. Next time we are in Miami, we will definitely return, and most likely request a table in the library, as it was much more romantic and intimate of a room.
(5)
V S.
Iconic. Had to have dinner here with friends for my 50th. We had a lovely table, the food was really good, but this review is for the service. Our waiter pretty much ignored us and told us that we needed to get our appetizers and entrees at the same time. I didn't want to disagree or argue: it was my birthday and I was happy and open to whatever. While at the restaurant, I let things slide like the never refilled water glasses, the basket of bread (ONE for a table of 12!) that was whisked away and never returned, the over-my-shoulder wine pour that concluded with wine on the table and my arm, the table loaded with food, as per the waiter's insistence, and the insulting 20% gratuity tacked onto our tab. (This place is EXPENSIVE, especially the wine, so be prepared.) I didn't argue anything, but I do know my rights. You should, too: taxfoundation.org/blog/i…
(2)
Andi T.
I went with a friend for brunch buffet a while back and loved it. The decor was eclectic and tastefully put together- you can tell a great deal of effort was put into it. The atmosphere was pretty laid back for an upscale restaurant- which I enjoyed. The food was tasty & filling. The staff really drove home the decision that I, in fact, loved this restaurant and would be back.
(5)
Michael A.
This restaurant is impressive from the moment you drive up to it. Valet service is available for $10. We had reservations for 9:30 Friday night, got there at 9:29 and were immediately seated. Unfortunately where they set us at a table for two was too cramped. I asked to be moved and they found us a new table immediately. Mike was our server, very nice and funny as described by other Yelpers. We ordered a bottle of Champagne and ate from the Miami Spice menu. The food was good, not amazing, but it was a great experience. Saw Lisa Hochstein from Real Housewife of Miami and a few Heat players, didn't approach them, in Miami it's no big deal. The waiter wrote on my dessert Happy Birthday. Overall great experience!!
(4)
Ephraim M.
Great and amazng place awesome management and ownerhip I love these people!!
(5)
Elena I.
We came here for a a friend's birthday and we were not disappointed. We had the miami spice menu which was not only affordable, but quite delicious. Their wine menu is insane and surprisingly enough, has something for every budget. As usual, for me, what made the night spectacular was the service. Our server Juan was so sweet and knowledgeable. He took his time with us and always had a smile on his face. This iconic miami restaurant is not only delicious, it is also a feast for the eyes. The decor is as eclectic as they come and just breathtaking.
(5)
Gabrielle K.
Hadn't been to the Forge in (10) years and was surprised at how lively it still was. Our intention was just to have a drink at the bar but going ended up getting seated and having a great experience. The food was amazing and the service impeccable. Mary was our server. Definitely A+ service. She was very attentive and knew what we wanted/needed before we did. Will go back in a heart beat if she's our server again.
(4)
Lyza L.
"Wow," is all I can say. Superlative service, outrageous food, spectacular wine list, lots of wines "on tap." Of course, with a price tag to match. Totally worth it. Also a really cool interior. Perfect for an elegant girls' night out or a romantic date.
(5)
Therese D.
I can't tell you how excited I was to check out The Forge. As a Frank Sinatra I was beyond excited to sit in the same room as the legend had before me. When I went , they were offering the "Miami Spice" special which I took advantage of. Had a signature drink as well. Ambiance is very fancy, sophisticated, elegant. I came from a very late plane right away, didn't have much time to freshen up, so felt quite out of place, but service, food, and ambiance were quite lovely. Server was a little snobby, but it wasn't unexpected, this place is the height of sophistication in Miami!
(4)
Julianne B.
Really gorgeous place! Ask for a tour, and start with a drink at the bar. There's also free parking in the lot behind the restaurant. My three friends and I went to the Forge on a Tuesday night with 8pm reservations, and ordered off the Miami Spice menu. It was kind of awkward trying to find someone to seat us once we were done waiting at the bar, but it wasn't a big deal. We were seated in a cozy, dimly-lit room in the back. The table featured one big throne-like chair that was claimed by the guest of honor. Would be great for the birthday girl/boy. Had both a glass of champagne and their tarragon lemonade, made with gin. I loved the cocktail and would order it again. They offered us a generous bread basket with lots of good choices. You're presented with regular menus, and have to request the Miami Spice menus. There was absolutely no hint of snobbery when we asked for them and ordered exclusively from them. The appetizers were all great. My friends ordered the oricchiette and salad, and I had the French onion soup with bone marrow and beef carpaccio. Loved mine, and everyone else seemed happy. Two of us ordered the filet mignon entree, and they both came out perfectly medium rare as ordered. A nice cut, and a great sear. Loved it. The other two guests ordered the swordfish and said it was great. Desserts left a bit to be desired. One of us ordered the red velvet cake, and we all agreed that it looked like one of those rectangular weight watchers brand cakes that come wrapped in plastic. Gross. Three of us, myself included, ordered the molten chocolate cake. All three were over cooked--absolutely no molten lava to be found! The coffee ice cream and crunchy chocolate accompaniments were good though. Had no desire to finish the dessert. After drinks, tax, and tip, it was still pricy even with the Miami Spicy menu, but worth it. We'd heard this place is annoying with splitting checks, but we had no issue. One guest ordered something to go for her boyfriend, and had no issue getting that placed separately on her card. The rest they were able to split evenly between the four of us. Unlike other reviewers, we had no issues with the AC. Overall, highly recommend for a special occasion.
(5)
Alesandro R.
We were seated in a beautiful, quiet wine cellar away from the noise and hoopla of the main hall. The sommelier is a true scholar and a gentleman. Incredible service. Classical background music. Delicious wine. Best Kale salad I've ever had. Absolutely perfect steak meal. Definitely top-notch fine dining, although I must say if we were seated in the main hall (and not in the quiet private space) I probably would have hated it.
(5)
Lina C.
Ten minutes walk from the popular Fontainebleau, this dimly lit restaurant has nice decor and attentive service staff. The focaccia bread here comes out warm, and it's the best I have had. Unfortunately, the rest of the meal was not so impressive. The ceviche was too sour though the plantains were crispy good. The chopped salad had a nice presentation. For the entrees, the steak is tender except the parts that were blacked which gave it an unpleasant salty burnt taste. The truffled grits that come with it is yummy though. The meaty risotto entree was overpowering, and the risotto was mushy. The dessert sorbet was very good. Overall, a pretty restaurant with ok food.
A friend from the neighborhood recommended the Forge after recently returning from vacation in South Beach. She described it as good food and one where they kept bringing her glasses of wine. Being a wine-o, I oculdn't ask for a better recommendation! We arrived on time and were promptly seated. My first thought was "cool decor"! The distressed brick walls, interesting lighting and big mirror on one wall - great ambiance! Almost French Provincial meets New York City. I started with the Ceviche special - the waiter highly recommended it. It had large chunks of fish in a tangy citrus marinade. The popcorn on top was an interesting addition but didn't do much for me. I then had the Mushroom risotto off of the menu - delicious. My friend started with the kale salad and then had the fish specail - both were very good. The wine list, particularly by the glass, was extensive but a little expensive. I stuck to prosecco and a nice French Burgundy. A side note: people watching was a lot of fun here - the "nice people" of Miami Beach - look for Ferrari's, Maserati's and other to drive up for valet parking.
We had a weekend getaway to Miami so while during the day we were beach bums we wanted to go out to some nice dinners. This place was nice, elegant, good service but the food was not amazing, especially for the price. We started with the stone crab claws for the appetizer and then we both got fish as our entree. The claws were great, the mustard sauce very refreshing and beautifully complemented the claws. I got the fish of the day and my husband got the fish in the bag. The fish were nicely prepared, well executed and presented but the sauces that accompanied them were a not so great pairing for the fish and they were cold, so if you poured it on you basically would have cooled down the whole dish. We preordered a souffle, which was just OK, too sweet, not fluffy enough, we've both had better. The grand total with wine and espressos in the end was almost $250. A bit confusing until we saw how much the crab claws were, $40 each, that's right for just one claw, I'm not sure what the market price for these is but this just seemed a bit high. We probably wouldn't have minded if the waiter let us know. We love good food but we also have high expectations...
(3)
Nadeem B.
The steak was billed as "The Best Steak in America", as challenging a statement as I've read in quite a while. However, I have to say they are quite correct. It was, hands down the best steak I have ever had. To make things better, the Apple Pie Sundae was even better, if you can beleive that. Although the prices are steep, it was worth every penny. I cannot reccomend this place highly enough. If you are in Miami and can only eat at one place, this is it.
(5)
Martin O.
The Forge re-opened in April 2010 so I was anxious to check out the new menu as well as the Enomatic Wine Dispensers in the bar. As we were waiting for our party to arrive, the W and I sat at the bar. The first thing I noticed were the Enomatic Wine Dispensers that allow you to sample a lineup of 72 different wines. The friendly bartender set us up with a Wine Dispenser card and before I knew, the W was off for her private demo on using the self serve wine dispensers. The self-service Enomatic Dispensers allow you to select 1 oz, 3 oz or 5 oz glasses of wine. There are shelves of wine glasses which make it easy for you easily move to your second or third glass of wine. There is even are a number of Apple iTouches with the Forge Wine Application providing you with a description of the wine. Meanwhile, I chilled at the bar and sampled one of their 8 draft beers. When our party arrived, our hostess found us at the bar and came to seat us. The waiter explained that they could serve us 5 oz wines form the Dispensers or were were free to get up and get our own from the Dispensers with the Wine Card. The W and I started that night with the Cesar Salad and it went well with the very large basket of bread. We followed it with Cheese and Bread for Two and the Porcini Seared Driver Sea Scallops (delicious). I sampled a Lobster Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich from a member of my party (one of the most unusual appetizers I have ever had). For a main course, the 3 Mushroom Risotto (best dish that night), the Bone In Fillet (very tender) and Duck Fries (just okay). For dessert, our party shared a Smores Souffle. After dinner, we migrated to the Library with the stained glass and boxes which is the part of the Old Forge I remember. As we were hanging out the library, we were asked of we wanted a tour of their wine cellar and private dining room. Shortly thereafter, we were walking amidst 300K bottles of wines; an office desk centuries old once owned by Napolean; a gated wine cellar that contains a $160K bottle of wine and a very private dining room that was simply museum like. A very nice dining experience with some great friends! There is valet parking and free street parking since the meters in this section of Miami beach ends at 6pm.
(4)
Nish N.
I needed to have one phenomenal dining experience while touring Miami, and The Forge came highly recommended. It's the sort of restaurant where ingredients interact with your senses, and you're challenged to reinterpret food. This can be a disaster in less able hands, but not with Chef Dewey doing his thing. My dining companion and I decided to share a few items, only to both realize that we could order completely different ones the next time without batting a lash. How can one resist a Lobster PB& J sandwich, or a tricked out Burger & Bordeaux, really? The 3 Mushroom Risotto was perhaps our favorite when all was said and eaten, but as I said above, I can easily see another visit to include the "Super Steak" and the Grilled Shrimp Waffle. Our server was attentive and friendly, and the foxy hostess even charged my iPhone for me. To start off the meal, I tried a Hot & Dirty cocktail that kicked me into high gear. The Forge also has an enomatic wine arrangement with something like 80 wines to try. It's yet another way of making the diners part of the experience, and not a bad way to sample some Opus One! Add in all the beautiful women and the men who can afford them and it's easy to understand why The Forge has become a destination worthy of all the accolades. I can now go back to San Francisco knowing that culinary dreams do exist out there, if you go looking for them!
(5)
Jeremy K.
Came here for my wifes birthday dinner. Made reservation 1 month in advance. So when we got there, we got the best seats in the house...smack dab in the middle...where we can see everyone! The building it self is so beautiful with its white outer columns. The hostess were beautiful and sexy!!! Everyone who eats there regularly has $$$$ and it was a bit of an older crowd. We started off with the beef tataki, good and tasty but nothing really crazy out there. She had the lobster bisque, which was perfect!!! not too creamy and heavy but smooth and tasty with lobster chunks.....we also had a few raw oyster, which were delicious and naturally sweet. For our main meal, I had the duck...had them extra crisp the skin so when it came out....it was sooooo delicious!!! It was a huge serving too!!! It was a whole 1/2 a duck....I couldn't finish it...but the crispy skin with the light gameiness of the moist meat was yummy. My wife had the Snapper in the bag, which came out piping hot, moist, tender too!!! Our waiter Preston was pretty nice to us, he had lots of good recommendations, answered all our questions and made our dinner special. He even gave us a birthday dessert on the house. Really cool guy. Would come back if in miami again!!!
(5)
Tom H.
one of miami's classic!!! expensive!!! but the attention, its history and the food is worth it!!!
(5)
Stephanie G.
I went to dinner at the Forge last night with one of my best friends for a belated birthday dinner. Last night was the end of Miami Spice and the restaurant was quite busy, but the service was still excellent. In fact, we were taken aback with the quality of the service. I was also very impressed with their wine list. To start we had the smoked salmon croquettes with a spicy guava sauce and peppered cream. The croquettes were quite good, but not the best I've had. For our entrees we ordered the three mushroom risotto and the oak grilled new york strip steak. The risotto was very good and the highlight of our meal. The steak was mostly fat. Once the fat was cut away there were about three bites left of my half. I think if I hadn't had such high expectations of this place, my review might have been better. I also feel guilty because I chose the venue for our dinner and I think there were probably several better options available. But, knowing that the restaurant's regular menu is quite pricey it makes me think of other steak houses I've been to in Miami where the quality of the meat was just so much better. For dessert we had the turron nougat cheesecake. Although the dessert did taste good, it wasn't out of this world and not what one would except to have at a restaurant the likes of the Forge. They added honey roasted grapes to the dessert along with sauterne jelly, but it was more of a garnish than a significant part of the dish. It didn't seem to "go" with the rest of it. Something tells me the Forge's regular menu is much much better than what they serve for Spice, so I'd give them the benefit of the doubt. But after this introduction, I can honestly say I doubt I'll be going back.
(2)
Janet P.
Best chopped salad I've ever had. Beautiful and delicious. But the place is mammoth and eccentrically designed. We were one of two parties in the room so it was a bit weird and uncomfortable. It's an odd spot, but again...that salad. Amazing.
Young crowd, good atmosphere, great food. If you like martinis be sure to try the bacon stuffed olives
(5)
Miami R.
Just came back from another great visit to the Forge. I don't know why I haven't written a review before. Even though the restaurant is an icon, it still deserves being reviewed. Especially since it's so good. The remodel looks fantastic, it's as classy as every. Classy but not dated. When you come a couple of times, they remember your name give you that welcoming returning welcome. If you're new to the Forge, they still welcome you in an inviting way. Joe, the GM, is always on the floor, going from table to table, checking in on the tables, catching up with regulars and creating experiences that make you want to come back. The drinks (which is what my wife is the master of) are fantastic. She gets the cucumber martini every time we come. I get the diet coke. Always a great vintage on the diet coke haha. We almost always get the lobster peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the pomegranate lamb ribs appetizer. This time I had the hangar steak with the tostone and onions ( I don't like tostones, but I love these) My wife had the NY and I brought a guest this time and he had the super steak. He was very satisfied (and he's a pain in the behind a lot of the time) we split some asparagus, short rib hash and duck home fries. The macadamia nut bread they give you is ridiculously good, the butter you can't get enough of. I was sooo close to getting the seabass, but since everyone else got meat, I decided to keep that trend going. Next time, seabass for sure. We had the apple pie sundae. The apple was a little too hard for my liking, but the rest of it was really good. We also got the blueberry fritters. I heard my wife make noises I didn't know she could make. She kept talking about it on the ride home and even when we got home. I strongly suggest you give that one a try. If you feel a little intimidated, come in and sit at the bar. you can snack on items and watch a game or whatever is on the tv's. But, I assure you, you'll come back and you'll sit at a table and enjoy. The wine list is huge, if you haven't already heard, just google it. To wrap it up, The ambiance is top notch The service is high quality The food is world class The vibe is what they write stories about. Go on a date, bring a group of friends, whatever, just go. In case you couldn't tell, this is a positive review on what you should already be trying.
(5)
Max S.
Great place that makes you feel special despite the Miami Spice discounted prices. My girlfriend and our friend each ordered from the Miami Spice menu which everything came out wonderful. There was a slight oops with my steak but the waiter Jason recognized it without me even having to say it. With one look he took it back had them cook me a new steak. While waiting for my new steak they made sure I was not left out of enjoying something absolutely delicious while the others ate their food. In my book the staff at the Forge went well above and beyond in this situation. Additionally the food was amazing. From the bread to the appetizers to the main entrees and did not disappoint with dessert. The Parmesan crusted steak I had was better than I could have expected. A tip on something to enhance the taste was given to me which was to add the onions from the French onion soup to the top of the steak. My girlfriend had the panna cotta which had a marmalade that was to die for. I am not a marmalade person but this I couldn't stop eating it even though I was so stuffed. Overall the food and service and environment gave me a reason to write a review which I almost never do. For management that gets ahold of this review my waiter Jason deserves kudos for handling the situation in the most professional way and making sure the restaurants image remained intact.
(5)
Blak B.
Ok Ok Ok I was patiently waiting for the return of the Forge and all I can say is WOOOOOWWW in my flavor flav voice. lol. They did a hell of a job with the new look! It went from back in the day 1950's mob steak house feel to new posh elegance! Yepper I will be here more often. I started with a very tasty lobster bisque that toyed with my tummy because it was gone faster than a speeding bullet. Then I ordered the snapper in a bag that I felt was less desirable so I sent it back and ordered scallops that were mouth watering yaaay.. My companion ordered the whole fish entree that was also yepperlicious. But ten thumbs up to the dessert menu because it was freakin awesome! We had the berry cake and *drum rooolllllll* chocolate souffle that melted in your mouth and in your hands! If you get a waiter by the name Alberto you will have a fine dinning experience ;-)
The happy hour here is AMAZING!!! If you're looking for a classy, great deal this is it. Vueve champagne for $10 or Belvedere cocktails for $10 (i believe). Not to mention they serve you food while you enjoy your happy hour....for free! So my boyfriend and I came to enjoy happy hour on Valentine's day before our reservation at 8 pm. Upon arrival we let the hostess know we were at the bar and they informed us to come back around 7:45 to check in with them. My boyfriend went to them at 7:45 and they told us they were running behind on reservations. I went up about 8:25 and they told me they were running about 45 minutes behind. So I went back to our bar seats and waited until close to 9 pm. The manager was at the host stand and told me they are sorry but they are still running behind and cannot give an accurate time for when we would be seated. I told him it was now an hour past our reservation time. He said he was sorry, but people showed up 45 minutes late for their reservation earlier in the night. I told him I don't feel that I should have to wait because someone else decided to show up late. His response, "What am I supposed to do? Turn them away??" UM YES! I told him I have worked in the restaurant business many years and that is how it works. Especially on valentines day. I asked him then if he would like to take care of our meal at the bar if he couldn't tell me when we would be sitting to eat dinner. His response, "No i am not going to do that". I asked for a manager higher than him and he told me he was the general manager. I asked for the owner, "The owner is not taking calls right now". I guess to avoid a further argument, he decided to seat us in front of a lot of other people waiting. When he sat me he made a snide remark that it was wrong of me to cut in front of so many other people waiting. I told him that was not my fault and I don't feel that we should be to blame for poor management. After that point we had a great experience. We had an amazing bottle of wine from Veneto, Italy. Our server helped us pair an appetizer. We ordered the mac and cheese, the "famous" steak, and mushroom truffle risotto. The steak was overcooked and not worth it. But the rest of the meal was great. Risotto was to die for!!! and the mac and cheese was amazing!!! Our server was fantastic...I wish I could remember his name. The rest of the atmosphere was gorgeous and we really enjoyed it. I am so taken aback by the lack of professionalism by the general manager...blaming me for being sat over an hour after our reservation time. It's valentine's day...if you don't have a reservation you're not getting sat...so we were stuck there. Not my fault.
(2)
Alyson L.
Nothing more than disappointed. I made reservations 2 weeks ago for my husbands birthday which happens to be valentines day. When we arrived to the restaurant, there was a line of approximately 30 couples ahead of us waiting for tables. There was no way to even reach the hostess. We stood outside along with everyone else who couldn't make it inside the restaurant. They poorly scheduled reservations. None the less, we had to call around to see what restaurant was taking walk-ins at 1000pm because there was no way we were going to be seated before midnight. I can't review the food, but it's safe to say the service was nothing more than horrible. We won't be returning. Thankfully Truluck's is always a safe bet and accommodated us on such a busy night.
(1)
Carey A.
What is there not to like about this place! The Forge is a perfect representation of a unique blend of both an upbeat & modern ambiance and an extravagant menu of excellent options. We were seated towards the back and I got to sit in the Alice in Wonderland-like over sized chair...YES! This restaurant was unlike anything we have ever dined in before. The decor of the restaurant was absolutely amazing. The menu consisted of a lot different & innovative foods and some classics as well. Also, the music was in between "chill", "house", and "trance"....it was a little psychedelic! With so many interesting options on the menu, we decided to order the following: Lobster & PB sandwich-delectable 5/5 Creekstone Filet Mignon- perfect crust 5/5 Coffee & Eggs-4/5 Oyster Mushrooms-5/5 We also got a complimentary $25 gift card to use towards wine with our reservation. Now we just need one of these in D.C.!
(5)
Dinorah a.
Love this restaurant ... Beautiful , trendy elegance.. romantic and fun.. not stuffy.. Food is amazing.. bone in steak.. great coktails.. great service.. I'm a fan..
(5)
Sunny J.
Treated like royalty at the step up dinner table. A must in Miami!
(5)
Matt M.
Great meal and very pricy. Yes the mushroom risotto is a must try....I don't mind paying for an expensive meal when it is worth it and yes this place is worth. What is with the automatic tip? it was just me and my wife and they automatically put on 20%...we had an expensive bottle of wine and I usually adjust for it. I always add appropraite tip but felt adding 20% was not appropraite. If I had known that I would not have purchased the overpriced wine and gone with a more reaonable choice. Overall a wonderful experience....
(4)
David K.
Sorry...this place was a big disappointment. Used the gilt city coupon menu and other than the filet everything was very mediocre. First off, ribs at a fancy joint like this? Come on, I can get ribs anywhere, and these weren't even good. Next I had a Caesar salad, not even authentic, where were the anchovies? It didn't even come with shaved reggiano. Okay, you got me on the filet, one of the best I've ever had, it came with a cooked tomato, no other side. The dessert, shared one each with the wife, the cheesecake and the pumpkin whatever. Have had much much better. Sorry, I'm usually not critical but I have to say besides the filet this meal was very average. If they are trying to introduce people to the restaurant with this discount deal, it's not working, i doubt whether we'll go back. There are much better restaurants for a lot less money. Absolutely positively nothing special.
(2)
Andy T.
The food here defiantly is a winner. Modern cuisine with a ecletic menu.. We ordered steaks, lamb, and a salad. Everything was cooked to perfection, along with a dinner supervised by an attentive wait staff. The atmosphere of the restaurant is almost "loungy", and it made me want to order a drink, and relax. Very cool spot, overall. They loose a star for overbooking the restaurant, We had to wait 45 minutes past our reservation, for a table.
(4)
Roberto B.
As the Herald touted I was prepared to be "wowed" and as Wine Spectator gave them a 2010 Award for one of the most outstanding restaurant Wine Lists in The World (80 wines by the glass now available) and with a new renovation I felt it was time to revisit The Forge for Miami Spice. Now I've been in Miami for 25 plus years and I used to be an active freelance writer on the Miami Beach scene so I am no stranger to The Forge's ability to throw down a good soiree merely by being in the presence of its old school luster and charm. But the renovation has really taken The Forge up a notch in my book - this place is a gem in the crown jewel collection of what makes Miami Beach a tourist destination. And with the new innovative menu (that is actually not that pricey for the selections and ambience) after a brief return for a Miami Spice dinner, I will be putting this on my list of places to return in future months. My partner started out with a gazpacho soup that looked as delicious as she enthused it was - you would think that in a city with as much Latin influence as Miami we'd have a plethora of restaurants who can turn out a good gazpacho but that's not necessarily the case. It isn't just a matter of "less is more" to bring good game to the soup - you have to have a certain turn of hand to create that lustrous mixture of tomatoes, bread and spices to create a shimmering pool of crimson that is pleasing to both palate and eye. I tucked into the wedge of lettuce with signature Maytag blue cheese dressing - a wedge that was easily a half head of iceberg lettuce and boy was that scrumptious. The breads and butter - divine. Each different piece of bread roll was like a confection from a private bakery (which I imagine The Forge probably has). I have to admit I did have a little trouble navigating the 50 plus page wine list - my eye caught the phrase "French Bordeaux 23" which I thought was a heads up to a super bargain on low end Bordeaux but apparently that was the table of contents telling me to turn to page 23 for the selection of French reds - ok, even I giggled. My partner and I did easily find, however, an Argentine malbec at $28 so we weren't too much off target. Let's just say - this is a really BIG BOOK. If only schoolwork had been so challenging who knows where I'd be today? Main courses: My partner opted for the Filet Mignon; and let's not kid ourselves - The Forge is a steakhouse par excellence, a chance to dive into their Filet on a pre-fixe Spice Menu? Well sure! But I had been here for a Spice Menu two years back and I knew what to expect - it was a beautiful presentation, but that piece of meat qualifies as appetizer in my book - too too small. With this in mind I put some thought into the other choices and opted for the roasted chicken - ah this is a culinary delight! With roasted blue Peruvian potatoes and a scrumptious chicken broth au jus on the side - well let's just say my partner had long ago dispatched with her filet and I had to take half my bird home. Dessert? Partner opted for the light and airy flourless chocolate torte and I went for the cheesecake - both were spot on divine. Couple these great meal with the ambience of being served in what I take it was a mock-up library section of the newly remodeled Forge (replete with some beautiful stained glass that makes you feel you're in a belle epoque dining room in Europe - and our gracious server Ashley (a cross between Kate Winslet and Leighten Meester she was a treat herself and she didn't laugh at my wine gaffe) - it was a night to remember. I'm coming back Mr. Malnick
(5)
Janelle F.
The Forge left me so...underwhelmed. Walking in, I thought this place was going to be packed, as it was a Saturday night at around 8 o'clock and there were actually tons of empty tables. I started off with the lobster bisque that was just okay. In fact, I think I've had better lobster bisque at a Steak and Ale! I also tried the lobster PBJ sandwiches that everyone raves about. I thought they were so gross. I took one bite and that was all for me! The only thing that saved this meal was my steak--- it was cooked perfectly and the seasoning was just right. For dessert, I had the marble souffle, that again, left much to be desired. Expensive meals should be worth what you pay for them. I think the Forge is not worth the hype- or the price. NEXT!
(2)
Sally K.
Amazing decor, great place, good service - the food is good and plenty of it. Not Michelin level, but really good. A wine cellar to die for.
Went to The Forge - for the first time - for Miami Spice a couple of weeks ago and it was superb. Many restaurants participating in Miami Spice don't put much effort in their menu which I find ironic as it's the whole purpose of Miami Spice. Not so for this newly remodeled Miami institution. It was ALL absolutely scrumptious, from beginning to end. And to top it all off the service was excellent. The ambiance is also fantastic - great for a romantic dinner for two or for a group of friends. Already looking forward to returning to The Forge and putting it in my list of go-to restaurants for great food, service and ambiance.
I'll give two stars for the space and the fact the fact that they had a special on @VeuveClicquot at the bar. Otherwise, this experience was disappointing to say the least. We had a 9pm res and they didn't seat us until after 10pm- unapologetically, I might add. The service was nice but ineffectual. The food was good- but not good enough to make up for the bobbles elsewhere. I would recommend only going for a cocktail and saving your money for a place that will actually appreciate you being there.
(2)
Jessica E.
Food is great. Service is spectacular. My only advice is to be careful about anything that says market price. My husband and I ordered 2 jumbo stone crab claws (1 each) they were $150 for both. The rest of our bill was $150 so $300 and $150 solely on appetizers! We almost had a heart attack because we had no idea they cost that much, we wish the server would have mentioned it. I know the forge was pricey, but I didn't expect it. I will ask from now on!
(4)
Diana D.
The Forge restaurant was amazing! The food Is delicious and the people are very friendly! I got the mushroom risotto, which I highly recommend. Also, I ordered the sweet potato fries, which were fantastic! The portions were bigger than I was expecting so i had to take some leftovers to my hotel. The restaurant is very fancy, and so are the prices. The total amount for my family of 3 was $380.00! Very very pricey, but it was definantly with it. All I have to say is the food was a bit salty for my liking. Definantly is worth it, though.
(4)
Reena M.
We came earlier than our reservation and waited at the bar until we were ready to be seated. Everyone who worked there was really nice. The decor is very chic and different; something one of a kind. We are from Houston and there are not many places that can compare to The Forge so to us, we loved it here. We started with drinks at the bar: -a Kiucumber (a drink mix that is so refreshing! it is a combination of vodka with Kiwi, cucumber, basil and lime juice) i score it 5/5 - the wines are available by bottle or by tastings. They have stations set up categorized by type/body and you are able to select the amount you want to try with the corresponding prices. I love this idea because you are able to try some really good ones for an affordable price other than a full 5 ounce price. I had a tempranillo which was in station 4 which was really smooth and prepared my pallet for the dinner. For the meal: 1. Grilled 8oz filet Mignon. $38 rating 4/5. the flavor is all I have to say! 2. Barolo braised short rib $30 rating 5/5. (it is one huge rib with a huge bone sticking up. The meat was so lean and tender. They placed it on top of the polenta and had an onion ring on the bone. I was not even able to finish the whole meal. With just having the main meal we were very satisfied. The portions were great and the food was delicious. There are no complaints! One perk: we were having dinner next to one of the Real Housewives from OC. I know that when I come back to visit, I will be coming here again.
(5)
David Y.
This has to be one of the most consistently great restaurants any where. The food was beyond relishes and the service was tops! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
daniel v.
If you spent $450 to treat 5 people and the tastiest item on my menu was the fries, and wind up getting Chinese food elsewhere because you're still hungry, then you'd probably be pissed. But much to the Forge's defense, this shee shee foo foo type of establishment is not my cup of tea to begin with. I ordered the sea bass, my family ordered crab leg, filet mignon, NY strip steak and a burger. They all enjoyed their food and although my bass was good, I've had much better for 1/2 the price. I was really disappointed with the 1 crab leg which was the size of a woman's palm at $45. I could have gotten twice that portion at Joe's stone crab. If you plan to go here, keep in mind that 1/2 of your bill is for the ambiance, which resembles old-world charm in Westchester NY. The service was impeccable as it should be for a place of this caliber, and if you want to impress a date who won't step into anything less than a late-model BMW or Mercedes, then this is your place. But if you just care for good food without the high price and ambiance--like I do--then look elsewhere.
(3)
Akram b.
Just dined this past Saturday ordered the barbecue hamachi not very impressive as well as the special burrata but again very disappointing. I also ordered the fried ravioli and again this was not impressive . Main course was the steak which was again acceptable but not to par with good steakhouses in miami . I would give it 3 stars just because the service and ambiance is great. I would go there again on reason of these things but for food I would not go back
(3)
Andrew S.
The Forge has always been one of our favorites during our annual visit to Miami. It's disapointing to see an old friend slip this much in a year. Good points: 1. The decor is top notch 2. The people watching is great 3. The bread is amazing Bad points: 1. Don't sit an the stage seating, there are two tables that are too well lit. We asked the waiter to reduce the lighting he said it would be, it never occurred. 2. As a starter we ordered the scallops from the "share the tables menu section". It only contained two small scallops......not much to share across a table. 3. My wife ordered a bake potato side. It didn't have any cheddar cheese and was not hot, so it was returned (with the food runner) when her crab cakes arrived. I would have thought that everything would arrive at the same time. To add insult our waiter never came over to ask about the baked potato. 4. My wife also ordered a side of portabella mushrooms......they never came. We finally waved at our waiter and asked about this. He didn't know what happened so we asked him to cancel the mushrooms. 5. As a main my wife ordered the crab cakes. Too much breading and not near enough crab. 6. The service was poor. At the end of the dinner it took over ten minutes for our plates to be cleared. 7. They added a 20% service charge to the bill. I've never seen this with a party of only two people!!!! Needless to say, we won't return during our next visit to Miami.
(1)
Amber L.
Back in December (my, how time flies!!!), I was at The Forge for a Yelp event. I'll only be commenting on the design of the place, as I didn't eat a meal. This restaurant has gone through a complete transformation from what it was before. The dining area has been expanded with beautifully designed seating at glass tables in the brighter middle dining room. For more intimate dinners, there's a room in the back with dimmer lighting and different kinds of oversized chairs at smaller tables, making it feel like each group is in its own mini-restaurant. There's a separate room housing a massive bar. It feels almost Alice in Wonderland-ish with pink and purple chandeliers hanging from the ceiling for a modern twist on a classic decor piece. The piece d'resistance for me are the wine-dispenser WALLS surround the bar area. Checked out the prices and there are some very affordable options. An enthusiastic sommelier is available to walk customers through the available choices. Also, I'd be remiss in not mentioning the ladies' restroom/lounge! Mr. Malnik and I had a nice convo about his efforts to make sure the ladies had a gorgeous and comfortable space in which to handle the most urgent matters. Very nice, indeed! I'm looking forward to returning so I can try out some of the menu, as we only sampled a few delicious appetizers.
(4)
Jessica A.
The whole time I was there i realized I was one of the only woman there that didnt have botox and fake b**bs. Was a beautiful place inside and I loved the bathroom! But not my crowd of people at all! This place isn't what I think of when I think of Miami at all, seems very LA like.
(2)
Edwin M.
It's a shame about this place because the food was really good but everything else was horrible. If you're planning for a quiet evening then don't come here for dinner. It was as loud as a club. We couldn't have a conversation because we couldn't hear each other. There was a point where we didn't talk for at least 10 minutes because people were yelling and dancing by the bar. The final straw was seating us in the worst possible place, right next to the entrance where everyone was bumping into me as they passed by, especially the drunks that were stumbling around. I inhaled my food just so I could hurry and get out of there already. And no, we couldn't just leave because my wife had purchased a non-refundable voucher from TravelZoo for this place for my birthday. We even asked the waiter if it was the normal type of atmosphere for the forge, he says it only happens on Friday nights, so I guess we just picked the wrong night? Either way, first and last time for me.
(1)
Reena K.
The grilled skirt steak melted in my mouth, my friend's mushroom risotto was delicious (she still talk about it, 4 months later), and the wine selection is INCREDIBLE (even the whites were well chosen). Easily one of the top 5 restaurants I have been to in the last few years. The decor is gorgeous, their chairs are all different styles, but work together really well. The high ceilings and the perfect lighting makes the place look larger than it already is. This place is one that everyone MUST try when in Miami.
(5)
Stella T.
Opulent is the perfect word to describe this restaurant. It is simply gorgeous! Every room is decorated to the max. Every detail is beautiful. The food is over priced, but totally worth it. Everything comes out so beautiful you almost don't want to eat it. While dining here JLO stormed thru the back door past our table. If she dines here, you now they are doing something right in that kitchen.
(5)
V. H.
I had been to the forge a few times for dinner prior to its renovations, but when I realized they were now serving brunch, I knew I had to check it out. To start I had the bloody mary ceviche. Soo good and surprisingly, a lot of fish. For entrees, I ordered the french toast and my friend went with the jersey eggs Benedict. The French toast could easily serve three people. Seriously, it was that big! Aside from the size, it was delicious and moist... this coming from a girl that used to think she didn't care much for french toast! My friends jersey eggs Benedict were nothing to write home and neither was the dessert. If you're in the mood for french toast in an upscale setting, this is your place.
(4)
Derek F.
Very nice interior and the Service was great
(4)
Komal B.
I loved the old Forge and I love the new Forge just as much. I grew up on Miami Beach and the Forge stood for mystery and class and smelled of old money. Now it smells of really good food and wine and new money is everywhere. The design is elegant and inspired and the wine bar at the back is captivating. Went with a party of 3 and I wish I had taken notes so I could tell you what bottle of wine we ordered. It was a luscious full-bodied red. The service was stellar. None of us liked the original red we ordered so they took it back and brought us another. (They did include it on the check but took it off when I brought it to their attention. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that was an honest mistake.) Food: Lamb spare ribs -- delicious and tender. Yellowfin tuna tartare -- a burst of flavor Alaskan king crab legs-- incredibly soft and flavorful Maine lobster -- the best I have had anywhere -- tender and flavorful. Everything was tender, everything was flavorful. I know that's irritating in a review but I'm not a frigging food critic and unfortunately, I didn't write the review as soon as I got home because said bottle of wine had made me too happy to care. Save up some money or better yet go on someone else's dime. You won't regret it. If it's romance you're looking for, ask for one of the cozy highboy-height banquettes at the back. And don't forget to check out the whimsical restrooms!
(5)
Jenny C.
So, I decided to celebrate my wedding dinner here, since we had planned a destination wedding. I have to say that the restaurant is gorgeous. But I have to say the food was so so. We both had a steak, I asked for mine to be medium well.. And my husband asked for his well done. My came out well done, and his came out overlooked. The potatoes were delicious, and the broccoli was great to. Don't take your kids, they have nothing to offer them. I did give her some of the Mac.. Since you have to order aside, and she seemed to enjoy that. My daughter loves olives, so I asked the waiter if they had any black olives that I could order on the side. He came out with bacon stuffed olives, great for us, not so great for the kid. Regardless, the server was great and the great music playing in the background made it a nice atmosphere. The food is ok, but for customer service and ambience it's an At.
(3)
Ali K.
Fun place for ladies night. Gal pals and I had many, many bottles of Veuve (great deal on Veuve bottles). Service was nice and above SoBe average. Food was yummy. In fact, we were so stuffed by the end of dinner that we could barely breathe! Then again, we were wearing fairly tight dresses to begin with... Which, by the way, appeared to be the preferred attire of most the lady patrons... ;)
(4)
Kati E.
romantic night out. definitely recommend for a special occasion. food is delicious. tried the ceviche - scrumptious! the mashed potatoes are beyond this world - orgasmic! the salmon was well season, nothing to brag about.
(5)
Brittany R.
So this place has a lot of history. It had A LOT of hype going into it as well. I decided to go for my birthday. We went on a Sunday night and the place was dead. They closed off the entire place, which had most of the appeal to me. The lights were literally off in the other rooms, so you couldn't even tour around to check them out. I was extremely disappointed by this. It was very unwelcoming and the decor is a huge part of the appeal to this place, after all it was just redone. The hostess wasn't the most friendly either. She was annoyed that we didn't want to sit at the first table, when you walk into the place. But apparently we didn't have a choice as they only had the first room open and it was the only table set up for 5 people. The room we sat in was cool but we were just next to the entrance way, and to be honest, it didn't have this amazing feel to it. The food was good but not incredible. The tuna steak dish was very good. The crab cakes were good. However, the New York Strip steak that came was not. It was fatty and chewy. When going to a restaurant like this, the last thing you expect is a bad piece of meat. Just disappointing. Also, realize that if you have never been to this area of town or don't know your way around, be prepared to be forced to valet your car for $10. Yes, they do this, after you go in and get ready to spend at least $50 a head. Very nickel and dime if you ask me, for such a luxury style restaurant.
(3)
Robert C.
I have lived on the beach my entire life, and never dared to step foot into this place until last week. I was always told it was too expensive and exclusive for me, so as any naturally intimidated person, I told myself I would avoid this place until I became an oil tycoon or Mr. Monopoly. But nonetheless I was invited by a buddy of mine last week for Miami Spice. He assured me that I did not have to wear cuff-links. I accepted. We sat at the bar, and were greeted by several attentive bartenders. They gave us a long and exhaustive drink menu. I, being the lazy/illiterate person that I am, just told the bartender (His name was Ariel, tip him well) that I was looking for something bitter and tart. He told me not to worry, and made me a drink off the menu. Impressive and tasty. I later found out that all the bartenders were certified mixologists, and that they even had a sommelier on staff. As for the food, being Miami Spice week, we ordered off the 3 course $35 pre-fixed menu. I got the lamb knuckles, peppered duck, and sorbet. The food was mouthwatering good. The knuckles were a little too tangy, but were still fall off the bone good. The duck was made to perfection, nicely seasoned with their special rub. We paired up each course with a personal recommendation from the sommelier. One of the wines was not to my liking (seemed a little old), but the other was on point. Ended the meal with the refreshing sorbet, the perfect cap to a great night. Tips: Go after 9pm and avoid the old money rush. Talk to the bartenders and the sommelier, they are helpful. Make sure to check out the wine bar, very cool. The only knock on this place would be its reputation, and pretentious crowd. Otherwise, service was great. Food was timely and on point. Price was to be expected. In the end, I salute the Forge with a respectful golf clap.
(4)
Carolina C.
Went to this restaurant a couple weeks ago with my husband. The place is beautiful! So romantic and perfect for date night! Food and service were excellent.
(5)
Marisa Y.
This was the perfect place to catch up with a friend and discuss old times, as well as new. I choose the Forge on a Saturday evening because of a GiltCity voucher I was waiting to use. I did not know what to expect but as soon as I walked through the door, I was amazed. Walking in was like entering some inner sanctum that only the privileged get to visit. The surroundings were awe-inspiring and I openly stared as I was led to the bar, where our seats were set up. The voucher entitled us to glassed from the Ergomatic wine set up only for use by Gilt Members and we also received a tour from the sommelier on each wine and what pairings would work best. We were also entitled to a plate of signature appetizers and while some of the descriptions made me balk, every bite I tried was a foodies dream. The lobster PB and J sandwiches need to be tried to believe and should be. I do believe heaven tastes like the perfectly blended flavors in this sandwich. Try Forge; despite being across the causeway, this part of the beach is quiet in the evening and into the night. Parking is free (after six, the meters are no longer in operation) and ample. Impress a date, meet up with a mate, whatever your fancy, the Forge is sure to please
(4)
H. R.
When a "restaurant" (a landmark......a culinary institution) can last this long in one of the fastest changing trendy hot-spot cities......they're doing everything right. From the moment you arrive......"you have arrived." No matter how many times you have been here.....it's always impressive. There's a sense of aristocracy. Driving East on 41st Street (Miami Beach)....just before Collins.....this regal landmark sits awaiting your arrival. Like a Palace with guards.....the Valet awaits. Valet....Doors were opened...we were greeted cordially and escorted to our table. White glove service. Evening started with a bottle of Merlot from the amazing wine list (more like a wine book).... a Caesar Salad (for 2)....and a Raw Platter (which includes oysters, Lobster, Ceviche). Also a favorite and not available everywhere....this seafood extravaganza was accompanied by Caviar. mmmmmm but save room....the chef is detailing your entree. As my wife was deciding between the Chilean Sea Bass and the Ribeye Steak....I had decided..... Coffee crusted Ribeye Steak.....and to this day....it is always what I go back for. Just amazing!!! Sides: Asparagus.....Mashed Potato Funny....Steak lovers from out of town always compare and ask about Prime 112 vs The Forge....which are 2 of the finest restaurants in Miami Beach (my opinion)...but comparing them is trying to decide between a Ferrari and a Rolls Royce. At the end.... as long as the budget allows.....you need both...and budget is required for both the cars I mentioned and the restaurants. Prime is hip....no question....an amazing Steak Institution....and from my review....it is obviously one of my favorite restaurants. The Forge is Regal.....absolutely one of the finest settings for fine cuisine in U.S....the Forge delivers "Royalty"....Formal Elegance....with a menu that delivers to every desire and taste. To impress a client.....that someone special.....or just to experience culinary perfection.......the Forge is a (with only 5 stars available).....a 6-star......and what an amazing job with the last remodel. Btw....it is also a favorite of celebrities.....so don't be surprised or star struck to see some of your favorite actor/entertainers. At the end.....work hard...invest your money wisely.....because The Forge is worth it! 6 Stars!
(5)
Winnie C.
Decor was amazing, a lot of history to this place, and they kept the chandelier in the main dining hall. Food is very good. We went for Sunday Brunch $55 per person, they had the all you can eat section with ceviche, heirloom tomato salad, couscous, prociutto with grilled melon, devil eggs, potato pancake, sausage, roast beef, crepes, breadpudding, cheesecake etc..etc... This place did not have the omelette bar but the brunch came with 1 item from their menu. I have tried their eggs benedict, the sauce is one of the best. Service from the waiter is first class, he even told us the whole history of the Forge. Everything was organic, all you can drink mimosa and had a bloody mary bar.
(4)
Dayna A.
The Forge is incredibly beautiful. Once you get past the formidable velvet rope crowd, you gain passage into another world. As far as I was told all of the mahogany and stained glass were shipped in from mansions of Europe, but maybe that's just an urban legend. The last time we there, it was a Russel Simmon's Art for Life after-party. The scene was bumping and it felt like were in an old exclusive speak easy. I would love to return for a Southern soul food night--- I've heard fantastic things.
(5)
Kate S.
Celebrated my 26th birthday w beau at The Forge. We had such a good time, felt intimate and surreal. Beauty emblazed from ceiling to floor, service to food. Considerably the best wine list I've seen in Miami. Shared the Salmon croquettes with guava sauce. Chose to start with caviar, I enticed beau to try the caviar, a great triumph on my behalf. Ordered the "Coffee and Eggs", a coffee crusted ribeye and goat cheese frittata as my entree. The steak was cooked to my liking. He had the corn raviolli and the "snapper in a bag". Which he said were both good. For dessert. The exquisite marbled chocolate, grand marnier souffle. Prepared perfectly. Wish it was my birthday everyday : )
(5)
Rhiannon R.
The food here is absolutely amazing. They did a great job with the renovations. Without a doubt, my favorite place to eat in miami.
(5)
T R.
While the restaurant had a beautiful ambience and terrific service, the experience was very dissapointing. We ordered three types of steak which were all inferior in quality and taste. The sides were mediocre and lacking in flavor. Our sides consisted of crispy corn ravioli (which was bland and basically a deep fried piece of batter), the truffled fries which were incredibly salty and somehow tasted stale, the creamed kale, the tuna tartare which was overwhelmed by onions, and the seafood sampler which was a major disappointment. Every dish was substantially lacking in the flavors we were so looking forward to experiencing. The choice of wine was limited and pricey. Most glasses ranged from $25-45/glass. The only redeeming dish of the meal were the green beans. Overall - we were happy to pay the price for a wonderful and delicious dinner. Unfortunately, experience was underwhelming and the chef did not deliver. We will not be returning.
(1)
Kate V.
opulant, chic and dramatic are just a few words that come to mind when i describe the forge in miami beach. my designer / architect friends will also appreciate the rich cultural history of this site which now serves as an inspired farm to table restaurant, wine bar and social staple. the forge has been reinvented many times over the past 90 years but what i love about the history is that in the 20's, it started literally as a blacksmith's iron forge. dino phillips designed decorative iron gates and sculptures for miami's wealthy which included the firestones and the vanderbilts. not too shabby as far as clients go... in the 30's, phillips converted the space to a restaurant and casino, attracting starlets, musicians and famous actors. there was another large renovation in the late 60's and yet another just a few years ago. today, the space feels like a sexy, loft speak-easy with signature furniture and lighting accents. the forge continues to attract a-listers and travelers like us alike. while waiting for our table, the enomatic wine system caught my eye. you can sample any number of wines by a tasting size, half or full glass. i learned the enomatic system perfectly seals the wine bottle after every pour, ensuring the freshest taste possible. we could have happily stayed at the bar all night, the bar tenders were quick to serve and there were plenty of seats so we could sit back and relax. when we eventually got to our table, our server ran us through his menu favorites and offered up recommendations from the wine list. he was a stellar salesmen, we pretty much ordered everything he had described... how can you go wrong when you start with a few stone crabs, follow that up with what's known as lobster pb&j sandwiches and finish off your meal with an insanely tender bone-in steak and succulant three mushroom risotto? you can't. the meal was over the top. not that we had an ounce of room left but somehow we managed to take down a s'mores souffle for dessert. this thing even came with a fluffernutter cream on the side and warm chocolate syrup to douse over the top. i'm very, very sorry i don't have a pic of this one. we were too excited and dug right in! put on your fancy duds and strut over to the forge if you find yourself in miami beach~
(4)
kelly h.
Decadent decor, attentive service, and great food about sums up the Forge. It was just me on a Sunday so sat at the bar. Both bartenders were attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Here's what i ordered: Two raw oysters (Atlantic & Pacific) Lobster peanut butter & jelly sandwich 8 oz. Filet Steamed Chinese broccoli with almonds and orange sauce Let's just say I finished the entire meal with not a single piece of food remaining. I had actually planned to only taste the lobster pb&j sandwich and bring the rest to my hotel, but it was too savory to put down... By the second bite any portion control I had set was duly over. The only other comment is that I'm not a big fan of F's special mustard sauce that comes with the filet... too sour. I paired my meal with Acacia Pinot Noir. The entire experience was enjoyable. See you next time!
(4)
Monika K.
mamas birthday in mia, first time at the Forge, decor amazing and restaurant is beautiful, saw barry gibbs there from beegees that night, mama was excited for that, service great, food, meh! vino list was nice a lil annoying to have to order everything at onceper chefs request that night east vs west oysters, 4 were so small you could barely seem them 4 were huge, chicken wontons in some tamarind broth was the blandest stuff I ever tasted. sister got the super steak with baked potato she said it was good but the 'best steak in america' not so much. mama is a light eater so she ordered chilled lobster and crab salad which was tasty, prob the best of the night which isn't saying much. I had the special of striped sea bass with 4 mussels ramen noodles and mustard greens in a broth. again lackluster in flavor. ordered a grand marnier and chocolate souffle marble, tasted so plain. not exciting one bit. for a bill of $350 for 3 people, I'd expect a much tastier meal, but that didn't happen. maybe we were there on an off night but next time I'm going on someone else's tab.
(2)
Rich K.
One of the best dining experiences of my life, based on venue, food, service and ambience. Everything was fantastically fantastic. I was very lucky to attend my sister's day two birthday party at the Forge. My brother-in-law is a very generous guy who paid the tab for the entire party of 14. We were lucky to have our meal in the private wine cellar, with Tim as our server. This guy was fantastic in how he managed to serve a party of 14 effortlessly. And at the same time being able to address all the guests by first name, amazing. This place is a real treat if you're celebrating a special occasion or if you happen to have a couple of Benjamin's burning a hole in your pocket.
(5)
Mark S.
I've been going to this restaurant since the early 70's and I must say I was very disappointed with my meal and the service. Super steak super raw sent it back three times and they were never able to get it right. Couldn't hear the waiter do to the horrible music and his didn't speak above a whisper. Spent $1500.00 for diner for 8 ,which I certainly don't have a problem with if it was worth it. My guests who all have been going to this establishment as long as I have and where all disappointed. Get your shit together Shareef the competition is brutal.
(1)
Caro P.
My mom and I did the Miami spice here. The staff were exceptional and educated. The FOOD was AWESOME. We started off with the BBQ lamb ribs. Comes with about 5 small pieces . Then for entree we had the filet mignon with the mustard sauce and yucca tostone. Finally, for dessert I had the chocolate and hazelnut cake and my mom had the lemon pan cotta. Oh and I almost forgot the bread and butter they give in the beginning is absolutely amazing! It was truly a 5 star experience.
(5)
Lauren C.
I came here for my friend's 30th birthday dinner. We visited Miami for a celebration, and a celebration we got. The food here is superb. The atmosphere is superb. The service is superb. It really is "as good as it gets!" Now let's talk about The Zombie. It's a drink. Doesn't that tell you enough? It's almost like a better, cooler Long Island Iced Tea. It doesn't make you a zombie... but it does make you super drunk. :)
(5)
Kristen M.
I love the vibe and atmosphere from this place! The high chairs, gold trimmings, and mirrors make me feel like I am somewhere in between a trendy town and a renaissance castle. The music is loud and we were seated in an area lifted above the floor with lights all around us which I loved because you had a great view of everything. Our waiter accidentaly poured an extra glass of the wine I ordered so he just gave it to me for free which sold the deal. The food was good, I had the filet mignon and I wish I had enough room for their famous desserts... My bf likes a quick service and this is not the place where you order receive your food and leave. You can sit there enjoy your appetizer then order your meal, sit there some more and then dessert.
(4)
James S.
Always a home run. Great service. Great food. Great wine. A perfect American steak house.
(5)
Carolynn R.
To start off your would never know this place is here, but once you walk threw the doors you feel transported to a amazing historically significant trendy hot spot. The music the food and the servers are all top notch. Make sure you ask about the chandalier and sconces :)
(5)
Michael H.
Very rude manager. Wouldnt honor my yelp reservation. Got there about ten minutes before reservation confirmation, yet still had to wait about 40 minutes. Took about 90 mins to get through dinner cycle. Wait staff very slow and only seemed intererested in serving large heavy hitter tables. Food was okay at best.
(1)
Anatoli L.
The 4 stars are strictly out of respect - should be 3.5 or even less as the most. Let me explain: Experience - 5 Service - 5 Wine service - 5 Wine Selection - 4 Food - 3 This restaurant has a private cellar downstairs, with overall collection value exceeding $5M - definitely worth a trip ( ask for a tour - if there is no private party, you will be given a tour). Wines are starting from 1822 ( no typo - 1822). This is the experience part. Service is impeccable - nice, friendly and not pushy. Wine service is also excellent - head sommelier, Gino, definitely knows what he is talking about. Wine selection - I would like to see bigger diversity in Cabernet offerings, as well as better representation of Spanish wines. Food - unfortunately, not on par. We got salmon croquets which didn't taste much like anything. Roasted cauliflower was very good. But then two steaks were just mediocre - seasoning and salt were not done correctly, and side dishes of duck fries and mushrooms were too small for the price and server in very awkward square dishes. Dessert was excellent - but it didn't compensate for the shortcomings of the main dishes. Recommended for experience and ambiance, but if you are looking for the great steak - look elsewhere.
(4)
Rachel S.
I am kind of torn between my rating here. I wanted to give the Forge 5 stars. I really did. But the while the food was 5 stars all the way, the service was 3 at best. Here's the break down: Wine: We started with the 2007 Cabernet Savignon. It was perfect in color, flavor, and paired well with all of our dishes. Appetizer: "PAN SEARED CRAB CAKE,ROASTED APPLE AND CALABAZA SALAD, WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD AIOLI" Lump blue crab meat pan seared in crispy polenta. Every bite was fabulous. Entree: I had the "BAROLO BRAISED SHORT RIB with PROSCIUTTO BACON, POLENTA, ONION RINGS" Beautifully presented, meat was savory, soft-fall off the bone. Delicious My date had the ""BONE-IN" PRIME 18 OZ FILET MIGNON OAK GRILLED, GRAND MARNIER AU POIVRE SAUCE". He really enjoyed it. For dessert we shared the butterscotch souffle. Very Very yummy. Every dish was 5/5. We were told about this expressively when ordering our appetizers and advised that we must order this at least 35-40 minutes in advance. Here's where the rating declined:We felt rushed during the entire experience. Every time we would get into our conversation the waiter would be there trying to get us to hurry up and order, eat the food on our plates, or let them clear it away. I know that some may consider this attentive but it was closer to pushy in this case. After being prodded twice to order more wine we did. When mine was poured, the waiter (accidentally, I think) spilled it all over the base of the glass, the table, and on my dinner fork. He then disappeared. When we finally got his attention he came by and acted as if it was my fault. I hadn't touched the glass since he'd poured the wine. He came back with a napkin, then left again saying it was the wrong napkin. When he returned he did wipe up the wine and took my dinner fork as well. Then our entrees arrived. I had no fork, so my date tried to grab one for me from another table. Just then the waiter returned, gave me another fork and took away the one my date had just gotten for me with an admonishing expression. Once again we were rushed through our dinner and ended up leaving over most of the food. Our waiter and busboy were hovering to try to take our plates so we finally let them. Overall the food was great, but at prices this high you are also paying for great service. It helps when you have both, and we did not.
Been looking forward to go here. I've been in the business for over 13 yrs. Came in and i had to wait for the hostess to get off the phone to get a hi and get seated, very rude. Hostess or server never offered black linen since we were all wearing dark clothes. Btw for those who don't know if you go to a "fine dining restaurant" you should offer that before you are seated. Never saw a manger on the floor which I though was very strange. Food was good but not great. The cheese cake was very dry and tasted old. Lamb ribs were really good. Server didn't even get us thru the menu or the wine list. This is a must when you know they're first time diners. Great ambiance but I'm not impress with this restaurant at all.
(3)
Jay P.
I would've given this place a 5 star rating if I were still an Omnivore but I'm not. Great service...Great quality of food and atmosphere especially if you're a celebrity or business-man. It's just not my cup of tea anymore b/c I am now a non drinking Vegan that's allergic to soy, gluten and dairy products.
(4)
sean k.
Where do I even start with The Forge? If I ever had to choose a last meal, this would be the place I'd dine at. Best Filet Mignon, hands down, every time I've been there. They even have the most comfortable chairs. The bread basket has the best assortment of bread you'll ever get served to you before any meal, but don't fill up on bread, because you MUST save room for the Lobster Bisque, served with the lobster in the bowl, then the broth poured over it. The shrimp cocktail had shrimp the size of my forearm! And they were delicious! The Bone-In Filet, Perfection. Perfectly cooked, seasoned, sized, and served. Juicy, tender, beautiful DO NOT forget the soufle!
(5)
Praneeth W.
This is the perfect place to go for an anniversary dinner or if you want to impress a date. Our server went out of his way to make us feel comfortable, including a tour of the restaurant and giving us a history of the place (tour did not include the famous wine cellars though). The bank security door that was brought from San Francisco to be the door for the wine cellar, the huge chunks of wood flown in from Asia to make the giant wooden furniture, etc.. Food was great, the wine that the server helped us choose, exceptional and the ambiance was amazing: it's a beautiful restaurant. If listening to music with a beat while enjoying a perfectly cooked meal in a romantic setting is what you're looking for, Forge fits the bill. The Forge would definitely be a five star if it wasn't for how expensive it was, so don't let my 4 star rating stop you from choosing this for your special dinner. Note that Glass next door is closed for refurbishing (at least when we were there), so if that is part of your reason to visit Forge, check to make sure the club has reopened. They have an elaborate automatic wine dispensing / sampling system that I did not get to try.
(4)
Hildegarde L.
Chef Dewey La Sasso really puts a twist on American Cuisine Went twice for Miami Spice and loved the food, the menu changes and ample amounts of food on plate . Everyone loves the bread basket. The Lobster, Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich toasted brioche with chopped fresh peanuts--Not for me, please dont ruin lobster with that mix! Appetizers- Crispy Corn Ravioli - They are fried and dusted with parmesan cheese and perhaps corn meal, awesome! BBQ Lamb- ample serving for appetizers! great smoky taste, very tender. Tomato Stack: Big slices of tomatoes yellow and red- was good Another night I had the Chicken wings and they were excellent, along with BBQ chicken for entree that was obviously farm raised, juicy and tender, and a huge portion I had the spice rubbed duck - via Miami Spice last and It was very good, and again, ample serving, could not eat it all. The cheddar grits with it were a nice addition. Steak rubbed with coffee was not part of Miami Spice but my friend's choice and was great. Wonderful Panna Cotta for dessert comes with Miami Spice menu as a choice. This is the opulent, glamorous, Forge, the new Forge with new decor, music, scene and reasonable menu done by creative chef. Lots of stars and attraction. I think the waiters need to stop the tourist attraction attitude and stick to the old steakhouse attitude where the service is impecable and you assume that everyone is your repeat customer. Service varies depending on waiter, some of the young, new waiters are annoying and not professional or what is expected from The Forge. The Forge experience is where you want to take your friends from out of town, reservations a must.
(4)
Meo M.
i can eat the three-mushroom risotto every day.
(4)
Noelle N.
I recently was taken on a first date to the Forge, and I must say, this was a smart move on his end. We walked in and the decor was amazing. I felt as if I was walking into a NYC restaurant. Even the bathrooms were truly unique and stylish. Our server was extremely helpful picking our dishes and drinks. Their cocktails and wine were amazing. My date is somewhat of a snob, and he was impressed, so you know its good. The food was delicious. We started off with the kale salad. To be honest, I actually wasn't that excited to try this dish. But my date asked me to and I did. It was delicious! I cannot suggest it enough. My main course was the mushroom risotto. I wish I could have eaten every bite. I was full, but I certainly tried to eat as much as I could. The only complaint I have would be the fries that are "saturated in duck fat". Stay away from these! They look more like reindeer droppings than anything. All and all - this was the best first date I had been on and though I'd like to give him all the credit for such a great date, it wouldn't be nearly as good without the Forge!
(4)
Frank G.
Amazing Place. There is a lot of history here. When you walk in it feels like your dragged into the movie set of Scarface. Its an automatic time warp. You can feel the 80's. The food is outrageous. I recommend: The lobster Bisque. "The Super Steak", Flavor aged for 21 days and seasoned with an herb marinade and slowly grilled over oak wood. Its voted #1 steak in America by wine spectator magazine. I spiced it up a bit and add twin grilled Florida Lobster Tails. It really complimented the steak. They also have a very nice wine collection and wine cellar. I have been here many times and the sommelier has never failed us.
(5)
Eve C.
The Forge is a Miami Beach institution, albeit with the prices to match. The exterior of the building looks very ornate, but does not match up to the interior decorations. The inside is a mix of many different murals, as well as a huge ornate mirror along one wall of the main dining room. Either way, there's some cool stuff to look at on the walls as you dine. The Forge is a steakhouse, so of course, that's what I ordered - the filet to be precise. It was absolutely delicious! I also split the wedge salad with a friend - and it was huge & yummy too. We ordered a bottle of Chilean wine that was very good. I know they have a huge wine list, but I didn't pick out the wine, so I didn't peruse it. Also, we started the meal with a lovely amuse-bouche from the chef - it was a calamari salad with an asian twist. It was outstanding. We ended the evening with the chocolate & vanilla bean souffle (which we ordered at the same time as our entrees) - and it was fab! There was absolutely nothing amiss with the food at The Forge that night. However, our waiter was just the slightest bit overbearing. He came around to talk about wine and the menu before we even had the menus in our hands! And then he proceeded to give us a 10-minute diatribe on his choices on the menu - which, of course, were the most expensive things on there. Oh, he also insisted we scoot away from the table as we looked at the menus, for fear of knocking something over. My recommendation - get smaller menus! Overall, it was an excellent meal, and I highly recommend The Forge. I just hope I get a less obnoxious waiter on my next visit!
(4)
Emerio Joel M.
The various bread and whipped butter with honey was total seduction of my tongue. Salmon croquettes were awesome and had ideal structure; they were slightly golden brown and a bit moist in the inside, with good dipping sauce. Skirt steak was really good but I have had better, surprisingly, in more modest restaurants. Cheesecake was good but as a dessert freak, it wasn't amazing; However, take note that my standards for desserts are higher than for food, so it may "rock-your-boat". The artsy-luxe decor is visually stimulating and fun. The bathroom surprised me; a pop-art style photo of a crocodile eating a person is employed to posses your attention. I suggest you make reservations in advance, if you want to avoid having dinner at the bar. However, the waiters are attentive and the courses were delivered within an ideal time frame from each other. More than anything, this place is to be seen and to feel "bouge". If you want a decent meal, posses disposable income, and want to feel "bouge" then, The Forge will certainly provide your needs.
(3)
Dan B.
I and my fiance ordered meat dishes that came with potatoes. I am diabetic and she watches her figure so we asked to substitute the potatoes with a green vegetable but the chef refused because it "violated the integrity of the dish." We were visibly annoyed but paid $9 for a side of brussels sprouts and asked for our entrees to come out without their potatoes. Get over yourselves. NOT COMING BACK.
(1)
Diana N.
Food i give it 3 stars, but it gets bumped to 4 stars because of the service. I was so impressed by everyone here. They were so warm and friendly. VERY attentive. we wandered into the courtyard to take pictures although it was closed. they were nice enough to turn the lights on for us. I felt like royalty...well ok not really but it was pretty awesome. For a Wendesday night, I was surprised at how crowded the place was. Tried the Miami Spice menu (3 course meal fro $35) Appetizer: salmon croquettes were ok...kind of forgettable. the gazpacho was refreshing but very typical entree: had the Burger and Bordeaux: angus sirloin burger topped with boneless short rib. one of the best burgers i've had in awhile. perfect medium, so so juicy and packed full of flavor. the truffled fries with the pomegranate ketchup were ADDICTING. the bordeaux on the side was a nice kicker. never a big risotto fan, but my friend's 3 mushroom risotto was quite tasty. she LOVED it. wine list was pretty extensive with a nice selection. not too pricey. honestly can't remember what i had for dessert...was a bit tipsy by then.
(4)
Blaine Z.
Last night I went back for the first time since the renovation.Food is still pretty good , though I did not have steak - and some of the best service in town. I do miss the darkness though - that was one of the best things abou the old place.
(3)
Esteban Z.
Went here on Thanksgiving for their special menu. One look at the normal menu and we were asking ourselves if having oysters and steak for Thanksgiving would be bad. We stuck with the plan and had the most delicious non-traditional traditional meal. All the ingredients were the same but the chef's haute twist made it extra awesome. I looked at one of the couches and started imagining unbuttoning my pants (a Thanksgiving tradition in my family) readying myself for a nap. That was the worst part about the meal....having to drive home. The space itself is certainly Miami. Great vibe overall. Can't wait to go back. I also gave thanks that my hearing came back. I've been to quieter concerts.
(4)
Todd S.
Georgous place. Beautiful rooms with high ceilings. Service is great. Food was fantastic. Best steak is the the best steak. Better than Peter Lugers or any other steak I have had. Seafood platter was huge, tasty. Chocalte suffle was unbeleieveable. For a person who doesn't eat many desserts, have it. It was my brithday dinner. It surpassed it reputation.
(5)
J H.
The Forge has a bone-in fillet that is not offered at any other steakhouse in Miami to my knowledge. They fillet here is excellent especially if you have a girlfriend that only eats fillets and you want to introduce her to something with a bone and more flavor. They also have EXCELLENT escargot at the Forge. The Forge has an excellent ambiance to it, really dark and old-school Miami gangsta.. and a really really cool bar area to chill at before or after dinner. And if you're lucky enough to go on a really really slow night or can prearrange it ask for a tour of the wine cellar. The Forge has a phenomenal collection of antique wines and really really cool cellar that can actually be rented for dinner. Its def worth the time to set up the tour and walk through. I love the forge and if you go on a wednesday you can slide into the club next door for a few drinks afterward - wednesday is one of the best nights there.
(5)
Alex G.
The last time I dined at the forge, you were permitted to smoke cigars at the table - that's how long ago it was! The new ambiance is combination of modern deco and hip "old school." While visually impressive, the restaurant is still a conclave of separate rooms, making real "people watching" more difficult than in other SoBe establishments. The four of us sat at a table under a stained glass window, on couches with a huge (7' high) back. We ordered the chilled seafood platter, which was as good as I've had anywhere on The Beach. The steaks we had were perfectly cooked and extremely flavorful. The whole fish was filleted table side; very classy. The food was all delicious, and the place very sexy. Two issues to note: First, the prices are obscene, even for South Beach. I mean ridiculous. Second, the bartenders are clueless and slow. We waited 15 minutes for them to offer us a drink, with a bar less than half full. Other couples walked away, muttering, from being totally ignored by the bartenders. Strange.
(4)
Ericstevenc T.
This is a must see if your on Miami beach. My friend got us a tour of the wine room . Steaks were great !
(5)
Bill B.
Decided to try out the newly renovated Forge a few days after the re-opening. I was thoroughly impressed and would definitely come back again. Gone is the opulent interior and outrageous furniture for a more modern and updated style. However, the stained glass ceilings and some of the original chandeliers remain the same, but still blend well with the new feel. As soon as we walked in we were warmly greeted and decided to check out the bar first before we sat down for dinner. We didn't try the different wine samplers, but would try it out the next time I come back considering it was reasonably priced. For the appetizer we had the tuna tatare and was one of the best I've had. My meal was the 18oz steak with garlic mashed potatoes. The steak was a little over cooked on the outside, but was pretty decent. My girlfriend had the mushroom risotto and that was delicious. I found myself eating off her plate! They still have a plenty of wines to choose from with many at good prices that won't leave a hole in your wallet. I couldn't believe how friendly the waiters, bartenders and maitre d were, hopefully it continues to stay that way. I would come back in the near future because the prices was very good and the food was superb.
(5)
Samantha L.
On a recent trip to Miami I went to Forge and really enjoyed it. We tried the Lobster PBJ as a recommendation and it was interesting but I don't think I'd order it again. We had a great waiter who really knew his stuff and we got smores souffle that was to die for. It's for sure a nice little trendy spot with a great wine selection but also a little pricey be prepared. Also, be sure to check out the bathroom.
I honestly don't usually write bad reviews. If the place really sucks then I feel the social responsibility to let others know. The Forge sucked. At least the day I went. First off, the interior is weird. I am not sure what the look is that they are aiming for but it's some strange conglomeration of mirrors, gaudy Versace-esque gold colored accents, and dark wood. Honestly, I'm not an interior designer so I'll just leave it at that. We went with the intention of ordering from the Miami Spice menu then we decided not to because neither one of us wanted to eat prix fixe. We ordered the coffee-crusted steak. It should have been called charcoal-crusted because that is what it tasted like. One would think the steak would be a safe bet. Not this time. The fava beans were strange, too. They were either under-cooked or over-cooked and they were mixed together. My kitchen experience led me to believe that they probably had some left-over fava beans in the pan from another order and they just added more un-cooked beans to the pan then cooked them poorly together. BAD. Also, the "caramelized onions" were little black, crunchy, burned flakes. We tasted several other side dishes which failed to make any impression on me. I'm just going to stop there and say that the only good thing I tasted was the Manhattan I had. You can't bang up Baker's Bourbon Whiskey. Thank the God of Bourbon for that. Thumbs down. Way down.
(2)
Nathan L.
Beautiful restaurant, brilliant food, excellent service. The self serve wine bar is very cool- great way to do a wine tasting before dinner. By the time we sat down very tipsy feeling good. Food was creative, clean, and yummy. Very well priced
(5)
Anthony D.
Bring money.
(5)
Laura F.
Mediocre. overpriced food, overblown cocktails, terrible management. Nothing was as good as it seemed. Our waiter was cool, but everything else was lame. Not worth it.
(1)
Robert P.
Wonderful atmosphere with a very attentive wait staff. The steak I had was outstanding, though a bit overpriced. Desserts were average.
Such a fun place with great service and fun items on the menu for each course. We went here after a recommendation from locals and would definitely go back. This place can get a tad loud, so more fun perhaps for groups, but we did have a couple's dinner and celebrated our birthdays and had a blast. If you have the time and are a wine lover, ask for a tour of the cellar -- you will be blown away.
(4)
Joseph C.
I had the pleasure of eating brunch at The Forge this past Sunday thanks to a great deal that I purchased on Gilt City Miami. The voucher included Mimosas, an appetizer, one entree, and one dessert. Ambiance Any time you go to The Forge you can't help but marvel at the craftsmanship and attention to detail in this place. Everything around you just looks so well put together and has a very "expensive" look to it. From the brick wall adorned with a gigantic mirror that overlooks the main dining room, to the random massive high-backed leather chairs scattered about the main floor. I was also very impressed by the private dining room. Just looking at it from the outside is awe-inspiring. It must be great to have a family dinner in that room. I also heard that the wall art and fixtures belong to Shareef Malnik's personal art collection. The Food For starters, the mimosas were as good as it gets. I don't know what type of champagne they use, but hey, a mimosa is a mimosa. For appetizer I had the snapper and mahi mahi "bloody mary" ceviche. It was served with two thin plantain chips. It wasn't the best ceviche I've ever had but it was pretty tasty. For entree I had the eggs benedict and the french toast. The eggs benedict was delicious and the roasted potatoes were awesome. Definitely some of the best I've ever had. The star of the show here by far was the french toast. It was literally bigger than my head, warm, soft, and incredibly delicious. It blows any french toast I've ever even looked at out of the water. It was toasty on the outside and had the consistency of bread pudding on the inside. It was spectacular. It was so good that I asked the waiter to pack up the dessert that was included with my voucher because i couldn't even breathe when I finished my meal. I can't really comment on the dessert because I never got around to trying it. The Service The service here was very spot on and always is. It's very formal and the waiters are always very attentive. If you ever see that gilt city deal again, I would definitely recommend purchasing it. However, I don't know if the regular Sunday brunch here is worth the hefty price tag it comes along with.
(4)
Susan L.
Went with 4 girlfriends and had a great time. We were all meat eaters and all got the ribs or duck. I liked the duck better- perfect consistency. The ribs was great comfort food but be warned its very heavy. For appetizers we shared the lobster PB&J, oysters and mahi mahi fritters. The lobster PB&J was worth a try for sure, but didn't blow my mind to be honest given the hype. The oysters were my favorite- very fresh. For dessert we shared the smores souffle, which was yummy. Their cocktails were also great and inventive. The ambiance is beautiful: elegant and fantastistical. Feels like you are in Alice in Wonderland. Make sure to check out the bathroom- interesting design, especially the outer powder room in the ladies bathroom. The only criticism I would have to say is service probably not as good as I would've expected from a restaurant of this caliber.
(4)
Pierre K.
I don't have much to say that has not already been said. The Forge is well known and although very STEAP, it is worth going at least once. I have to say that I was spoiled as I ate in the Presidential room so my review is a bit skewed. That room was the most incredible and an experience on its own. I am a food and a bit of a snob when it comes to it, and the food is good, actually really good. The crab legs were out of this world, they were cooked to perfection! We had tons of other appetizers and I cannot remember them all but they were all delicious. I had the steak, which I had to have since it claims to be "The Best in America". Well it is very tender, flavorful and cooked to perfection but by no means is it the Best in America. There are tons of better steaks especially if you have been to NYC or Las Vegas steakhouses. Peter Luger, Strip House, Carne Vino, will take that steak to town. The wine list is phenomenal. It is varied and the prices are actually surprisingly low considering the cost of the food. We ordered bottles in the $120-$150 range and they were really good. We had high end Mendoza bottles from Argentina, St. Emilion and St. Julien from France and they did the trick. No need to go crazy, believe me. Conclusion: It is absolutely worth going to just prepare the wallet or dust-off that old credit card you have been hiding!
(4)
R P.
This place has a great atmosphere and the service is impeccable. The wine list is extensive (80 wines available by the glass!) and they have some very unique cocktails. The food was less spectacular. The filet was good but not great--I expected much more from this place. The sauce served with the filet was too overpowering and masked rather than complemented the flavor of the meat. The beans had too much soy, making this side a little less palatable as well. Nonetheless, I would return to the restaurant and give it another shot--it is possible that they just had a bad food night.
(3)
Rick H.
What a great night -- wonderful ambiance, great wine, inventive menu, excellent food and service. For the level of restaurant, prices aren't eye-popping -- they are actually lower than we expected. Loved the mushroom risotto, the Lobster Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich (you have to try it) and one friend raved about the duck. Our waiter was fun, funny, attentive and seemed to know every ingredient in every dish.
(5)
RA V.
Solid dining experience. The good: the ambiance was great, and the staff was exceptionally friendly. The food was, in general, well prepared and the flavorful. The filets were cooked perfectly. The bad: drink refills had to be requested each time and the glass stayed empty through dessert despite many waiters and the maitre d' walking past several times. I had a difficult time chewing one particular bite of my chocolate souffle - it was a piece of clear plastic about 2 by 10 mm.
(3)
Franky A.
If you ever wanted to feel like Tony Montana, this is the place to be for you to be decadent and then some. Actually, this place has been around for ages and was once (probably still is) the spot where the real-life cocaine cowboys hung out. It's THE spot to check out celebs, high rollers, Arab royality, drug lords, hot girls, etc. I'm warning you ahead of time that this place is on the pricey side so don't go and be cheap because you won't have any fun. Wednesday nights are the best nights to go.
(4)
John D.
This place is pricey. Apparently even in my father's day it was a spot to be "seen". Which is not my thing, I like to eat. I was very surprised how good the food was. Our meals were perfect. I went for Miami Winter Spice. The service was great, front waiter, back waiter, bus boy, sommelier. Lots of attention. The rooms have million dollar stained glass adourning the wall. Their wine collection is unparalleled.
(4)
Kate S.
Watch out for the 20% service charge, on every bill (even if it's 2 people that ordered at the bar), that they say DOESN'T include tip.
(2)
M M.
I will never go here again. The service is the worst I have ever had in eating out multiple times a week for 12+years. I tried organizing a private room and the restaurant would never call me back. After waiting weeks and repeated phone calls the man who organizes the private room yelled into the phone, "Well maybe we don't want your business!!" And he hung up on me. I have never been hung up on because I am not rude on the phone. I wanted to complain to the owner, but he would never return my calls either. DEFINITELY GO ANYWHERE ELSE.
I've been getting down about eating out lately. The quality doesn't seem to be there and the prices seem to have been going up and up. I had never been to the Forge, "pre-abscondment," or before the time the place mysteriously and suddenly closed but I had always wanted to go. I guess I was afraid of the cost. Ha! (considering what I've been paying to go out lately) To my surprise the Forge menu is reasonably priced. They have many, many wines by the glass under $10 and the entrees are in the $30 - $50 range. I had an enormous ribeye, called "coffee and eggs" for $38. That's reasonable because a ribeye half that size, half as good and a little more expensive can be had in many of the steak places in town. In addition, our table had the chopped salad, the short ribs, the hamburger and the chocolate souffle. Oh that souffle. Just get it. They make you order it before you've eaten anything so it's coming, ready or not; very good. I'll have to go back and just get the burger which was pretty good. The short ribs were standard melt in your mouth braised beef ribs. I had the Forge Manhattan which was pretty damn good. The Jim Beam was expertly tempered with port and there was a little slimy cherry on the bottom. It was supposed to be a very elaborate thing called "cherry caviar" but it was very anti-climactic. Our waiter was attentive, maybe a little too aggressive on the sales job but not too annoyingly so. When we were finished our plates sat in front of us a little too long and they did mess up the seat positions when serving. Nothing that detracted too much from the experience, just nit-picking. All in all, a very enjoyable meal. Large portions. Delicious food. This could very well be a place good enough to bring friends.
(4)
Omid Z.
The experience at the Forge did not start off well, but ended up being decent. I made a reservation, but it was virtually ignored. My group of 4 had to wait 50 minutes for a table, and that's after I asked the hostess 3 times about the status of the situation. Very disorganized hostess and lack of concern from another employee that was supervising. After we finally were able to sit at a table, our night got better.. the specialty cocktails were great to start (best Pimms cup I've ever had), we ordered duck and pasta off of the miami spice menu and both were very good. Service from the waitress was fair, she was attentive but was pushing me to order things that I didn't want--kind of strange behavior. The ambiance and decor are the best part of this restaurant, fancy & chic, good vibe. I would good back with friends, but a risky place to bring someone who you are trying to impress.
(3)
Sheree Y.
first off, the decor is beautiful. i LOVE the chandeliers and the beautiful chairs. it's a bit dark, but i think it's romantic. second, this place has the best starter breads i have ever had. too bad it's all the way in miami! it was a mix combo of breads, which is even more amazing! i think i got full off of trying all the different kinds. haha. anyway, so i ordered the 8 oz filet mignon. it was just right! my gf had the lamb ribs for starters and THAT was good. lastly, if you're cold, they give you shawl. haha. well to the ladies. and omg, the restroom is beautiful! probably the nicest restroom i've seen at a restaurant. i can see ladies spending over 30 mins just touching up. there's a room full of mirrors! hahaha.
(4)
Marie M.
The Forge on Miami Beach is a must if you're a local or in town on vacation. The wine list is extensive as also the food. The decor is beautiful so are the people who visit here fun lounge as well, great place!
(4)
Theo H.
Their Winter Spice (through 2/12) menu changes every Monday. The carpaccio salad was fresh and perfectly seasoned. I tried my friend's lobster ravioli which was good, but the calamari took the prize for the appetizers. The "hobo" steak was decent. I didn't really like the cut as there was too much fat and gristle, but everyone else enjoyed theirs. For desert, I had a chocolate mouse thingy with pistaccios (I'm clearly not a foodie) which was good and not too rich. The wine list was literally a book and seemed quite thorough. The ambiance is definitely different, but the service was impeccable and the music was young and hip (which gave the whole place a bit of a fun edge). You don't get to stick around for 41 years not knowing who you are and trying to be something you're not... Next time I have to take someone out for a business dinner, Forge is probably where I'll bring them. Thanks Martin for the recommendation. ps. Apparently there is a dance hall next to the entrance (I took a peak) and there is a whole club upstairs. I cannot wait to check them both out!!!
(4)
ElGringo S.
Nice place. Good food. Good bar tenders. OK wait staff. (the kind that make you feel uncomfortable) Very pricey. Good for special occasions.
(4)
Christina C.
Friends and I visited the Forge for the first time last week while they were offering the Miami Spice menu. A group of us visited on a Wednesday night and were seated right as we walked in. As per that week's menu, I chose the Salmon croquettes, the Risotto for dinner, and the chocolate cake for dessert. Both the salmon croquettes and the risotto were very good, but I felt they left something to be desired. While the chocolate cake was fantabulous, it was sooooo rich that I couldn't eat more than 3 bites. I must say the ambience was spectacular, the service was impeccable, and it was a very enjoyable experience. I think I would defintiely like to go back and visit the restaurant once again to try their regular menu.
(3)
Matthew F.
The food was fine, but not significantly better than other Miami fare. The staff was extremely friendly, but we had the misfortune to be seated right behind a party of 25, and everything took FOREVER to come out of the kitchen. Our waiter kept apologizing for the delays.... He must have apologized 5 times over the course of the meal. But when the check came, they had comped us.... 1 cup of decaf coffee. Based on this, I would not go back.
(3)
Hesham E.
Try the SUPER STEAK! It is, by far, the best steak I ever had.
(5)
Lizzie S.
We ate here Christmas Eve 2008 and had a great time overall. The decor is an amazing roccoco & art deco wonderland. Just really above and beyond. The food is classic steakhouse fare, nothing surprising. Our service was solicitous and kind but not over the top. Couple problems: We got there super early (for Miami, people dine late in this town), and they tried to stick us at a table in a tiny back room. The restaurant was EMPTY! Fail. We asked to be moved. The sommelier helped is with a wine. There were a few choices in our category, this one was the priciest and he said it was worth it, natch. And it was not. Fail. I have been waited on by MANY sommeliers who have steared me toward wine in my price range, and not necessarily the top end of my price range and have been served amazing wine. The brag at the Forge is the size of their wine cellar so there should have been something in our price range full bottle worthy. The wine we were served was not. The food came out so fast we didn't finish our wine before we were done eating 3 courses. Literally, they were clearning one plate as they were serving the next. THREE courses in under and hour. Well under an hour. My kishkas were verbrundt. Faster than effing mcDonald's. WTH? Fail. The food tasted good and as the restaurant filled up the people watching was fun. The Sandman was spinning at the bar, and he was laying down some phat tunes that had my shaking and shimmying. If I were in town again and friends wanted to go, I might go. or i might try to persuade them to eat elsewhere.
(3)
Arielle S.
I went here with a few girl friends last night to try the Spice menu, we were really impressed. The decor is beautiful (especially the bathroom!) and everything was very good. Our server was great and they actually promote the Spice menu instead of hiding it or acting like you are super cheap for ordering from it. Between us we tried almost every dish from the spice menu and everything was very tastey without skimping on the portions. The winning dish may have been the mushroom risotto. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a nice evening out. Spice or not I will be back.
(5)
Tiffany L.
When I arrived to the Forge I was ecstatic at how nice it looked and how hungry I was. The place was rather dark but probably for the romantic ambiance. It was nice and crowded just as a restaurant should be on a Saturday night. The menus were extremely large and had a wide selection of everything you could imagine. I ordered the filet with creamed corn and the truffle fries. The best part of the meal was the fries for sure. We also had the escargot for an appetizer. My biggest complaint about this establishment was the service. It seemed like the staff was only pretending to care and if you had a complaint theyd just walk away. They hardly came by to check on our drinks or anything. When I was asked how my steak was, after I told the guy that it was rather burnt on the outside he just walked away. The waiter also took the food without asking if we were finished and tossed the bill on the table. If a bill is 400 I'd like a simple thank you before you throw it my way. Way too expensive for the crappy service. Next time do yourself a favor and just go down to Lincoln and eat there. However, the valet people were extremely helpful.
(2)
Felicia B.
Excellent special occasion dining local. Great ambiance - be sure to check out all the different rooms. I found the buttery yet crisp and fresh scallops to be delicious. Had the duck on another occasion and liked that as well. The rest of my party was equally satisfied with their dinners. Food was festive and fun. The seafood appetizer was very impressive. Other pluses: Expansive wine list; Great, knowledgeable servers; cool restrooms. All in all a fun place worthy of the prices they charge for the most part.
(4)
Alph G.
This place is swank, swank, swank. It's all about very high-quality food in a place with true class. Not "Miami" class mind you - not hot pink, Art Deco, in your face decadence - but understated, high-end, old money class. Of course, it is very expensive. Celebs do actually eat here. The food was understated, delicious. I would definitely come here again for a special occasion.
(4)
Tracey V.
Food was horrible. We were a large party and they were clearly in a rush to get us out. The steaks were charred and over cooked. I have had a bone in filet at many steak houses and the one at the Forge was sub par. The duck fat fries were burned and soaked in grease. The duck was overcooked. The tomatoe salad was soaked in a disgusting sauce that over powered the tomatoe. I would never go back or recommend this place to anyone.
(1)
Chip S.
Went for Christmas dinner and it was worth every penny! Delicious coffee steak and lobster pbj's! Ashley was our server and she was amazing! Knew the history of the place. Had an awesome personality and we didn't have to wait for any meals! Couldn't have picked a better place! Will do again!
(5)
Natalie P.
AMAZING. My boyfriend and I experienced the Forge for the first time in June for our anniversary. The first thing that jumped out at me was how much the decor and ambiance differs from the typical Miami hotspot. It is such a warm, welcoming room and very sophisticated. A far cry from the typical trendy Miami restaurant with overly modern decor, the Forge is simply a work of art. We started off at the bar to have a few pre-dinner cocktails. The bartender was really friendly, and recommended some of her favorites for my very indecisive man. I had the Sante, which was just the right mix of sweet and tangy, and I ended up drinking them all night! He went for the Carioca Passion, which was delicious and a welcome departure from the run-of-the-mill cocktail. We moved into the dining room for dinner, and were brought their bread and butter. Well, we certainly weren't expected the deliciousness that arrived! My favorite was the cinnamon-raisin bread. It was crispy, sweet, and paired amazingly well with the whipped honey butter it was served with. Appetizers. We had the kale salad and the lemon dim sum. The dim sum was pretty decent, but being from Vancouver with its huge Asian population, it wasn't the best I've ever had. The boyfriend, on the other hand, loved it. The kale salad was great! It's really something different that you won't see at many restaurants. It was savory and the currants gave it the sweetness it needed - and of course, pine nuts, which you can practically never go wrong with. Mains. I had the mushroom risotto and he had the spice rubbed duck. Being a vegetarian, I love risotto and eat it whenever possible. I was very pleased that their risotto is not prepared with chicken stock, so I ordered it and promptly devoured it! It was so delicious, and quite possibly the best risotto I have ever had in my life! That's saying a lot coming from this risotto freak! The boyfriend loved the duck, and being a southern boy, he also loved the grits. He liked that the duck was crispy on the outside and really juicy on the inside, according to him, it was "just perfect". Dessert. The Marble Souffle. A perfect marriage of chocolate and gran marnier! My dad used to make souffle when I was a kid, so it has always been a favorite of mine. This was one of the best I've had, the flavors were just right, it was served at the perfect temperature. We gobbled it up pretty quickly! Service. Our server had a few tables, and lo and behold, one of his tables included some douchebag pretending to have money ordering champagne with dinner trying to impress the classless bimbo he was with. Since we didn't buy a bottle of Dom, we were somewhat ignored - until I waved the beverage manager over. I stated my concerns, and the manager was literally appalled, I could tell just by the look on his face. He apologized profusely and said that he would take care of our dessert. Not only did he do that, but he personally served us for the entire rest of our meal, as our original server sheepishly walked past us. The manager was phenomenal, and a definite rarity in Miami. We were totally satisfied with his apology and his offer to comp our dessert, that was, until the bill arrived. When my boyfriend opened it up, he had a shocked look on his face. I immediately thought "uh oh, we spent A LOT" but that was not the look at all. The look of shock was because the manager had literally comped over HALF our bill, bringing our total for cocktails, appetizers, mains, dessert, and after-dinner drinks to under $80. In a restaurant setting, once the customer service damage is done, it's pretty much impossible to regain the trust of the customers and turn them into repeat customers or regulars. However, the manager went way above and beyond our expectations, regained our trust, and instead of me leaving ready to rant about the Forge, I walked out of the restaurant thoroughly impressed and ready to rave about our experience. We will most definitely be going back - my stomach is growling just thinking about the risotto!
(5)
Andrew A.
I should be the president of the "Forge Fan Club." The ambiance is Miami Beach classy, the wine list is made to match their extraordinary steak, & the bar will prompt you & your party to find the nearest DD. The restaurant is not cheap & I would definitely classify it in the "special occasion" category but they will cater to you whether it's your birthday or a regular night out (if you're lucky nough to make it your 'regular' spot). We went on Valentine's Day & had a reservation but still sat at the bar waiting to be seated. Expect big food, big flavor & a big bill BUT it's worth every penny. Try the churrasco for a surprising blend of wood fired flavor ;)
(5)
Jason R.
What a great place. The atmosphere and people watching were tops, followed up with great food and attentive service. A must try is the Super Steak, advertised as the Best steak in America...how can you not try it. It was amazing, best steak I have ever had, eh not quite but very close. Others in our group enjoyed the Snapper "in a bag" and the Tuna. A dessert must is the Apple Pie Sundae, wow. Service was superb but the wine list, that's where they lost the 5th star for me. Its an extensive list (received Wine Spectators 2nd highest award) but not much in real depth.
(4)
Tracy M.
The new and improved restaurant... Beautifully modernized. I simply love the enomatic machines that dispense wine by the ounce for tastings and by the glass when you know you love it! The machines are even hooked up to iTouches were they've also designed an app to allow the consumer to save and email the information on the wines they've enjoyed. Very cute and innovative (although not necessary or a reason to go back). The hubs and I arrived before the rest of our party on a Saturday night. We opted to wait by the bar and order a round of drinks. He had a Stella. I ordered a Carioca Passion - a mixed drink off of their menu. It was superb! The bartender was very nice and attentive. Once the rest of the gang arrived, we were seated at a lovely table. Immediately, a waiter came around and took an order of drinks. The hubs requested a 2nd beer, I was still sipping on my delight. The other couple with us ordered a round of drinks. I recommended my drink for the wife and her hubs ordered a redbull vodka. The boys got there drinks instantly. After about 20 minutes, another waiter came by, introduced himself as our waiter for the evening and recommended a wonderful seafood appetizer for the table. At that point, I advised that I was done with my drink, would like another and also advised that our lady friend hadn't received her drink yet. He apologized and said he'd take care of it. Another 20 minutes later, a beautiful arrangement of seafood (crab legs, oysters, tuna tartare and lobster salad) came out. Still no drinks. Half way through that appetizer, the waiter came back and took our order for entrees. I requested my drink for the second time, and hers for the third. He apologized again and then said he had a better idea. He was suggesting a drink he was sure we'd love even more than the one we'd ordered. I hesitated, asked if he was sure. After all, our friend hadn't even gotten her first taste of the drink. He was so addemant about it, he said he'd change them if we didn't like them. Another 20 minutes........ The unknown drinks come out. Not good at all! It took me another 5 minutes at least of neck-breaking attempts to waive him down. He apologized and immediately removed the drinks from our table. Another 20 minutes........ Our drinks finally come out!!! 5 minutes later comes the rest of our fantastic dinner!!! The highlight of the evening! Amazing cuts of meat and fish were placed on our table. I ordered a typical filet mignon (the steak was perfectly cooked to order, tasted really delicious but I was not crazy about the mustard-based sauce it came with). Both men ordered the 18 ounce bone-in-filet. Huge and absolutely mouth-watering. 5 stars for that dish! Our girlfriend had a salmon dish which she said she thoroughly enjoyed. Honestly, no room for desert! I'd love to give the place 4.5 stars, but the service...Come on! I expected more from this restaurant. My expectations were set much higher than what I got. It's not like the restaurant was slammed wall-to-wall. There were empty tables around us. I need to know that service has improved before going back.
(3)
Warren W.
In we go all twelve of us, following the scantilly clad hostess who knows we slimy older guys are watching her every move. We are disgusting. Past the board room with it's 7' foot tall high back chairs fit for royalty and definitely not executives. But I could see a Russian quickly rich oil emprezario sitting at this with gold rimmed wine glasses and a slinky wife tied to the table with a pet tiger off in the corner eating the help. Into the library room we go. Tall ceilings, books of all types and readings from floor to ceiling. Me thinkst quickly that it must cost less to outfit this place with books from several yard sales then to keep up with painting this ornate room. Why take a way from the food? I am on sensory overload and they haven' brought out the bread. Many restaurants required a fixed menu with groups and this is one of them. Because, not only am i here with these horny old bastards, i' m part of about another 30. So the dilemma is.....how do I cop the silly yet super rated lobster and pb& j sandwich i yearn for. My fellow.colleagues yearn for Svetlana the hostess or maybe her name is Lolita or could it be Maria? Who cares I want the lobsta. Waiter arrives to take one's order and I lean close and he has.a look that says oh oh one of those........not me I would like thepb&j lobsta please oh kind sir. You must pay sir I can't put it on the bill. Fine, the total of the bill for the evening I think approached $7000.00 but who cares don't throw me a freaking' bone. So the pb&j with L is delivered. Crunchy peanut butter, Maine lobsta, and what I believe is a caramelized onion that substitutes for jelly. Ingenious..incredulous, delicious and yet am I crazy to share. A growl comes from my throat as my fellow diner eyes it. How is it he asks? Rrrrrrrrr! Buzz off I reply. Next comes my order of crab cake. Light, a very large cake, and perfect lump crab I bet from the Annapolis waters of the Chesepeake. Two would be dinner they are that large. Now arrives a wonderful pasta of rigatoni boiled to perfection and seasoned and assisted by cauliflower, roasted pepper, garlic and pesto.....damn good. My entree is a braised short rib that may have been braised since labor day as it not only fall off the bone but really was mushy. Bone was good. Last came dessert. Just not a dessert guy. A lemony jellowy concoction that left an aftertaste in my mouth of well let me say i wish it weren't there. Tried it again, still there. Washed down with some cab....still there. One last bite to see if i had developed acid reflux...still there. I think it's me. So I leave a twenty dollar bill for my waiter friend who never came back for payment. Get on the very cool black executive bus and settle in for some deep conversation and who pops up but my waiter with a check? Slightly embarrassed amongst the stares from my well lubricated friends I said you should hasten to the table least the water boy grab your doe$$. Seriously, great spot deliciously ......over the top. Very good food! Nice atmosphere that wouldn't fly in Boston. In this concrete jungle known as Miami that really wishes it were NY I say .....to each his or her own.
(5)
Heather W.
I have to say, I freakin' love this place. Ask for Table #12-the owner's table (I think it's 12). Best seat in the house. It's one of the things I miss about living back home in Miami. The wine sommelier seems a bit obtuse, but eh, whatever...(I would ask what to look for in a certain wine and he didn't seem to get the question, so I'd explain it more and he'd tell me how to open it up. Okay, dude. I've been to Sonoma plenty of times. I know how to "open it up".) Anyway...the lobster bisque, the presentation, the duck (which I'm not usually a fan of), the desserts, you can't go wrong with anything. Expect to spend some money. Worth it.
(5)
Eric P.
The food, decor and service were amazing! I had the duck with sangria sauce and an apple martini. I also had the best wild mushroom risotto ever! Everything was first class. The sommelier even gave us a tour of the wine cellars.
(5)
Sarah M.
I had the Ceviche as an app, it came with Yucca chips and it was fantastic! As a main I ordered the Tuna last night, it was AMAZING! I took the Asian veggies out and had the delish sesame crusted fillet medium rare. Great wine- Spectacular! Only negative was our server was too opinionated and not funny. Usually they are great here but this guy was not up to forge standards. I got married here and have been a repeat customer for 6 years!
(4)
Alejandra M.
I know that I am kind of late in writing my review for this amazing place, but it was worth the wait. Trust me when I tell you that I had to gather my thoughts in recollecting everything that I experienced at this place. The place is fit for royalty. The decor that I found here at The Forge was just plain amazing and breath taking. Every room here has it's own sense of WOW factor! The bathrooms are wow! Their bar is WOW! and their service is wow! WOW is the only word that comes to mind when describing this place. I will have to say that the price you pay to dine here is worth every penny. I honestly think that this place is not expensive at all for a fancy romantic dinner for two! Make sure you check out their large selection of wines. Here at the forge you also have the option to taste wines by the sip, half glass, or full glass. Just talk to wine connoisseur and he will set you up!
(4)
Larry In Miami D.
I'm born and raised in Miami, this is the absolute best Restaurant that i have ever been in, I'm in the biz so " i kno people ". This is 5 Star, first rate business. i don't get here often , only about 3-4 times a year and never ,never a dull moment.
(5)
s d.
Everything about this place is perfect. The decor, the ambiance, the service and the food. I ordered the grilled skirt steak and it was amazing, perfectly cooked with some sweet stuff on top. The only negative is the drinks are a bit pricey, $17 range. Other than that i will definitely go back!
(5)
Laura G.
I wore my nice shoes for this dinner, and one of those "oh, this o'l thing?" dresses. I was imagining a gastronomical masterpiece prepared to perfection by a master chef. We made reservations for 9pm, but were told to wait, so we waited standing up for an hour, then the hostess suggested we sit at the bar. We cringed and made our way to the "nigh club" section of the restaurant. We couldn't even hear each other. We didn't want drinks either so surprisingly enough we weren't ALLOWED to sit at the bar, another hour went by. We finally compromised with the hostess and she sat us three tables away from the night club. The waiter cringed his nose when he took our order because we asked for the Miami Spice menu. Even if I couldn't hear my own girlfriend because of the absurdly loud music, I'm almost sure I heard him say "cheap asses." My girlfriend ended up ordering Filet Mignon because the miami spice menu was terrible. . The filet was dry and came with a side of ONE baby carrot and ONE broccoli. I ordered a truffled risotto which should have brought shame upon the restaurant They even managed to mess up our friend's lobster bisque. By the time the bill came, we had apparently spent $300. I double checked the bill and as it turned out we had been charged for another table's $150 wine, we didnt even get to try it. I asked for the manager but I was completely ignored and the waiter sent us a revised bill, this time, without the extra wine bottle. For the price, I expected a much better experience.
(2)
Carlos P.
OK, so I return to have dinner at the Forge for the third time this summer. Same start as usual, Caesar Salad minus the Beef Tataki. Salad was fine, and then I added some wine. Since I was the only one drinking from my table, I ordered by the glass from their wine stations. Had a couple glasses of a tempranillo, which was pretty good. This time, I went ahead and ordered their 16 oz NY "super steak", cooked medium rare plus. Once again, I found it to be a little heavy with the char. Steak was tender, but chewy (obviously this cut has a little more fat), a little too chewy for my tastes. This cut was a little to fatty for someone who typically sticks with fillet Mignon. Another small complaint was the steak knife given was not quite adequate, more of a jumbo butter knife. I am sure its fine for leaner cuts, but not quite enough for a NY strip. I couldn't keep my plate still while trying to cut and made it really annoying to try to eat. For my side I decided to go with the Duck Fries which were pretty good and a great compliment. So after this, I don't see myself returning anytime soon, three times this summer and yet really to be that impressed. I'd still go Red/Prime 112 first or else Flemings/Meat Market as my backup. Still a good option for drinks and lounging, but for steak, I wouldn't go back anytime soon. BTW, our service has always been great here. Our waiter was extremely patient, especially since one of our guests happened to be an hour late. That wouldn't slide at Prime 112.
(3)
RJ S.
Alright, so we live at 38th and Collins and have been waiting for a year to try the Forge food. Our waiter went to Clemson and he was definitely a 5 star waiter. He knew the menu, knew the history of the place, and knew how to entertain us. As for the food, we went with 7 people and were able to have a tour de menu. Some of the food was 5 stars, some of it 4, and some of it 3. We will start with the appetizers... The U-2 shrimp were pretty delicious. Large shrimp and marina. Nothing too special here, just delicious shrimp. We ordered 12 oysters. 6 were "creamier oysters" and 6 were Blue Point oysters. Both oysters were amazing, but the Blue Point were definitely the best. If you are into the saltier oyster, then definitely go for the Blue Point. Tuna Tartar - Very good. The quality of tuna was impressive. The tuna had a very buttery/gel-o type texture that made it melt in your mouth. The "cracker" used to dish out the tuna was good. Perfect consistency and flavor. Beef Tataki - Good. Is beef carpaccio ever great? We are not experts on beef carpaccio, so give it a try. Special appetizer of the night 'Grouper, Snapper, Conch Ceviche' - WOW...the ceviche was marinated with peppers and served with fried plantain chips. The mixture of sweet, spicy, and vinegar flavors were amazing. Definitely the highlight of the appetizers we ordered!!! Entrees: Best Steak in America - Well, my friend ordered this steak 'Pittsburgh Style'...they definitely new how to do a Pittsburgh, almost too well. You could taste the charred grill flecks on it way too much. Bone in Filet - Ridiculously amazing. I've eaten at Prime 112 and Red Steakhouse in Miami and this was definitely the best bone in filet I have had in those areas. We ordered it medium rare and were not disappointed. If you want some meat, ordered this bad boy! Tuna - Good, nothing special 8 oz filet - Perfectly cooked and delicious Coffee and Egg steak - According to my friend who ordered it "the best dish we ordered" If you do not like the taste of coffee, do not order this dish. He ordered it medium-rare and the flavors that came out of their steak were mouth watering. Lamb Chops - My order. I consider myself a connoisseur of lamb chops. These were a 7.5-8/10. I ordered them medium-rare and they cooked them perfectly. However, the sauce was a little thick/sugary and took away from the natural juices of the lamb. I would still highly recommend trying them! Dessert: We tried a few of the souffles...what can I say, they were all amazing! Get a souffle!!!! Drinks: I don't want to write a novel on the drink menu, but they were all delicious. I say get adventurous and try some of their drink concotions. We ordered about 5 or 6 different types and all of them were equally spectacular. Overall verdict: Great service. Food would have been a 5 if we had not ordered a couple of average items. It was there 2nd week open, so maybe they are still working out the kinks and it will soon all be five star food? Either way, give it a try!
(4)
Katie T.
We went there halloween night. The service was amazing. The food was great! The dessert was the best, souffle!
(5)
kevin e.
Went here with my wife on a trip to south beach. I have to admit I was tired after a day of travel. So I was not in the mood for a big meal. The decor is gorgeous. Really beautiful. The menus ( wine and food ) are really extensive ( and yes expensive ). You should definitely find something you like to drink and eat. Tons of wines by the glass and many cocktails. Since we were not in the mood for two big meals we went with three apps and one meal. Here is what we what got 1. Lobster PB & J. OMG. Unreal. Worth the trip alone. Thai accented creamy delicious and really does taste like a PB & J. Order it. U will never forget it 2. Yellow fin tuna tartare. Very solid. Good not great. 3. Porcini dusted scallops. Very yummy 4. Short ribs. Big plate. Very tasty. A little fatty. But real good Atmosphere was nice. Service excellent. I guess the five star is based on the lobster PB & J and the fact that the menu looked amazing but we were not in to two big meals so I added a star for that. Enjoy !
(5)
David R.
I went here for my birthday with friends. We all had the same experience. The food was mediocre and the server was very pretentious and intrusive. I hate to give them a bad review because I really liked the old Forge. However, this is a different place than the old restaurant. I will most likely not be going back.
(1)
Ted X.
A go to place for a great experience. Amazing atmosphere and food to go with it. Worth every dollar, every time I go. I would recommend food, but everything has always been great.
(5)
Arelys C.
Food was great. Loved the croquette starters. Service was very good as well. The decor is a bit tacky for my taste, felt like I was on the set of Real Housewives of New Jersey...over the top. Wine selection is extensive, but pricey.
(4)
Veronica S.
I can't think of another place to have spent our second wedding anniversary. I haven't been back to The Forge since it was remodeled so I'm glad we were finally able to see the good things we've heard about. Inside, it's gorgeous...I almost felt like I was in NYC. The only thing I was disappointed about was that they do not offer a corkage fee. We brought a bottle of wine that we purchased on our honeymoon and couldn't drink it at dinner but the evening was far from a disappointment. My husband is friends with Chef John so we were excited when he chose 2 appetizers to send out to us. The lobster pb&j is to die for! Seriously...it's the best thing to happen to a sandwich in a long time. We also had the short ribs with a pomegranite sauce that was finger licking good. (We didn't lick our fingers at the restaurant but it was tempting!) For dinner my husband had the skirt steak and a loaded baked potato. He's a man that likes to keep things simple but the steak was tender and cooked perfect. I had the grilled salmon with basil mashed potatoes. It was an interesting spin on mashed potatoes so kudos to the chef for coming up with somthing new for a classic side! The chocolate soufle was the perfect end to our meal. It was warm, gooey and chocolatey...everything that a good soufle should be! I can hardly wait to go back with a group of friends!
Hands Down the most handsome, pleasant hostess EVER. This guy really should be in politics: he could not have been more attentive or personable. To review our table: perfect for our birthday celebration, as it was NOT in the main dining room which seemed very loud, impersonal and only a place to be seen rather than a place to dine. Our server, Neal: Lovely. Smart. Funny. Our sommelier, Gino: Perfect. Kind and intelligent and completely behind our $55.00 wine choice (when prices were 20 times higher for many vintages). Our food: Fair. Beware the wild mushrooms: they most certainly are. Tasted like they'd just been foraged from the forest and put on the plate. Beware the $18 sides: they are barely enough for one. Beware the octopus appetizer: it comes on a soupy bed of pale yellow 'risotto' (really? That's risotto??) that was so watery and tasteless it almost made me feel bad for the octopus. A gazillion dollars, even during Miami Spice week, but fun nonetheless to say we finally went to this piece of Miami Beach history. Special thanks to Gino for the wine cellar tour. THAT was special.
(3)
Cherise I.
Stopped by a few days ago and had a wonderful experience. My friend was looking for crab cakes, and Forge was one of the only places we could find nearby that had them. From the moment we were greeted the service was phenomenal. This continued to the host that seated us, the server, and everyone else who stopped by the table. The variety of breads were super tasty. Loved the raisin and cinnamon sugar bread! They also had many much more traditional types. My friend loved the crab cakes and said he will definitely be back. I ordered a very simple salad with balsamic vinaigrette. It was very light and refreshing. And the presentation was different which I enjoyed. Besides the food, the decor was awesome. Loved that most 4 top tables had a chair that was definitely for the head of the table. My friend loved it! definitely a 5 star experience. Highly recommend!
(5)
Oodia B.
I had the honor and pleasure to be invited to meet Anwar Zayden from the LegendofAnwar.com for dinner at the forge in Miami beach. I had no expectations, but i knew from the moment i walked in that the night was going to be spectacular. Our Waiter Nathan Gerve showed us 1st class service. I realize this is Anwars Favorite place, so I know they are going to be on their best behavior, but they went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. Even Shareef Malnik came out to take a picture with us. I felt like a king, we had a feast! The Stone Crab Claws were HUGE! After dinner, the general manager gave us a tour of the wine cellar. Wow is all i can say. It was a great night, with great company. And to top everything else off, Catherine Bach came over to say hello.
(5)
Kwan L.
Came here with a party of 7 for their Miami Spice menu. It was pretty packed for a Monday night. 1st time dining here & it's definitely impressive. The exterior does a great job hiding the distinctive architecture design within. Miami Spice menu is simple, I started with the French onion soup, next is the grilled swordfish, then followed by molten chocolate cake. The soup needed a touch more salt, but I rather under-salted than over salt. The swordfish portion was less than the other option which is the filet mignon. It was good none the less. Chocolate cake was a nice touch at the end. In addition to our meals, we also ordered the tomahawk steak which we all shared. The steak was definitely a man's steak. 40oz dry aged prime piece of meat. It's suggested for 2 but can feed more. Overall it was a great experience. Will definitely come back & explore the rest of the menu.
(4)
Dominique M.
I had a sincerely phenomenal dining experience !!! I have been there many times before but the service, entertainment and food was beyond expectations. From our waiter, Christopher's attention to detail, attentiveness and personality and the live performance it was really amazing! The Salmon Tartar and Filet Mignon to die for! The service at the bar was not as detailed and friendly but I had a Vesper (Signature Drink) at the bar afterwards and it was great too.
(5)
Darian E.
I chose the Forge as the location to propose to my girlfriend (now fiance) during our Miami vacation. The food, ambiance, and service were nothing short of exceptional. Food (****1/2) - For dinner we shared a raw Yellowtail Tuna tartare which was rich and mixed in front of us with egg and 5 different sides. It was delicious and refreshing, with a slight asian-vibe that came together perfectly. We followed this with the 16oz Dry Aged Prime NY Strip "Super Steak", the restaurant's signature item, paired with a grand mariner green peppercorn sauce. The steak is among the best we ever had. The sauce, as recommended by our server, paired perfectly and made it spectacular. We finished with a dark chocolate Napoleon cake which was delicious and light and concluded the meal in great fashion. She had a glass of Pinot Grigio and I their blood and sand cocktail which were great in their own right. Ambiance (*****) - The environment in this restaurant is probably what stands out the most to me. Reading the restaurant's history, a number of renovations have been made over the last several years and it shows. A popular site for celebrities in decades past and an inspiration for the scene in Scarface, this place is well fitting of its reputation. The inside is a mix between Alice and Wonderland and an opulent palace, rich with high topped chairs poised like thrones and fancy tables scattered throughout the room. The main dining area is bisected by a triple arch reminiscent of Moorish Spain architecture. In the back is a cozy library filled with books and stained glass, including a few original Tiffany pieces and a Chandelier bought from the Kennedy family's old White House collection. A courtyard was present in the back and a large wine cellar as well (although it was hosting a private event and we did not see it). Most impressive, is that our server and random staff members all knew a great deal about the restaurant's history and the original source of many of its pieces. Service (*****) - Perhaps most impressive of our experience was the service. All of the employees were remarkably friendly, approachable, and seemed happy, nay, honored, to be working there. Christophe was our server that evening and as we toured the restaurtant after the meal he told us much about the place's history, complete with dates and names. It was quite impressive. Given this restaurant's reputation, I chose this as the venue for my engagement proposal and I wasn't disappointed at all. Reservations were easy (albeit I did do this on a Tuesday night), and I called ahead to notify them of the special nature of the dinner the afternoon prior. The manager took note to sit us in one of the nicer tables in the corner, and helped me present the ring in a way my now fiance loved. The entire restaurant applauded and congratulated us throughout the night and the entire experience was excellent. They even treated us to two complementary glasses of champagne, which really capped off the night. Overall, I'd recommend the Forge to anyone who is looking for great food and an amazing ambiance and service. For the special occasion or just a night on the town I recommend it wholeheartedly.
(5)
Shawn H.
Ate dinner here. I had the Chilean Sea Bass. It was outstanding. I was with a group of co-workers. A few others had the Rack of Lamb but I think the Sea Bass was the winner. The ambience was very nice. Upscale but not over the top. A house DJ plays music while you eat. Sounded like we were in a club at some points. They even had live entertainment. Throughout the night at various sites throughout the restaurant they would set up a mic stand, shine a spotlight and a singer would sing. It was a great touch. I highly recommend this restaurant. Oh yeah, the drinks were outstanding too!!
(5)
Alejandra S.
Great service and great ambience. Food was okay. We had the Filet Mignon however the sides it came with could, mash and asparagus should have some seasoning.
(4)
Stephen D.
I really enjoyed eating here, I would come again. I took our friends and my wife for dinner. Our service was impeccable, 3/4ths of the food was outstanding and ambiance was very good. One draw back was my wife's steak was horrid (dry and not very good) but I dont think that is usual. I will give them a chance again! The reason I could not give them 5 stars is the music level. It was very loud. I do not send food back and I don't complain. Sorry my DNA won't allow that! I just think if you want to be dinner theater, you should advertise that. But, I return!
(4)
Adam F.
The Forge is as good as it gets when it comes to the complete package. Amazing food, wine, service, decor, music...and the list goes on and on. I brought my fiance' here after proposing on the beach and the night kept getting better! I got the reservation and table I wanted with help from Justin Maas who came through for me and I have absolutely no complaints. When I visit Miami going forward, I'll always be sure to spend an evening here.
(5)
Douglas C.
Planned to meet my father and brother for a boys night out at Joe's Stone Crab. When we got there, the restaurant's power was off due to some rather strong storms. The kitchen closed, and were left in the dark literally and figuratively as we did not receive timely updates as to their reopening as the place began to fill. My father suggested we go to The Forge, where he used to eat back in the 80's and 90's. We had an awesome meal and did not miss Joe's one lick. Arrived kind of early on a Thursday night and seated in the over the top wood paneled room with huge crystal chandelier. Simone was our server and she was excellent. Friendly, funny with educated recommendations, she took care of us well the entire night. Food was great too! We started with Jamaican jerk bacon, foie gras on a donut, and scallops. Foie gras was my favorite of the three. Interesting sweet and rich flavors. Bacon fell in the middle and scallops were OK. Then we all opted for steaks. Each one was massive and cooked to perfection. I had a rib eye that was spiced really nicely, and not too fatty. The filet Mignon, one bone-in, one without, were tender and tasty and the mustard dipping sauce served upon request was awesome. Side of uniquely prepared creamed corn shined. Hash browns were unimpressive. Overall an excellent dining experience. Expensive, yes, but worth it.
(4)
Leilani D.
I've been here a couple times and all I can say is the experience does not disappoint. - The food is amazing. They have a very extensive menu but from what I've tried the Mushroom Risotto is one of the best I've had, although the Black Grouper, Tuna Tartare, and Filet were all also amazing. I would avoid the Snapper & Grouper Ceviche - I ordered it this last time confusing it with the tartare and was disappointed. Do make sure you get one of the souffles. Both the Grand Marnier and the chocolate are fantastic. Even the bread they serve you at the beginning of your meal is wonderful... - The decor is even more amazing. I never went before the renovation, but I can say that no detail was spared. It's opulent and beautiful. Bonus: if you ask they'll let you tour the private rooms, which while keeping with the same style, are dark and intimate v. the large open dining room. - The service is top notch. Absolutely on point. Never rushed, incredibly helpful, professional, and courteous. Exactly the type of service you would expect to receive in a restaurant of this caliber.
(5)
Laura R.
Nice place. Excelent service. Very good food. I recomend the apple pie for desert. The rib eye with Marsalla sauce is very good choice.
(4)
Julie G.
Loved this place so much! The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and the food was delicious.The black truffle mac & cheese pot pie is a must try. The "forge" chopped salad was also really interesting and a delicious take on a chopped salad. The steak was amazing, perfectly cooked and flavoured! The chocolate souffle was unreal, one of the best I have ever had. Such a fun atmosphere and decor was so pretty. Not to mention the service was great, the waiter was friendly and helpful and we were seated promptly at our reservation time. They have space for large parties. Will definitely be coming back here.
(5)
Adam H.
If you love Prime 112, things just became better! This hands down is the best food in Miami! The attention to detail, and the food was amazing! Great job!
(5)
Karla R.
the happy hour on Friday nights is amazing! champagne specials and $6 belvedere cocktails! I did miami spice, the onion soup was incredible, the cheese was aged and delicious. the filet mignon was good, I'm a filet girl and it definitely did not make it onto my list of best filets. hubby got the rib eye which was fantastic. we also got the black truffle Mac and cheese pot pie, it was good. for dessert we got the chocolate lava cake, yum but nothing to write home about. the place is gorgeous and the bathrooms are unbelievable. anyway if you want to go to a beautiful restaurant with miami beach vibe (and by vibe I mean everyone looks rich and makes you feel very very poor) then check it out!
(4)
Tiffany T.
Randomly stumbled upon The Forge when looking for a dinner spot close to our hotel in Miami Beach. Luckily, there was no wait for a party of 3 at 9:30PM on Friday. We walked through a few rooms, each with a different theme, to our seats in the back. Since this place is a restaurant and lounge, there was a bar with bumping music and bottle service in the next room over. It was loud but we didn't mind for our girls dinner on Friday night, just keep in mind this might not be the best setting for a quiet romantic date. It took a while for us to get menus and water. We were starving and had to flag down someone to bring our server over. We asked for recommendations and ended up ordering the following items to share: Lobster Risotto - 4.5 stars Foie Gras - 2 stars Chopped Salad - 3.5 stars Brussel Sprouts - 4 stars Porterhouse - 5 stars Smores Souffle - 4 stars The risotto was very tasty and well balanced with chopped snap peas to offset the richness of the dish. Our foie came out grossly UNDERCOOKED. We hesitated to tell the waiter when he asked about the food but eventually gave him our honest feedback. The presentation of the chopped salad that many reviewers posted pictures of was more impressive than the taste. The porterhouse cooked medium rare was the highlight of the dinner for me. The steak was very well seasoned and cooked perfectly. I thought the both sides of the beef were juicy and flavorful. Even after reading the positive reviews, I had doubts about a restaurant/lounge having phenomenal steak, however, I couldn't stop myself from going for 2nd and 3rd servings. Souffle was a sweet and delightful way to end the meal. When the waiter brought our check, we were disappointed that he didn't take off the foie gras (it was inedible raw liver) nor was there any sort of apologetic gesture from the kitchen. The waiter did offer to take us on a tour of the restaurant. Each room had a different theme and was filled with tons of antique collectors decor from the Paris Opera House and beyond. We we're really impressed with all the art and history under one roof. He showed us the private dining rooms and told us about some of the recent celebs that have dined there. We walked around and took plenty of pictures. I do hope the kitchen and management refines it's minor flaws by my next visit. I wasn't a fan of the automatic 20% gratuity tacked on our bill. However, the delicious steak and tour really made our dinner memorable. That, and the upscale decor really earned this place 4 stars.
I went with a large group. Tried just about half the menu... Nothing positive stood out except that the place is nice. Giant $35 a piece crab claw was kind of frozen and difficult to eat. Giant $14 shrimp was beautiful, but not as tasty as the smaller, yet still large shrimps that I have tasted elsewhere in my Miami. Burger sliders not particularly great. Kale salad average. Filet mignon steak ok, not magnificent 4/5 Ambiance 4/5 (several rooms, many choices, all nice) Wine list superb - 6/5 plus many wines by the glass. Truffle fries I hate(many may like - im not a truffle lover) Desserts were only fair - and I dont like the way many are served in upright glasses - not easy for eating or sharing. Service was good. Super expensive. Very unlikely to repeat. I like Prime "112 in south beach" or "Bourbon steak in Aventura" better as steakhouses!
(3)
Rodney W.
The Forge is not just a regular night out, but a DINING EXPERIENCE!!!! Tonight was a my special date night with my princess and I could not have picked a better restaurant, than the Forge. Although located on a main street, the facade definitely stands out amongst all the other storefronts. Once you enter into the Forge, you feel as though you have been wisked back into a time of elegance. Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Sammy Davis Jr. could still be felt walking around or grabbing a Martini at the bar. Walking into the restaurant, the ambiance, chandeliers, lighting and decor were jaw dropping. I watched my daughters eyes taking it all in and my heart leap with joy. We escorted to our seats, a feature with in itself, a high back, white leather throne. I noticed there were several different types of seats, that one could choose; even ones especially for couples, where you could enjoy your meal sitting right next to each other, for more intimate dinner. Yes, I have already started making future plans for my return. This restaurant could give lessons in customer service. From the moment we entered, we were given the royal treatment. Because it was a slow night, we given out preference of seating. All of the wait staff were attentive and continuously checked on us. BEWARE: The water is $9 per bottle!!! I found that out, after I received the bill, (4) FOUR bottles later. Now to the part you guys really care about, the FOOD!!!! The Cerviche was fresh, but the citrus was a bit overpowering. My steak was perfectly cooked and seasoned. I was tempted to see of I could cut it with a butter knife. The desserts were refreshing, but I didn't feel they were up to the standard of the rest of the meal. I will be back, maybe on a Friday night. Let's all meet up for a glass of wine
(5)
Abigail B.
Back for Happy Hour again. I love it all! The food, specialty cocktails, music, ambiance, and most of all Frankie :) He always takes such good care of us! Ask for him when you go (unless I'm there. In that case, he's mine lol)
(5)
L S.
The Mother's Day brunch was a bit disappointing. It was bland and unexceptional. The food kept running out and replenishment took forever, causing a line around the buffet area... The unlimited mimosas were pre mixed in a carafe and was mostly OJ. Our waiter took our order and then ignored us for an hour until I asked several other staff to assist us. A 20% tip was automatically added to the bill so I imagine staff was not motivated to provide any service since the tip was in the bag. The Forge has nice ambience but this experience was terrible.
(2)
YJ L.
This restaurant is Beauuuutiful!!!! We went to Miami for a bachelorette party and we were supposed to eat at some other steakhouse but being the gilt whore that I am I happened to see a deal for Miami at this restuarant and it was too good to resist. The other girls agreed seeing that everything 3 course meal + 2 glasses of wine was $47 and we changed reservations to here. Honestly I was a little nervous because I didnt want the dinner or ambience to suck since its for a bach party and I was the one who suggested it but right when we entered the restuarant I knew it was gonna be a good night. Being from LA I really didnt think any restuarants in Miami would impress me, but there goes my foot in my mouth, the Forge is gorgeous and is the perfect place for a bachelorette dinner. Its classy, trendy, and plays good music too! The girls loved the looks of the place .. now we just needed to taste the food. OMG from the bread, to the amouse bouche ( yup prob botched the spelling) , to the risotto , steak, salmon, and dessert everything was beyond delicious. the wine machine things were pretty fun too. All in all everyone enjoyed their meal and thanked me for it.. yay!! Go here if you have an event to celebrate or if you just feel like it =D PS their bathroom is ridiculously pretty.. not gonna lie we spent about 20 min in there taking pics. true story!
(5)
Lynn E.
This place is a Miami necessity; I find myself coming back every time I visit. Very trendy vibe but not obnoxiously so. Big fan of the focaccia bread and cauliflower appetizer. My sister and I both had the New York dry-aged steak, which was pretty good although not as good as when I first tried it here two years ago. Overcooked for medium-rare. The pistachio souffle more than made up for the mistake steak. Holy delicious!!! :)
(4)
Whitney K.
The soft shimmer of a chandelier that once hung in the Paris Opera House greets you as you enter the main dining area. Just inside, a dining library complete with stained glass windows repurposed from Trinity Cathedral in New York City, authentic Tiffany glass and glowing fireplace invite you in. In another room, a white lacquer piano surrounded by blown glass champagne bubbles is offset by custom dining tables made of repurposed wood from Indonesia. A $7.2 million wine cellar beckons to you from the balmy outdoor terrace. History runs deep in the Forge, where you'll find intriguing stories around every corner, from Napoleon's writing desk hiding upstairs to unassuming fixtures from Jackie O's White House decor hanging outside the Boardroom. Each dish, boasting a modernized and artistic twist on classic, haute cuisine, is worthy of this rich history and brings an equally rich palate and range of flavor to every course. The food's presentation is as beautiful as the ambiance and sure to leave a lasting impression. The experience is completed by exquisite service. Our server, Jill, struck a perfect balance between anticipating our every need and convivial conversation that both educated us about the restaurant and delighted our party with subtle humor and good energy. I believe my father's final words were: "I'll be back. This raisin bread, these martinis - and you of course - made the night." Coming from a man who has notoriously high standards of service: this is saying something. The raisin bread WAS pretty good. The experience and service were better.
The Forge was selected by a friend at random for a 30th birthday celebration. Although skeptical by the external first impression, we were pleasantly surprised upon entering the lavish establishment. Greeted by a pleasant doorman and an even more politely prepared front desk team to receive us, we were truly taken back by this hidden gem! For large groups like ours (10 people with a reservation) we were immediately attended and given instruction on how the seating process goes. During the transition of waiting for the rest of the group to arrive, we were welcomed to the bar area. The ambiance was fantastic, decor leaned towards a "Great Gatsby" profile. Excellent dj with an excellent playlist set the vibe. They did have good drink specials, and free appetizers during happy hour which was a definite plus while you wait. We were seated promptly after our entire group arrived. The quality was exceptional, and portions were slightly above average. The only two cons I can critique: horribly slow service and wait times to receive meals and drinks, which was extremely disappointing when you're in a group expecting good service for the price and caliber of restaurant this place intends to portray. My second con was the inability to split checks and the lack of genuine care and concern of our server to solve our basic needs. Overall I would come back, but to the bar, for drinks and appetizers only due to the superb vibe.
(3)
Jacqui R.
Great drinks, extremely creative. However, the steaks, aweful! I tasted more than one type of steak, since there was 6 in my party. Very bland, no flavor what so ever! I had to ask for ketchup! If I was blindfolded I would have thought my filet was a T-bone steak. The service sucked, I had empty drinks on my table, dirty napkins not collected, and had to ask for my server multiple times.... To be honest, I am very disappointed!!... This place is overrated!!! Would NOT recommend to anyone!
(2)
Elizabeth R.
SHORTS AND T-SHIRTS OKAY. Granted it was a Sunday night, but when did it become acceptable to dine at the Forge in grubby jeans and a ratty T-shirt? It wasn't just one guy, there were a few "just rolled off the couch" looking patrons. And then, as we were getting ready to leave, a group of five 20-somethings strolled past our table to the bar wearing gym clothes. Seriously. Shorts, sneakers, sweaty and smelly. Whatever. When I saw the Gilt City deal for a 3-course meal at the Forge (Su-Th only) it seemed like a great way to get a jump on Miami Spice. Now I know to give it a miss. Things didn't go well right from the start. The hostess led us to a tiny 2-top next to the door. Only one dining room was open and it was full. Every other couple seemed to be seated at a large table with banquette seating, so I was really nonplussed at being cramped against the wall, and then the hostess pulled out a chair to reveal food scraps that had been left on the seat from a previous patron. Mr. Wonderful was giving me the, "Just deal with it!" look so I brushed off the chair and took the other seat, and thought, "So far, it feels like we're at Denny's." But really it's all about the food, right? Meh. Best dish was corn chowder appetizer, but it was listed on the menu with caviar. No caviar. Dessert was a hazelnut chocolate cake that tasted mostly like the inside of a refrigerator. Worst offender was very tough beef. All around disappointment. I understand that the discount dining opportunities tend to be hit and miss. But the Forge was miss, miss, and miss. It makes me sad that I can't recommend an iconic Miami institution like the Forge, but really, there are far too many alternatives that are so much better close by. We'd visited the bar at the Forge several months earlier and were similarly disappointed. We ordered some snacks that were puny and overpriced. A game was on, but the TVs were miniscule. I wish there were something nice to say about the Forge, but I can't come up with anything. Sorry.
(2)
Bridget O.
Came here with my parents. The atmosphere is great and the staff is very friendly. My parents both ordered steaks and I ordered the salmon. The steaks were a little better than average but not as good for the price they were charging. I was not a huge fan of the salmon, probably would not order that next time. On the other hand the sides were great. We got Mac and cheese and it was delicious highly recommend ordering that. The mash potatoes were great too.
(4)
Chris S.
Wonderful service, beautifully prepped delicious food and an amazing wine cellar that you'll want to tour.
(5)
Erica B.
Typical South Beach. Great ambiance, beautiful decor and good music. Food was extremely overpriced, extremely small and extremely mediocre. We ordered the truffle Mac and cheese and I tasted like Kraft Mac and cheese. Our salad was only enough for two bites. Would never return again.
(3)
Jennifer S.
Beautiful restaurant...I mean really beautiful! We held a group dinner for 40 people at the Forge in July and had a great experience...my only complaint is the group space wasn't nearly as nice as the main dining room. The staff was great - attentive and efficient, the food was delicious - the filet was so tender, and the people watching was great too in the main dining room.
(5)
Vanessa T.
We celebrated a birthday last year at the Forge. Our only complaint had been that we had ordered too much!! The food was phenomenal and our service was excellent -- it is why I chose to surprise my bf with dinner at our favorite place for his bday. Prior to going, I made sure to call and place several asks including a special table, a bday surprise with our desert and lastly I specified that I would be paying with a Travel zoo. I was assured that all of this would be noted in my reservation. We arrived and were seated in a very nice area with tons of lights around (on a stage). Hardly private but pretty. Our waitor came by and offered wine - my bf asked him to please select a nice red for him. It was only when he came to give us the menus that I had to ask if there was a special one for Travel Zoo. The bewildered waitor said "i wish you had mentioned this earlier - those wines you selected are not included". I was embarrassed. He came back with the menu and took our order and Then i decided to ask him to take a look at the notes in my reservation. I had to ask him to do this!! Isnt this what the hostesses are meant to do? Not just stand pretty and say good evening? So annoyed. We enjoyed our meal (as always) but was really dissapointed that when the cake came, the waitor dropped it off and walked off. He didnt sing, he didnt even say Happy Birthday. It felt awkward. At this point, Im upset and just want to leave. To my surprise, the worst was yet to come. The bill arrives at a total of $81. What was the point of the Travel Zoo? There were several unexplained charges and I noted that the wine that the waitor chose was $21 a glass. We didnt even have the two glasses included in the Travel zoo, you would think he would have altered that -- nope. To add a cherry to the cake and make the occasion worse, they forgot to give us the wine cellar tour that I had been offered during my conversation! Bottom line, meal is great and their steaks are legendary -- just dont go for a special occasion. So dissapointing.
(3)
Klime K.
For our first Christmas together with my Australian wife, I wanted to take her to the iconic 'The Forge' which certainly lived up to it's exceptional reputation. In summary, our experience unfolded like this .. We reserved a week in advance and the day before, we received a phone call to confirm the reservation which showed this place is professionally run. On arrival, the hostesses were super friendly and we were immediately greeted and lead to our table (which by the way felt like we had the best seat in the house). The decor is very aristocratic and the ambiance world class. There was a mixture of families, couples and groups of friends. The menu was extensive with variety to suit all. The renowned wine selection is like no other and certainly hard to match anywhere else. Nothing was late, the service was good and there was ample staff on the floor. A delicious assortment of breads were provided while deciding on the menu. For the appetizers we had the Pan Seared Crab Cake and Grilled Roasted Beets, and for the entree we had the Grilled Salmon and Grilled Hanger Steak. While we were full after our meal, my wife couldn't resist sharing a serving of the Chocolate Souffle which we were advised to order early so that it could be prepared in time. Everything was outstanding. Evidently 'The Forge' has positioned itself to be always relevant and timeless.
(5)
Leon K.
We expected over the top decor but did not expect brothel decorations. The food also left a great deal to be desired. The chopped kale salad was bland, without substance and did not have enough vinegar which was not offered on the side. The signature dishes, steak, were also diappointments. My strip was stringy though cooked to the correct temperature. My wife ordered the waygu at $20 an ounce requesting pink. It was derlivered rare. Steakhouses should never get the temperature wrong on their specialty. I had just returned from London after 5 weeks and chose the Forge as the place I wanted my first American steak because of its iconic stature. My wife tried to talk me out of it. She couldn't, because I had heard about wonderful changes being made. My wife was right and I was wrong. I was sorely disappointed and wish I had chosen one the numerous steakhouses in the Gables or on the Beach.
(1)
Charmie P.
Wonderful restaurant, always impeccable service and outstanding food cooked to perfection. The bread basket is delicious, my favorite is the onion focaccia, for side the polenta with kale is a must and so it the mac & cheese, and the steaks are ridiculous good. The first time I went a few years ago I was with a big group, the sommelier gave us a tour of the wine cellar, the collection is impressive. The decor is classic and elegant, with beautiful chandeliers through out. It is pricey, great for a special occasion.
(5)
Boris K.
The forge is a great experience if you are in the Miami area. The decor of the place is beautiful and if you are seated in the main room you can't help but constantly look around. (The big chairs are really cool) They have an impressive wine book with a huge selection of wine and a sommelier on premises. However, the best part of my dinner was my unforgettable waiter Mike Moon. It was because of this man that my dinner was different than any restaurant I have ever been to. Mike was not only the most professional waiter I have ever had but he made my girlfriend and me feel as if he has been our personal chef for over 10 years.(His knowledge of the food and restaurant is remarkable) When we first read our order to him he suggested that we have ordered too much and should make some adjustments. (Not something that you usually hear from a waiter). We went with the beef tartare and the kale salad as our appetizers. I personally really did not enjoy the kale salad, (which I got based on reviews) I found it to be too bitter. Mike was kind enough to replace it with the burrata which was fantastic. We then ordered the porterhouse for two with truffle butter and ginger sauce. We also got the lobster risotto as a side to our steak. The risotto was great but the steak wasn't anything too special (I guess I'm spoiled because I'm used to eating at Peter Lugers in NYC). But however, thanks to Mike we ended up getting the perfect amount of food. If you are looking for an unforgettable dinner experience I would most definitely recommend coming to The Forge. Hopefully you'll get lucky enough to have MIke Moon as your waiter!
(5)
Bruce R.
Do not go to the Forge on a Friday night. It is so loud that it is impossible to have a conversation. After repeated requests to turn down the sound in the "library' area the management did so, but the requests had to be repeated several times. The food is not special, but the waiter, Jonathan McCort was. He was attentive, sensitive to our needs and if you do go to the Forge, ask for him. We had good wines that were not overly expensive, but the four of us agreed that we would not return. If you are interested in fine dining, the Forge is not the place. If you like over the top glitzy decor, mediocre food, good service, good bread and a scene, then the Forge is for you. 2.5 stars.
(3)
Victoria A.
The service was impeccable! The food left me absolutely speechless! I ordered the Kobe Beef with Foie Gras on top and Truffle Sauce, accompanied by a side of Mac and Cheese Truffle Pot Pie! Oh Yes, it exists! The ambiance of the restaurant is very calm, perfect for a date night. I would recommend this restaurant for the ultimate dining experience! 5/5!
I'll start out by saying the service was top notch at The Forge, but that's the only aspect of my experience that I can speak highly of. My boyfriend's filet mignon came out medium rare/rare although he ordered it medium well. My lobster thermidor was not very memorable, as I kiiiiinda wish I had it steamed instead. The mac and cheese congealed almost immediately after arriving to the table, not a creamy mac and cheese you usually get at a great steakhouse although it was tasty. Overall, not impressed and wouldn't recommend. Although, it must be mentioned that the interior of the restaurant is quite beautiful - reminded us of the Oak Room in NYC.
(3)
C. M.
Finally after all these years, I finally made reservations to this elegant and chic the restaurant is...truly remarkable. We were seated right away (being a Wednesday night) and it was surprisingly slow. The waiter (Renzo) did a great job of briefing the menu and wine list for us. The restaurant has a sommelier to assist in selecting wines. He directed me to an Italian red - Nero since I was the only one drinking wine. Excellent choice! It was smooth but with great flavor and he didn't try pawning off a more expensive wine, like other restaurants. So after minutes of indecision we ultimately went with the NY Strip and mushroom risotto as a side. Good call on that one Renzo. The risotto was f'ing remarkable! The strip was cooked to perfection, very tasty but a pricey given the type of cut. Today I dreamt of that risotto.... The wifey ordered the lobster Thermidor, it was good but I would rather have ordered the surf and turf with the 6 oz filet. For desert - the Blacksmith pie- huge slice, but the custard makes it light and the chocolate is ohhh so fluffy! Ordered it with a side of vanilla ice cream, it was a perfect finish to a great meal. I expected better service but they may have had staff missing bc it was slow. Had to ask several times if they could bring me more water. Usually the fine dining establishments refill your water after each sip, so that was a little disappointing but the overall experience was solid. Can't wait for Miami Spice and see what they will be offering....
(4)
Leslie R.
Amazing I loved the food and the service was great!!! I love everything about this restaurant
(5)
Sherry S.
Wow! What can I say bad ( nothing ) lol. Everything was amazing. Mike was our server,funny guy and very knowledgeable about the food and decor! Who in fact gave us a exclusive tour around the restaurant to private rooms and wine chateau / wine cellar. Manny step in with the tour and provide wine knowledge. The manager Adam stop by our table just to check if everything was going good. Which was very nice ( good looking young man ).lol also was introduce with amazing mixologist / manager Justin mass. Mr.maas whip up one of his special raspberry drinks so delicious. Great staff .Omg... the food wow! love every bite. I did miami spice. The first course: Caesar salad with fresh real anchovies. Second course : 6 oz filet mignon cook at the right temperature. Last course : warm lava cake,mmmmm so moist .My pallet had a great time. Ugh I can't wait to go back . If you love wine,great food come to the forge. They really accommodate their guest. Thank you .
(5)
Yara V.
Great place for dining! The ambiance is a little loud when you walk in. The crowd at the bar was older than myself. It was like 40+, but great 90's music everyone was loving. I don't recommend the tables near the bar cause u probably want be able to hear anything (music is too loud). The food was truly amazing. The lobster risotto to begin with, followed by their filet mignon with black truffle mac n cheese and mexican corn could not have made my night better. It was truly delish! Service was great! Great dessert.
(4)
Swatee G.
I was surprised at how big te place is when we walked in.. Loved the decor and the high ceilings.. Had been super excited about the Alice in Wonderland chairs, but they have been smushed into dark corners.. barely noticed them.. not happy about that! The waiter was super snooty.. star off for that.. yeah.. I do not like snooty service, especially since I had heard good things about the place and the fact that I was paying for my food.. not the snootiness! gah! Anyways.. The mushroom risotto.. to die for! I'd come back any day, JUST for that bowl of heavenly goodness! The complimentary bread basket.. yum yum yum! Their butter was sooo good, and the assorted breads were all super soft and yummy! Their Forge chopped salad.. really good..! Loved the olives and the caper berries.. the vinaigrette was BEAUTIFUL and the Gorgonzola went so well with it! The polenta on the side.. pretty yum, nothing extraordinary though.. My friend had been super excited about the lychee drink, and hey - no offense, but if the bartender reads it, the champagne ABSOLUTELY kills the delicate flavor of lychee! sorry, mate! Need to redo it with rum maybe? I got the strawberry shrub cake, which was really yum.. loved the herbs in it.. added some much freshness! All in all, I loved the place (let's forget the fact that we paid an arm and a leg for what we had), but I'd love better service next time! :)
(4)
JamesBrownInMiami ..
Amazing $50 a bottle Veuve Happy Hour on Friday Evenings 6-11. The best filet minion in Miami Beach.
(5)
Robert D.
Excellent food and servic. Ask for the Library if you want the quiet scene.
(4)
Tony L.
Very average food. The scene is good but everything from the salad and apps were average. My friend ordered the scallops and they were way to fishy than they should've been. I ordered the sea bass and it was just ok.
(3)
Shenika T.
Lovely restaurant, however I did not dine here. I went for an event. Unfortunately, the event was wack. How do have a networking event at a huge bar with no place to network? Definitely wont return to these events.
(3)
Tiberiu K.
Locals should be aware that the food at the forge now is bland and has no flavor. You definitely do not get what you are paying for. What happened to the chef ?.. Beautiful place, good service, very tasteless food. My opinion, don't go here if you want good food.
(1)
M.M. K.
This place alsolutely blows off my mind every time I get to go there for a meal. Fantastic food and the atmosphere is one of a kind. Purely unique!
(5)
Kathy H.
Attended a private dinner in the Wine Cellar. Interesting history surrounding this building and restaurant. Pan seared scallops were perfectly cooked and filet was medium rare, as ordered. My friend said the crab cake app was excellent. Great decor and atmosphere! Our servers were very polite and knowledgeable.
(4)
Jason S.
The service at this restaurant is a 10+ our server was welcoming, friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and well educated on wines. Two managers greeted our table one different occasions to check on the food and service. We ordered the table side Caesar salad - there were so many ingredients on the board he came out with I can't remember them all. Perfection, is the best way to describe the salad, the perfect amount of lettuce to dressing ratio and the flavor was so savory. For the main course I ordered the Peppercorn crusted filet mignon, the presentation was beautiful, the steak itself just average, however. The meat was not as tender as I would have liked it and overall the temperature was more on the medium side then med rare. For dessert we had the souffle, well worth the wait. Warm chocolate syrup poured over a chocolate cake with toasted marshmallows. Mmmh so good! Overall great experience, I just had higher hopes for the food, will go try again.
(3)
Jessica B.
Still great after all these years... Love the food, attentiveness of the servers and ambiance.
(5)
Claudette C.
Being invited for Miami Spice dinner I was expecting a great dinner because of this restaurants fine reputation. They did not disappoint, everything was great. There was a moment where it became awkward, we ordered a bottle of pinot noir which was recommended by our fine waiter, the problem was that the wine was weak at we were not pleased by the recommendation. After some give and take the Sommelier returned with a better choice of pinot noir wine. The food was great, chop salad to start, filet mignon for main course with mashed potatoes that were amazing! The cheesecake was to die for, very light, a foam creation, no crust. The service was great also, the waiter was awesome and able accommodate my secret request for a separate bill to allow me to pay for the coffees and gratuity, its the least I could do.
(5)
Enjoli G.
I wish The Forge was closer to me. I would be in the library everyday. It's a stunning restaurant with a very attentive staff. The menu could be more varied though.
(4)
Remington T.
Worst "upscale" dining experience of my life. We did go on Valentine's Day--not really realizing it was Valentine's --which was a huge mistake. Service was stretched, crowd was probably uncharacteristic of this restaurant. Food was solid. It may get a second chance next time I'm in Miami--if I can get over the initial memory.
(2)
Irina R.
I really enjoyed the trendy atmosphere of The Forge. My reservation was a late one, 11pm, and the restaurant was visibly slowing down at that point. The ambiance of a partially busy space made it just right. I could hear myself talking. I liked the scallop risotto and the drinks were pretty good too. Weird thing I liked: the bathrooms are awesome! Very trendy.
(5)
Elana M.
The Forge has a new chef. Christopher Lee has now brought the food to a serious new level. Last night was by far our best visit. Everything we tasted was outstanding. The menu has changed and you may notice many new dishes and some of your favorites may not be served anymore, but that is OK! I was sad to see the mushroom risotto no longer offered, they now offer a Maine lobster risotto, which I didn't try last night. Even the wedge salad was innovative and different from anything I have ever had. I loved the addition of chopped olives and dried tomatoes. Another stand out was the English Pea Ravioli. I must have used the entire bread basket sopping up the sauce. My husband said his salmon dish was the best he has ever had. The Sweet Potato Gratin with Gingersnap Cookie Crumble was obviously sweet, but at the same time, very savory. The chef used delicious herbs that took away the over the top, dessert like taste. It was so incredibly balanced. I used to love going to The Forge mainly for the ambiance. It is possibly the most beautiful restaurant in Miami. Now I have the whole package. With this new chef, The Forge has it all! And I have to agree with a rant from a fellow yelper. What the hell are people thinking coming to The Forge in shorts on a Saturday night???? Thankfully most know how to dress, but those couples who can't bother putting on some nice clothing should go to Applebee's or stay home.
(5)
Coach M.
SuperSTEAK was an A+. The Forge is a classic steakhouse with a larger than life feeling. Seating in a 3-4 person chair / couch with a 15 ft mirror next to our table it is a grand feeling. The service was alert The pre bread assortment was a homemade fresh with 6+ varieties the onion bread was our tables favorite. App : Colossal shrimp - worth each cent ! Large (JUMBO) fresh white shrimpy. SuperSTEAK - Medium plus to my liking, cooked perfectly ! The flavor was exact with no fat to cut away, returned the plate clean. A+ Chilean sea bass in miso- cooked well done , nice , flakey fish with a good crust, quite salty. B+ Sides : Garlic mash potato, fries, brussel spouts, and green beans all sides were small and nothing was special ? C+ The steak was $60 and worth it, sides for $10 plus no flavor.... not worth it, sea bass was $40 and delicious. For a special event or great date this pace is great.
(3)
Tina V.
Food was mediocre at best but service was impeccable. Ambiances was elegant and catered to the trendy older folks. Ill give them credit for the decor. 2 stars for the ambiances and the service Filet on the bone (2/5) sent it back because it was cooked medium well and i had ask for medium rare. It was a bland tough piece of meat. Mac and cheese (1/5) it was not good. Drinks were good but overall i would not return.
(2)
Mimi B.
I have been to the forge several times and never once left disappointed. Their menus during Miami spice are also very good and a great deal for what you get. I love how this place is decorated.
If you have money to burn on excellent food and HORRIBLE customer service, come here. The waiters were attentive, though also a bit impatient, and the food really was good. But as good as the food was, it was not anywhere near worth the hassle of having incomprehensive management that literally told a table of 5 people that their system "doesn't allow to split a check 5 ways, but does allow to split it 4 or 6 ways". Also, you can skip on the tip since they already slap on a 20% "service charge". Needless to say, I'm taking my money elsewhere. I'm never going back. The Forge in one word: overrated.
(2)
Katie M.
Amazing dining experience a The Forge! We had the scallop ceviche, tuna tartare, pea ravioli, lobster risotto, black truffle mac & cheese, sea bass, the pastrami duck along with dark chocolate napoleon and the key lime tart. The service staff was attentive, the food came out timely and the atmosphere was chic yet comfortable.
(5)
Nicole L.
Amazing ambience. Dark, old fashioned luxury and an stellar wine collection. The sommelier Gino gave us a tour of the old cellars and all of its collectables; including the Magnum room. This is definitely a wine lovers dream; they have the modern pouring system where you can choose from a taste to a glass. I went for one of their tastings and the secretive elegant feel of the place left me feeling very magical. If you want old fashioned exceptional service and a killer wine list, this is the place for you!
(4)
Juliana G.
My hubby and I headed to The Forge for a romantic dinner at the restaurant where we got engaged and where his dad used to deliver booze during prohibition. Call him Al Capone Jr. :) We had a small bump on the road at the beginning when the brand new hostess gave us a rookie table and refused to move us to a different place. Fortunately, this was very short-lived because the MOD immediately intervened and placed us in the best table in the restaurant. Thank you MOD! As soon as we were seated they brought us bread four-ways which I proceeded to eat while my hubby chose wine (rookie!). Then they brought us the amuse bouche consisting of BBQ lamb chops, which were delicious to me even though my rookie hubby thinks that they were too big to be an amuse bouche. Yes, I know, crazy and a rookie! For real, they were tender with a thin layer of fat that made them juicy and flavorful. While we waited for our appetizers and decided what to order, they brought us a bottle of bubbly from Spain from 2004. We then opted for the chop salad for my hubby and the caesar salad Forge way for me. Both great choices. The Chop Salad is their traditional salad in a beautiful presentation. My hubby likes the old way better where they brought a mountain-full plate, but I still think it was wonderful. My gigantic caesar salad was fresh, crisp, and authentic, just like it used to be when restaurants used to make caesar salad table side. We also ordered the fried cauliflower, which disappeared in just a few seconds because we liked it so much. The batter was light and the cauliflower had the perfect consistency (not too soft or too hard). For our entrees we both ordered the filet mignon, which was very tender and cooked perfectly. They come with a mustard sauce that is so amazing I could have shots of it and be very happy. We both cleaned out our plates. We added a side of duck fat fries which we order every time we go to The Forge. They are amazing! with little pieces of fried duck and the potatoes are smothered in duck fat. A portion is probably 10,000 calories and worth every single one of them. Yummmm :) We have had duck fat fries at several places and even the best don't even come close to these ones. For dessert we (rather, I) had the chocolate bread pudding which was yummy. It was more like a cake drizzled with melted chocolate and a side of fresh strawberries. I ate about half of it until I decided that I wanted to save the rest for my 3:00 a.m. cravings tonight. Besides, I also ordered the mango sorbet and it was melting in front of me. It was very nice but we made it even better by adding a shot of Gray Goose to it :) I think they should make that their dessert choice, it was unbelievable! All in all, the Forge has consistently good food, in a romantic setting, with servers who know what they are doing and how to create a nice dinning experience for their customers.
(4)
Nathalya G.
Food is quite good, the decor is very stylish and beautiful. The costumer service is also good.
(4)
Evonne L.
Chopped salad= cut up pieces of different veggies wrapped in cucumber slices. Was not a big portion, we tried to share it with 4 girls but I found myself trying to eat all of it since it was really good! Oak grilled super steak, aka "The Best Steak in America" according to Wine Spectator was not true. The steak was good, but wasn't as oaky or as flavorful as I expected. This is one thing I was glad my gfs and I shared because it was $55, and sadly, not worth the hefty pricetag. Coffee and eggs = "COFFEE CRUSTED RIBEYE, GOAT CHEESE FRITTATA" tasted weird. We were feeling adventurous and who doesn't like coffee and goat cheese, but the pairings didn't complement each other and the actual steak was dry. The high point of the night was the souffle, which takes 30 minutes to prepare but was amazing. Definitely big enough for 4 small girls (or one hungry girl) to share. Ambiance of this place was great, especially for a big party since they have big tables to accommodate.
(3)
Tito B.
Two visits in and the same conclusion- the ambiance is absolutely unmatched- gorgeous beyond words. The food, however, although good, is really nothing out of this world. I thought maybe it was a fluke when I came the first time, seeing as this is such a highly-rated restaurant, but I had the same impression on the second visit. It's just okay, and when you are paying a lot for the meal, I just expect more than ok.
(2)
Michelle W.
Not impressed at all with the food here. I had high expectations based on the reviews, but nothing I ate was worth any money... I was glad I did not wast my own money on food here. The only reason I gave them 2 instead of 1 star is because the service was good and I really like the atmosphere, plus the Alice in Wonderland sized chairs in the private dining areas rock. Anyhow, so here is the skinny on the food (which I only picked at & ended up going home and eating something else) Lobster bisque - not good at all. First of all it was brown and looked totally unappetizing. Second the creme ball that they put in it wouldn't really mix into the the broth. Lastly, it was bitter and I have no clue why. Black & white sesame encrusted tuna - Fail, the tuna was not cooked at all... I'm not sure if they can't tell because the amount of sesame seed they put on it, but there was no seared edging on the tuna. It was maybe only 1-2mm of color. And it was completely cold. The dish itself looked beautiful and it was a complete let down when it was no good to eat. I had desert, but can't remember what it was. At least my wine was good. So, I would only go back here for drinks at the bar. Nice atmosphere & set up with a good wine selection. Save your money & eat else where, totally not worth it here.
(2)
Alberto R.
Ultra classy place. The music was too clubby for a place of this quality. Only thing that made it 4 stars out of 5. Food was outstanding.
(4)
Meagan M.
The food was fantastic! We went for Miami Spice ($39 for three a coarse dinner) and they also had a few glasses of wine that were $6. That seems to be the way to go since it is usually $100+ per person. I ordered the ravioli as my appetizer. I wasn't expecting them to be fried, but they were still delicious. Others at the table had the Forge Salad and that was great. The filet was very well prepared and seasoned. Some at our table went as far as to say it was "the best steak they had ever had". Finally, the cheesecake was AMAZING. Overall we had a fantastic experience. The ambiance is awesome, waiters were nice/attentive and really know the menu, and the food was delicious. This is a great place to go for a special night out!
(5)
Silvia C.
Excellent food, service and ambience. The risotto appetizer was out of this world .
(5)
Ed L.
This is a "oh you're fancy huh" kind of steak house in every way. The decor is very elegant and upscale and the food and drinks mirror in complexity. They have great cocktails that are very unique which is a great way to start the night. The bread basket is fantastic with a variety of bread and one of the most delicious Foccacia cheese breads ever. Although they have various cuts of steaks, I think the OAK GRILLED "SUPER STEAK" is a winner. It is proclaimed to be the best steak in America and it is definitely in my top 5. It is grilled nicely with great char on the outside and juicy in the middle. I would have preferred a little more rareness but it was still very good. It comes with an assortment of dipping sauces which makes the experience unique. Great steak but can be pricey for $50 a pop.
(4)
Courtney N.
Always an excellent choice. Had the fillet mignon and it was prepared excellent. The server was sharp and attentive with a good attitude. Always a safe bet and great atmosphere.
(4)
Donnie M.
Between the DJ, live singers and over the top decor this is one of the coolest restaurants that I have eaten at. Try the happy hour on Friday nighs with $50 bottles of Veuve.
(5)
Jorge E.
OK...you want to make an impression for your significant other or for that important out of town business client....THIS is where you bring them! I mean...whats not to LOVE about this place?! The decor "over the top" elegant and beautiful! The food is some of the best in Miami! Some people would argue that they liked "The Forge" better pre-renovation but the "meat and potatoes" of this place are still there and that is their food and service. We are talking Miami Beach here so it can be expensive especially if you try one of the MANY awesome bottles of wine they have! In life they say..."You get what you paid for"! That is NOT true in the restaurant business as their are as many overpriced and just average places as there are underpriced/amazing joints few know about! The Forge is right smack in the middle! Expensive..yes! But worth your time and money.
(5)
Stephanie L.
The Forge of the past and the remodeled updated versions are night and day different. What would have been 2 stars a few years ago, was one of the best meals I've had in a long time post-update. I'm not going to comment on the boring meal that once was since it's not something you can (or have to) have anymore. ATMOSPHERE: Dim and quiet, but upscale and modern. Most recently sat in "the library" and loved the feel like it was something out of a Disney ride. It was elegant and inviting, feels like perhaps you are dining in the house of a very wealthy food connoisseur. Each dining room has a different feel though so you can have a completely new experience depending on where you are. SERVICE: Exceptional and impeccable! Our server was very knowledgeable and helped us navigate the large wine list to find the perfect pairings for our meal. FOOD: Inventive, decadent and so flavorful. Had the tuna to start and it was literally as huge bowl of fresh diced tuna big enough to be an entree. It came in sesame oil and some other seasonings I can't place, but they really enhanced the dish and elevated a basic, fresh tuna to extraordinary. For the entree I went with the grilled skirt steak, leek chutney tomato jam, and tostones. All I can say is WOW! The meat was cooked perfectly, and there was a slight sweetness to the tomato jam that was the perfect match to the grilled flavor of the beef. For dessert I had the lemon panna cotta and it was the perfect ending to cleanse the palate. Slightly sweet, slightly tart and absolute creamy deliciousness. Had a wonderful experience and would definitely recommend the Forge for a special occasion, date or dinner with friends.
(5)
Josiah G.
This is one of the most interesting and beautiful restaurants I have ever seen. The decor is like no other. It's mad hatter meets old masonry and ironwork. It's simply amazing. The food was just as amazing. We ordered the lamb ribs for an appetizer and it was some of the best lamb I've ever had. I ordered a pesto rigatoni with roasted cauliflower that was so good, I ate the whole bowl in just a couple minutes. What is also great is that, for an experience like this with amazing food and over the top service, the prices were not unreasonable. For what we ate and how we were served, I thought the prices were just right. Anyone stopping in should also take the time to walk around inside the building. The outside bar area is stunning and the iron work inside is original to the very old building. Great place and I can't wait to come back!
(5)
Larry K.
We dined at the Forge this evening and had a wonderful experience. Our server Jill was as attentive as can be and the food was impeccable. I highly recommend this restaurant and don't forget to request Jill if you want the experience of a lifetime!!
I made the mistake of taking my wife here for valentines day and experienced the single worst restaurant experience of my entire life. 1) I showed up 15 minutes early and was directed to the bar to wait for our table. Within 30 minutes the bar was overflowing with people all waiting for tables. After 75 minutes of waiting we were finally seated - only after my wife and I argued with the manager and hostess three separate times to be seated. It was clear that these guys overbooked and had no proper system for reserving tables. Despite our complaints we received no apology or offer for comped drinks. 2) After FINALLY getting seated it took nearly 30 minutes for a waiter to take our order. By this point (9:15 vs a 7:30 rez) we were starving and both ordered the prix fixe meal - a shared app, filet and desert. 3) At 9:45pm, nearly an hour after we were seated the waiters brought our steaks (BEFORE the apps. After informing the confused and overworked waiter that we did not receive our app he quickly took the steaks away. 4) At 10:15 (90 min after being seated) we finally receive our appetizer. It was an absolute travesty and not what I would expect of any decent restaurant. It consisted of: 1) a small dish of "ceviche" which was gray and basically inedible accompanied by a soggy plantain chip, 2) two cold soggy pieces of fried goat cheese that appeared to be cooked hours beforehand and 3) a bruschetta of artichokes which was decent but clearly not fresh. 5) By 11pm we still had not received our steaks. At this point there really was no choice - WE WALKED FROM THE MEAL. Never in my life have I walked from a $300+ tab but this level of service was insulting and shocking. I could not even find a manager to speak to. 6) Last but not least - there was a near riot at the valet parking stand. Some folks had been waiting for an hour and arguments were breaking out btw the valet guy and manager in front of customers. I finally just told the valet kid to give me my keys and had to get the car myself. 7) At this point its almost midnight and we still had not eaten a proper meal. Fortunately the Burger King drive through around the corner delivered what the Forge was so incapable of - hot food served with a smile. I will NEVER return to this place.
(1)
Abby W.
My better half and I came here the first night of our vacation with a Gilt City voucher in hand. The space is beautiful, quite large and well-decorated in a classic steakhouse way. Comfy chairs. Our server was very personable and suggested that we supplement the salad/entree/dessert courses supplied by the voucher with an appetizer and/or a side dish. We opted for both and got the croquettes plus a side of the lobster mac and cheese. The enomatic thing is really cool, and I was pleased with the wines we got as part of the Gilt City promotion. All was going very well, we were enjoying our wine and the complimentary bread was fantastic, but then came the apps and amuse bouche and things began to fizzle a bit. The salmon croquettes were really pasty and lacking in flavour, super disappointing. The accompanying white fluff had no flavour at all and it was difficult to even figure out what it was supposed to be. The amuse bouche was a barbequed pork rib that was chewy, really fatty, and not that tasty. The sauce tasted too much like Masterpiece BBQ. Salads were enormous but very fresh and well-presented. I wished the cheese on the chopped salad was a stronger bleu, but overall it was delicious. The Forge redeemed itself on the filet, though. HOLY COW. We both opted for the filet entree, one medium and one rare, and they both came as ordered. Like butter in your mouth. The steak was literally perfect in every way. The mac and cheese, not as much. The noodles were majorly undercooked and we both only ate a few bites. For like $16 that is a real bummer. Despite the shortcomings we ended up extremely full by the time dessert rolled around so we hardly touched it. We got one each of a banana and chocolate bread pudding, the banana was by far the winner. I nitpicked a lot but for a place that charges as much as they do, a customer is entitled to nitpick. I would maybe go back with another voucher, and get the risotto instead of the mac since that seems more their specialty, but I probably wouldn't do a full price meal here. Oh, near the end of the meal the server knocked over a wine glass that broke and glass got all over my boyfriend. They cleaned it up quickly and efficiently but did not offer to move us to another table.
(4)
Bettina S.
Great restaurant, fun and busy Friday night vibe, and excellent service. The porterhouse I shared was very tasty, and the lobster risotto was delicious. The wagyu ordered by another girl was fantastic and the others raved about their French onion soup. Would definitely go back!
(4)
Imee B.
This is my go to special occasion restuarant in Miami Beach. I have dined here a few times and they exceed my expectations every time. This probably the most romantic restaurant in Miami- perfect combination of modern and old world opulence. The service - the valet, host stand, waiter, and sommelier - is always warm and pleasant and very professional. My favorites are the lobster pb&j (weird but tasty combo), mushroom risotto, and Oak Grilled super steak. For two people, you can expect to spend well over $200 but you will not be disappointed! Well worth the $$$$$!
21st Birthday dinner was to die for. This place is nothing short of amazing, the staff is super attentive and friendly - not snobby like other fancy places in the area. The decor makes your jaw drop - from the chandeliers to the leather couches, to the posh bathroom. I loved the Steak special I ordered, I loved it so much that I have dreamy about it... Yes it is that serious. Also, I have to rave about the fabulous mellow playlist they had going on - everything from Norah Jones to Lauryn Hill and even some babymaking Ginuwine. Yes! This place gave me life. We popped bottles, ate like Kings/Queens, and laughed like no other. I would hands down recommend this place to anyone who is looking for an intimate, fun, photo friendly place. Trust me, once you take a picture of one thing you have to cover it all. I would host a Vogue photoshoot here, its so prettttttty. It is going to be hard to top this birthday dinner.... I might just have to go to Miami for my 22nd Birthday as well.
(5)
Chris T.
This restaurant was amazing. The decor was unbelievable, the wine list was impressive, and the food was delicious. I have to say the service was by far the best I have ever had. You won't go wrong eating there.
(5)
Deena M.
The Forge was overpriced, overrated! Service was poor and the steak was dry and tasteless! Really felt we were ripped off!
(1)
Ahmed A.
I have to admit this was a very glamorous place and it accommodated a mature/older selection of people. So, presentation was great and it was a comfortable atmosphere. With food now me and my friend tried the lobster and the best steak of America. The best steak of America was really good but I don't think it is really the best steak in America. The lobster was really good too. The service was not bad and our waiter was pretty attentive. The only thing was it was an expensive meal so be prepared to spend a little$$$. Overall I had a great time and would try it again if I'm ever in Miami again.
(4)
Chris S.
I was a regular here (great steaks, beautiful space, very good service) until I saw a bartender blow his nose on a napkin and then return to making drinks without washing his hands. The manager was indifferent when I mentioned this to him. Probably a fluke, I wouldn't recommend eating there after that experience.
We found this restaurant on Yelp and decided to go to The Forge for my sister's birthday dinner. Our reservation was at 6:30 and though a member of our group was missing, we were escorted to our table. Albert was our waiter and he made sure that we always had wine and water while we waited. During this time, Albert brought us a bread basket with yummy bread and also brought Fernando (the wine genius) to come and recommend some wines. I ended up talking to him for a little while about Peru. An hour later, the last person from our group showed up (He blamed it on Miami traffic). The decor inside is great but our favorite part were the staff and the great music they played. The playlist included Norah Jones, Aaliyah, Ingrid Michelson and a lot more. -For an appetizer, someone ordered a kale salad for the table. Everyone enjoyed it, but I'm not a fan of kale. -The birthday girl ordered the OAK GRILLED "SUPER STEAK" and loved every single bite. It is very huge and she shared it with another person. -I had the grilled salmon and it was amazingly cooked to perfection. -other people with us had the ceviche which was very tasty and -We ordered the asparagus, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, and Brussels sprouts as side dishes. We enjoyed all of them except the asparagus which looked like it had been cut prematurely as they were very tiny. All in all, we had a great time and ended up spending quite a bit, but it was definitely one of the best meals we had while we were in Miami. I'd definitely go back!
(5)
Kathryn S.
This place is just absolutely amazing. From the decor to the service, everything about it was great. I decided to try the Forge for the first time since it was on the Miami Spice list. I started the evening arriving a bit early for my reservation so I can check out the place and have a seat at the bar. While I waited for my reservation I took in my surroundings while sipping on some champagne. Everything about this place screams decadence. The decor has no exact style, I felt like it was many styles thrown into one wondrous place. The walls have crown molding which are beautiful. After taking in the place my friend and I were seated at our table. We were seated in the second room on a raised floor that had a bubble design behind us. It was beautiful and wonderful. I was so happy we were seated where we were. At that moment out server, Esteban, came by and took some more of our drink orders and served us bread. Let me just say, the bread is amazing! There are several different types, I personally loved the rolls, and this cinnamon bread that taste like Christmas. To begin with, I got the salmon croquettes which were delicious. I'm not even a fan of seafood and I thought they were great. My friend got the coconut steamed mussels and clams and she did not stop raving about it. Her exact words were "I want to bathe in it." That's how much she loved it. For our entrees I got the three mushroom risotto and it was to die for. I mean, it was just so good. I don't think i've ever devoured a meal as quickly as that. Every single bite was just as great as the last one. My friend got the grilled skirt steak and was also talking about how much she loved it. For dessert we got the two options that were offered. I had the flourless chocolate torte which was just so decadent. It was very rich and just scrumptious. But, it was the cheesecake that was the true dessert winner. It was just amazing. Overall our experience at The Forge was memorable. Everything in the restaurant was wonderful. I especially enjoyed our waiter Esteban who made the experience even better with his wonderful service.
This place was within walking distance of our hotel so we decided to give it a try. They were participating in Miami Spice so we were definitely going to get bang for our buck by patronizing at a prix fixe price! The food was amazing! I had the salmon it was delicious and my boyfriend ended up ordering off the regular menu since he wanted to try a particular steak they had won awards for. There was a small issue with the steak being over cooked and our server was quick to whisk away the incorrect steak and bring over two gigantic Indonesian shrimp for him to nibble on until his new steak arrived. This review is partly for how good the food way, but it's more of a review for the amazing staff. Our server was phenomenal and one of the chefs came out and actually apologized to my boyfriend for overcooking his steak. Side note: The restroom is amazing...a woman's dream...feminine and chic. Professionalism at it's best! Bravo Forge!
(5)
Mike A.
I have been going to the Forge for years and always have loved the place. That said, it's about to take it to another level under chef Chris Lee and master entertainment innovator Shareef Malnik. We had the good fortune to get a sneak peak at what's to come last night and it is special. As you know I judge based on four criteria: food/wine, price, location and ambiance. The food crushes it (I highly recommend the filet mignon and kale salad), the wine cellar and bar is world class, the location is good on S Beach, the prices are reasonable given the quality, and the ambiance is amazing and about to go off the charts when they pull off there next iteration of the Forge in the coming months.
(5)
Tenzo A.
Alright, so one of the things I really LOVED about this place was the fun music they were playing. As twenty something year olds who like to have a good dinner before partying the music really sets the vibe. Plus the place was recently remodeled (so I heard) and really really cute. Absolutely loved the service, especially since we were treated with attitudes everywhere else in Miami .. including our hotel restaurants (Fontainebleau) which calls for a whole other review. Anyways, our waiter, wish I remembered his name, was awesome and very accommodating. I ordered the artichoke risotto with shrimp. The shrimp was delicious!!! The risotto itself was a liiiiiiiitle too heavy. a bit more creamer than usual, but it was still great! Now for the my favorite part, the tuna tar tar. OH-MY-GOODNESS. AMAZING. That's all I'm going to say cause I MAY start drooling. lol .. ORDER FOR SURE.
(4)
Gabe A.
Who Severs a burnt center cut filet?? This guys do!!! We where in town for a night and we pick this place of all the places in Miami. I was needing a great Steak and this place boasted one of the best steaks in the country. This place is your typical over priced place that we all love to eat at. But if you are going to charge a premium you should provide a premium product. Like I said I was in need of good steak. So I order a center filet medium rare . The steak came out and no one ask me to check the temp. I cut into it and it was more medium but we had been waiting for a while and I was hungry. But when I got to the Half that was burnt I could not eat it. The guy came to take the plate. I express my concern to him and he asked I wanted it to go? really. Yes let me take this dry price of meat home. Maybe I could give it to someone one ther street but I doubt they would eat it. Expressed same concern to waitress. Then the manager came over. Same deal!!! They where all very sorry for my horribly cooked steak. Never offered anything. To make it right. Except I wish you would of told us sooner. Well no one ever asked!!! I was not going to wait 10 min for some one to come over. But what can you expect from a over priced steak house that Automatically charges 20% gratuity no matter what. Sounds like socialism to me. What incentive do they have to deliver a quality product or to give a shit. If you are looking for a cool place with bad customer service and sub par food then this is your place. You have to love dropping 150.00 in dinner then grabbing a 5.00 slice of pizza that was better than anything this place severed.
(1)
Shirley W.
Came here during Miami spice, got the chopped salad, mushroom risotto, and chocolate layered cake. My favorite thing about the meal is actually the bread basket, awesome variety with the breads. The chopped salad was good, definitely would recommend. The mushroom risotto came in a big portion, very flavorful. The chocolate layer cake was good but didn't stand out. Overall it was a good meal but not quite what I would expect for a restuarant at this price. Also they have an extensive wine list, there's even 80 wines by glass, a bit on the expensive side but good selection. Overall a good experience, didn't stand out though
(3)
Celia E.
I've lived in Miami for nearly 20 years. I used to go to the Forge restaurant alot around 2006 and even had a big birthday party there in 2007. I actually had not been back since then. So I went there last Friday after about 7 years. I didn't really avoid it on purpose it's just that so many hot new restaurants have opened in Miami that I've just been trying all the newer trending places. This is the reason I'm writing this review. My husband and I eat out ar least 4 days a week and there are so many cool new scene type of restaurants that are overpriced with disappointing food and service. I fundamentally won't write anonymous bad reviews online because I think it's smarmy so I won't mention those multitudes of mediocre places on South Beach, the Design District or Wynwood (especially). I wanted to take time out to praise the Forge. I was shocked that after all these years it's still one of the very best places in Miami. The interior design, the food, the service and the atmosphere were truly fantastic. It's pricey but when things are done right, it's ok. And really the prices at Forge are on par with a lot of places that are pretending to be fine dining in Miami but don't have fine dining service. So long story short Forge is still great.
Came here for valentine's day and ordered their special menu which included mixed appetizers, and entree of filet mignon with polenta and mixed desserts. The best of part of this restaurant is the restaurant itself, which is gorgeous. We had a beautiful table that felt very intimate. We ordered wine and an additional appetizer of pomegranate glazed ribs. The best part of the meal was the polenta! Creamy and delicious. The ribs were second. As for the rest, not impressed. My filet had a burned after taste with every bite (my boyfriend felt the same exact way). The appetizers were not seasoned well (ceviche, crab bruschetta) thus tasted bland. Maybe it was our mistake by ordering from the "special menu". But, I originally went for a coffee rub ribeye with a goat cheese frittata, which was not on the menu that evening (bummer!). For a better steak given my filet mignon experience there, I'll just stick to Prime 112 or Smith & Wollensky. Maybe, given that the polenta was great, I'll go more towards the Italian route. Overall, we were both unimpressed. If you are curious, the bill was $260.
(3)
J N.
So disappointing. Made a reservation for my boyfriend's birthday on Monday night. Food was awful!!! I have absolutely no problem spending money but the quality of the food was salty, over priced and over rated. We started with the fried cauliflower, and the lobster pb and j. How could a lobster pb and j taste bad? They found a way to make it take flavorless. Really bogus. My boyfriend ordered one of their signature steaks (most expensive may I add recommended by the waiter) and I had the chilean seabass. The fish was actually pretty good but the steak was soooooo salty I swear they bathed it in salt. GROSS. For sides we got the trio of mashed potatoes which were ehh and the mac and cheese which could have taste better out of a box. Halfway through dinner the waiter asked us if we wanted to order the soufle, we said yes but were never shower the dessert menu so I don't even know what else was offered. They did make the birthday dessert special and personalized the plate with my boyfriend's name. I will say the only positives were that the hostess, bartender, waiter and water boy were absolutely excellent and attentive. Decor is cool as well. Our waiter gave us a tour of the restaurant after dinner and told us about the history as well which was really great. If you are looking for good food I would pass. Not worth $300 for two people.
(2)
Cynthia C.
The space is a wonderful representation of all things Miami: glamorous, sexy & fashion forward. The tables, booths are spaced apart and surprisingly it's a very comfortable scenester environment. Shared eats: -Kumamoto oysters, came w/cocktail sauce, grilled lemons, mustard & relish, sweet & fresh flavor. -Hamachi Tartare, liked the asian flavors & the plantain chips. -Crabcake, bountiful meaty portion w/a perfect sear. -Kale w/Parmesan, I think I would have liked it in combo w/another veg -Filet Mignon, solid, cooked the way I like, rare w/o the blood oozing. Note: DO dig into the complimentary bread, there is an amazing herby cheesy crusty bread, devoured all of it. The 70+ wines by the glass are awesome, we got to swish, swirl & taste six different varieties of wine, over half are priced under $15/glass. What a great way to start the trip: open late, we had a 1230am reservation, good food, wine & company.
(4)
Ryan L.
Trying to think of a reason not to give it 5 stars and honestly the only thing I can think of was the dirty bathrooms (which when ur spending good $$ u expect to b clean). Outside of that - everything was 5 stars! Can't wait to return!
(4)
Erin M.
Recently went here with a group of 17 girls for a bachelorette party. We reserved the big tasting table. Not only is the restaurant beautiful but the food was amazing! Every single one of the 17 people loved their appetizer, main dish, and dessert. The service was amazing and drinks were amazing. I can't say enough about how much I loved this place and what a great experience we had. Thank you to the forge for making my sisters bachelorette party dinner so wonderful!
(5)
Davina S.
Vueve Cliquot Fridays 6-11PM Only $50 bottles! Best happy hour in Miami! The bar is the perfect spot in this classic Miami hotspot!
(5)
Shannon M.
Ok we have been to The Forge many times, one of our go to's when we go to town. Well tonight was a far cry from a good experience. I knew it was bad when I ordered a glass of Vueve and the waiter looked at me like I had three heads. Then my husband ordered a Bombay sapphire martini and he didn't know what Bombay was....We were with another couple and our 2 children. Obviously we are cognizant of having 2 9 year old girls so that is why we had 6:30 reservations on a Monday night. Fast forward to dinner arriving, my steak was under done & I sent it back. No one really cared. At one point the server said to my friend sorry for not being attentive, really?? Did he just admit his service was sub par??? So he proceeds to clear the plates and spills ketchup on my daughters phone. At this point I don't even know what to do. He proceeds to clear the table and leaves the ketchup laden napkin on the table. My husband gets up and hands it to another waiter. The check comes and at this point we are mortified. Again another long wait for someone to return. At this point my husband gets up to hand the check to someone to ring us up. In 20!years of marriage I have never seen my husband get up and complain. He did and spoke to whoever was in charge for the night & I use that term loosely. Nothing changed and rest assured we won't be back. The irony is we had reservations for Friday night again & cancelled due to the poor service and food quality. For $800 for 4 adults & 2 girls who basically earlier birds is ridiculous for the service & food quality. We won't be back and if you are contemplating, don't go on your dime. Zero stars if I could rate it. Don't bother wasting your money.
(1)
Steve R.
I went to the Forge last night and had an overall great experience. This is old school service with contemporary cuisine. The Forge nailed it like so many restaurants do not. Our server, Michael Moon knows how to read a table. We were there for the exact experience he gave to us. The service was the perfect speed along with professionalism. I was overwhelmed by the iconic wine list and was looking for something just right and that is when Dean, the Sommelier showed up and helped us select a couple of bottles for the evening. ( if you are interested in drinking bottles from the civil war this is the place). Dean took the time to show us the whole restaurant and wine room. They offer an incredible private dining area if your celebrating something special. If your looking to "grab a bite" skip the Forge. If your looking for a dining experience, look no further but make sure you bring your wallet. But hey....if your looking for the best of the best your going to pay for it and the Forge is well worth it. I will be looking forward to creating an excuse for my girlfriend for why we must eat here soon.....Why not celebrate Labor Day!
(5)
Michele P.
My husband and I came on a recommendation. We were in Miami for work. Wow. Are we glad we did!! Our food was mostly good, not blow your socks off, but them we had the 3 mushroom risotto!! Holy Mary, mother of Jesus was that AMAZING!! Made this the best place we've been to in Miami!! As a side note...when we got our ticket and there was a 20% service fee. This was in addition to the taxes and we were expected to tip ON TOP OF THAT!! I have only ever seen this with larger parties. There was 2 of us. The waiter said it's applied to ALL tickets. Has anyone ever seen this? I'm kind of angry!
(4)
Mary L.
5 stars. Hands down, the best dining experience I had with my fiance in Miami. We came here for a private event. We literally flew in and came straight here. When we arrived, the hostess took us back to the private room that was reserved and we had a few personal waiters for our group who stopped us before we entered the room so we could make our meal selections. We were two courses behind everyone so we had some catching up to do. First let me say that this was incredibly professional of them to do. I was impressed with them from the beginning. We had an amazing dinner of Lobster bisque, crab cakes, filet mignon, and topped it off with panna cotta and green tea. Everything was cooked to perfection - ESPECIALLY the filet mignon. I am still dreaming about it right this second even though I'm no longer in Miami. The panna cotta was also really good so I suggest getting that if you get a chance to. My only regret was that my stomach wasn't big enough and I didn't eat everything on my plate. It was all so delicious! It's certainly worth ruining your workout for! The staff was also incredibly accommodating and so wonderful. It was a private event and they did a very good job at coming in and out at the right times. There was never an awkward moment where they barged in on an intense conversation or anything so I was very impressed by their professionalism. Attached to our private dining room was the wine cellar. After dinner, we all walked around a bit and mingled in the room and we had access to the wine cellar as well which was great! It was honestly such an amazing room. They probably had every single wine you could possibly dream of that was aged to perfection! I mean our meal from start to finish here was just phenomenal. From the staff to the food, and all the little details (switching out our utensils for our upcoming course by bringing them to us on a little tray) - I was just completely blown away. If you have a private event coming up and you're looking for a place to have it - I highly recommend The Forge! I can't speak much to their dining room experience, but I know that for private parties, they really knock it out of the park! I would definitely come back. They have a customer for life.
(5)
Blanca R.
I loved the ambiance, the decor, the delicious food and the crowd. I will be back at least once a month. I highly recommend as a great start to a night out of you sit at the bar or if you are just looking for a lounge vibe. It's upscale but they are afraid to play hip-hop, or old school music. This is a must visit!
(5)
Andrew S.
Holy. Mother. The lobster and P&J sandwich is, as my mother would say, to die for. I'm talking about the kind of thing you put in your mouth and you never forget. If you like Thai food, you'll love this concoction -- 'Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich' is a misnomer. Think a spicy thai sauce and an onion marmalade slathered on brioche with chunks of lucious, juicy Caribbean lobster in between. Just very, very good. Their burger is also one of the best in Miami. The truffle oiled fries on the side were perfect. The design of the restaurant is fashion forward, certainly Starck inspired. Their salt and pepper grinders were a hit with the fiancee and I, and we bought the same ones at Crate and Barrel yesterday.
THIS PLACE IS NOT JUST FOR STEAKS! Having been a vegetarian for the last xx years, I have come to appreciate steakhouses as having some of the best and freshest seafood ever! This place nails it. Their seafood dishes are creative and full of taste. They also upped their craft beer selection to compliment their sick wine bar. Super classy, great food, great staff a must if you are in the area.
(4)
Ming P.
decor: 4 food : 4 Service : 4 I had an excellent Bday dinner.
(4)
Harper S.
I crowdsourced to find out people's favorite restaurants in Miami and several people said The Forge. Always love restaurants on OpenTable especially when it's for a group of nine. I had absolutely no idea how fancy it was until we got there. The website is sort of misleading on that front. Needless to say, we loved this place. It was a bit swankier than I think we all expected but the food was exceptional. I had the troffi pasta with yellow tomatoes, basil and ricotta. Now, you think, that sounds very generic but wow, I've never tasted pasta like this in my life. it was alle dente and just perfection. Every bite was better than the last. The brussel sprouts were great too. Overall great experience, good service, and can't wait to go back and sit in the library room. Only thing was - we were all stunned when the bill came out. It's really not cheap but the food truly was exceptional so it was worth it.
(5)
Xasperniak B.
Ambience is wonderful, Fridays are the day with DJ and $10 Veuve in the bar where one can mingle with Miami's finest, according to our host. Gangsters and ballerz regularly eat here, so we have read, and with no shortage of cash to buy only the best--because that is what it is--my dry aged steak was apparently over a month of curing and won wine spectator's "best in America" award. The bone-in filet was the other entree and we shared a 1lb de-shelled Maine lobster as the side. The wine selection is massive, we did a bottle, and the giant glass list is visible behind glass in the walls. Chandeliers dotting the tour of this beautiful, century-old venue MADE our night--one can see why the biggest of names frequent, and frequented the Forge.
(5)
Linda M.
I was soo sad..great interior, good looking people, good bar. Atrocious service and food was even worse. Maybe people only go to drink? Sad..as it's a mijami landmark.
(1)
Roxy H.
Part of me really wants to give this place 5 stars, we went Christmas eve and they were slammed and it's not really fair. The building is beautiful and historic. It is very opulent. Everything about the inside of the resturant is beautiful and unique. Nothing was over looked. For dinner we ordered some starters: Chicken Dim Sum which came in 3 small bowls with a tamarind broth and some chopped argula. It was good - not a life changer but I was with people who don't enjoy fish so this was for them. I didn't hear any complaints. Lobster, Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich toasted brioche with chopped fresh peanuts. This sounds somewhat questionable but it was by far a super star of the evening food wise. Crospy Corn Ravioli - They are fried and dusted with parmesan cheese. I didn't have one but they did go quick. Stone Crab Claws - These were a special and they were as big as my head. Huge... I was full from one! Yellowfin Tuna Tartare - Good! Fish was fresh Soups/Salads: Wedge Salad: Large portion, typical wedge. Big chuncks of maytag blue cheese Kale Salad: Heard it was good Tomato Stack: Big slices of tomatos, looked really good Lobster bisque: Large chunks of losbter were in the soup. Entrees: I had the spice rubbed duck - It was amazing. The chedder grits with it were a nice addition. Several ordered the filet which they all said left something to the imagination. Nothing spectacular. Seared Tuna was really yummy! For sides we ordered the duck home fries. They were very very good. We also ordered the sauted paradise farms oyster mushrooms - waste of calories. They were tastless and soggy. No thank you! Make sure you order the souffle for dessert. Simply phenomenal. Overall it was a good dining experience - A few hiccups such as drinks taking forever to come, having to ask for an iced tea 4 times before it came and waiting 20 minutes for the waitress to come by so we could pay. It is worth checking out.
(4)
Elizabeth B.
Great!
(5)
Emmanuel L.
My boyfriend is a huge fan of The Forge, so when Miami Spice arrived we had to jump on the opportunity to dine at this ultra lux restaurant. Despite what seemed like an inadequate prefix menu selection, the food was on par with the ambiance and service. Our 3 courses consisted of shrimp gazpacho, crab potstickers, (2) hanger steaks, and banana bread. Sure, the names on the menu are fancier and fluffed, but this is what it was. Now, we've never tasted said hanger steak, which excuse my ignorance, but the sheer sound of it seemed as if they were sacrificing quality and portion size. It was the only steak offered on their spice menu and we even debated ordering off their dinner menu, but we came here for a deal and so we stuck to it. And did they surprise us! Our steaks were cooked as requested (medium rare) and to perfection. They weren't the least bit dry and were succulently marinated. As for portion size, I had enough for leftovers! Yes, I left the forge with a takeout bag and let me add I sure wasn't the only one. I followed after an older Russian woman wearing an outfit reminiscent of Bjork's famous swan dress. If she can do it! Dining in this opulent restaurant only calls for wine, so take advantage of their vast wine selection. Though please head this warning, if you're a Miami Spicer and your curiosity for fine dining on a budget brings you to The Forge, beware of the increased cost of alcohol as it will get steep. With that said, it was expected and therefore does not reflect on my 4 star rating. The reason I gave this place 4 stars and not 5 is reflective of 2.5 things: 1. The Table. We were sat on a small two top, so small their massive menus obstructed the view between my date and myself. No really, I was talking to my date as if he was Wilson from Home Improvement. We had to ask the waiter to kindly remove them as they were in the way of our romance. Not only was this table small, but it was in the way of all traffic, like an old lady crossing a 6 lane street. Our waiter was kind enough to move our table, but it didn't fix the problem. 2. The Appetizers. I'm not a big shrimp person and NEVER order it at a restaurant. Maybe it's because they are bottom dwelling insects better known as cockroach of the sea. Their prefix menu featured for Spice left me with the only option of ordering the Shrimp Gazpacho. Enough said. Negatifs aside, this place is still a winner. Everything is attention to detail all while maintaining exceptional service. If you're a dining snob, then this is the place for you.
(4)
Sebastian D.
Outstading service ! Super Steak was extremley good!
(5)
Inna P.
I love The Forge. Love Love Love. Food is great, service is spectacular, and atmosphere is hip and trendy. However, I'm SO sad they took my favorite thing off the menu. It was the burger with lobster marmalade and short ribs...WAH!!! I was so sad when they couldn't even make it for me. I got the regular burger instead and it was great, but nothing compared to that other one. Oh well :( I'm sure I'll still be back though!
The bar/happy hour was excellent! The table service was horrible. The food isn't good at all. Definitely only a place to drink and look at the decor. I expected a lot more especially because I was going there for my birthday!
I loved this place! Really easy to make a reservation on open table and when we arrived 15 minutes early we were seated immediately. The interior is really beautiful and was recently remodeled. Their wine list is a huge book that's helpfully organized by type of wine and region. The food was delicious, and although I was skeptical at first, I still find myself thinking about the delicious lobster pb&j. Save room for dessert! We had the souffle (we chose the mix flavor) and it was fabulous. Equal parts decadent and light. The only negative was that our waiter was kind of snobby, but he was also prompt so it wasn't that big a deal. I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking to have a nice dinner out in Miami Beach.
LOVE LOVE LOVE First time here and I fell in love with the place!! It's like walking into a lounge, very chic feel to it. There are different rooms for dining sitting and a closed large party table maybe seats about 20(?) in front of the kitchen. Came here for Miami Spice and also ordered al la carte food. The Lobster, Peanut butter and Jelly appetizer was pretty good... but kind of onion-y and it would've been better if it came out hot/warm rather than chilled lobsters. Snapper "in a bag" was good, you can taste all the herbs and what you smell is that you actually get. Definitely would order that again. The Barolo Braised Short Rib was delicious serving size was pretty huge. You definitely get your money's worth with that plate and the polenta mmmmmmmmm so so so good. Polenta was devoured within minutes. A def must try if you ever visit the Forge. Crispy Corn Ravioli has a nice crunch to it with a hint of salt and pepper on the outside. You get about 4 pieces with each piece being a generous size. It's also light to the stomach not to heavy.
(5)
Ruth N.
As good as it gets! Excellent service without being overbearing. Magnificent presentation. Superb meal. For starters, Spouse and I had the Chilled Roasted Beets - a masterpiece, and the Crispy Corn Ravioli - interesting. We shared the Oak Grilled Super Steak - probably the best steak we ever had - lean and tender and flavorful. For dessert we had the Forge's signature Chocolate Souffle and did not regret it. We thought that the beer selection was wonderfully varied and eclectic enough for our taste. Appetizers for two, shared main course, shared dessert, tea and beers totaled around well spent $150.00.
(5)
Rebecca A.
Oh wow! What an amazing experience I had here! I was invited for a friend's birthday party and we had a private room. As usual, I was the first person to arrive and so I was escorted to a beautifully appointed and decorated wine cellar. Immediately the waitstaff began to compliment me and offer me anything my little heart desired. It goes without saying that the wine list is very impressive and the chance we had to tour the other cellars was a great touch. So much great wine to drink and so little time! As the room filled with 20 some-odd women, the waitstaff stayed right on point, anticipating our (many) needs and learning our names to give us personal service. I'm as much impressed by their service as I am by their food. A fixed menu was chosen for us by the birthday girl and almost everything I had was divine! I had a braised lamb chop with pomegranate reduction appetizer that was amazing! Perfectly seasoned and cooked, perfectly delicious. For entree I had a snapper and vegetable coulis which was delicate and divine. The only disappointment was my dessert, the Forge cake, which is described as vanilla pudding and chocolate ganache layer cake/pie with a chocolate cookie crumb. The chocolate parts were all good, but the vanilla pudding/custard left a lot to be desired. It was too tough, like the texture of jell-o and not creamy at all. Ruined the whole dessert. However, I did taste my friend's chocolate and banana bread puddings for dessert and they were amazing! So I'm gonna forgive the Forge for my dessert because everything else was just so fantastic.
(5)
Vany S.
Our first nice restaurant experience in South Beach... We just moved here and we went to the Forge on our 3rd night... The maitre 'd was very welcoming. Felt like we were entering a dining room in someone's mansion. Everyone was very attentive. We had no idea about the Miami Spice promotion and wow, that was a nice promo. They didn't make it feel like it was a promo because you get the cool food items as your selection. We had corn ravioli and tuna tartare to start with. Three mushroom risotto was cooked and seasoned to perfection. My BF had skirt steak that was awesome. Fo dessert the server recommended a s'more shot....YUM! We also experienced the Enomatic Wine Experience. The sommelier, Fernando was VERY engaging and attentive...he always showed up unexpectedly each time I went to "the cool machine". I think we spent more on the wine card than the whole dinner! We wish the food runner would explain the food when he dropped the food... And the bathroom could be a little bit cleaner. We would def. come back!
(4)
Kristiana W.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I loved the ambiance, the decor, the food and the crowd. I will be back at least once a month. This is my new Friday hangout, I highly recommend as a great start to a night out of you sit at the bar or if you are just looking for a lounge vibe. It's upscale but they are afraid to play hip-hop, or old school music. A must visit.
(5)
Gordon B.
The first drinks we ordered arrived promptly enough, only one problem: if there was any alcohol in them it was negligible. We ordered two more and requested the alcohol be served separately from the mix. Some difference, we got respectable servings. I ordered the two and one half pound lobster, The lobster served to me was obviously a chicken lobster and could not have been one and a half pounds, When we brought this to the waiters attention he admitted that some lobsters were "a little lighter". Sixty eight dollars for a chicken lobster and meat from only one claw and not much of it at that. These were only two of the multiple annoyances endured by my wife and I on Christmas Day. The desert ( twenty five dollars ) was not what we ordered and we sent it back. The item was still included in the tab at the end of the meal. We complained, the waiter told us in due course, that the manager had "GRACIOUSLY" (that was the waiter's word) agreed to remove it from the account. The account THEN was two hundred and seventy five dollars for the two of us. You tell me, is two stars too much for this tourist trap?
(2)
Leslie K.
Ambiance? Elegance? People, the emperor has no clothes! Maybe it is standard Miami atmosphere but no self-respecting legit fine dining establishment in another city would blare crappy music like some terrible bar. The waiter's response to "could you possibly turn it down?" "Huh???" Irony much? Then after repeating myself, "No. And it will get louder." Uh ok? The food was decent -- I had lobster and bisque-- but not worth the price tag. This place is riding its overblown rep.
(2)
Aman S.
What a disappointment. The sommelier only knew the 3 most expensive bottles. When I asked him about the 3 wines, he said, "this is a really good pinot, this is a really good cab, and this is a really good merlot..." That was all he had to say; he just wanted to sell us teh most expensive bottles! The food was priced comparable to other steak houses but didn't taste as good. Also they try to up sell you on everything and at every course. I truly felt like they were trying to sell me a used car!! Save your time and money. Go to Prime Italian, 112 or Barton G.
(1)
Nathan G.
The Forge always nails it if you are in the mood for meat / beef in Miami. ~ Great wine list. ~ Cool historic old SoBe place that dates back to the Capone days. ~ Great steaks. Fancy pants good, and expensive, but this is SoBe, so it's what you expect & it delivers.
(4)
Melanie A.
Amazing! Very unique food and drinks. The decor is amazing and very unique as well. Definitely have the cucumber martini! I can only have cucumber martinis at The Forge. They are not overly strong as most restaurants make them. There must be an added ingredient at The Forge. Definitely get a few things to share and have the chocolate cake for dessert! It's big enough to share with the entire table. Very intimate experience and the private dining room is out of this world however, not the most ideal place to have dinner with friends as everyone is extremely spread out at the table and it is very hard to speak to each other. It is good for a business dinner or something of that nature. For a regular evening in the dining room, it is a great locals choice!
(5)
Fauzia I.
Went here for the last night of the Gilt City promotion. I had read the reviews but was not prepared for how big and cavernous the room seemed. Definitely elegant but in a big (everything was huge) way that made me think it would appeal most to rich old people. I did spend some time pondering how the chandelier in the front room stayed up - it looked really heavy. I would be nervous sitting under it ... but I digress. I don't know how they assign tables, but we got what I assume would be a really good seat (clarifications welcome) in the very center back of the front room, right against the dividing wall. Both seats faced forward towards the entrance, side by side on the bench. Which I found slightly disconcerting - it's strange not to sit opposite. Also, it was really really dark. If you have trouble seeing ordinarily, you'll have more here. It could have used a bit more light, at least to see the menu by. I liked the wine concept but MH missed the usual table service. It could have been explained better by the server. I didn't know it was possible just to get tastes - thought it was only by the glass. Other than that, the service was good and friendly. First time I've seen waiters go around and refold napkins while the diners are getting wine, etc. And they clean tables with a small flashlight. It was a set menu with choices. I'll rate the dishes in order. 1) Bread - a nice variety. Hot and fresh. One was sweet. My favorite was the crispy cheese. Served with creamy herb butter at exactly the right temperature - no hard pats here! 2) Amuse-Bouche - a dollop of hummus, some pita triangles also served with black and green olives. Nice but not spectacular. 3) Salad - this is based on my tasting bite. Good but the bottom line - it is salad. very nicely presented. Encircled on the plate by two long, see-through fine slices of cucumber. 4) Wild Mushroom Risotto - one bite and I discovered a new comfort food. Something about this just made me feel warm, cozy and ready for a perfect night's sleep. I could have taken an hour to eat it, very slowly. I should have gotten some to bring home - am kicking myself now for not thinking of it ... I would pay for this recipe ... 5) Filet Mignon - We asked for this medium well and it came looking a bit charred on the outside, which initially made me think it might be overdone but it was very well done inside - just a little pink and very tender. The char was crispy, which I also really enjoyed. I had been looking forward to the 4 mustard sauce b/c I love mustard, but it turned out to be a bit too sweet for us. 6) Dessert - the only choice was Lemon Panna Cotta. As a person who 1) has never had panna cotta before and 2) prefers chocolate it was a bit disappointing. I wish there had been a choice, especially since the Apple Pie was less expensive on the menu. The biscotti was just ok too. I had two bites of each before leaving it. The small scoop of accompanying ice cream was better. Definitely an experience!
(3)
Lindsey R.
Beautiful atmosphere, delightful staff, amazing wine selecting, and an unbeatable presentation - the food, drink, and company were absolutely fantastic! If I'm ever in Miami Beach again, I'll be sure to make reservations at The Forge!
(5)
Anthony C.
This is one of my best dining experiences in Miami. It has a Great atmosphere. The steak was excellent. After your food you get party all night. They have a live DJ and on Sundays the DJ may be Biz Markie. You will love this experience
(5)
karen m.
I've been going to the Forge for years and couldn't wait for it to reopen. I went with a group of friends who are all forge lovers....Our entire party was very disappointed. The service was awful and that was a first. The waiter handed us the wine list which is very extensive and as soon as he gave it to us he stood at the table waiting for our choice instead of giving us the time & space to go through it. I used to love the lobster martini so I ordered the lobster appetizer on brioche and the whole thing just tasted like bread - not very good. we ordered steaks and they just had no flavor at all and were not cooked properly. I've always had great steaks at the "old Forge" and always cooked just right. From beginning to end it was a total disappointment for us all and several of my friends have told me they have gone and had the same experience
(2)
Amber W.
Probably my favorite restaurant in Miami. The lobster PB&J app is one of the best appetizers I've ever had in my life. My steak is always cooked to perfection. And if you like dirty martinis and can deal with spice, the hot and dirty martini is my favorite drink on Miami Beach. Their fruity drink concoctions are also yummy as well. The decor is fascinatingly beautiful. The service is incredible. If you want a good steakhouse with a trendy flare, this is absolutely the spot.
(5)
Jessica C.
Came here to experience the nightscene and enjoyed the lounge/club/bar experience. It also helped that we were taken care of by one of the 'owner/managers' there. So, if you can bring in 18 females, I doubt you will have trouble getting in...at least we didn't. No cover, VIP, and complimentary champagne! I liked the european-like crowd. Music was good too--started with house/lounge in one room, hip-hop in another. Eventually the night turned into hip-hop. Apparently this is a hotspot in MIami right now. Check it out.
(4)
Kevin F.
Went here for Valentine's Day last year and I have to say this place is amazing. Immediately when you walk in you know you are in one of Miami's elite spots. Valet parking service for your entrance in your luxury automobile, we started out at the bar where some good music was playing, the decor was beautiful and screams "money". We were seated in one of the dinner halls, the dim lighting, wine list, and old school waiter to your table approach was great. We were with another couple and well enjoyed our appetizers, dinner, drinks and of course desert. Expect to spend quite a large amount of money ($100+ per head) with everything included.
(5)
Sportsbillie S.
Despite all the great reviews that I read before going to this restaurant, my husband and I had a mediocre experience. Maybe my expectations were too high based on all the reviews I read, comments in the media and from friends. Waste of a nice elegant outfit. Hostess was great and ambiance is wonderful. I am not a trained chef but I prepare better meals at home. The lamb ribs were so charred it was pretty much inedible. Spiced duck breast was dry and lacked a quality presentation. Skirt steak (i ordered medium well) was served in small pieces, each piece was a different temperature (medium rare, medium, medium well, well and burnt). Our server needs to be trained on how to attend to customers in a high end restaurant. She inquired if it was our first time, we said yes, and that was the end of her involvement with us, other than taking our order, no conversation, nothing to ensure that we had a great first experience and would come back. We ordered champagne and there were times that my glass just sat empty. I inquired if the entrees came with a side or if we needed to order. I was about to order a few and she told me not to, that they do and the portions are normally huge. My entree came with only skirt steak. So had to order sides after receiving meals, which sat and got cold in the meantime, no apology from our server. Our entree plates sat infront of us for about 30 mins after we were finished eating, during which time our server walked by us numerous of times and said nothing. Eventually i had to put my plate on the very edge of the table so they would take away the undercooked and burnt meat from infront f me. We waited another 30 mins for dessert (which is not made to order) and again our server walked by us a couple times without saying a word to us. It was my husband's birthday. When I made the reservatioin, the hostess took my hubby's name and said they would bring out a candle with dessert. They brought out a candle alright, on the wrong dessert and even wrote his name. So i had to sit and eat a dessert with happy birthday written all over it. Once again, server walks by and says nothing! She didn't even say happy birthday when she brought the dessert, nor wished us a good evening, nor thanked us for coming. At no point during the evening a manager came by the table. Needless to say my hubby was extremely disappointed with the food and service we received. We will not be returning to the Forge or recommending to our friends. Lesson learnt - not all reviews are equal; its dependent on age, color of skin and experience in eating out at other high-end restaurants.
(1)
David R.
Big disappointment. Went with a friend who was 23 who didn't have ID (with 4 other 50 year olds). The waiter whisked away his glass without a comment. Very much in the tone of the soup Nazi - "you don't get wine" - but without an explanation. We complained and the manager came over and recited the most insincere explanation. He didn't even ask us for our concern. Aside from that mess, the food was mixed. The chef relies on rich foods - even you can cook a good rich food dinner. There are so many better restaurants in Miami.
(2)
Peter B.
Love this place!! Had an amazing steak done the right way. Amazing service as well. These guys run a good show.
(5)
sharry g.
The Forge is a Miami Icon, and deservedly so. The food is phenomenal, and it's served in a storied establishment. Here are a few tips... Important Tip Number One: Don't go for the Spice menu. Instead of being a good example of their full menu, you get a lesser meal with second class service. But it is hard to eat for $40 at a restaurant where you'd normally spend $140 and expect the same food and service, although you perhaps should be able to do so. I think the waiter sees his tip cut by 3/4, and loses interest quickly. Important Tip Number Two: Go on a Tues or Thurs evening, early. You'll have the place to yourself, and you'll have the full attention of your server and the sommelier. One or both may even take you on a tour, highlighting the wine cellar, the bar, and the dozens of historical artifacts and priceless pieces of fine art. The place is stacked with Lalique stained glass, Napolean's sconces, and thousands of rare first editions line the walls, ceilings, and shelves. Each piece has a story, and if you catch it just right, you might be lucky enough to hear some of them. The food is pricey, and perfection should be expected. The service staff are lifers, and they've put a ton of work and effort into being deserving of a 20% gratuity of the certainly large bill to come. We had local caught fresh yellowtail snapper, a Miami favorite, and the ribeye. Everything was over the top and superbly prepared and presented, as one might expect. High quality, high price, certainly worthy of both, and certainly not suprising to find only one other location other than in sun-drenched, money-grows-on-coca-plants Miami, and that location is in the sun-drenched, money-sprouts-sprouts-from-oil-wells nation of Dubai.
(5)
Lisa E.
I don't understand why an up-scale restaurant has to have televisions in the dining room. No! I do not want to watch sport/CCN/ANYTHING while I am enjoying dinner. The meal was fine, but nothing out of the ordinary. The steaks were jus average, not extraordinary. Bread was removed from the table before the meal was served, which was disappointing. Look elsewhere if you're celebrating a special occasion. If you're on an expense account, then this is OK.
(2)
Cherice J.
I am an absolute fan of the Forge. Very exclusive and always celebrity filled, simply because it's an high-end sophisticate establishment. The food is always delicious and the servers are very professional. This place is managed to perfection. On Wednesday's, and Friday through Sunday, you must head to the Forge for the live DJ and dancing crowds after 11pm. Club Glass is adjacent to Forge and many times patrons will go back and forth to experience the great vibe. I love this place!
(5)
Sonia K.
What an amazing place. My husband and I were just here over New Year's and had a great dinner. The decor is gorgeous - so many intricate details, and very romantic if you're in one of the side rooms. I had the filet mignon and my husband had the super steak - both were great, as well as the mashed potatoes. The souffle was also delicious. Overall a great experience, but definitely overpriced. Probably not something I would do again, unless I was going with people who hadn't been there. But definitely worth a visit. And we got to sit on a really comfy sofa to eat - what could be better than that =)
(4)
Bonnie L.
Was not impressed, the food was not really tasteful.
(3)
Vi N.
mixed feelings here. scenario: step into a beautiful restaurant, with stained glass windows, large wine cellars that fill entire walls, dimly lit table with white linens, and 11 of your friends. it's a birthday celebration. everyone is looking forward to a nice dinner, and partying afterwards. it's the forge, it's sunday night. your waiter is in a tux, well, all the waitstaff are mr. belevedere-like. hip hop is blasting through the room. "sweat drip down my balls" is being rapped while you slice into your $50 filet, no sides. what?! the forge is probably a wonderful, elegant restaurant on other days, maybe even earlier on sunday night. but the night i went, late on a "soul kitchen sundays," it was, for lack of a better word, G-H-E-T-T-O. it is hard to enjoy your juicy steak when there are people grinding to hip hop in the room next to you. it's hard to spend $260 (2 ppl) for a dinner and feel good about it when the room is hot like a sauna of gyrating bodies. bottom line: great restaurant, great food, great service. shady clientele on sunday nights, random "charges" on our bill (they brought a sparkler out, for the birthday boy, then charged me $3 for it). see? mixed feelings!
(3)
Meesh C.
came here for miami spice week. heard good things, read good reviews, and apparently it's one of gloria estefan's favorite restaurant (according to a cab driver...). the atmosphere is hard to grasp--it's a fancy place with a fancy decor, yet they were blasting club music. they are trying a little too hard with the extremely dim lighting [the waiter busted out a raver l.e.d. light so we could read the menu...that's how dark it is in there]. it's not a great place for large groups--i kept getting bumped by people walking by. this review is for the food on the pre-fixe menu. overpriced for what it was: the "glazed" salmon was not so much glazed as it was smeared with a goopy layer of what tasted exactly like hoisin sauce (the dark sauce you use in pho). the steak was meh, small and bland. the dessert choices were cheesecake and icecream. the cheesecake was a stick of sweet cream cheese--there was no crust. the ice cream was good, but all they had to do was scoop it and put it on a plate. the lady's room is pretty cool--there are birds in there.
(2)
M K.
This place is pretty over the top in terms of design. The ceilings are super high and the chairs make you feel like you're Alice in Wonderland. The food matches the over top decor and is first rate. I was a bit surprised though to find the portions so big. Typically when you go to a restaurant if it's really trendy looking then the food sucks or is really good but tiny. Not here. I wish my wife and I just ordered one main dish and split it rather than the two we ordered. Make sure you get the souffle. Who can resist warm gooey cake?
(5)
Pia P.
Like a wedding. Or a funeral parlor.
(1)
Lindsay S.
ok, so this is a pretty big statement, but i think this is my favorite restaurant ever. the food was so perfect. the chopped salad was delicious. crisp and very tasty. my entree i did the supersteak. perfectly cooked. incredibly full of flavor. and a great sampling of dipping sauces came with it. we also did the mushroom risotto which was amazingggg. for dessert i had the marble souffle. soooooo good. i was so stuffed at that point, but their souffles are a must try. i wish i could remember the wine i had, but the waiter recommended an excellent pinot noir. the service was impeccable. very well informed wait staff. now, for the decor, where do i start? it's almost like being in a museum in that you want to walk through all of the rooms and just gawk. and you should. just take a spin through and take a gander. it's quite impressive. the bathrooms are also super cool. square toilets! next time i am in miami, i will definitely be back. this is a must-see, must-eat when in miami!
(5)
Myhogany B.
ended my annual girls getaway at the forge last sunday and let's just say, we'll be back next summer and the summer after that. food was delicious. prixe fixe menue inlcuding was only $35. it was a great option. must have the cucumber martini, $14 but def' worth it. it's a beautiful place with great food. back patio was nice too and made for great photo opps. you must indulge at the forge!
(5)
victoria r.
I could have sworn I wrote a review for this excellent spot about a yr. ago! Anyways, it doesn't really get much better then this! One of my favorite places to dine in Miami... definitely in my top 3. Elegant and tasteful. Extensive menu. Kumamoto oyster app. is amazing. MUST try the steak! Dover sole and black &white tuna makes a statement. Prime rib is good and you MUST try the super steak. AMAZING. Unbelievable wine menu!!! They said there is like 300,000 bottles. Also, an amazing souffle. Very rich in flavor. Reservations required. You will easily become addicted.
(5)
Cristina S.
I should be the president of the "Forge Fan Club." The ambiance is Miami Beach classy, the wine list is made to match their extraordinary steak, & the bar will prompt you & your party to find the nearest DD. The restaurant is not cheap & I would definitely classify it in the "special occasion" category but they will cater to you whether it's your birthday or a regular night out (if you're lucky...
(5)
Dan R.
The space is amazing but it doesn't stack up to the food. We dined with 8 in our party and 5 entrees had to go back because they were cold! The cheese selection with the tomato stack was over powering with tomato and prosciutto. The service was slow and a problem with the bill went unresolved by management. Don't bother!!
(2)
Mike C.
I had dinner here with a party of four Saturday night. This was my second time dining here. We had reservations for 7:30 and were seated immediately upon arrival. The decor, ambiance and service are beyond compare. The highlight of the meal was the seafood appetizer consisting of king crab, colossal shrimp and oysters along with small servings of lobster and crab salads and tuna tartar. We specifically asked the waiter how much this would be and he said $30 per person. Take note ~ when the bill arrived it came to about $50 per person as there was an additional charge for the lobster and crab salads and tuna tartar which we hadn't asked for but which our waiter had added anyway. For dinner, we all had either the "super steak" or bone in fillet. Although very good, there are much better steaks elsewhere in Miami/Miami Beach. Or maybe it was an off night for steaks at The Forge. I ordered my "super steak" medium and it was somewhat dry and not the tastiest. All this being said we had an enjoyable meal and nice night nonetheless, perhaps because of the fine Chilean wine. I will go back again but it won't be on a weekly basis. If you've never been, I would recommend it. It's a great experience for which you'll pay handsomely.
(4)
Gaby C.
Since cheff LoSasso took over, The Forge has freshen up considerably. The ambience and dècor are excellent and varied, as if you go with a group you may reserve different rooms with particular themes. The service is flawless, in the many times I've been here I've always felt how perfect it is (and that's not an easy thought in Miami and a mostly unthinkable thing in Miami Beach,for the most part). The next step is the wine. Well, wine here is not cheap but the wine list is just one of the best in the Miami area. So finally, let's get to the food. It used to be mostly a steak house, but now the menu has several of Dewey LoSasso creations, keeping some of the old stuff as well. Needless to say, this means the whole menu was revamped and is reflective of a more fusion cuisine still keeping the steakhouse theme. My recommendations: crabcakes, chopped salad, mushroom risotto, short rib, lamb. Desserts are all good. The steaks are ok, but lack the genius of the cheff and these are the same kind of steaks The Forge has offered for decades, so nothing gourmet in this department. Yes, you could have had all these creations and more in LoSasso's own venue until a couple of years ago for 60-70% of the price, but that's not posible now, so if you want to keep having 3 mushroom risotto, you have to put up with MB and The Forge's prices.
(5)
Melissa Y.
fantastic food. great dining room. absolutely beautiful. attentive waitstaff - they really push the wine, they refill your glass every time you put it down. kind of expensive and a very scenester vibe at the bar. I swear there were football players hanging out at the bar but this was the weekend before the superbowl so it's entirely possible. also, a good number of "working ladies" accompanying some of the gentlemen at the bar. we shared the lobster bisque and stone crabs to start. both had very fresh seafood and the bisque was very well seasoned. i had the lamb. it was excellent. boyfriend had a steak. also delicious. we split the cuban sweet potato mash. it was very rich but tasty. we split a desert that was way too rich. not sure of the name but it's the pie with the vanilla custard and chocolate bottom.
(5)
Danielle B.
Went on a Saturday for a relatively early dinner (7pm) the place had not gotten crowded yet at all....the food was great, the bread basket alone was fantastic and the amuse bouche served (though I can't for the life of me rememeber what it was) was also delicious.....the rest of the meal stood up to the fantastic reputation that proceeeded it...on food alone I would have given the place 5 stars....but the service was a little spacey and the wine list (while impressive) was WAY overpriced....a little off the beaten track but the food is awesome....definitely worth the trip
(4)
Sam S.
Awesome time at this venue. We went to the OVUM records party here...mostly house heads for the party, but lucky for us Forge has a very bougeious international crowd, so the sexyness was brought up 10 fold..not to mention the bartenders were quick and HOOOOOT!!! (a rare combo!)
(4)
Juhani P.
I went there on Saturday evening for some dancing and partying. And liked what I saw! Forge was very European, in terms of both music and the crowd. I will definitely need to get back for a dinner.
(4)
Brian N.
Likely my favorite restaurant in the United States. The best steaks imaginable, and excellent mashed potatoes. The atmosphere is amazing and reminds you of old Miami Beach. If you go for your first time, make sure to ask for a tour of the wine cellar, it will blow your mind!
(5)
Lindsay G.
The Forge, as always, remains a good solid restaurant in the Miami Beach wasteland of "trying too hard," too trendy," "bad food, "and "overpriced" locations that litter the rest of the street. We sat in the library and although they were out of my favorite violet liquor the cucumber martini was perfectly light and refreshing. We started with the shrimp cocktail and lobster peanut and jelly. The shrimp were colossal and delicious. The lobster peanut butter and jelly was merely fine but I am not a fan of Pb and a j. My friend ordered her steak well done because she likes inhaling carcinogens but despite this the Forge miscooked her steak twice. The waiter noticed (even though we didn't really) and offered a free blacksmith pie (which is no longer on the menu but is available in the back if you say how much you love it). My husband's normal, medium rare steak was perfect and delicious and my lobster was perfect. Forge remains in my mind a standout amongst several losers on Miami Beach.
(5)
Meg D.
We had a great meal. The place is marvelous! The owner took us into the wine cellar and we just toured around with our mouths ajar, drooling allover the musty temp controlled room. The most expensive bottle is 165K, yes thats what I wrote. It was bottled in the 1830's w/ re-corking every twenty years. After that we went to the other rooms. What was a tad annoying is that we would have had to purchase a $100 bottle to sit in the chill out bar room after we spent a small fortune for dinner, not cool. The place has all different rooms with different themes, the dining section is in the typical brasserie fashion, the house room is very cool with white skances lit up like understated disco balls. The music pumping. The bathroom is all in art deco, erte style, all different on the bathroom doors. This place just opened up late last year, go there for an experience you won't forget!
(5)
Ginger H.
Before this weekend, I hadn't been to the Forge in eons. The redone digs are spectacular. It's white, it's modern and it's what you'd expect from this Miami Beach institution. Our Forge adventure centered around a friend's birthday soiree, which lead to us dining in the party room. Cocktails were served in the outdoor atrium. It was a quaint setting for the fete. And the hors d'oeuvres were delish. Next, it was off to the party room for the real deal. The space was beautiful. And the staff was beyond accommodating. The breadbaskets were filled with amazing options, like asiago cheese breadsticks and rosemary rolls. The first and second courses were simply divine. The pasta dish with cauliflower was perfection. The main course, however, wasn't as tasty as the previous dishes. Hubby said the filet could have spent a little more time on the fire, and I agree with my vegetarian meal. But, when you have large gatherings like these, it's different than having a individual meal. I'd like to give this spot a second go, in a non-party setting, to give the food a real review. Set menus don't always live up to a restaurant's full range of abilities. But when it comes to charm, this place is packed with it. And history to boot. We ran into the owner on our way out, and he, like his establishment, was just as accommodating. Now that the new Forge has piqued my interests, I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Myrtha P.
My family and I went to the Forge because it was my mothers birthday we wanted to make it special for her. I loved it! Everything was perfect. Automatic valet parking so there was no hassle about finding parking. The setting of the restaurant was romantic dim lights wonderful artwork the was just luxury. My little brother age 9 had the lobster ravioli he loved it! My mother and I had the aged steak, Mine was prepared medium rare just how I like it, My mother on the other hand like hers well done. I don't really remember what everyone else had but I know by the end of the night there were no complaints. Every meal was perfection, the waitstaff were very attentive to each persons needs. It was a memorable experience I would go back again. But don't go there unless you're ready to spend a pretty penny, but it was worth it!
(4)
Stacey M.
rococo haven wednesday bacchanal great food mc sandman rocks
(4)
Pam H.
The two stars represent "Meh. I've experienced better." Unfortunately, I have experienced better at THIS VERY RESTAURANT. It used to be old school, upper class Miami dining at its finest. Now it is a parody of what it used to be. They used to have wait staff who had waited at this very restaurant for 20 years. Wait staff that seemed to have psychic abilities and knew just what to recommend to whom, just when to check in on a table. Now it is trying too hard to be... what? I have no idea. The old Forge was a gift. There are better restaurants out there now. Which is a shame. Because it was something to be treasured and it was "updated" into banality. You want to be treated nicely and served excellent food? Go to Michy's. Yes, it is more trendy but it is also service oriented so that you don't mind paying the price to eat there. You get good food and you get sweet service. RIP old Forge. I miss you.
(2)
Rob C.
came here for a dinner talk. (tried lobster bisque, NY strip, salmon, blacksmith pie and creme brulee) high marks for ambiance. nice stained glass. so dark that you have to bust out a pen light to see anything! the vibe is one of wealthy sophistication--people here get decked out. as a steak house, it's fine. not really a foodie destination, but most certainly a nice collection of wines. went back for the new, improved Forge. chef from North 110. menu revamped with new small eats. focus still on the wine collection, but better pricing and now using the cool Enomatic wine dispensing system. also toured the library, and the 2 separate private dining rooms, one very cool space downstairs. ambiance very hip. shared: porcini seared diver sea scallops lobster peanut butter and jelly sandwich -- unusual, but not in a particularly good way oyster po boy mini grilled shrimp waffle three mushroom risotto -- definitely made expertly with a lot of white truffle oil and parmesan steamed local snapper in a bag bone in fillet great marble souffle (chocolate and grand marnier)
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Pierre K.
I don't have much to say that has not already been said. The Forge is well known and although very STEAP, it is worth going at least once. I have to say that I was spoiled as I ate in the Presidential room so my review is a bit skewed. That room was the most incredible and an experience on its own. I am a food and a bit of a snob when it comes to it, and the food is good, actually really good. The crab legs were out of this world, they were cooked to perfection! We had tons of other appetizers and I cannot remember them all but they were all delicious. I had the steak, which I had to have since it claims to be "The Best in America". Well it is very tender, flavorful and cooked to perfection but by no means is it the Best in America. There are tons of better steaks especially if you have been to NYC or Las Vegas steakhouses. Peter Luger, Strip House, Carne Vino, will take that steak to town. The wine list is phenomenal. It is varied and the prices are actually surprisingly low considering the cost of the food. We ordered bottles in the $120-$150 range and they were really good. We had high end Mendoza bottles from Argentina, St. Emilion and St. Julien from France and they did the trick. No need to go crazy, believe me. Conclusion: It is absolutely worth going to just prepare the wallet or dust-off that old credit card you have been hiding!
(4)R P.
This place has a great atmosphere and the service is impeccable. The wine list is extensive (80 wines available by the glass!) and they have some very unique cocktails. The food was less spectacular. The filet was good but not great--I expected much more from this place. The sauce served with the filet was too overpowering and masked rather than complemented the flavor of the meat. The beans had too much soy, making this side a little less palatable as well. Nonetheless, I would return to the restaurant and give it another shot--it is possible that they just had a bad food night.
(3)Rick H.
What a great night -- wonderful ambiance, great wine, inventive menu, excellent food and service. For the level of restaurant, prices aren't eye-popping -- they are actually lower than we expected. Loved the mushroom risotto, the Lobster Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich (you have to try it) and one friend raved about the duck. Our waiter was fun, funny, attentive and seemed to know every ingredient in every dish.
(5)RA V.
Solid dining experience. The good: the ambiance was great, and the staff was exceptionally friendly. The food was, in general, well prepared and the flavorful. The filets were cooked perfectly. The bad: drink refills had to be requested each time and the glass stayed empty through dessert despite many waiters and the maitre d' walking past several times. I had a difficult time chewing one particular bite of my chocolate souffle - it was a piece of clear plastic about 2 by 10 mm.
(3)John D.
This place is pricey. Apparently even in my father's day it was a spot to be "seen". Which is not my thing, I like to eat. I was very surprised how good the food was. Our meals were perfect. I went for Miami Winter Spice. The service was great, front waiter, back waiter, bus boy, sommelier. Lots of attention. The rooms have million dollar stained glass adourning the wall. Their wine collection is unparalleled.
(4)Kate S.
Watch out for the 20% service charge, on every bill (even if it's 2 people that ordered at the bar), that they say DOESN'T include tip.
(2)M M.
I will never go here again. The service is the worst I have ever had in eating out multiple times a week for 12+years. I tried organizing a private room and the restaurant would never call me back. After waiting weeks and repeated phone calls the man who organizes the private room yelled into the phone, "Well maybe we don't want your business!!" And he hung up on me. I have never been hung up on because I am not rude on the phone. I wanted to complain to the owner, but he would never return my calls either. DEFINITELY GO ANYWHERE ELSE.
(1)Sheree Y.
first off, the decor is beautiful. i LOVE the chandeliers and the beautiful chairs. it's a bit dark, but i think it's romantic. second, this place has the best starter breads i have ever had. too bad it's all the way in miami! it was a mix combo of breads, which is even more amazing! i think i got full off of trying all the different kinds. haha. anyway, so i ordered the 8 oz filet mignon. it was just right! my gf had the lamb ribs for starters and THAT was good. lastly, if you're cold, they give you shawl. haha. well to the ladies. and omg, the restroom is beautiful! probably the nicest restroom i've seen at a restaurant. i can see ladies spending over 30 mins just touching up. there's a room full of mirrors! hahaha.
(4)Marie M.
The Forge on Miami Beach is a must if you're a local or in town on vacation. The wine list is extensive as also the food. The decor is beautiful so are the people who visit here fun lounge as well, great place!
(4)Theo H.
Their Winter Spice (through 2/12) menu changes every Monday. The carpaccio salad was fresh and perfectly seasoned. I tried my friend's lobster ravioli which was good, but the calamari took the prize for the appetizers. The "hobo" steak was decent. I didn't really like the cut as there was too much fat and gristle, but everyone else enjoyed theirs. For desert, I had a chocolate mouse thingy with pistaccios (I'm clearly not a foodie) which was good and not too rich. The wine list was literally a book and seemed quite thorough. The ambiance is definitely different, but the service was impeccable and the music was young and hip (which gave the whole place a bit of a fun edge). You don't get to stick around for 41 years not knowing who you are and trying to be something you're not... Next time I have to take someone out for a business dinner, Forge is probably where I'll bring them. Thanks Martin for the recommendation. ps. Apparently there is a dance hall next to the entrance (I took a peak) and there is a whole club upstairs. I cannot wait to check them both out!!!
(4)ElGringo S.
Nice place. Good food. Good bar tenders. OK wait staff. (the kind that make you feel uncomfortable) Very pricey. Good for special occasions.
(4)Christina C.
Friends and I visited the Forge for the first time last week while they were offering the Miami Spice menu. A group of us visited on a Wednesday night and were seated right as we walked in. As per that week's menu, I chose the Salmon croquettes, the Risotto for dinner, and the chocolate cake for dessert. Both the salmon croquettes and the risotto were very good, but I felt they left something to be desired. While the chocolate cake was fantabulous, it was sooooo rich that I couldn't eat more than 3 bites. I must say the ambience was spectacular, the service was impeccable, and it was a very enjoyable experience. I think I would defintiely like to go back and visit the restaurant once again to try their regular menu.
(3)Matthew F.
The food was fine, but not significantly better than other Miami fare. The staff was extremely friendly, but we had the misfortune to be seated right behind a party of 25, and everything took FOREVER to come out of the kitchen. Our waiter kept apologizing for the delays.... He must have apologized 5 times over the course of the meal. But when the check came, they had comped us.... 1 cup of decaf coffee. Based on this, I would not go back.
(3)Hesham E.
Try the SUPER STEAK! It is, by far, the best steak I ever had.
(5)Lizzie S.
We ate here Christmas Eve 2008 and had a great time overall. The decor is an amazing roccoco & art deco wonderland. Just really above and beyond. The food is classic steakhouse fare, nothing surprising. Our service was solicitous and kind but not over the top. Couple problems: We got there super early (for Miami, people dine late in this town), and they tried to stick us at a table in a tiny back room. The restaurant was EMPTY! Fail. We asked to be moved. The sommelier helped is with a wine. There were a few choices in our category, this one was the priciest and he said it was worth it, natch. And it was not. Fail. I have been waited on by MANY sommeliers who have steared me toward wine in my price range, and not necessarily the top end of my price range and have been served amazing wine. The brag at the Forge is the size of their wine cellar so there should have been something in our price range full bottle worthy. The wine we were served was not. The food came out so fast we didn't finish our wine before we were done eating 3 courses. Literally, they were clearning one plate as they were serving the next. THREE courses in under and hour. Well under an hour. My kishkas were verbrundt. Faster than effing mcDonald's. WTH? Fail. The food tasted good and as the restaurant filled up the people watching was fun. The Sandman was spinning at the bar, and he was laying down some phat tunes that had my shaking and shimmying. If I were in town again and friends wanted to go, I might go. or i might try to persuade them to eat elsewhere.
(3)Arielle S.
I went here with a few girl friends last night to try the Spice menu, we were really impressed. The decor is beautiful (especially the bathroom!) and everything was very good. Our server was great and they actually promote the Spice menu instead of hiding it or acting like you are super cheap for ordering from it. Between us we tried almost every dish from the spice menu and everything was very tastey without skimping on the portions. The winning dish may have been the mushroom risotto. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a nice evening out. Spice or not I will be back.
(5)Tiffany L.
When I arrived to the Forge I was ecstatic at how nice it looked and how hungry I was. The place was rather dark but probably for the romantic ambiance. It was nice and crowded just as a restaurant should be on a Saturday night. The menus were extremely large and had a wide selection of everything you could imagine. I ordered the filet with creamed corn and the truffle fries. The best part of the meal was the fries for sure. We also had the escargot for an appetizer. My biggest complaint about this establishment was the service. It seemed like the staff was only pretending to care and if you had a complaint theyd just walk away. They hardly came by to check on our drinks or anything. When I was asked how my steak was, after I told the guy that it was rather burnt on the outside he just walked away. The waiter also took the food without asking if we were finished and tossed the bill on the table. If a bill is 400 I'd like a simple thank you before you throw it my way. Way too expensive for the crappy service. Next time do yourself a favor and just go down to Lincoln and eat there. However, the valet people were extremely helpful.
(2)Felicia B.
Excellent special occasion dining local. Great ambiance - be sure to check out all the different rooms. I found the buttery yet crisp and fresh scallops to be delicious. Had the duck on another occasion and liked that as well. The rest of my party was equally satisfied with their dinners. Food was festive and fun. The seafood appetizer was very impressive. Other pluses: Expansive wine list; Great, knowledgeable servers; cool restrooms. All in all a fun place worthy of the prices they charge for the most part.
(4)Alph G.
This place is swank, swank, swank. It's all about very high-quality food in a place with true class. Not "Miami" class mind you - not hot pink, Art Deco, in your face decadence - but understated, high-end, old money class. Of course, it is very expensive. Celebs do actually eat here. The food was understated, delicious. I would definitely come here again for a special occasion.
(4)Tracey V.
Food was horrible. We were a large party and they were clearly in a rush to get us out. The steaks were charred and over cooked. I have had a bone in filet at many steak houses and the one at the Forge was sub par. The duck fat fries were burned and soaked in grease. The duck was overcooked. The tomatoe salad was soaked in a disgusting sauce that over powered the tomatoe. I would never go back or recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Chip S.
Went for Christmas dinner and it was worth every penny! Delicious coffee steak and lobster pbj's! Ashley was our server and she was amazing! Knew the history of the place. Had an awesome personality and we didn't have to wait for any meals! Couldn't have picked a better place! Will do again!
(5)Natalie P.
AMAZING. My boyfriend and I experienced the Forge for the first time in June for our anniversary. The first thing that jumped out at me was how much the decor and ambiance differs from the typical Miami hotspot. It is such a warm, welcoming room and very sophisticated. A far cry from the typical trendy Miami restaurant with overly modern decor, the Forge is simply a work of art. We started off at the bar to have a few pre-dinner cocktails. The bartender was really friendly, and recommended some of her favorites for my very indecisive man. I had the Sante, which was just the right mix of sweet and tangy, and I ended up drinking them all night! He went for the Carioca Passion, which was delicious and a welcome departure from the run-of-the-mill cocktail. We moved into the dining room for dinner, and were brought their bread and butter. Well, we certainly weren't expected the deliciousness that arrived! My favorite was the cinnamon-raisin bread. It was crispy, sweet, and paired amazingly well with the whipped honey butter it was served with. Appetizers. We had the kale salad and the lemon dim sum. The dim sum was pretty decent, but being from Vancouver with its huge Asian population, it wasn't the best I've ever had. The boyfriend, on the other hand, loved it. The kale salad was great! It's really something different that you won't see at many restaurants. It was savory and the currants gave it the sweetness it needed - and of course, pine nuts, which you can practically never go wrong with. Mains. I had the mushroom risotto and he had the spice rubbed duck. Being a vegetarian, I love risotto and eat it whenever possible. I was very pleased that their risotto is not prepared with chicken stock, so I ordered it and promptly devoured it! It was so delicious, and quite possibly the best risotto I have ever had in my life! That's saying a lot coming from this risotto freak! The boyfriend loved the duck, and being a southern boy, he also loved the grits. He liked that the duck was crispy on the outside and really juicy on the inside, according to him, it was "just perfect". Dessert. The Marble Souffle. A perfect marriage of chocolate and gran marnier! My dad used to make souffle when I was a kid, so it has always been a favorite of mine. This was one of the best I've had, the flavors were just right, it was served at the perfect temperature. We gobbled it up pretty quickly! Service. Our server had a few tables, and lo and behold, one of his tables included some douchebag pretending to have money ordering champagne with dinner trying to impress the classless bimbo he was with. Since we didn't buy a bottle of Dom, we were somewhat ignored - until I waved the beverage manager over. I stated my concerns, and the manager was literally appalled, I could tell just by the look on his face. He apologized profusely and said that he would take care of our dessert. Not only did he do that, but he personally served us for the entire rest of our meal, as our original server sheepishly walked past us. The manager was phenomenal, and a definite rarity in Miami. We were totally satisfied with his apology and his offer to comp our dessert, that was, until the bill arrived. When my boyfriend opened it up, he had a shocked look on his face. I immediately thought "uh oh, we spent A LOT" but that was not the look at all. The look of shock was because the manager had literally comped over HALF our bill, bringing our total for cocktails, appetizers, mains, dessert, and after-dinner drinks to under $80. In a restaurant setting, once the customer service damage is done, it's pretty much impossible to regain the trust of the customers and turn them into repeat customers or regulars. However, the manager went way above and beyond our expectations, regained our trust, and instead of me leaving ready to rant about the Forge, I walked out of the restaurant thoroughly impressed and ready to rave about our experience. We will most definitely be going back - my stomach is growling just thinking about the risotto!
(5)Tracy M.
The new and improved restaurant... Beautifully modernized. I simply love the enomatic machines that dispense wine by the ounce for tastings and by the glass when you know you love it! The machines are even hooked up to iTouches were they've also designed an app to allow the consumer to save and email the information on the wines they've enjoyed. Very cute and innovative (although not necessary or a reason to go back). The hubs and I arrived before the rest of our party on a Saturday night. We opted to wait by the bar and order a round of drinks. He had a Stella. I ordered a Carioca Passion - a mixed drink off of their menu. It was superb! The bartender was very nice and attentive. Once the rest of the gang arrived, we were seated at a lovely table. Immediately, a waiter came around and took an order of drinks. The hubs requested a 2nd beer, I was still sipping on my delight. The other couple with us ordered a round of drinks. I recommended my drink for the wife and her hubs ordered a redbull vodka. The boys got there drinks instantly. After about 20 minutes, another waiter came by, introduced himself as our waiter for the evening and recommended a wonderful seafood appetizer for the table. At that point, I advised that I was done with my drink, would like another and also advised that our lady friend hadn't received her drink yet. He apologized and said he'd take care of it. Another 20 minutes later, a beautiful arrangement of seafood (crab legs, oysters, tuna tartare and lobster salad) came out. Still no drinks. Half way through that appetizer, the waiter came back and took our order for entrees. I requested my drink for the second time, and hers for the third. He apologized again and then said he had a better idea. He was suggesting a drink he was sure we'd love even more than the one we'd ordered. I hesitated, asked if he was sure. After all, our friend hadn't even gotten her first taste of the drink. He was so addemant about it, he said he'd change them if we didn't like them. Another 20 minutes........ The unknown drinks come out. Not good at all! It took me another 5 minutes at least of neck-breaking attempts to waive him down. He apologized and immediately removed the drinks from our table. Another 20 minutes........ Our drinks finally come out!!! 5 minutes later comes the rest of our fantastic dinner!!! The highlight of the evening! Amazing cuts of meat and fish were placed on our table. I ordered a typical filet mignon (the steak was perfectly cooked to order, tasted really delicious but I was not crazy about the mustard-based sauce it came with). Both men ordered the 18 ounce bone-in-filet. Huge and absolutely mouth-watering. 5 stars for that dish! Our girlfriend had a salmon dish which she said she thoroughly enjoyed. Honestly, no room for desert! I'd love to give the place 4.5 stars, but the service...Come on! I expected more from this restaurant. My expectations were set much higher than what I got. It's not like the restaurant was slammed wall-to-wall. There were empty tables around us. I need to know that service has improved before going back.
(3)Warren W.
In we go all twelve of us, following the scantilly clad hostess who knows we slimy older guys are watching her every move. We are disgusting. Past the board room with it's 7' foot tall high back chairs fit for royalty and definitely not executives. But I could see a Russian quickly rich oil emprezario sitting at this with gold rimmed wine glasses and a slinky wife tied to the table with a pet tiger off in the corner eating the help. Into the library room we go. Tall ceilings, books of all types and readings from floor to ceiling. Me thinkst quickly that it must cost less to outfit this place with books from several yard sales then to keep up with painting this ornate room. Why take a way from the food? I am on sensory overload and they haven' brought out the bread. Many restaurants required a fixed menu with groups and this is one of them. Because, not only am i here with these horny old bastards, i' m part of about another 30. So the dilemma is.....how do I cop the silly yet super rated lobster and pb& j sandwich i yearn for. My fellow.colleagues yearn for Svetlana the hostess or maybe her name is Lolita or could it be Maria? Who cares I want the lobsta. Waiter arrives to take one's order and I lean close and he has.a look that says oh oh one of those........not me I would like thepb&j lobsta please oh kind sir. You must pay sir I can't put it on the bill. Fine, the total of the bill for the evening I think approached $7000.00 but who cares don't throw me a freaking' bone. So the pb&j with L is delivered. Crunchy peanut butter, Maine lobsta, and what I believe is a caramelized onion that substitutes for jelly. Ingenious..incredulous, delicious and yet am I crazy to share. A growl comes from my throat as my fellow diner eyes it. How is it he asks? Rrrrrrrrr! Buzz off I reply. Next comes my order of crab cake. Light, a very large cake, and perfect lump crab I bet from the Annapolis waters of the Chesepeake. Two would be dinner they are that large. Now arrives a wonderful pasta of rigatoni boiled to perfection and seasoned and assisted by cauliflower, roasted pepper, garlic and pesto.....damn good. My entree is a braised short rib that may have been braised since labor day as it not only fall off the bone but really was mushy. Bone was good. Last came dessert. Just not a dessert guy. A lemony jellowy concoction that left an aftertaste in my mouth of well let me say i wish it weren't there. Tried it again, still there. Washed down with some cab....still there. One last bite to see if i had developed acid reflux...still there. I think it's me. So I leave a twenty dollar bill for my waiter friend who never came back for payment. Get on the very cool black executive bus and settle in for some deep conversation and who pops up but my waiter with a check? Slightly embarrassed amongst the stares from my well lubricated friends I said you should hasten to the table least the water boy grab your doe$$. Seriously, great spot deliciously ......over the top. Very good food! Nice atmosphere that wouldn't fly in Boston. In this concrete jungle known as Miami that really wishes it were NY I say .....to each his or her own.
(5)Andrew A.
I should be the president of the "Forge Fan Club." The ambiance is Miami Beach classy, the wine list is made to match their extraordinary steak, & the bar will prompt you & your party to find the nearest DD. The restaurant is not cheap & I would definitely classify it in the "special occasion" category but they will cater to you whether it's your birthday or a regular night out (if you're lucky nough to make it your 'regular' spot). We went on Valentine's Day & had a reservation but still sat at the bar waiting to be seated. Expect big food, big flavor & a big bill BUT it's worth every penny. Try the churrasco for a surprising blend of wood fired flavor ;)
(5)Jason R.
What a great place. The atmosphere and people watching were tops, followed up with great food and attentive service. A must try is the Super Steak, advertised as the Best steak in America...how can you not try it. It was amazing, best steak I have ever had, eh not quite but very close. Others in our group enjoyed the Snapper "in a bag" and the Tuna. A dessert must is the Apple Pie Sundae, wow. Service was superb but the wine list, that's where they lost the 5th star for me. Its an extensive list (received Wine Spectators 2nd highest award) but not much in real depth.
(4)Heather W.
I have to say, I freakin' love this place. Ask for Table #12-the owner's table (I think it's 12). Best seat in the house. It's one of the things I miss about living back home in Miami. The wine sommelier seems a bit obtuse, but eh, whatever...(I would ask what to look for in a certain wine and he didn't seem to get the question, so I'd explain it more and he'd tell me how to open it up. Okay, dude. I've been to Sonoma plenty of times. I know how to "open it up".) Anyway...the lobster bisque, the presentation, the duck (which I'm not usually a fan of), the desserts, you can't go wrong with anything. Expect to spend some money. Worth it.
(5)Eric P.
The food, decor and service were amazing! I had the duck with sangria sauce and an apple martini. I also had the best wild mushroom risotto ever! Everything was first class. The sommelier even gave us a tour of the wine cellars.
(5)Sarah M.
I had the Ceviche as an app, it came with Yucca chips and it was fantastic! As a main I ordered the Tuna last night, it was AMAZING! I took the Asian veggies out and had the delish sesame crusted fillet medium rare. Great wine- Spectacular! Only negative was our server was too opinionated and not funny. Usually they are great here but this guy was not up to forge standards. I got married here and have been a repeat customer for 6 years!
(4)Alejandra M.
I know that I am kind of late in writing my review for this amazing place, but it was worth the wait. Trust me when I tell you that I had to gather my thoughts in recollecting everything that I experienced at this place. The place is fit for royalty. The decor that I found here at The Forge was just plain amazing and breath taking. Every room here has it's own sense of WOW factor! The bathrooms are wow! Their bar is WOW! and their service is wow! WOW is the only word that comes to mind when describing this place. I will have to say that the price you pay to dine here is worth every penny. I honestly think that this place is not expensive at all for a fancy romantic dinner for two! Make sure you check out their large selection of wines. Here at the forge you also have the option to taste wines by the sip, half glass, or full glass. Just talk to wine connoisseur and he will set you up!
(4)Larry In Miami D.
I'm born and raised in Miami, this is the absolute best Restaurant that i have ever been in, I'm in the biz so " i kno people ". This is 5 Star, first rate business. i don't get here often , only about 3-4 times a year and never ,never a dull moment.
(5)s d.
Everything about this place is perfect. The decor, the ambiance, the service and the food. I ordered the grilled skirt steak and it was amazing, perfectly cooked with some sweet stuff on top. The only negative is the drinks are a bit pricey, $17 range. Other than that i will definitely go back!
(5)Laura G.
I wore my nice shoes for this dinner, and one of those "oh, this o'l thing?" dresses. I was imagining a gastronomical masterpiece prepared to perfection by a master chef. We made reservations for 9pm, but were told to wait, so we waited standing up for an hour, then the hostess suggested we sit at the bar. We cringed and made our way to the "nigh club" section of the restaurant. We couldn't even hear each other. We didn't want drinks either so surprisingly enough we weren't ALLOWED to sit at the bar, another hour went by. We finally compromised with the hostess and she sat us three tables away from the night club. The waiter cringed his nose when he took our order because we asked for the Miami Spice menu. Even if I couldn't hear my own girlfriend because of the absurdly loud music, I'm almost sure I heard him say "cheap asses." My girlfriend ended up ordering Filet Mignon because the miami spice menu was terrible. . The filet was dry and came with a side of ONE baby carrot and ONE broccoli. I ordered a truffled risotto which should have brought shame upon the restaurant They even managed to mess up our friend's lobster bisque. By the time the bill came, we had apparently spent $300. I double checked the bill and as it turned out we had been charged for another table's $150 wine, we didnt even get to try it. I asked for the manager but I was completely ignored and the waiter sent us a revised bill, this time, without the extra wine bottle. For the price, I expected a much better experience.
(2)Carlos P.
OK, so I return to have dinner at the Forge for the third time this summer. Same start as usual, Caesar Salad minus the Beef Tataki. Salad was fine, and then I added some wine. Since I was the only one drinking from my table, I ordered by the glass from their wine stations. Had a couple glasses of a tempranillo, which was pretty good. This time, I went ahead and ordered their 16 oz NY "super steak", cooked medium rare plus. Once again, I found it to be a little heavy with the char. Steak was tender, but chewy (obviously this cut has a little more fat), a little too chewy for my tastes. This cut was a little to fatty for someone who typically sticks with fillet Mignon. Another small complaint was the steak knife given was not quite adequate, more of a jumbo butter knife. I am sure its fine for leaner cuts, but not quite enough for a NY strip. I couldn't keep my plate still while trying to cut and made it really annoying to try to eat. For my side I decided to go with the Duck Fries which were pretty good and a great compliment. So after this, I don't see myself returning anytime soon, three times this summer and yet really to be that impressed. I'd still go Red/Prime 112 first or else Flemings/Meat Market as my backup. Still a good option for drinks and lounging, but for steak, I wouldn't go back anytime soon. BTW, our service has always been great here. Our waiter was extremely patient, especially since one of our guests happened to be an hour late. That wouldn't slide at Prime 112.
(3)kevin e.
Went here with my wife on a trip to south beach. I have to admit I was tired after a day of travel. So I was not in the mood for a big meal. The decor is gorgeous. Really beautiful. The menus ( wine and food ) are really extensive ( and yes expensive ). You should definitely find something you like to drink and eat. Tons of wines by the glass and many cocktails. Since we were not in the mood for two big meals we went with three apps and one meal. Here is what we what got 1. Lobster PB & J. OMG. Unreal. Worth the trip alone. Thai accented creamy delicious and really does taste like a PB & J. Order it. U will never forget it 2. Yellow fin tuna tartare. Very solid. Good not great. 3. Porcini dusted scallops. Very yummy 4. Short ribs. Big plate. Very tasty. A little fatty. But real good Atmosphere was nice. Service excellent. I guess the five star is based on the lobster PB & J and the fact that the menu looked amazing but we were not in to two big meals so I added a star for that. Enjoy !
(5)David R.
I went here for my birthday with friends. We all had the same experience. The food was mediocre and the server was very pretentious and intrusive. I hate to give them a bad review because I really liked the old Forge. However, this is a different place than the old restaurant. I will most likely not be going back.
(1)Ted X.
A go to place for a great experience. Amazing atmosphere and food to go with it. Worth every dollar, every time I go. I would recommend food, but everything has always been great.
(5)Arelys C.
Food was great. Loved the croquette starters. Service was very good as well. The decor is a bit tacky for my taste, felt like I was on the set of Real Housewives of New Jersey...over the top. Wine selection is extensive, but pricey.
(4)RJ S.
Alright, so we live at 38th and Collins and have been waiting for a year to try the Forge food. Our waiter went to Clemson and he was definitely a 5 star waiter. He knew the menu, knew the history of the place, and knew how to entertain us. As for the food, we went with 7 people and were able to have a tour de menu. Some of the food was 5 stars, some of it 4, and some of it 3. We will start with the appetizers... The U-2 shrimp were pretty delicious. Large shrimp and marina. Nothing too special here, just delicious shrimp. We ordered 12 oysters. 6 were "creamier oysters" and 6 were Blue Point oysters. Both oysters were amazing, but the Blue Point were definitely the best. If you are into the saltier oyster, then definitely go for the Blue Point. Tuna Tartar - Very good. The quality of tuna was impressive. The tuna had a very buttery/gel-o type texture that made it melt in your mouth. The "cracker" used to dish out the tuna was good. Perfect consistency and flavor. Beef Tataki - Good. Is beef carpaccio ever great? We are not experts on beef carpaccio, so give it a try. Special appetizer of the night 'Grouper, Snapper, Conch Ceviche' - WOW...the ceviche was marinated with peppers and served with fried plantain chips. The mixture of sweet, spicy, and vinegar flavors were amazing. Definitely the highlight of the appetizers we ordered!!! Entrees: Best Steak in America - Well, my friend ordered this steak 'Pittsburgh Style'...they definitely new how to do a Pittsburgh, almost too well. You could taste the charred grill flecks on it way too much. Bone in Filet - Ridiculously amazing. I've eaten at Prime 112 and Red Steakhouse in Miami and this was definitely the best bone in filet I have had in those areas. We ordered it medium rare and were not disappointed. If you want some meat, ordered this bad boy! Tuna - Good, nothing special 8 oz filet - Perfectly cooked and delicious Coffee and Egg steak - According to my friend who ordered it "the best dish we ordered" If you do not like the taste of coffee, do not order this dish. He ordered it medium-rare and the flavors that came out of their steak were mouth watering. Lamb Chops - My order. I consider myself a connoisseur of lamb chops. These were a 7.5-8/10. I ordered them medium-rare and they cooked them perfectly. However, the sauce was a little thick/sugary and took away from the natural juices of the lamb. I would still highly recommend trying them! Dessert: We tried a few of the souffles...what can I say, they were all amazing! Get a souffle!!!! Drinks: I don't want to write a novel on the drink menu, but they were all delicious. I say get adventurous and try some of their drink concotions. We ordered about 5 or 6 different types and all of them were equally spectacular. Overall verdict: Great service. Food would have been a 5 if we had not ordered a couple of average items. It was there 2nd week open, so maybe they are still working out the kinks and it will soon all be five star food? Either way, give it a try!
(4)Katie T.
We went there halloween night. The service was amazing. The food was great! The dessert was the best, souffle!
(5)Veronica S.
I can't think of another place to have spent our second wedding anniversary. I haven't been back to The Forge since it was remodeled so I'm glad we were finally able to see the good things we've heard about. Inside, it's gorgeous...I almost felt like I was in NYC. The only thing I was disappointed about was that they do not offer a corkage fee. We brought a bottle of wine that we purchased on our honeymoon and couldn't drink it at dinner but the evening was far from a disappointment. My husband is friends with Chef John so we were excited when he chose 2 appetizers to send out to us. The lobster pb&j is to die for! Seriously...it's the best thing to happen to a sandwich in a long time. We also had the short ribs with a pomegranite sauce that was finger licking good. (We didn't lick our fingers at the restaurant but it was tempting!) For dinner my husband had the skirt steak and a loaded baked potato. He's a man that likes to keep things simple but the steak was tender and cooked perfect. I had the grilled salmon with basil mashed potatoes. It was an interesting spin on mashed potatoes so kudos to the chef for coming up with somthing new for a classic side! The chocolate soufle was the perfect end to our meal. It was warm, gooey and chocolatey...everything that a good soufle should be! I can hardly wait to go back with a group of friends!
(4)Anthony C.
This is one of my best dining experiences in Miami. It has a Great atmosphere. The steak was excellent. After your food you get party all night. They have a live DJ and on Sundays the DJ may be Biz Markie. You will love this experience
(5)karen m.
I've been going to the Forge for years and couldn't wait for it to reopen. I went with a group of friends who are all forge lovers....Our entire party was very disappointed. The service was awful and that was a first. The waiter handed us the wine list which is very extensive and as soon as he gave it to us he stood at the table waiting for our choice instead of giving us the time & space to go through it. I used to love the lobster martini so I ordered the lobster appetizer on brioche and the whole thing just tasted like bread - not very good. we ordered steaks and they just had no flavor at all and were not cooked properly. I've always had great steaks at the "old Forge" and always cooked just right. From beginning to end it was a total disappointment for us all and several of my friends have told me they have gone and had the same experience
(2)Amber W.
Probably my favorite restaurant in Miami. The lobster PB&J app is one of the best appetizers I've ever had in my life. My steak is always cooked to perfection. And if you like dirty martinis and can deal with spice, the hot and dirty martini is my favorite drink on Miami Beach. Their fruity drink concoctions are also yummy as well. The decor is fascinatingly beautiful. The service is incredible. If you want a good steakhouse with a trendy flare, this is absolutely the spot.
(5)Jessica C.
Came here to experience the nightscene and enjoyed the lounge/club/bar experience. It also helped that we were taken care of by one of the 'owner/managers' there. So, if you can bring in 18 females, I doubt you will have trouble getting in...at least we didn't. No cover, VIP, and complimentary champagne! I liked the european-like crowd. Music was good too--started with house/lounge in one room, hip-hop in another. Eventually the night turned into hip-hop. Apparently this is a hotspot in MIami right now. Check it out.
(4)Kevin F.
Went here for Valentine's Day last year and I have to say this place is amazing. Immediately when you walk in you know you are in one of Miami's elite spots. Valet parking service for your entrance in your luxury automobile, we started out at the bar where some good music was playing, the decor was beautiful and screams "money". We were seated in one of the dinner halls, the dim lighting, wine list, and old school waiter to your table approach was great. We were with another couple and well enjoyed our appetizers, dinner, drinks and of course desert. Expect to spend quite a large amount of money ($100+ per head) with everything included.
(5)Meg D.
We had a great meal. The place is marvelous! The owner took us into the wine cellar and we just toured around with our mouths ajar, drooling allover the musty temp controlled room. The most expensive bottle is 165K, yes thats what I wrote. It was bottled in the 1830's w/ re-corking every twenty years. After that we went to the other rooms. What was a tad annoying is that we would have had to purchase a $100 bottle to sit in the chill out bar room after we spent a small fortune for dinner, not cool. The place has all different rooms with different themes, the dining section is in the typical brasserie fashion, the house room is very cool with white skances lit up like understated disco balls. The music pumping. The bathroom is all in art deco, erte style, all different on the bathroom doors. This place just opened up late last year, go there for an experience you won't forget!
(5)Ginger H.
Before this weekend, I hadn't been to the Forge in eons. The redone digs are spectacular. It's white, it's modern and it's what you'd expect from this Miami Beach institution. Our Forge adventure centered around a friend's birthday soiree, which lead to us dining in the party room. Cocktails were served in the outdoor atrium. It was a quaint setting for the fete. And the hors d'oeuvres were delish. Next, it was off to the party room for the real deal. The space was beautiful. And the staff was beyond accommodating. The breadbaskets were filled with amazing options, like asiago cheese breadsticks and rosemary rolls. The first and second courses were simply divine. The pasta dish with cauliflower was perfection. The main course, however, wasn't as tasty as the previous dishes. Hubby said the filet could have spent a little more time on the fire, and I agree with my vegetarian meal. But, when you have large gatherings like these, it's different than having a individual meal. I'd like to give this spot a second go, in a non-party setting, to give the food a real review. Set menus don't always live up to a restaurant's full range of abilities. But when it comes to charm, this place is packed with it. And history to boot. We ran into the owner on our way out, and he, like his establishment, was just as accommodating. Now that the new Forge has piqued my interests, I can't wait to go back.
(4)Sportsbillie S.
Despite all the great reviews that I read before going to this restaurant, my husband and I had a mediocre experience. Maybe my expectations were too high based on all the reviews I read, comments in the media and from friends. Waste of a nice elegant outfit. Hostess was great and ambiance is wonderful. I am not a trained chef but I prepare better meals at home. The lamb ribs were so charred it was pretty much inedible. Spiced duck breast was dry and lacked a quality presentation. Skirt steak (i ordered medium well) was served in small pieces, each piece was a different temperature (medium rare, medium, medium well, well and burnt). Our server needs to be trained on how to attend to customers in a high end restaurant. She inquired if it was our first time, we said yes, and that was the end of her involvement with us, other than taking our order, no conversation, nothing to ensure that we had a great first experience and would come back. We ordered champagne and there were times that my glass just sat empty. I inquired if the entrees came with a side or if we needed to order. I was about to order a few and she told me not to, that they do and the portions are normally huge. My entree came with only skirt steak. So had to order sides after receiving meals, which sat and got cold in the meantime, no apology from our server. Our entree plates sat infront of us for about 30 mins after we were finished eating, during which time our server walked by us numerous of times and said nothing. Eventually i had to put my plate on the very edge of the table so they would take away the undercooked and burnt meat from infront f me. We waited another 30 mins for dessert (which is not made to order) and again our server walked by us a couple times without saying a word to us. It was my husband's birthday. When I made the reservatioin, the hostess took my hubby's name and said they would bring out a candle with dessert. They brought out a candle alright, on the wrong dessert and even wrote his name. So i had to sit and eat a dessert with happy birthday written all over it. Once again, server walks by and says nothing! She didn't even say happy birthday when she brought the dessert, nor wished us a good evening, nor thanked us for coming. At no point during the evening a manager came by the table. Needless to say my hubby was extremely disappointed with the food and service we received. We will not be returning to the Forge or recommending to our friends. Lesson learnt - not all reviews are equal; its dependent on age, color of skin and experience in eating out at other high-end restaurants.
(1)Lindsay G.
The Forge, as always, remains a good solid restaurant in the Miami Beach wasteland of "trying too hard," too trendy," "bad food, "and "overpriced" locations that litter the rest of the street. We sat in the library and although they were out of my favorite violet liquor the cucumber martini was perfectly light and refreshing. We started with the shrimp cocktail and lobster peanut and jelly. The shrimp were colossal and delicious. The lobster peanut butter and jelly was merely fine but I am not a fan of Pb and a j. My friend ordered her steak well done because she likes inhaling carcinogens but despite this the Forge miscooked her steak twice. The waiter noticed (even though we didn't really) and offered a free blacksmith pie (which is no longer on the menu but is available in the back if you say how much you love it). My husband's normal, medium rare steak was perfect and delicious and my lobster was perfect. Forge remains in my mind a standout amongst several losers on Miami Beach.
(5)Myrtha P.
My family and I went to the Forge because it was my mothers birthday we wanted to make it special for her. I loved it! Everything was perfect. Automatic valet parking so there was no hassle about finding parking. The setting of the restaurant was romantic dim lights wonderful artwork the was just luxury. My little brother age 9 had the lobster ravioli he loved it! My mother and I had the aged steak, Mine was prepared medium rare just how I like it, My mother on the other hand like hers well done. I don't really remember what everyone else had but I know by the end of the night there were no complaints. Every meal was perfection, the waitstaff were very attentive to each persons needs. It was a memorable experience I would go back again. But don't go there unless you're ready to spend a pretty penny, but it was worth it!
(4)Stacey M.
rococo haven wednesday bacchanal great food mc sandman rocks
(4)Pam H.
The two stars represent "Meh. I've experienced better." Unfortunately, I have experienced better at THIS VERY RESTAURANT. It used to be old school, upper class Miami dining at its finest. Now it is a parody of what it used to be. They used to have wait staff who had waited at this very restaurant for 20 years. Wait staff that seemed to have psychic abilities and knew just what to recommend to whom, just when to check in on a table. Now it is trying too hard to be... what? I have no idea. The old Forge was a gift. There are better restaurants out there now. Which is a shame. Because it was something to be treasured and it was "updated" into banality. You want to be treated nicely and served excellent food? Go to Michy's. Yes, it is more trendy but it is also service oriented so that you don't mind paying the price to eat there. You get good food and you get sweet service. RIP old Forge. I miss you.
(2)Rob C.
came here for a dinner talk. (tried lobster bisque, NY strip, salmon, blacksmith pie and creme brulee) high marks for ambiance. nice stained glass. so dark that you have to bust out a pen light to see anything! the vibe is one of wealthy sophistication--people here get decked out. as a steak house, it's fine. not really a foodie destination, but most certainly a nice collection of wines. went back for the new, improved Forge. chef from North 110. menu revamped with new small eats. focus still on the wine collection, but better pricing and now using the cool Enomatic wine dispensing system. also toured the library, and the 2 separate private dining rooms, one very cool space downstairs. ambiance very hip. shared: porcini seared diver sea scallops lobster peanut butter and jelly sandwich -- unusual, but not in a particularly good way oyster po boy mini grilled shrimp waffle three mushroom risotto -- definitely made expertly with a lot of white truffle oil and parmesan steamed local snapper in a bag bone in fillet great marble souffle (chocolate and grand marnier)
(4)David R.
Big disappointment. Went with a friend who was 23 who didn't have ID (with 4 other 50 year olds). The waiter whisked away his glass without a comment. Very much in the tone of the soup Nazi - "you don't get wine" - but without an explanation. We complained and the manager came over and recited the most insincere explanation. He didn't even ask us for our concern. Aside from that mess, the food was mixed. The chef relies on rich foods - even you can cook a good rich food dinner. There are so many better restaurants in Miami.
(2)Peter B.
Love this place!! Had an amazing steak done the right way. Amazing service as well. These guys run a good show.
(5)sharry g.
The Forge is a Miami Icon, and deservedly so. The food is phenomenal, and it's served in a storied establishment. Here are a few tips... Important Tip Number One: Don't go for the Spice menu. Instead of being a good example of their full menu, you get a lesser meal with second class service. But it is hard to eat for $40 at a restaurant where you'd normally spend $140 and expect the same food and service, although you perhaps should be able to do so. I think the waiter sees his tip cut by 3/4, and loses interest quickly. Important Tip Number Two: Go on a Tues or Thurs evening, early. You'll have the place to yourself, and you'll have the full attention of your server and the sommelier. One or both may even take you on a tour, highlighting the wine cellar, the bar, and the dozens of historical artifacts and priceless pieces of fine art. The place is stacked with Lalique stained glass, Napolean's sconces, and thousands of rare first editions line the walls, ceilings, and shelves. Each piece has a story, and if you catch it just right, you might be lucky enough to hear some of them. The food is pricey, and perfection should be expected. The service staff are lifers, and they've put a ton of work and effort into being deserving of a 20% gratuity of the certainly large bill to come. We had local caught fresh yellowtail snapper, a Miami favorite, and the ribeye. Everything was over the top and superbly prepared and presented, as one might expect. High quality, high price, certainly worthy of both, and certainly not suprising to find only one other location other than in sun-drenched, money-grows-on-coca-plants Miami, and that location is in the sun-drenched, money-sprouts-sprouts-from-oil-wells nation of Dubai.
(5)Lisa E.
I don't understand why an up-scale restaurant has to have televisions in the dining room. No! I do not want to watch sport/CCN/ANYTHING while I am enjoying dinner. The meal was fine, but nothing out of the ordinary. The steaks were jus average, not extraordinary. Bread was removed from the table before the meal was served, which was disappointing. Look elsewhere if you're celebrating a special occasion. If you're on an expense account, then this is OK.
(2)Cherice J.
I am an absolute fan of the Forge. Very exclusive and always celebrity filled, simply because it's an high-end sophisticate establishment. The food is always delicious and the servers are very professional. This place is managed to perfection. On Wednesday's, and Friday through Sunday, you must head to the Forge for the live DJ and dancing crowds after 11pm. Club Glass is adjacent to Forge and many times patrons will go back and forth to experience the great vibe. I love this place!
(5)Vi N.
mixed feelings here. scenario: step into a beautiful restaurant, with stained glass windows, large wine cellars that fill entire walls, dimly lit table with white linens, and 11 of your friends. it's a birthday celebration. everyone is looking forward to a nice dinner, and partying afterwards. it's the forge, it's sunday night. your waiter is in a tux, well, all the waitstaff are mr. belevedere-like. hip hop is blasting through the room. "sweat drip down my balls" is being rapped while you slice into your $50 filet, no sides. what?! the forge is probably a wonderful, elegant restaurant on other days, maybe even earlier on sunday night. but the night i went, late on a "soul kitchen sundays," it was, for lack of a better word, G-H-E-T-T-O. it is hard to enjoy your juicy steak when there are people grinding to hip hop in the room next to you. it's hard to spend $260 (2 ppl) for a dinner and feel good about it when the room is hot like a sauna of gyrating bodies. bottom line: great restaurant, great food, great service. shady clientele on sunday nights, random "charges" on our bill (they brought a sparkler out, for the birthday boy, then charged me $3 for it). see? mixed feelings!
(3)Meesh C.
came here for miami spice week. heard good things, read good reviews, and apparently it's one of gloria estefan's favorite restaurant (according to a cab driver...). the atmosphere is hard to grasp--it's a fancy place with a fancy decor, yet they were blasting club music. they are trying a little too hard with the extremely dim lighting [the waiter busted out a raver l.e.d. light so we could read the menu...that's how dark it is in there]. it's not a great place for large groups--i kept getting bumped by people walking by. this review is for the food on the pre-fixe menu. overpriced for what it was: the "glazed" salmon was not so much glazed as it was smeared with a goopy layer of what tasted exactly like hoisin sauce (the dark sauce you use in pho). the steak was meh, small and bland. the dessert choices were cheesecake and icecream. the cheesecake was a stick of sweet cream cheese--there was no crust. the ice cream was good, but all they had to do was scoop it and put it on a plate. the lady's room is pretty cool--there are birds in there.
(2)M K.
This place is pretty over the top in terms of design. The ceilings are super high and the chairs make you feel like you're Alice in Wonderland. The food matches the over top decor and is first rate. I was a bit surprised though to find the portions so big. Typically when you go to a restaurant if it's really trendy looking then the food sucks or is really good but tiny. Not here. I wish my wife and I just ordered one main dish and split it rather than the two we ordered. Make sure you get the souffle. Who can resist warm gooey cake?
(5)Pia P.
Like a wedding. Or a funeral parlor.
(1)Sonia K.
What an amazing place. My husband and I were just here over New Year's and had a great dinner. The decor is gorgeous - so many intricate details, and very romantic if you're in one of the side rooms. I had the filet mignon and my husband had the super steak - both were great, as well as the mashed potatoes. The souffle was also delicious. Overall a great experience, but definitely overpriced. Probably not something I would do again, unless I was going with people who hadn't been there. But definitely worth a visit. And we got to sit on a really comfy sofa to eat - what could be better than that =)
(4)Bonnie L.
Was not impressed, the food was not really tasteful.
(3)Lindsay S.
ok, so this is a pretty big statement, but i think this is my favorite restaurant ever. the food was so perfect. the chopped salad was delicious. crisp and very tasty. my entree i did the supersteak. perfectly cooked. incredibly full of flavor. and a great sampling of dipping sauces came with it. we also did the mushroom risotto which was amazingggg. for dessert i had the marble souffle. soooooo good. i was so stuffed at that point, but their souffles are a must try. i wish i could remember the wine i had, but the waiter recommended an excellent pinot noir. the service was impeccable. very well informed wait staff. now, for the decor, where do i start? it's almost like being in a museum in that you want to walk through all of the rooms and just gawk. and you should. just take a spin through and take a gander. it's quite impressive. the bathrooms are also super cool. square toilets! next time i am in miami, i will definitely be back. this is a must-see, must-eat when in miami!
(5)Myhogany B.
ended my annual girls getaway at the forge last sunday and let's just say, we'll be back next summer and the summer after that. food was delicious. prixe fixe menue inlcuding was only $35. it was a great option. must have the cucumber martini, $14 but def' worth it. it's a beautiful place with great food. back patio was nice too and made for great photo opps. you must indulge at the forge!
(5)victoria r.
I could have sworn I wrote a review for this excellent spot about a yr. ago! Anyways, it doesn't really get much better then this! One of my favorite places to dine in Miami... definitely in my top 3. Elegant and tasteful. Extensive menu. Kumamoto oyster app. is amazing. MUST try the steak! Dover sole and black &white tuna makes a statement. Prime rib is good and you MUST try the super steak. AMAZING. Unbelievable wine menu!!! They said there is like 300,000 bottles. Also, an amazing souffle. Very rich in flavor. Reservations required. You will easily become addicted.
(5)Cristina S.
I should be the president of the "Forge Fan Club." The ambiance is Miami Beach classy, the wine list is made to match their extraordinary steak, & the bar will prompt you & your party to find the nearest DD. The restaurant is not cheap & I would definitely classify it in the "special occasion" category but they will cater to you whether it's your birthday or a regular night out (if you're lucky...
(5)Dan R.
The space is amazing but it doesn't stack up to the food. We dined with 8 in our party and 5 entrees had to go back because they were cold! The cheese selection with the tomato stack was over powering with tomato and prosciutto. The service was slow and a problem with the bill went unresolved by management. Don't bother!!
(2)Mike C.
I had dinner here with a party of four Saturday night. This was my second time dining here. We had reservations for 7:30 and were seated immediately upon arrival. The decor, ambiance and service are beyond compare. The highlight of the meal was the seafood appetizer consisting of king crab, colossal shrimp and oysters along with small servings of lobster and crab salads and tuna tartar. We specifically asked the waiter how much this would be and he said $30 per person. Take note ~ when the bill arrived it came to about $50 per person as there was an additional charge for the lobster and crab salads and tuna tartar which we hadn't asked for but which our waiter had added anyway. For dinner, we all had either the "super steak" or bone in fillet. Although very good, there are much better steaks elsewhere in Miami/Miami Beach. Or maybe it was an off night for steaks at The Forge. I ordered my "super steak" medium and it was somewhat dry and not the tastiest. All this being said we had an enjoyable meal and nice night nonetheless, perhaps because of the fine Chilean wine. I will go back again but it won't be on a weekly basis. If you've never been, I would recommend it. It's a great experience for which you'll pay handsomely.
(4)Gaby C.
Since cheff LoSasso took over, The Forge has freshen up considerably. The ambience and dècor are excellent and varied, as if you go with a group you may reserve different rooms with particular themes. The service is flawless, in the many times I've been here I've always felt how perfect it is (and that's not an easy thought in Miami and a mostly unthinkable thing in Miami Beach,for the most part). The next step is the wine. Well, wine here is not cheap but the wine list is just one of the best in the Miami area. So finally, let's get to the food. It used to be mostly a steak house, but now the menu has several of Dewey LoSasso creations, keeping some of the old stuff as well. Needless to say, this means the whole menu was revamped and is reflective of a more fusion cuisine still keeping the steakhouse theme. My recommendations: crabcakes, chopped salad, mushroom risotto, short rib, lamb. Desserts are all good. The steaks are ok, but lack the genius of the cheff and these are the same kind of steaks The Forge has offered for decades, so nothing gourmet in this department. Yes, you could have had all these creations and more in LoSasso's own venue until a couple of years ago for 60-70% of the price, but that's not posible now, so if you want to keep having 3 mushroom risotto, you have to put up with MB and The Forge's prices.
(5)Melissa Y.
fantastic food. great dining room. absolutely beautiful. attentive waitstaff - they really push the wine, they refill your glass every time you put it down. kind of expensive and a very scenester vibe at the bar. I swear there were football players hanging out at the bar but this was the weekend before the superbowl so it's entirely possible. also, a good number of "working ladies" accompanying some of the gentlemen at the bar. we shared the lobster bisque and stone crabs to start. both had very fresh seafood and the bisque was very well seasoned. i had the lamb. it was excellent. boyfriend had a steak. also delicious. we split the cuban sweet potato mash. it was very rich but tasty. we split a desert that was way too rich. not sure of the name but it's the pie with the vanilla custard and chocolate bottom.
(5)Danielle B.
Went on a Saturday for a relatively early dinner (7pm) the place had not gotten crowded yet at all....the food was great, the bread basket alone was fantastic and the amuse bouche served (though I can't for the life of me rememeber what it was) was also delicious.....the rest of the meal stood up to the fantastic reputation that proceeeded it...on food alone I would have given the place 5 stars....but the service was a little spacey and the wine list (while impressive) was WAY overpriced....a little off the beaten track but the food is awesome....definitely worth the trip
(4)Sam S.
Awesome time at this venue. We went to the OVUM records party here...mostly house heads for the party, but lucky for us Forge has a very bougeious international crowd, so the sexyness was brought up 10 fold..not to mention the bartenders were quick and HOOOOOT!!! (a rare combo!)
(4)Juhani P.
I went there on Saturday evening for some dancing and partying. And liked what I saw! Forge was very European, in terms of both music and the crowd. I will definitely need to get back for a dinner.
(4)Brian N.
Likely my favorite restaurant in the United States. The best steaks imaginable, and excellent mashed potatoes. The atmosphere is amazing and reminds you of old Miami Beach. If you go for your first time, make sure to ask for a tour of the wine cellar, it will blow your mind!
(5)James S.
Always a home run. Great service. Great food. Great wine. A perfect American steak house.
(5)Carolynn R.
To start off your would never know this place is here, but once you walk threw the doors you feel transported to a amazing historically significant trendy hot spot. The music the food and the servers are all top notch. Make sure you ask about the chandalier and sconces :)
(5)Michael H.
Very rude manager. Wouldnt honor my yelp reservation. Got there about ten minutes before reservation confirmation, yet still had to wait about 40 minutes. Took about 90 mins to get through dinner cycle. Wait staff very slow and only seemed intererested in serving large heavy hitter tables. Food was okay at best.
(1)Inna P.
I love The Forge. Love Love Love. Food is great, service is spectacular, and atmosphere is hip and trendy. However, I'm SO sad they took my favorite thing off the menu. It was the burger with lobster marmalade and short ribs...WAH!!! I was so sad when they couldn't even make it for me. I got the regular burger instead and it was great, but nothing compared to that other one. Oh well :( I'm sure I'll still be back though!
(4)Laura R.
Nice place. Excelent service. Very good food. I recomend the apple pie for desert. The rib eye with Marsalla sauce is very good choice.
(4)Julie G.
Loved this place so much! The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and the food was delicious.The black truffle mac & cheese pot pie is a must try. The "forge" chopped salad was also really interesting and a delicious take on a chopped salad. The steak was amazing, perfectly cooked and flavoured! The chocolate souffle was unreal, one of the best I have ever had. Such a fun atmosphere and decor was so pretty. Not to mention the service was great, the waiter was friendly and helpful and we were seated promptly at our reservation time. They have space for large parties. Will definitely be coming back here.
(5)B L.
I went with a large group. Tried just about half the menu... Nothing positive stood out except that the place is nice. Giant $35 a piece crab claw was kind of frozen and difficult to eat. Giant $14 shrimp was beautiful, but not as tasty as the smaller, yet still large shrimps that I have tasted elsewhere in my Miami. Burger sliders not particularly great. Kale salad average. Filet mignon steak ok, not magnificent 4/5 Ambiance 4/5 (several rooms, many choices, all nice) Wine list superb - 6/5 plus many wines by the glass. Truffle fries I hate(many may like - im not a truffle lover) Desserts were only fair - and I dont like the way many are served in upright glasses - not easy for eating or sharing. Service was good. Super expensive. Very unlikely to repeat. I like Prime "112 in south beach" or "Bourbon steak in Aventura" better as steakhouses!
(3)M.M. K.
This place alsolutely blows off my mind every time I get to go there for a meal. Fantastic food and the atmosphere is one of a kind. Purely unique!
(5)Kathy H.
Attended a private dinner in the Wine Cellar. Interesting history surrounding this building and restaurant. Pan seared scallops were perfectly cooked and filet was medium rare, as ordered. My friend said the crab cake app was excellent. Great decor and atmosphere! Our servers were very polite and knowledgeable.
(4)Lavinia P.
Every dinner at The Forge is a real treat - upscale ambiance, fantastic food, top notch service and overall experience make you feel like royalty. I had the pleasure of dining in their wine cellar during a couple of high end whisky dinners and I will never forget the experience. No place like it in Miami. Or anywhere else for that matter. The Friday happy hour is not to pass, please ask for Justin, their irreplaceable mixologist, and ask him to make you a "Blood & Sand". You will never want to drink anything else.
(5)Tiffany T.
Randomly stumbled upon The Forge when looking for a dinner spot close to our hotel in Miami Beach. Luckily, there was no wait for a party of 3 at 9:30PM on Friday. We walked through a few rooms, each with a different theme, to our seats in the back. Since this place is a restaurant and lounge, there was a bar with bumping music and bottle service in the next room over. It was loud but we didn't mind for our girls dinner on Friday night, just keep in mind this might not be the best setting for a quiet romantic date. It took a while for us to get menus and water. We were starving and had to flag down someone to bring our server over. We asked for recommendations and ended up ordering the following items to share: Lobster Risotto - 4.5 stars Foie Gras - 2 stars Chopped Salad - 3.5 stars Brussel Sprouts - 4 stars Porterhouse - 5 stars Smores Souffle - 4 stars The risotto was very tasty and well balanced with chopped snap peas to offset the richness of the dish. Our foie came out grossly UNDERCOOKED. We hesitated to tell the waiter when he asked about the food but eventually gave him our honest feedback. The presentation of the chopped salad that many reviewers posted pictures of was more impressive than the taste. The porterhouse cooked medium rare was the highlight of the dinner for me. The steak was very well seasoned and cooked perfectly. I thought the both sides of the beef were juicy and flavorful. Even after reading the positive reviews, I had doubts about a restaurant/lounge having phenomenal steak, however, I couldn't stop myself from going for 2nd and 3rd servings. Souffle was a sweet and delightful way to end the meal. When the waiter brought our check, we were disappointed that he didn't take off the foie gras (it was inedible raw liver) nor was there any sort of apologetic gesture from the kitchen. The waiter did offer to take us on a tour of the restaurant. Each room had a different theme and was filled with tons of antique collectors decor from the Paris Opera House and beyond. We we're really impressed with all the art and history under one roof. He showed us the private dining rooms and told us about some of the recent celebs that have dined there. We walked around and took plenty of pictures. I do hope the kitchen and management refines it's minor flaws by my next visit. I wasn't a fan of the automatic 20% gratuity tacked on our bill. However, the delicious steak and tour really made our dinner memorable. That, and the upscale decor really earned this place 4 stars.
(4)Kennedy P.
I absolutely love this restaurant! The sweet potato with ginger snap crumbles is delicious. Also me and my mom demolished the east and west coast oysters and you HAVE to try them. We ate the carmelized Brussel sprouts are so good. And our main course was an 8 ounce center cut steak with is to die for. Our dessert was the chocolate soufflé which was the BEST. So I really recommend the waiter named Oscar, he is amazing. And he is so polite and sweet. I love how he calls you madam, it is so formal
(5)Rodney W.
The Forge is not just a regular night out, but a DINING EXPERIENCE!!!! Tonight was a my special date night with my princess and I could not have picked a better restaurant, than the Forge. Although located on a main street, the facade definitely stands out amongst all the other storefronts. Once you enter into the Forge, you feel as though you have been wisked back into a time of elegance. Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Sammy Davis Jr. could still be felt walking around or grabbing a Martini at the bar. Walking into the restaurant, the ambiance, chandeliers, lighting and decor were jaw dropping. I watched my daughters eyes taking it all in and my heart leap with joy. We escorted to our seats, a feature with in itself, a high back, white leather throne. I noticed there were several different types of seats, that one could choose; even ones especially for couples, where you could enjoy your meal sitting right next to each other, for more intimate dinner. Yes, I have already started making future plans for my return. This restaurant could give lessons in customer service. From the moment we entered, we were given the royal treatment. Because it was a slow night, we given out preference of seating. All of the wait staff were attentive and continuously checked on us. BEWARE: The water is $9 per bottle!!! I found that out, after I received the bill, (4) FOUR bottles later. Now to the part you guys really care about, the FOOD!!!! The Cerviche was fresh, but the citrus was a bit overpowering. My steak was perfectly cooked and seasoned. I was tempted to see of I could cut it with a butter knife. The desserts were refreshing, but I didn't feel they were up to the standard of the rest of the meal. I will be back, maybe on a Friday night. Let's all meet up for a glass of wine
(5)Abigail B.
Back for Happy Hour again. I love it all! The food, specialty cocktails, music, ambiance, and most of all Frankie :) He always takes such good care of us! Ask for him when you go (unless I'm there. In that case, he's mine lol)
(5)L S.
The Mother's Day brunch was a bit disappointing. It was bland and unexceptional. The food kept running out and replenishment took forever, causing a line around the buffet area... The unlimited mimosas were pre mixed in a carafe and was mostly OJ. Our waiter took our order and then ignored us for an hour until I asked several other staff to assist us. A 20% tip was automatically added to the bill so I imagine staff was not motivated to provide any service since the tip was in the bag. The Forge has nice ambience but this experience was terrible.
(2)Bridget O.
Came here with my parents. The atmosphere is great and the staff is very friendly. My parents both ordered steaks and I ordered the salmon. The steaks were a little better than average but not as good for the price they were charging. I was not a huge fan of the salmon, probably would not order that next time. On the other hand the sides were great. We got Mac and cheese and it was delicious highly recommend ordering that. The mash potatoes were great too.
(4)Chris S.
Wonderful service, beautifully prepped delicious food and an amazing wine cellar that you'll want to tour.
(5)YJ L.
This restaurant is Beauuuutiful!!!! We went to Miami for a bachelorette party and we were supposed to eat at some other steakhouse but being the gilt whore that I am I happened to see a deal for Miami at this restuarant and it was too good to resist. The other girls agreed seeing that everything 3 course meal + 2 glasses of wine was $47 and we changed reservations to here. Honestly I was a little nervous because I didnt want the dinner or ambience to suck since its for a bach party and I was the one who suggested it but right when we entered the restuarant I knew it was gonna be a good night. Being from LA I really didnt think any restuarants in Miami would impress me, but there goes my foot in my mouth, the Forge is gorgeous and is the perfect place for a bachelorette dinner. Its classy, trendy, and plays good music too! The girls loved the looks of the place .. now we just needed to taste the food. OMG from the bread, to the amouse bouche ( yup prob botched the spelling) , to the risotto , steak, salmon, and dessert everything was beyond delicious. the wine machine things were pretty fun too. All in all everyone enjoyed their meal and thanked me for it.. yay!! Go here if you have an event to celebrate or if you just feel like it =D PS their bathroom is ridiculously pretty.. not gonna lie we spent about 20 min in there taking pics. true story!
(5)Lynn E.
This place is a Miami necessity; I find myself coming back every time I visit. Very trendy vibe but not obnoxiously so. Big fan of the focaccia bread and cauliflower appetizer. My sister and I both had the New York dry-aged steak, which was pretty good although not as good as when I first tried it here two years ago. Overcooked for medium-rare. The pistachio souffle more than made up for the mistake steak. Holy delicious!!! :)
(4)Whitney K.
The soft shimmer of a chandelier that once hung in the Paris Opera House greets you as you enter the main dining area. Just inside, a dining library complete with stained glass windows repurposed from Trinity Cathedral in New York City, authentic Tiffany glass and glowing fireplace invite you in. In another room, a white lacquer piano surrounded by blown glass champagne bubbles is offset by custom dining tables made of repurposed wood from Indonesia. A $7.2 million wine cellar beckons to you from the balmy outdoor terrace. History runs deep in the Forge, where you'll find intriguing stories around every corner, from Napoleon's writing desk hiding upstairs to unassuming fixtures from Jackie O's White House decor hanging outside the Boardroom. Each dish, boasting a modernized and artistic twist on classic, haute cuisine, is worthy of this rich history and brings an equally rich palate and range of flavor to every course. The food's presentation is as beautiful as the ambiance and sure to leave a lasting impression. The experience is completed by exquisite service. Our server, Jill, struck a perfect balance between anticipating our every need and convivial conversation that both educated us about the restaurant and delighted our party with subtle humor and good energy. I believe my father's final words were: "I'll be back. This raisin bread, these martinis - and you of course - made the night." Coming from a man who has notoriously high standards of service: this is saying something. The raisin bread WAS pretty good. The experience and service were better.
(5)Sarah S.
I really had high expectations, but there were a few issues. First, we were seated in the front section of the restaurant which is very HOT. There's a hallway that leads from the front door to where we were seated, so I don't think it was because of the proximity of the door. The dining chairs were also extremely uncomfortable, with a firm seat and low back, making it hard to lean back and relax. I ordered the filet mignon butterflied and well done, yet it came out medium rare. The waiter even said it was way underdone. I honestly dislike high end restaurants that make me send my steak back while my husband sits there awkwardly with his food getting cold as mine goes back to be cooked as ordered. Once I received the steak back, it was fantastic along with the grand marnier peppercorn sauce. We also ordered the grand marnier soufflé which was amazing! Honestly, between the heat, the seat discomfort and not having my meal cooked properly, I won't be back. Our servers were great and attentive and that is what made the 3 stars. Oh, and even though dinner for two runs around $200, they don't really enforce any kind of dress code. Very disappointing to see women in flip flops and men in shorts and sandals at a supposed "fancy" restaurant.
(3)Danny S.
The Forge was selected by a friend at random for a 30th birthday celebration. Although skeptical by the external first impression, we were pleasantly surprised upon entering the lavish establishment. Greeted by a pleasant doorman and an even more politely prepared front desk team to receive us, we were truly taken back by this hidden gem! For large groups like ours (10 people with a reservation) we were immediately attended and given instruction on how the seating process goes. During the transition of waiting for the rest of the group to arrive, we were welcomed to the bar area. The ambiance was fantastic, decor leaned towards a "Great Gatsby" profile. Excellent dj with an excellent playlist set the vibe. They did have good drink specials, and free appetizers during happy hour which was a definite plus while you wait. We were seated promptly after our entire group arrived. The quality was exceptional, and portions were slightly above average. The only two cons I can critique: horribly slow service and wait times to receive meals and drinks, which was extremely disappointing when you're in a group expecting good service for the price and caliber of restaurant this place intends to portray. My second con was the inability to split checks and the lack of genuine care and concern of our server to solve our basic needs. Overall I would come back, but to the bar, for drinks and appetizers only due to the superb vibe.
(3)Erica B.
Typical South Beach. Great ambiance, beautiful decor and good music. Food was extremely overpriced, extremely small and extremely mediocre. We ordered the truffle Mac and cheese and I tasted like Kraft Mac and cheese. Our salad was only enough for two bites. Would never return again.
(3)Jennifer S.
Beautiful restaurant...I mean really beautiful! We held a group dinner for 40 people at the Forge in July and had a great experience...my only complaint is the group space wasn't nearly as nice as the main dining room. The staff was great - attentive and efficient, the food was delicious - the filet was so tender, and the people watching was great too in the main dining room.
(5)Elizabeth R.
SHORTS AND T-SHIRTS OKAY. Granted it was a Sunday night, but when did it become acceptable to dine at the Forge in grubby jeans and a ratty T-shirt? It wasn't just one guy, there were a few "just rolled off the couch" looking patrons. And then, as we were getting ready to leave, a group of five 20-somethings strolled past our table to the bar wearing gym clothes. Seriously. Shorts, sneakers, sweaty and smelly. Whatever. When I saw the Gilt City deal for a 3-course meal at the Forge (Su-Th only) it seemed like a great way to get a jump on Miami Spice. Now I know to give it a miss. Things didn't go well right from the start. The hostess led us to a tiny 2-top next to the door. Only one dining room was open and it was full. Every other couple seemed to be seated at a large table with banquette seating, so I was really nonplussed at being cramped against the wall, and then the hostess pulled out a chair to reveal food scraps that had been left on the seat from a previous patron. Mr. Wonderful was giving me the, "Just deal with it!" look so I brushed off the chair and took the other seat, and thought, "So far, it feels like we're at Denny's." But really it's all about the food, right? Meh. Best dish was corn chowder appetizer, but it was listed on the menu with caviar. No caviar. Dessert was a hazelnut chocolate cake that tasted mostly like the inside of a refrigerator. Worst offender was very tough beef. All around disappointment. I understand that the discount dining opportunities tend to be hit and miss. But the Forge was miss, miss, and miss. It makes me sad that I can't recommend an iconic Miami institution like the Forge, but really, there are far too many alternatives that are so much better close by. We'd visited the bar at the Forge several months earlier and were similarly disappointed. We ordered some snacks that were puny and overpriced. A game was on, but the TVs were miniscule. I wish there were something nice to say about the Forge, but I can't come up with anything. Sorry.
(2)Adam H.
If you love Prime 112, things just became better! This hands down is the best food in Miami! The attention to detail, and the food was amazing! Great job!
(5)Karla R.
the happy hour on Friday nights is amazing! champagne specials and $6 belvedere cocktails! I did miami spice, the onion soup was incredible, the cheese was aged and delicious. the filet mignon was good, I'm a filet girl and it definitely did not make it onto my list of best filets. hubby got the rib eye which was fantastic. we also got the black truffle Mac and cheese pot pie, it was good. for dessert we got the chocolate lava cake, yum but nothing to write home about. the place is gorgeous and the bathrooms are unbelievable. anyway if you want to go to a beautiful restaurant with miami beach vibe (and by vibe I mean everyone looks rich and makes you feel very very poor) then check it out!
(4)Vanessa T.
We celebrated a birthday last year at the Forge. Our only complaint had been that we had ordered too much!! The food was phenomenal and our service was excellent -- it is why I chose to surprise my bf with dinner at our favorite place for his bday. Prior to going, I made sure to call and place several asks including a special table, a bday surprise with our desert and lastly I specified that I would be paying with a Travel zoo. I was assured that all of this would be noted in my reservation. We arrived and were seated in a very nice area with tons of lights around (on a stage). Hardly private but pretty. Our waitor came by and offered wine - my bf asked him to please select a nice red for him. It was only when he came to give us the menus that I had to ask if there was a special one for Travel Zoo. The bewildered waitor said "i wish you had mentioned this earlier - those wines you selected are not included". I was embarrassed. He came back with the menu and took our order and Then i decided to ask him to take a look at the notes in my reservation. I had to ask him to do this!! Isnt this what the hostesses are meant to do? Not just stand pretty and say good evening? So annoyed. We enjoyed our meal (as always) but was really dissapointed that when the cake came, the waitor dropped it off and walked off. He didnt sing, he didnt even say Happy Birthday. It felt awkward. At this point, Im upset and just want to leave. To my surprise, the worst was yet to come. The bill arrives at a total of $81. What was the point of the Travel Zoo? There were several unexplained charges and I noted that the wine that the waitor chose was $21 a glass. We didnt even have the two glasses included in the Travel zoo, you would think he would have altered that -- nope. To add a cherry to the cake and make the occasion worse, they forgot to give us the wine cellar tour that I had been offered during my conversation! Bottom line, meal is great and their steaks are legendary -- just dont go for a special occasion. So dissapointing.
(3)Klime K.
For our first Christmas together with my Australian wife, I wanted to take her to the iconic 'The Forge' which certainly lived up to it's exceptional reputation. In summary, our experience unfolded like this .. We reserved a week in advance and the day before, we received a phone call to confirm the reservation which showed this place is professionally run. On arrival, the hostesses were super friendly and we were immediately greeted and lead to our table (which by the way felt like we had the best seat in the house). The decor is very aristocratic and the ambiance world class. There was a mixture of families, couples and groups of friends. The menu was extensive with variety to suit all. The renowned wine selection is like no other and certainly hard to match anywhere else. Nothing was late, the service was good and there was ample staff on the floor. A delicious assortment of breads were provided while deciding on the menu. For the appetizers we had the Pan Seared Crab Cake and Grilled Roasted Beets, and for the entree we had the Grilled Salmon and Grilled Hanger Steak. While we were full after our meal, my wife couldn't resist sharing a serving of the Chocolate Souffle which we were advised to order early so that it could be prepared in time. Everything was outstanding. Evidently 'The Forge' has positioned itself to be always relevant and timeless.
(5)Leon K.
We expected over the top decor but did not expect brothel decorations. The food also left a great deal to be desired. The chopped kale salad was bland, without substance and did not have enough vinegar which was not offered on the side. The signature dishes, steak, were also diappointments. My strip was stringy though cooked to the correct temperature. My wife ordered the waygu at $20 an ounce requesting pink. It was derlivered rare. Steakhouses should never get the temperature wrong on their specialty. I had just returned from London after 5 weeks and chose the Forge as the place I wanted my first American steak because of its iconic stature. My wife tried to talk me out of it. She couldn't, because I had heard about wonderful changes being made. My wife was right and I was wrong. I was sorely disappointed and wish I had chosen one the numerous steakhouses in the Gables or on the Beach.
(1)Charmie P.
Wonderful restaurant, always impeccable service and outstanding food cooked to perfection. The bread basket is delicious, my favorite is the onion focaccia, for side the polenta with kale is a must and so it the mac & cheese, and the steaks are ridiculous good. The first time I went a few years ago I was with a big group, the sommelier gave us a tour of the wine cellar, the collection is impressive. The decor is classic and elegant, with beautiful chandeliers through out. It is pricey, great for a special occasion.
(5)Boris K.
The forge is a great experience if you are in the Miami area. The decor of the place is beautiful and if you are seated in the main room you can't help but constantly look around. (The big chairs are really cool) They have an impressive wine book with a huge selection of wine and a sommelier on premises. However, the best part of my dinner was my unforgettable waiter Mike Moon. It was because of this man that my dinner was different than any restaurant I have ever been to. Mike was not only the most professional waiter I have ever had but he made my girlfriend and me feel as if he has been our personal chef for over 10 years.(His knowledge of the food and restaurant is remarkable) When we first read our order to him he suggested that we have ordered too much and should make some adjustments. (Not something that you usually hear from a waiter). We went with the beef tartare and the kale salad as our appetizers. I personally really did not enjoy the kale salad, (which I got based on reviews) I found it to be too bitter. Mike was kind enough to replace it with the burrata which was fantastic. We then ordered the porterhouse for two with truffle butter and ginger sauce. We also got the lobster risotto as a side to our steak. The risotto was great but the steak wasn't anything too special (I guess I'm spoiled because I'm used to eating at Peter Lugers in NYC). But however, thanks to Mike we ended up getting the perfect amount of food. If you are looking for an unforgettable dinner experience I would most definitely recommend coming to The Forge. Hopefully you'll get lucky enough to have MIke Moon as your waiter!
(5)Bruce R.
Do not go to the Forge on a Friday night. It is so loud that it is impossible to have a conversation. After repeated requests to turn down the sound in the "library' area the management did so, but the requests had to be repeated several times. The food is not special, but the waiter, Jonathan McCort was. He was attentive, sensitive to our needs and if you do go to the Forge, ask for him. We had good wines that were not overly expensive, but the four of us agreed that we would not return. If you are interested in fine dining, the Forge is not the place. If you like over the top glitzy decor, mediocre food, good service, good bread and a scene, then the Forge is for you. 2.5 stars.
(3)Victoria A.
The service was impeccable! The food left me absolutely speechless! I ordered the Kobe Beef with Foie Gras on top and Truffle Sauce, accompanied by a side of Mac and Cheese Truffle Pot Pie! Oh Yes, it exists! The ambiance of the restaurant is very calm, perfect for a date night. I would recommend this restaurant for the ultimate dining experience! 5/5!
(5)Zabdi C.
I have always heard of the forge but never went there , I decide to go on a date there. We went on a Friday night the bar was very busy ,so we decide to be seated the decor was truly one of the best i have seen. When the waitress came over and introduce herself she was very friendly her name was Jill we looked over the wine list and decide to get some wine by the glass. We were brought our menus and were told the specials everything looked very good but the one that caught my eye was the Tomahawk Steak 40oz WOW!! We placed the order we shared a tomahawk which was cooked perfectly (MED) we have Brussels sprouts and Garlic Mash....I was truly happy , when we were done Jill invited us to get a tour of the restaurant...WOW..I was impressed with all the history she was very informed of the history..I asked a lot of questions because i was interested and she was very patient and answer all of them. My whole dining experience was great....I will return with my Friends and would defiantly get Jill as my waitress. We ended the meal with a s'mores soufflé....very good... I will return soon....The service was 10 Stars!!!!!!!
(5)Zilla K.
The Forge exceeded my expectations! The food was delicious - we had steak & sides, and the chocolate smores soufflé. The decor is a must see. You need to ask your waiter to have a tour after dinner in order to see the private rooms. I must say it's one of the most beautiful restaurants I've been in. I will definitely come back here next time I'm in Miami.
(5)Jacqui R.
Great drinks, extremely creative. However, the steaks, aweful! I tasted more than one type of steak, since there was 6 in my party. Very bland, no flavor what so ever! I had to ask for ketchup! If I was blindfolded I would have thought my filet was a T-bone steak. The service sucked, I had empty drinks on my table, dirty napkins not collected, and had to ask for my server multiple times.... To be honest, I am very disappointed!!... This place is overrated!!! Would NOT recommend to anyone!
(2)C. M.
Finally after all these years, I finally made reservations to this elegant and chic the restaurant is...truly remarkable. We were seated right away (being a Wednesday night) and it was surprisingly slow. The waiter (Renzo) did a great job of briefing the menu and wine list for us. The restaurant has a sommelier to assist in selecting wines. He directed me to an Italian red - Nero since I was the only one drinking wine. Excellent choice! It was smooth but with great flavor and he didn't try pawning off a more expensive wine, like other restaurants. So after minutes of indecision we ultimately went with the NY Strip and mushroom risotto as a side. Good call on that one Renzo. The risotto was f'ing remarkable! The strip was cooked to perfection, very tasty but a pricey given the type of cut. Today I dreamt of that risotto.... The wifey ordered the lobster Thermidor, it was good but I would rather have ordered the surf and turf with the 6 oz filet. For desert - the Blacksmith pie- huge slice, but the custard makes it light and the chocolate is ohhh so fluffy! Ordered it with a side of vanilla ice cream, it was a perfect finish to a great meal. I expected better service but they may have had staff missing bc it was slow. Had to ask several times if they could bring me more water. Usually the fine dining establishments refill your water after each sip, so that was a little disappointing but the overall experience was solid. Can't wait for Miami Spice and see what they will be offering....
(4)Leslie R.
Amazing I loved the food and the service was great!!! I love everything about this restaurant
(5)Sherry S.
Wow! What can I say bad ( nothing ) lol. Everything was amazing. Mike was our server,funny guy and very knowledgeable about the food and decor! Who in fact gave us a exclusive tour around the restaurant to private rooms and wine chateau / wine cellar. Manny step in with the tour and provide wine knowledge. The manager Adam stop by our table just to check if everything was going good. Which was very nice ( good looking young man ).lol also was introduce with amazing mixologist / manager Justin mass. Mr.maas whip up one of his special raspberry drinks so delicious. Great staff .Omg... the food wow! love every bite. I did miami spice. The first course: Caesar salad with fresh real anchovies. Second course : 6 oz filet mignon cook at the right temperature. Last course : warm lava cake,mmmmm so moist .My pallet had a great time. Ugh I can't wait to go back . If you love wine,great food come to the forge. They really accommodate their guest. Thank you .
(5)Nicole L.
Amazing ambience. Dark, old fashioned luxury and an stellar wine collection. The sommelier Gino gave us a tour of the old cellars and all of its collectables; including the Magnum room. This is definitely a wine lovers dream; they have the modern pouring system where you can choose from a taste to a glass. I went for one of their tastings and the secretive elegant feel of the place left me feeling very magical. If you want old fashioned exceptional service and a killer wine list, this is the place for you!
(4)Swatee G.
I was surprised at how big te place is when we walked in.. Loved the decor and the high ceilings.. Had been super excited about the Alice in Wonderland chairs, but they have been smushed into dark corners.. barely noticed them.. not happy about that! The waiter was super snooty.. star off for that.. yeah.. I do not like snooty service, especially since I had heard good things about the place and the fact that I was paying for my food.. not the snootiness! gah! Anyways.. The mushroom risotto.. to die for! I'd come back any day, JUST for that bowl of heavenly goodness! The complimentary bread basket.. yum yum yum! Their butter was sooo good, and the assorted breads were all super soft and yummy! Their Forge chopped salad.. really good..! Loved the olives and the caper berries.. the vinaigrette was BEAUTIFUL and the Gorgonzola went so well with it! The polenta on the side.. pretty yum, nothing extraordinary though.. My friend had been super excited about the lychee drink, and hey - no offense, but if the bartender reads it, the champagne ABSOLUTELY kills the delicate flavor of lychee! sorry, mate! Need to redo it with rum maybe? I got the strawberry shrub cake, which was really yum.. loved the herbs in it.. added some much freshness! All in all, I loved the place (let's forget the fact that we paid an arm and a leg for what we had), but I'd love better service next time! :)
(4)JamesBrownInMiami ..
Amazing $50 a bottle Veuve Happy Hour on Friday Evenings 6-11. The best filet minion in Miami Beach.
(5)Robert D.
Excellent food and servic. Ask for the Library if you want the quiet scene.
(4)Tony L.
Very average food. The scene is good but everything from the salad and apps were average. My friend ordered the scallops and they were way to fishy than they should've been. I ordered the sea bass and it was just ok.
(3)Shenika T.
Lovely restaurant, however I did not dine here. I went for an event. Unfortunately, the event was wack. How do have a networking event at a huge bar with no place to network? Definitely wont return to these events.
(3)Tiberiu K.
Locals should be aware that the food at the forge now is bland and has no flavor. You definitely do not get what you are paying for. What happened to the chef ?.. Beautiful place, good service, very tasteless food. My opinion, don't go here if you want good food.
(1)Katie M.
Amazing dining experience a The Forge! We had the scallop ceviche, tuna tartare, pea ravioli, lobster risotto, black truffle mac & cheese, sea bass, the pastrami duck along with dark chocolate napoleon and the key lime tart. The service staff was attentive, the food came out timely and the atmosphere was chic yet comfortable.
(5)Jason S.
The service at this restaurant is a 10+ our server was welcoming, friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and well educated on wines. Two managers greeted our table one different occasions to check on the food and service. We ordered the table side Caesar salad - there were so many ingredients on the board he came out with I can't remember them all. Perfection, is the best way to describe the salad, the perfect amount of lettuce to dressing ratio and the flavor was so savory. For the main course I ordered the Peppercorn crusted filet mignon, the presentation was beautiful, the steak itself just average, however. The meat was not as tender as I would have liked it and overall the temperature was more on the medium side then med rare. For dessert we had the souffle, well worth the wait. Warm chocolate syrup poured over a chocolate cake with toasted marshmallows. Mmmh so good! Overall great experience, I just had higher hopes for the food, will go try again.
(3)Jessica B.
Still great after all these years... Love the food, attentiveness of the servers and ambiance.
(5)Becca R.
This place is gorgeous!! The decor is a work of art - literally. Some of the chandeliers are from Napoleon's castle in France. The walls are hand crafted, from Spain, I think. The octopus chandeliers are from Italy. The bathroom is so so European. There's a sitting room which is immaculately lit and the toilets themselves - very European. It's a very chic place. The food = great! We had the pea ravioli, the oysters, and the sashimi for appetizers. The ravioli is made in house, and this dish is phenomenal. The pasta literally melted in my mouth and the peas and mushrooms made it so different and yummie! My boyfriend loved the oysters and sashimi. For the main course, he had the chilean sea bass and I had the kale salad. The kale salad was different - but good! The chilean sea bass - delectable. For dessert, we had the chocolate soufflé which was amazing. Initially, our server was good. However, when he had another table to wait on, he literally forgot about us. We did not like this at all. I cannot remember the server's name but we were very angry. However, Mike came to the rescue! He talked to my boyfriend and I and kept us entertained as we waited for our dessert to be made. This guy is a true gem! His stories and comments are hysterical and he is brutally honest! It was so so nice to have someone to talk to at dinner, and it is because of Mike, and the fantastic food, that we will be coming back to The Forge. Thanks again, Mike!
(4)Pablo M.
If you have money to burn on excellent food and HORRIBLE customer service, come here. The waiters were attentive, though also a bit impatient, and the food really was good. But as good as the food was, it was not anywhere near worth the hassle of having incomprehensive management that literally told a table of 5 people that their system "doesn't allow to split a check 5 ways, but does allow to split it 4 or 6 ways". Also, you can skip on the tip since they already slap on a 20% "service charge". Needless to say, I'm taking my money elsewhere. I'm never going back. The Forge in one word: overrated.
(2)Juliana G.
My hubby and I headed to The Forge for a romantic dinner at the restaurant where we got engaged and where his dad used to deliver booze during prohibition. Call him Al Capone Jr. :) We had a small bump on the road at the beginning when the brand new hostess gave us a rookie table and refused to move us to a different place. Fortunately, this was very short-lived because the MOD immediately intervened and placed us in the best table in the restaurant. Thank you MOD! As soon as we were seated they brought us bread four-ways which I proceeded to eat while my hubby chose wine (rookie!). Then they brought us the amuse bouche consisting of BBQ lamb chops, which were delicious to me even though my rookie hubby thinks that they were too big to be an amuse bouche. Yes, I know, crazy and a rookie! For real, they were tender with a thin layer of fat that made them juicy and flavorful. While we waited for our appetizers and decided what to order, they brought us a bottle of bubbly from Spain from 2004. We then opted for the chop salad for my hubby and the caesar salad Forge way for me. Both great choices. The Chop Salad is their traditional salad in a beautiful presentation. My hubby likes the old way better where they brought a mountain-full plate, but I still think it was wonderful. My gigantic caesar salad was fresh, crisp, and authentic, just like it used to be when restaurants used to make caesar salad table side. We also ordered the fried cauliflower, which disappeared in just a few seconds because we liked it so much. The batter was light and the cauliflower had the perfect consistency (not too soft or too hard). For our entrees we both ordered the filet mignon, which was very tender and cooked perfectly. They come with a mustard sauce that is so amazing I could have shots of it and be very happy. We both cleaned out our plates. We added a side of duck fat fries which we order every time we go to The Forge. They are amazing! with little pieces of fried duck and the potatoes are smothered in duck fat. A portion is probably 10,000 calories and worth every single one of them. Yummmm :) We have had duck fat fries at several places and even the best don't even come close to these ones. For dessert we (rather, I) had the chocolate bread pudding which was yummy. It was more like a cake drizzled with melted chocolate and a side of fresh strawberries. I ate about half of it until I decided that I wanted to save the rest for my 3:00 a.m. cravings tonight. Besides, I also ordered the mango sorbet and it was melting in front of me. It was very nice but we made it even better by adding a shot of Gray Goose to it :) I think they should make that their dessert choice, it was unbelievable! All in all, the Forge has consistently good food, in a romantic setting, with servers who know what they are doing and how to create a nice dinning experience for their customers.
(4)Nathalya G.
Food is quite good, the decor is very stylish and beautiful. The costumer service is also good.
(4)Evonne L.
Chopped salad= cut up pieces of different veggies wrapped in cucumber slices. Was not a big portion, we tried to share it with 4 girls but I found myself trying to eat all of it since it was really good! Oak grilled super steak, aka "The Best Steak in America" according to Wine Spectator was not true. The steak was good, but wasn't as oaky or as flavorful as I expected. This is one thing I was glad my gfs and I shared because it was $55, and sadly, not worth the hefty pricetag. Coffee and eggs = "COFFEE CRUSTED RIBEYE, GOAT CHEESE FRITTATA" tasted weird. We were feeling adventurous and who doesn't like coffee and goat cheese, but the pairings didn't complement each other and the actual steak was dry. The high point of the night was the souffle, which takes 30 minutes to prepare but was amazing. Definitely big enough for 4 small girls (or one hungry girl) to share. Ambiance of this place was great, especially for a big party since they have big tables to accommodate.
(3)Tito B.
Two visits in and the same conclusion- the ambiance is absolutely unmatched- gorgeous beyond words. The food, however, although good, is really nothing out of this world. I thought maybe it was a fluke when I came the first time, seeing as this is such a highly-rated restaurant, but I had the same impression on the second visit. It's just okay, and when you are paying a lot for the meal, I just expect more than ok.
(2)Michelle W.
Not impressed at all with the food here. I had high expectations based on the reviews, but nothing I ate was worth any money... I was glad I did not wast my own money on food here. The only reason I gave them 2 instead of 1 star is because the service was good and I really like the atmosphere, plus the Alice in Wonderland sized chairs in the private dining areas rock. Anyhow, so here is the skinny on the food (which I only picked at & ended up going home and eating something else) Lobster bisque - not good at all. First of all it was brown and looked totally unappetizing. Second the creme ball that they put in it wouldn't really mix into the the broth. Lastly, it was bitter and I have no clue why. Black & white sesame encrusted tuna - Fail, the tuna was not cooked at all... I'm not sure if they can't tell because the amount of sesame seed they put on it, but there was no seared edging on the tuna. It was maybe only 1-2mm of color. And it was completely cold. The dish itself looked beautiful and it was a complete let down when it was no good to eat. I had desert, but can't remember what it was. At least my wine was good. So, I would only go back here for drinks at the bar. Nice atmosphere & set up with a good wine selection. Save your money & eat else where, totally not worth it here.
(2)Alberto R.
Ultra classy place. The music was too clubby for a place of this quality. Only thing that made it 4 stars out of 5. Food was outstanding.
(4)Meagan M.
The food was fantastic! We went for Miami Spice ($39 for three a coarse dinner) and they also had a few glasses of wine that were $6. That seems to be the way to go since it is usually $100+ per person. I ordered the ravioli as my appetizer. I wasn't expecting them to be fried, but they were still delicious. Others at the table had the Forge Salad and that was great. The filet was very well prepared and seasoned. Some at our table went as far as to say it was "the best steak they had ever had". Finally, the cheesecake was AMAZING. Overall we had a fantastic experience. The ambiance is awesome, waiters were nice/attentive and really know the menu, and the food was delicious. This is a great place to go for a special night out!
(5)Silvia C.
Excellent food, service and ambience. The risotto appetizer was out of this world .
(5)Ed L.
This is a "oh you're fancy huh" kind of steak house in every way. The decor is very elegant and upscale and the food and drinks mirror in complexity. They have great cocktails that are very unique which is a great way to start the night. The bread basket is fantastic with a variety of bread and one of the most delicious Foccacia cheese breads ever. Although they have various cuts of steaks, I think the OAK GRILLED "SUPER STEAK" is a winner. It is proclaimed to be the best steak in America and it is definitely in my top 5. It is grilled nicely with great char on the outside and juicy in the middle. I would have preferred a little more rareness but it was still very good. It comes with an assortment of dipping sauces which makes the experience unique. Great steak but can be pricey for $50 a pop.
(4)Courtney N.
Always an excellent choice. Had the fillet mignon and it was prepared excellent. The server was sharp and attentive with a good attitude. Always a safe bet and great atmosphere.
(4)Donnie M.
Between the DJ, live singers and over the top decor this is one of the coolest restaurants that I have eaten at. Try the happy hour on Friday nighs with $50 bottles of Veuve.
(5)Jorge E.
OK...you want to make an impression for your significant other or for that important out of town business client....THIS is where you bring them! I mean...whats not to LOVE about this place?! The decor "over the top" elegant and beautiful! The food is some of the best in Miami! Some people would argue that they liked "The Forge" better pre-renovation but the "meat and potatoes" of this place are still there and that is their food and service. We are talking Miami Beach here so it can be expensive especially if you try one of the MANY awesome bottles of wine they have! In life they say..."You get what you paid for"! That is NOT true in the restaurant business as their are as many overpriced and just average places as there are underpriced/amazing joints few know about! The Forge is right smack in the middle! Expensive..yes! But worth your time and money.
(5)Stephanie L.
The Forge of the past and the remodeled updated versions are night and day different. What would have been 2 stars a few years ago, was one of the best meals I've had in a long time post-update. I'm not going to comment on the boring meal that once was since it's not something you can (or have to) have anymore. ATMOSPHERE: Dim and quiet, but upscale and modern. Most recently sat in "the library" and loved the feel like it was something out of a Disney ride. It was elegant and inviting, feels like perhaps you are dining in the house of a very wealthy food connoisseur. Each dining room has a different feel though so you can have a completely new experience depending on where you are. SERVICE: Exceptional and impeccable! Our server was very knowledgeable and helped us navigate the large wine list to find the perfect pairings for our meal. FOOD: Inventive, decadent and so flavorful. Had the tuna to start and it was literally as huge bowl of fresh diced tuna big enough to be an entree. It came in sesame oil and some other seasonings I can't place, but they really enhanced the dish and elevated a basic, fresh tuna to extraordinary. For the entree I went with the grilled skirt steak, leek chutney tomato jam, and tostones. All I can say is WOW! The meat was cooked perfectly, and there was a slight sweetness to the tomato jam that was the perfect match to the grilled flavor of the beef. For dessert I had the lemon panna cotta and it was the perfect ending to cleanse the palate. Slightly sweet, slightly tart and absolute creamy deliciousness. Had a wonderful experience and would definitely recommend the Forge for a special occasion, date or dinner with friends.
(5)Josiah G.
This is one of the most interesting and beautiful restaurants I have ever seen. The decor is like no other. It's mad hatter meets old masonry and ironwork. It's simply amazing. The food was just as amazing. We ordered the lamb ribs for an appetizer and it was some of the best lamb I've ever had. I ordered a pesto rigatoni with roasted cauliflower that was so good, I ate the whole bowl in just a couple minutes. What is also great is that, for an experience like this with amazing food and over the top service, the prices were not unreasonable. For what we ate and how we were served, I thought the prices were just right. Anyone stopping in should also take the time to walk around inside the building. The outside bar area is stunning and the iron work inside is original to the very old building. Great place and I can't wait to come back!
(5)Larry K.
We dined at the Forge this evening and had a wonderful experience. Our server Jill was as attentive as can be and the food was impeccable. I highly recommend this restaurant and don't forget to request Jill if you want the experience of a lifetime!!
(5)Robert V.
One of the nicest dining experiences I've had in Miami. Our waitress was patient and helpful. She walked us through the menu and didn't pressure us to order anything. The cocktails were flavorful and strong, as per my request. After our appetizers, she offer to give us a full tour of the restaurant, which we took her up on (and you should too). This restaurant could easily double as a museum. Then the sommelier took us on a tour of their wine room. He showed us bottles dating back to the mid-1800s. Back to the meal: get the chopped salad, mushroom risotto, and soufflé or else you messed up. Can't wait to return.
(5)R N.
I'm not quite a local but consider myself an "adopted" local since Miami is my 2nd home. I'm not a fan of the touristy/overpriced restaurants so was excited when a friend recommended this place. The ambience is very cool - dimly lit & furnished exquisitely. The DJ was playing an amazing 80s mix - we had a table of 10 women ranging in ages & we all had a great time. We sat at a long table where one side was a bench, that unfortunately was too low for most of the women. The chairs on the opposing side were fine. Everything ordered was amazing. I didn't taste many dishes at the opposite end of tr table but I don't think there was one complaint. The truffle sliders, tuna tartare, kale salad, sea scallops and sea bass were all amazing. The desserts rivaled the appetizers and entrees - the soufflé and the jar are not to be missed. The only complaint we had was the service. Our waitress was awful - I'm not sure if she was new, overwhelmed or all of the above, but we had to keep snagging another waiter for help when needed. There appeared to be other good servers but unfortunately we did not get one that evening. Overall, great ambience, amazing food and wine choices.
(4)Scott B.
I made the mistake of taking my wife here for valentines day and experienced the single worst restaurant experience of my entire life. 1) I showed up 15 minutes early and was directed to the bar to wait for our table. Within 30 minutes the bar was overflowing with people all waiting for tables. After 75 minutes of waiting we were finally seated - only after my wife and I argued with the manager and hostess three separate times to be seated. It was clear that these guys overbooked and had no proper system for reserving tables. Despite our complaints we received no apology or offer for comped drinks. 2) After FINALLY getting seated it took nearly 30 minutes for a waiter to take our order. By this point (9:15 vs a 7:30 rez) we were starving and both ordered the prix fixe meal - a shared app, filet and desert. 3) At 9:45pm, nearly an hour after we were seated the waiters brought our steaks (BEFORE the apps. After informing the confused and overworked waiter that we did not receive our app he quickly took the steaks away. 4) At 10:15 (90 min after being seated) we finally receive our appetizer. It was an absolute travesty and not what I would expect of any decent restaurant. It consisted of: 1) a small dish of "ceviche" which was gray and basically inedible accompanied by a soggy plantain chip, 2) two cold soggy pieces of fried goat cheese that appeared to be cooked hours beforehand and 3) a bruschetta of artichokes which was decent but clearly not fresh. 5) By 11pm we still had not received our steaks. At this point there really was no choice - WE WALKED FROM THE MEAL. Never in my life have I walked from a $300+ tab but this level of service was insulting and shocking. I could not even find a manager to speak to. 6) Last but not least - there was a near riot at the valet parking stand. Some folks had been waiting for an hour and arguments were breaking out btw the valet guy and manager in front of customers. I finally just told the valet kid to give me my keys and had to get the car myself. 7) At this point its almost midnight and we still had not eaten a proper meal. Fortunately the Burger King drive through around the corner delivered what the Forge was so incapable of - hot food served with a smile. I will NEVER return to this place.
(1)Abby W.
My better half and I came here the first night of our vacation with a Gilt City voucher in hand. The space is beautiful, quite large and well-decorated in a classic steakhouse way. Comfy chairs. Our server was very personable and suggested that we supplement the salad/entree/dessert courses supplied by the voucher with an appetizer and/or a side dish. We opted for both and got the croquettes plus a side of the lobster mac and cheese. The enomatic thing is really cool, and I was pleased with the wines we got as part of the Gilt City promotion. All was going very well, we were enjoying our wine and the complimentary bread was fantastic, but then came the apps and amuse bouche and things began to fizzle a bit. The salmon croquettes were really pasty and lacking in flavour, super disappointing. The accompanying white fluff had no flavour at all and it was difficult to even figure out what it was supposed to be. The amuse bouche was a barbequed pork rib that was chewy, really fatty, and not that tasty. The sauce tasted too much like Masterpiece BBQ. Salads were enormous but very fresh and well-presented. I wished the cheese on the chopped salad was a stronger bleu, but overall it was delicious. The Forge redeemed itself on the filet, though. HOLY COW. We both opted for the filet entree, one medium and one rare, and they both came as ordered. Like butter in your mouth. The steak was literally perfect in every way. The mac and cheese, not as much. The noodles were majorly undercooked and we both only ate a few bites. For like $16 that is a real bummer. Despite the shortcomings we ended up extremely full by the time dessert rolled around so we hardly touched it. We got one each of a banana and chocolate bread pudding, the banana was by far the winner. I nitpicked a lot but for a place that charges as much as they do, a customer is entitled to nitpick. I would maybe go back with another voucher, and get the risotto instead of the mac since that seems more their specialty, but I probably wouldn't do a full price meal here. Oh, near the end of the meal the server knocked over a wine glass that broke and glass got all over my boyfriend. They cleaned it up quickly and efficiently but did not offer to move us to another table.
(4)Bettina S.
Great restaurant, fun and busy Friday night vibe, and excellent service. The porterhouse I shared was very tasty, and the lobster risotto was delicious. The wagyu ordered by another girl was fantastic and the others raved about their French onion soup. Would definitely go back!
(4)Imee B.
This is my go to special occasion restuarant in Miami Beach. I have dined here a few times and they exceed my expectations every time. This probably the most romantic restaurant in Miami- perfect combination of modern and old world opulence. The service - the valet, host stand, waiter, and sommelier - is always warm and pleasant and very professional. My favorites are the lobster pb&j (weird but tasty combo), mushroom risotto, and Oak Grilled super steak. For two people, you can expect to spend well over $200 but you will not be disappointed! Well worth the $$$$$!
(5)Laura B.
We had a wonderful dinner for my birthday. The service was excellent as well as the decor. Let's talk good-- the super steak is super. The lobster risotto is an appetizer but do much better as a side w main course. The s'mores soufflé was divine. We did not like the mushrooms. There were onions in it and not tasty way too sweet. My hubby loved the Chilean sea bass.
(5)Cathya L.
21st Birthday dinner was to die for. This place is nothing short of amazing, the staff is super attentive and friendly - not snobby like other fancy places in the area. The decor makes your jaw drop - from the chandeliers to the leather couches, to the posh bathroom. I loved the Steak special I ordered, I loved it so much that I have dreamy about it... Yes it is that serious. Also, I have to rave about the fabulous mellow playlist they had going on - everything from Norah Jones to Lauryn Hill and even some babymaking Ginuwine. Yes! This place gave me life. We popped bottles, ate like Kings/Queens, and laughed like no other. I would hands down recommend this place to anyone who is looking for an intimate, fun, photo friendly place. Trust me, once you take a picture of one thing you have to cover it all. I would host a Vogue photoshoot here, its so prettttttty. It is going to be hard to top this birthday dinner.... I might just have to go to Miami for my 22nd Birthday as well.
(5)Chris T.
This restaurant was amazing. The decor was unbelievable, the wine list was impressive, and the food was delicious. I have to say the service was by far the best I have ever had. You won't go wrong eating there.
(5)Deena M.
The Forge was overpriced, overrated! Service was poor and the steak was dry and tasteless! Really felt we were ripped off!
(1)Ahmed A.
I have to admit this was a very glamorous place and it accommodated a mature/older selection of people. So, presentation was great and it was a comfortable atmosphere. With food now me and my friend tried the lobster and the best steak of America. The best steak of America was really good but I don't think it is really the best steak in America. The lobster was really good too. The service was not bad and our waiter was pretty attentive. The only thing was it was an expensive meal so be prepared to spend a little$$$. Overall I had a great time and would try it again if I'm ever in Miami again.
(4)Chris S.
I was a regular here (great steaks, beautiful space, very good service) until I saw a bartender blow his nose on a napkin and then return to making drinks without washing his hands. The manager was indifferent when I mentioned this to him. Probably a fluke, I wouldn't recommend eating there after that experience.
(2)Tara P.
Great decor. Wonderful bread. After that it gets weird. Just everything is strange, not fresh. There are a multitude of servers, but service was unavailable. Oh, the soufflé was excellent. Go for a glass of veuve, pistachio soufflé and sit at the bar.
(1)Briceyda L.
We found this restaurant on Yelp and decided to go to The Forge for my sister's birthday dinner. Our reservation was at 6:30 and though a member of our group was missing, we were escorted to our table. Albert was our waiter and he made sure that we always had wine and water while we waited. During this time, Albert brought us a bread basket with yummy bread and also brought Fernando (the wine genius) to come and recommend some wines. I ended up talking to him for a little while about Peru. An hour later, the last person from our group showed up (He blamed it on Miami traffic). The decor inside is great but our favorite part were the staff and the great music they played. The playlist included Norah Jones, Aaliyah, Ingrid Michelson and a lot more. -For an appetizer, someone ordered a kale salad for the table. Everyone enjoyed it, but I'm not a fan of kale. -The birthday girl ordered the OAK GRILLED "SUPER STEAK" and loved every single bite. It is very huge and she shared it with another person. -I had the grilled salmon and it was amazingly cooked to perfection. -other people with us had the ceviche which was very tasty and -We ordered the asparagus, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, and Brussels sprouts as side dishes. We enjoyed all of them except the asparagus which looked like it had been cut prematurely as they were very tiny. All in all, we had a great time and ended up spending quite a bit, but it was definitely one of the best meals we had while we were in Miami. I'd definitely go back!
(5)Kathryn S.
This place is just absolutely amazing. From the decor to the service, everything about it was great. I decided to try the Forge for the first time since it was on the Miami Spice list. I started the evening arriving a bit early for my reservation so I can check out the place and have a seat at the bar. While I waited for my reservation I took in my surroundings while sipping on some champagne. Everything about this place screams decadence. The decor has no exact style, I felt like it was many styles thrown into one wondrous place. The walls have crown molding which are beautiful. After taking in the place my friend and I were seated at our table. We were seated in the second room on a raised floor that had a bubble design behind us. It was beautiful and wonderful. I was so happy we were seated where we were. At that moment out server, Esteban, came by and took some more of our drink orders and served us bread. Let me just say, the bread is amazing! There are several different types, I personally loved the rolls, and this cinnamon bread that taste like Christmas. To begin with, I got the salmon croquettes which were delicious. I'm not even a fan of seafood and I thought they were great. My friend got the coconut steamed mussels and clams and she did not stop raving about it. Her exact words were "I want to bathe in it." That's how much she loved it. For our entrees I got the three mushroom risotto and it was to die for. I mean, it was just so good. I don't think i've ever devoured a meal as quickly as that. Every single bite was just as great as the last one. My friend got the grilled skirt steak and was also talking about how much she loved it. For dessert we got the two options that were offered. I had the flourless chocolate torte which was just so decadent. It was very rich and just scrumptious. But, it was the cheesecake that was the true dessert winner. It was just amazing. Overall our experience at The Forge was memorable. Everything in the restaurant was wonderful. I especially enjoyed our waiter Esteban who made the experience even better with his wonderful service.
(5)Randy F.
I hate to be a stick in the mud, but The Forge was a disappointment considering all I've heard about it over the years. It was fine, it was okay, but at what ended up to be $175 per person, there are better steakhouses in Miami. It bothers me that a mandatory 20% tip is included in the bill; I understand that this place probably caters to tourists, and those from some lands don't tip. But it promotes ambivalence in the servers, and generally reinforces laziness and bad service as it did for me tonight. Maybe we're not beautiful enough, but I've had better service at Denny's. The waiter was nice but utterly detached, and failed not only on 5 star things like refilling wine glasses, but also on the basics -- bringing the wine list, getting the order right, dropping off the check. The sommelier was snooty and rude, and made his feelings about our choices clear, even though we were spending over $150 per bottle. Yes, it's a nice wine list. The steak was fine. Good. Edible. But not "The Best Steak in America" as they claim. It was a decent cut served with 4 sauces that the waiter didn't identify for us. The seared tuna was tasteless, but I get it. It's a steak house. The tuna tartare, said to be the most popular appetizer, was okay but really not special. The kale salad was good, and big enough to share. The Caesar was also very good. The soufflé was okay. You know, aside from the service, this isn't a BAD restaurant. It's trendy, a little snooty, expensive, and just okay. But for the price and the hype, it was a disappointment.
(2)Kat S.
This place was within walking distance of our hotel so we decided to give it a try. They were participating in Miami Spice so we were definitely going to get bang for our buck by patronizing at a prix fixe price! The food was amazing! I had the salmon it was delicious and my boyfriend ended up ordering off the regular menu since he wanted to try a particular steak they had won awards for. There was a small issue with the steak being over cooked and our server was quick to whisk away the incorrect steak and bring over two gigantic Indonesian shrimp for him to nibble on until his new steak arrived. This review is partly for how good the food way, but it's more of a review for the amazing staff. Our server was phenomenal and one of the chefs came out and actually apologized to my boyfriend for overcooking his steak. Side note: The restroom is amazing...a woman's dream...feminine and chic. Professionalism at it's best! Bravo Forge!
(5)Mike A.
I have been going to the Forge for years and always have loved the place. That said, it's about to take it to another level under chef Chris Lee and master entertainment innovator Shareef Malnik. We had the good fortune to get a sneak peak at what's to come last night and it is special. As you know I judge based on four criteria: food/wine, price, location and ambiance. The food crushes it (I highly recommend the filet mignon and kale salad), the wine cellar and bar is world class, the location is good on S Beach, the prices are reasonable given the quality, and the ambiance is amazing and about to go off the charts when they pull off there next iteration of the Forge in the coming months.
(5)Tenzo A.
Alright, so one of the things I really LOVED about this place was the fun music they were playing. As twenty something year olds who like to have a good dinner before partying the music really sets the vibe. Plus the place was recently remodeled (so I heard) and really really cute. Absolutely loved the service, especially since we were treated with attitudes everywhere else in Miami .. including our hotel restaurants (Fontainebleau) which calls for a whole other review. Anyways, our waiter, wish I remembered his name, was awesome and very accommodating. I ordered the artichoke risotto with shrimp. The shrimp was delicious!!! The risotto itself was a liiiiiiiitle too heavy. a bit more creamer than usual, but it was still great! Now for the my favorite part, the tuna tar tar. OH-MY-GOODNESS. AMAZING. That's all I'm going to say cause I MAY start drooling. lol .. ORDER FOR SURE.
(4)Gabe A.
Who Severs a burnt center cut filet?? This guys do!!! We where in town for a night and we pick this place of all the places in Miami. I was needing a great Steak and this place boasted one of the best steaks in the country. This place is your typical over priced place that we all love to eat at. But if you are going to charge a premium you should provide a premium product. Like I said I was in need of good steak. So I order a center filet medium rare . The steak came out and no one ask me to check the temp. I cut into it and it was more medium but we had been waiting for a while and I was hungry. But when I got to the Half that was burnt I could not eat it. The guy came to take the plate. I express my concern to him and he asked I wanted it to go? really. Yes let me take this dry price of meat home. Maybe I could give it to someone one ther street but I doubt they would eat it. Expressed same concern to waitress. Then the manager came over. Same deal!!! They where all very sorry for my horribly cooked steak. Never offered anything. To make it right. Except I wish you would of told us sooner. Well no one ever asked!!! I was not going to wait 10 min for some one to come over. But what can you expect from a over priced steak house that Automatically charges 20% gratuity no matter what. Sounds like socialism to me. What incentive do they have to deliver a quality product or to give a shit. If you are looking for a cool place with bad customer service and sub par food then this is your place. You have to love dropping 150.00 in dinner then grabbing a 5.00 slice of pizza that was better than anything this place severed.
(1)Todd N.
Took my wife for a special dinner at The Forge. The atmosphere was elegant but not pretentious, the service was prompt, servers were knowledgable and engaging and the food was excellent. My filet was cooked perfectly as was my wife's and the accompaniments complemented the meal quite nicely. All in all, a nice, romantic dinner!
(5)Celia E.
I've lived in Miami for nearly 20 years. I used to go to the Forge restaurant alot around 2006 and even had a big birthday party there in 2007. I actually had not been back since then. So I went there last Friday after about 7 years. I didn't really avoid it on purpose it's just that so many hot new restaurants have opened in Miami that I've just been trying all the newer trending places. This is the reason I'm writing this review. My husband and I eat out ar least 4 days a week and there are so many cool new scene type of restaurants that are overpriced with disappointing food and service. I fundamentally won't write anonymous bad reviews online because I think it's smarmy so I won't mention those multitudes of mediocre places on South Beach, the Design District or Wynwood (especially). I wanted to take time out to praise the Forge. I was shocked that after all these years it's still one of the very best places in Miami. The interior design, the food, the service and the atmosphere were truly fantastic. It's pricey but when things are done right, it's ok. And really the prices at Forge are on par with a lot of places that are pretending to be fine dining in Miami but don't have fine dining service. So long story short Forge is still great.
(5)Kevin G.
Went to The Forge for an anniversary with my girlfriend on April 3, 2015. Let's just say it made her forget about what she was mad at me for earlier in the day. The two best qualities of the restaurant had to be the ambiance and the service--there is an extreme amount of detail and attention given to both. We had Mary as our server; she did a great job. Never once had to look around for a server, never had to refill either my champagne or sparkling water, and the meal was perfectly timed. We had the privilege of sitting in a quieter part of the restaurant that resembled a library--it created a very intimate and soft environment, perfect for the occasion. From this area we could still hear the freestyle music playing in the main room, which is a perfect place to sit if dining with friends or a louder crowd. I highly recommend the chocolate/grand marnier soufflé with a scoop of ice cream as dessert. Over all, consider this restaurant a home run that will impress anyone you bring. Just make sure you bring enough money because the bill will add up quickly (well worth it).
(4)Lola P.
Came here for valentine's day and ordered their special menu which included mixed appetizers, and entree of filet mignon with polenta and mixed desserts. The best of part of this restaurant is the restaurant itself, which is gorgeous. We had a beautiful table that felt very intimate. We ordered wine and an additional appetizer of pomegranate glazed ribs. The best part of the meal was the polenta! Creamy and delicious. The ribs were second. As for the rest, not impressed. My filet had a burned after taste with every bite (my boyfriend felt the same exact way). The appetizers were not seasoned well (ceviche, crab bruschetta) thus tasted bland. Maybe it was our mistake by ordering from the "special menu". But, I originally went for a coffee rub ribeye with a goat cheese frittata, which was not on the menu that evening (bummer!). For a better steak given my filet mignon experience there, I'll just stick to Prime 112 or Smith & Wollensky. Maybe, given that the polenta was great, I'll go more towards the Italian route. Overall, we were both unimpressed. If you are curious, the bill was $260.
(3)J N.
So disappointing. Made a reservation for my boyfriend's birthday on Monday night. Food was awful!!! I have absolutely no problem spending money but the quality of the food was salty, over priced and over rated. We started with the fried cauliflower, and the lobster pb and j. How could a lobster pb and j taste bad? They found a way to make it take flavorless. Really bogus. My boyfriend ordered one of their signature steaks (most expensive may I add recommended by the waiter) and I had the chilean seabass. The fish was actually pretty good but the steak was soooooo salty I swear they bathed it in salt. GROSS. For sides we got the trio of mashed potatoes which were ehh and the mac and cheese which could have taste better out of a box. Halfway through dinner the waiter asked us if we wanted to order the soufle, we said yes but were never shower the dessert menu so I don't even know what else was offered. They did make the birthday dessert special and personalized the plate with my boyfriend's name. I will say the only positives were that the hostess, bartender, waiter and water boy were absolutely excellent and attentive. Decor is cool as well. Our waiter gave us a tour of the restaurant after dinner and told us about the history as well which was really great. If you are looking for good food I would pass. Not worth $300 for two people.
(2)Cynthia C.
The space is a wonderful representation of all things Miami: glamorous, sexy & fashion forward. The tables, booths are spaced apart and surprisingly it's a very comfortable scenester environment. Shared eats: -Kumamoto oysters, came w/cocktail sauce, grilled lemons, mustard & relish, sweet & fresh flavor. -Hamachi Tartare, liked the asian flavors & the plantain chips. -Crabcake, bountiful meaty portion w/a perfect sear. -Kale w/Parmesan, I think I would have liked it in combo w/another veg -Filet Mignon, solid, cooked the way I like, rare w/o the blood oozing. Note: DO dig into the complimentary bread, there is an amazing herby cheesy crusty bread, devoured all of it. The 70+ wines by the glass are awesome, we got to swish, swirl & taste six different varieties of wine, over half are priced under $15/glass. What a great way to start the trip: open late, we had a 1230am reservation, good food, wine & company.
(4)Linda M.
I was soo sad..great interior, good looking people, good bar. Atrocious service and food was even worse. Maybe people only go to drink? Sad..as it's a mijami landmark.
(1)Nadeem B.
The steak was billed as "The Best Steak in America", as challenging a statement as I've read in quite a while. However, I have to say they are quite correct. It was, hands down the best steak I have ever had. To make things better, the Apple Pie Sundae was even better, if you can beleive that. Although the prices are steep, it was worth every penny. I cannot reccomend this place highly enough. If you are in Miami and can only eat at one place, this is it.
(5)Kristiana W.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I loved the ambiance, the decor, the food and the crowd. I will be back at least once a month. This is my new Friday hangout, I highly recommend as a great start to a night out of you sit at the bar or if you are just looking for a lounge vibe. It's upscale but they are afraid to play hip-hop, or old school music. A must visit.
(5)Shannon M.
Ok we have been to The Forge many times, one of our go to's when we go to town. Well tonight was a far cry from a good experience. I knew it was bad when I ordered a glass of Vueve and the waiter looked at me like I had three heads. Then my husband ordered a Bombay sapphire martini and he didn't know what Bombay was....We were with another couple and our 2 children. Obviously we are cognizant of having 2 9 year old girls so that is why we had 6:30 reservations on a Monday night. Fast forward to dinner arriving, my steak was under done & I sent it back. No one really cared. At one point the server said to my friend sorry for not being attentive, really?? Did he just admit his service was sub par??? So he proceeds to clear the plates and spills ketchup on my daughters phone. At this point I don't even know what to do. He proceeds to clear the table and leaves the ketchup laden napkin on the table. My husband gets up and hands it to another waiter. The check comes and at this point we are mortified. Again another long wait for someone to return. At this point my husband gets up to hand the check to someone to ring us up. In 20!years of marriage I have never seen my husband get up and complain. He did and spoke to whoever was in charge for the night & I use that term loosely. Nothing changed and rest assured we won't be back. The irony is we had reservations for Friday night again & cancelled due to the poor service and food quality. For $800 for 4 adults & 2 girls who basically earlier birds is ridiculous for the service & food quality. We won't be back and if you are contemplating, don't go on your dime. Zero stars if I could rate it. Don't bother wasting your money.
(1)Steve R.
I went to the Forge last night and had an overall great experience. This is old school service with contemporary cuisine. The Forge nailed it like so many restaurants do not. Our server, Michael Moon knows how to read a table. We were there for the exact experience he gave to us. The service was the perfect speed along with professionalism. I was overwhelmed by the iconic wine list and was looking for something just right and that is when Dean, the Sommelier showed up and helped us select a couple of bottles for the evening. ( if you are interested in drinking bottles from the civil war this is the place). Dean took the time to show us the whole restaurant and wine room. They offer an incredible private dining area if your celebrating something special. If your looking to "grab a bite" skip the Forge. If your looking for a dining experience, look no further but make sure you bring your wallet. But hey....if your looking for the best of the best your going to pay for it and the Forge is well worth it. I will be looking forward to creating an excuse for my girlfriend for why we must eat here soon.....Why not celebrate Labor Day!
(5)Michelle R.
WOW! let me start off by saying I felt like I was in a movie. Beautiful décor, elegant, everyone was extremely good looking, and friendly. As my date and I waited for our table, we had a drink at the bar... I had the Manhattan and it was delicious.. with a KICK! We also ordered a bottle of champagne and took our seats at our table that was next to the glass/ mirrors... I felt like I was in Scarface. Totally badass! We did the Miami spice menu and ouphhhh best filet EVER! cooked to perfection! Everything was on point. Cant wait to go back. Our waitress Mary V. was delightful :)
(5)Mary L.
5 stars. Hands down, the best dining experience I had with my fiance in Miami. We came here for a private event. We literally flew in and came straight here. When we arrived, the hostess took us back to the private room that was reserved and we had a few personal waiters for our group who stopped us before we entered the room so we could make our meal selections. We were two courses behind everyone so we had some catching up to do. First let me say that this was incredibly professional of them to do. I was impressed with them from the beginning. We had an amazing dinner of Lobster bisque, crab cakes, filet mignon, and topped it off with panna cotta and green tea. Everything was cooked to perfection - ESPECIALLY the filet mignon. I am still dreaming about it right this second even though I'm no longer in Miami. The panna cotta was also really good so I suggest getting that if you get a chance to. My only regret was that my stomach wasn't big enough and I didn't eat everything on my plate. It was all so delicious! It's certainly worth ruining your workout for! The staff was also incredibly accommodating and so wonderful. It was a private event and they did a very good job at coming in and out at the right times. There was never an awkward moment where they barged in on an intense conversation or anything so I was very impressed by their professionalism. Attached to our private dining room was the wine cellar. After dinner, we all walked around a bit and mingled in the room and we had access to the wine cellar as well which was great! It was honestly such an amazing room. They probably had every single wine you could possibly dream of that was aged to perfection! I mean our meal from start to finish here was just phenomenal. From the staff to the food, and all the little details (switching out our utensils for our upcoming course by bringing them to us on a little tray) - I was just completely blown away. If you have a private event coming up and you're looking for a place to have it - I highly recommend The Forge! I can't speak much to their dining room experience, but I know that for private parties, they really knock it out of the park! I would definitely come back. They have a customer for life.
(5)Michele P.
My husband and I came on a recommendation. We were in Miami for work. Wow. Are we glad we did!! Our food was mostly good, not blow your socks off, but them we had the 3 mushroom risotto!! Holy Mary, mother of Jesus was that AMAZING!! Made this the best place we've been to in Miami!! As a side note...when we got our ticket and there was a 20% service fee. This was in addition to the taxes and we were expected to tip ON TOP OF THAT!! I have only ever seen this with larger parties. There was 2 of us. The waiter said it's applied to ALL tickets. Has anyone ever seen this? I'm kind of angry!
(4)Xasperniak B.
Ambience is wonderful, Fridays are the day with DJ and $10 Veuve in the bar where one can mingle with Miami's finest, according to our host. Gangsters and ballerz regularly eat here, so we have read, and with no shortage of cash to buy only the best--because that is what it is--my dry aged steak was apparently over a month of curing and won wine spectator's "best in America" award. The bone-in filet was the other entree and we shared a 1lb de-shelled Maine lobster as the side. The wine selection is massive, we did a bottle, and the giant glass list is visible behind glass in the walls. Chandeliers dotting the tour of this beautiful, century-old venue MADE our night--one can see why the biggest of names frequent, and frequented the Forge.
(5)Loralee V.
Entering the large upscale restaurant I found a breathtakingly beautiful scene. The opulent space is divided into several intimate rooms that overlap/open into one another. -An elegantly classic decor with contemporary touches. Tall bar stools surround an ever busy trendy large bar area while comfy chairs and cushion bench seating soften the classy dining areas. This glamorous/'scene' type place made it a fun and festive place for a dinner with my three sisters over a 'sister's weekend' get-away. We started with Champagne and cocktails at the bar and they followed us into the dining room. Everything was deliciously fresh and never ending. The best deal for a happy hour EVER is their 50$ bottles of Veuve Clicquot champagne! Our server was very personable and the service was impeccable - nice, friendly and not overbearing. He convinced us to start with the Lobster, Peanut butter and Jelly appetizer which I loved! In between the toasted brioche there was freshly chopped peanuts, onion marmalade and dice chilled lobster. My sisters were not as thrilled as I was and perhaps the combo was a bit of a stretch. Our dinners were all wonderful. My sisters especially loved the Snapper "in a bag" which was perfectly cooked with nice herb seasoning and the Filet Mignon. I had chilled roasted beet salad and some sautéed haricotvert with soy and sweet chili's which were divine! We ended up extremely full by the time dessert rolled around so although phenomenal, we hardly touched it. The bathroom was ridiculously cool! - Sink/counter areas are trés chic and the graphic poster/photos completely covered the stalls giving the illusion of a single seamless wall. -We spent too much time in there taking photographs. All in all, this renovated historic restaurant is an institution one must try at least once while visiting South Beach.
(5)KeithnKate B.
THIS PLACE IS NOT JUST FOR STEAKS! Having been a vegetarian for the last xx years, I have come to appreciate steakhouses as having some of the best and freshest seafood ever! This place nails it. Their seafood dishes are creative and full of taste. They also upped their craft beer selection to compliment their sick wine bar. Super classy, great food, great staff a must if you are in the area.
(4)Ming P.
decor: 4 food : 4 Service : 4 I had an excellent Bday dinner.
(4)Harper S.
I crowdsourced to find out people's favorite restaurants in Miami and several people said The Forge. Always love restaurants on OpenTable especially when it's for a group of nine. I had absolutely no idea how fancy it was until we got there. The website is sort of misleading on that front. Needless to say, we loved this place. It was a bit swankier than I think we all expected but the food was exceptional. I had the troffi pasta with yellow tomatoes, basil and ricotta. Now, you think, that sounds very generic but wow, I've never tasted pasta like this in my life. it was alle dente and just perfection. Every bite was better than the last. The brussel sprouts were great too. Overall great experience, good service, and can't wait to go back and sit in the library room. Only thing was - we were all stunned when the bill came out. It's really not cheap but the food truly was exceptional so it was worth it.
(5)Roxy H.
Part of me really wants to give this place 5 stars, we went Christmas eve and they were slammed and it's not really fair. The building is beautiful and historic. It is very opulent. Everything about the inside of the resturant is beautiful and unique. Nothing was over looked. For dinner we ordered some starters: Chicken Dim Sum which came in 3 small bowls with a tamarind broth and some chopped argula. It was good - not a life changer but I was with people who don't enjoy fish so this was for them. I didn't hear any complaints. Lobster, Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich toasted brioche with chopped fresh peanuts. This sounds somewhat questionable but it was by far a super star of the evening food wise. Crospy Corn Ravioli - They are fried and dusted with parmesan cheese. I didn't have one but they did go quick. Stone Crab Claws - These were a special and they were as big as my head. Huge... I was full from one! Yellowfin Tuna Tartare - Good! Fish was fresh Soups/Salads: Wedge Salad: Large portion, typical wedge. Big chuncks of maytag blue cheese Kale Salad: Heard it was good Tomato Stack: Big slices of tomatos, looked really good Lobster bisque: Large chunks of losbter were in the soup. Entrees: I had the spice rubbed duck - It was amazing. The chedder grits with it were a nice addition. Several ordered the filet which they all said left something to the imagination. Nothing spectacular. Seared Tuna was really yummy! For sides we ordered the duck home fries. They were very very good. We also ordered the sauted paradise farms oyster mushrooms - waste of calories. They were tastless and soggy. No thank you! Make sure you order the souffle for dessert. Simply phenomenal. Overall it was a good dining experience - A few hiccups such as drinks taking forever to come, having to ask for an iced tea 4 times before it came and waiting 20 minutes for the waitress to come by so we could pay. It is worth checking out.
(4)Elizabeth B.
Great!
(5)Ryan L.
Trying to think of a reason not to give it 5 stars and honestly the only thing I can think of was the dirty bathrooms (which when ur spending good $$ u expect to b clean). Outside of that - everything was 5 stars! Can't wait to return!
(4)Erin M.
Recently went here with a group of 17 girls for a bachelorette party. We reserved the big tasting table. Not only is the restaurant beautiful but the food was amazing! Every single one of the 17 people loved their appetizer, main dish, and dessert. The service was amazing and drinks were amazing. I can't say enough about how much I loved this place and what a great experience we had. Thank you to the forge for making my sisters bachelorette party dinner so wonderful!
(5)Davina S.
Vueve Cliquot Fridays 6-11PM Only $50 bottles! Best happy hour in Miami! The bar is the perfect spot in this classic Miami hotspot!
(5)Emmanuel L.
My boyfriend is a huge fan of The Forge, so when Miami Spice arrived we had to jump on the opportunity to dine at this ultra lux restaurant. Despite what seemed like an inadequate prefix menu selection, the food was on par with the ambiance and service. Our 3 courses consisted of shrimp gazpacho, crab potstickers, (2) hanger steaks, and banana bread. Sure, the names on the menu are fancier and fluffed, but this is what it was. Now, we've never tasted said hanger steak, which excuse my ignorance, but the sheer sound of it seemed as if they were sacrificing quality and portion size. It was the only steak offered on their spice menu and we even debated ordering off their dinner menu, but we came here for a deal and so we stuck to it. And did they surprise us! Our steaks were cooked as requested (medium rare) and to perfection. They weren't the least bit dry and were succulently marinated. As for portion size, I had enough for leftovers! Yes, I left the forge with a takeout bag and let me add I sure wasn't the only one. I followed after an older Russian woman wearing an outfit reminiscent of Bjork's famous swan dress. If she can do it! Dining in this opulent restaurant only calls for wine, so take advantage of their vast wine selection. Though please head this warning, if you're a Miami Spicer and your curiosity for fine dining on a budget brings you to The Forge, beware of the increased cost of alcohol as it will get steep. With that said, it was expected and therefore does not reflect on my 4 star rating. The reason I gave this place 4 stars and not 5 is reflective of 2.5 things: 1. The Table. We were sat on a small two top, so small their massive menus obstructed the view between my date and myself. No really, I was talking to my date as if he was Wilson from Home Improvement. We had to ask the waiter to kindly remove them as they were in the way of our romance. Not only was this table small, but it was in the way of all traffic, like an old lady crossing a 6 lane street. Our waiter was kind enough to move our table, but it didn't fix the problem. 2. The Appetizers. I'm not a big shrimp person and NEVER order it at a restaurant. Maybe it's because they are bottom dwelling insects better known as cockroach of the sea. Their prefix menu featured for Spice left me with the only option of ordering the Shrimp Gazpacho. Enough said. Negatifs aside, this place is still a winner. Everything is attention to detail all while maintaining exceptional service. If you're a dining snob, then this is the place for you.
(4)Sebastian D.
Outstading service ! Super Steak was extremley good!
(5)Shirley W.
Came here during Miami spice, got the chopped salad, mushroom risotto, and chocolate layered cake. My favorite thing about the meal is actually the bread basket, awesome variety with the breads. The chopped salad was good, definitely would recommend. The mushroom risotto came in a big portion, very flavorful. The chocolate layer cake was good but didn't stand out. Overall it was a good meal but not quite what I would expect for a restuarant at this price. Also they have an extensive wine list, there's even 80 wines by glass, a bit on the expensive side but good selection. Overall a good experience, didn't stand out though
(3)Matt G.
We got there early for our reservation and they sat us right away. We were the only people in there so we got great service right from the beginning. We had a nice waiter named Neil who did not rush us and let us enjoy the overall experience. The decor of The Forge is magnificent and historically based. We were given a tour by our waiter which added to the overall fabulous experience at The Forge. We ordered a glass of wine and a tarragon lemonade which was delicious. Then we started with the chopped salad and the cauliflower--both of which were very tasty. My boyfriend ordered the salmon and I got the shrimp and asparagus risotto. The shrimp were huge and tasty and the portion was more than I could eat! When we ordered our dinners, the waiter asked that we put in the order for one of their soufflés. Since we love chocolate, we decided on the s'mores soufflé which came out blazing hot with homemade marshmallow on the side with blazing hot chocolate. The food runner poured the chocolate and marshmallow onto the soufflé and we dug in! While your bill will be well into the $200 range for a couple, you get what you pay for here. Highly recommend the souffle!! Overall a great experience with a lot of historical significance which made this a 4.5!
(4)rosy b.
The bar/happy hour was excellent! The table service was horrible. The food isn't good at all. Definitely only a place to drink and look at the decor. I expected a lot more especially because I was going there for my birthday!
(3)Adam R.
Of the restaurants that I visited in my recent South Florida jaunt, The Forge had a. the most opulent decor (by far), b. the most interesting menu (yay), and c. the most bad words said about it by my grandfather. Maybe he was turned off by the unique setting, but that's about all I could gather... He's weird like that I guess. BUT the food was really good. The quinoa pancake stack was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I had the shrimp and asparagus risotto which was good, but also very much different than the three mushroom risotto. The steak was well-prepared and tasty, which you'd expect from a nice restaurant such as this. The duck home fries were crispy and fatty, like you'd expect, but not quite as luxurious as I've had in the past. Speaking of duck the crispy duck entree was full of flavor and tender. And yeah, the haricot vert was good. So was the chocolate soufflé at the end. So light and decadent. So, don't take old people here. Or kids I guess. But take everybody else, because it's delicious and unique.
(4)Julia B.
I loved this place! Really easy to make a reservation on open table and when we arrived 15 minutes early we were seated immediately. The interior is really beautiful and was recently remodeled. Their wine list is a huge book that's helpfully organized by type of wine and region. The food was delicious, and although I was skeptical at first, I still find myself thinking about the delicious lobster pb&j. Save room for dessert! We had the souffle (we chose the mix flavor) and it was fabulous. Equal parts decadent and light. The only negative was that our waiter was kind of snobby, but he was also prompt so it wasn't that big a deal. I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking to have a nice dinner out in Miami Beach.
(4)Muna T.
We had a strong recommendation from friends to check out the forge. it is a bit of a hike from south beach but could have been worth it if only they could figure out some basics. 1. Place has great ambiance. Even though it is large, it is effectively laid out to feel exclusive. Over the top decor certainly helps with the ambiance. 2. The menu sounds great, great wine selection, but there are issues with executing seafood dishes. We had the seafood tower and found it below expectations. Shrimp was overcooked, ceviches ranged from bland and mushy to extreme lemony. I had the orzo with seared scallops. Clearly the kitchen had no idea searing includes a level of caramelization. I had to send this one back. The good news; they know how to make pasta and risotto. The mushroom risotto was heavy but flavorful. The soufflé was delicious and well-executed. 3. The service started out friendly but quickly turned disastrous. The assumption of our server was that everything is amazing. Our feedback on the ceviches was met with counter feedback that this is what it should taste like. Apparently our server was Peruvian which gave him the knowledge to tell us how wrong we were. When I was struggling with the scallops, the plate was promptly taken away and the very same scallops were cooked to a brown crisp and returned to me, including the half eaten scallop, utterly inedible. The silver lining is the manager finally showed up as we were finishing our entrees and offered to do something about our experience. It was too late for me, I could not go for a third chance on the entree but he comped our desert which was delicious. There is great food to be had in Miami, go somewhere else!
(2)Grace P.
LOVE LOVE LOVE First time here and I fell in love with the place!! It's like walking into a lounge, very chic feel to it. There are different rooms for dining sitting and a closed large party table maybe seats about 20(?) in front of the kitchen. Came here for Miami Spice and also ordered al la carte food. The Lobster, Peanut butter and Jelly appetizer was pretty good... but kind of onion-y and it would've been better if it came out hot/warm rather than chilled lobsters. Snapper "in a bag" was good, you can taste all the herbs and what you smell is that you actually get. Definitely would order that again. The Barolo Braised Short Rib was delicious serving size was pretty huge. You definitely get your money's worth with that plate and the polenta mmmmmmmmm so so so good. Polenta was devoured within minutes. A def must try if you ever visit the Forge. Crispy Corn Ravioli has a nice crunch to it with a hint of salt and pepper on the outside. You get about 4 pieces with each piece being a generous size. It's also light to the stomach not to heavy.
(5)Costa P.
2 stars for the deco and the food was ok. Less stars for the crowd. If you're under 50, then go somewhere else. Service was painfully slow. Took over an hour for meal to arrive after ordering (the excuse was because one person in the party ordered the burger and the meat is very thick, it takes a long time to cook). The music and C grade entertainment cater to the seniors market (the table of geriatrics next to ours were loving it) Was here a few years back and it used to be way better. In summary, this place is waaaaay past its prime. Don't bother.
(2)Rebecca A.
Oh wow! What an amazing experience I had here! I was invited for a friend's birthday party and we had a private room. As usual, I was the first person to arrive and so I was escorted to a beautifully appointed and decorated wine cellar. Immediately the waitstaff began to compliment me and offer me anything my little heart desired. It goes without saying that the wine list is very impressive and the chance we had to tour the other cellars was a great touch. So much great wine to drink and so little time! As the room filled with 20 some-odd women, the waitstaff stayed right on point, anticipating our (many) needs and learning our names to give us personal service. I'm as much impressed by their service as I am by their food. A fixed menu was chosen for us by the birthday girl and almost everything I had was divine! I had a braised lamb chop with pomegranate reduction appetizer that was amazing! Perfectly seasoned and cooked, perfectly delicious. For entree I had a snapper and vegetable coulis which was delicate and divine. The only disappointment was my dessert, the Forge cake, which is described as vanilla pudding and chocolate ganache layer cake/pie with a chocolate cookie crumb. The chocolate parts were all good, but the vanilla pudding/custard left a lot to be desired. It was too tough, like the texture of jell-o and not creamy at all. Ruined the whole dessert. However, I did taste my friend's chocolate and banana bread puddings for dessert and they were amazing! So I'm gonna forgive the Forge for my dessert because everything else was just so fantastic.
(5)Vany S.
Our first nice restaurant experience in South Beach... We just moved here and we went to the Forge on our 3rd night... The maitre 'd was very welcoming. Felt like we were entering a dining room in someone's mansion. Everyone was very attentive. We had no idea about the Miami Spice promotion and wow, that was a nice promo. They didn't make it feel like it was a promo because you get the cool food items as your selection. We had corn ravioli and tuna tartare to start with. Three mushroom risotto was cooked and seasoned to perfection. My BF had skirt steak that was awesome. Fo dessert the server recommended a s'more shot....YUM! We also experienced the Enomatic Wine Experience. The sommelier, Fernando was VERY engaging and attentive...he always showed up unexpectedly each time I went to "the cool machine". I think we spent more on the wine card than the whole dinner! We wish the food runner would explain the food when he dropped the food... And the bathroom could be a little bit cleaner. We would def. come back!
(4)Aman S.
What a disappointment. The sommelier only knew the 3 most expensive bottles. When I asked him about the 3 wines, he said, "this is a really good pinot, this is a really good cab, and this is a really good merlot..." That was all he had to say; he just wanted to sell us teh most expensive bottles! The food was priced comparable to other steak houses but didn't taste as good. Also they try to up sell you on everything and at every course. I truly felt like they were trying to sell me a used car!! Save your time and money. Go to Prime Italian, 112 or Barton G.
(1)Nathan G.
The Forge always nails it if you are in the mood for meat / beef in Miami. ~ Great wine list. ~ Cool historic old SoBe place that dates back to the Capone days. ~ Great steaks. Fancy pants good, and expensive, but this is SoBe, so it's what you expect & it delivers.
(4)Gordon B.
The first drinks we ordered arrived promptly enough, only one problem: if there was any alcohol in them it was negligible. We ordered two more and requested the alcohol be served separately from the mix. Some difference, we got respectable servings. I ordered the two and one half pound lobster, The lobster served to me was obviously a chicken lobster and could not have been one and a half pounds, When we brought this to the waiters attention he admitted that some lobsters were "a little lighter". Sixty eight dollars for a chicken lobster and meat from only one claw and not much of it at that. These were only two of the multiple annoyances endured by my wife and I on Christmas Day. The desert ( twenty five dollars ) was not what we ordered and we sent it back. The item was still included in the tab at the end of the meal. We complained, the waiter told us in due course, that the manager had "GRACIOUSLY" (that was the waiter's word) agreed to remove it from the account. The account THEN was two hundred and seventy five dollars for the two of us. You tell me, is two stars too much for this tourist trap?
(2)Leslie K.
Ambiance? Elegance? People, the emperor has no clothes! Maybe it is standard Miami atmosphere but no self-respecting legit fine dining establishment in another city would blare crappy music like some terrible bar. The waiter's response to "could you possibly turn it down?" "Huh???" Irony much? Then after repeating myself, "No. And it will get louder." Uh ok? The food was decent -- I had lobster and bisque-- but not worth the price tag. This place is riding its overblown rep.
(2)Melanie A.
Amazing! Very unique food and drinks. The decor is amazing and very unique as well. Definitely have the cucumber martini! I can only have cucumber martinis at The Forge. They are not overly strong as most restaurants make them. There must be an added ingredient at The Forge. Definitely get a few things to share and have the chocolate cake for dessert! It's big enough to share with the entire table. Very intimate experience and the private dining room is out of this world however, not the most ideal place to have dinner with friends as everyone is extremely spread out at the table and it is very hard to speak to each other. It is good for a business dinner or something of that nature. For a regular evening in the dining room, it is a great locals choice!
(5)Blanca R.
I loved the ambiance, the decor, the delicious food and the crowd. I will be back at least once a month. I highly recommend as a great start to a night out of you sit at the bar or if you are just looking for a lounge vibe. It's upscale but they are afraid to play hip-hop, or old school music. This is a must visit!
(5)Fauzia I.
Went here for the last night of the Gilt City promotion. I had read the reviews but was not prepared for how big and cavernous the room seemed. Definitely elegant but in a big (everything was huge) way that made me think it would appeal most to rich old people. I did spend some time pondering how the chandelier in the front room stayed up - it looked really heavy. I would be nervous sitting under it ... but I digress. I don't know how they assign tables, but we got what I assume would be a really good seat (clarifications welcome) in the very center back of the front room, right against the dividing wall. Both seats faced forward towards the entrance, side by side on the bench. Which I found slightly disconcerting - it's strange not to sit opposite. Also, it was really really dark. If you have trouble seeing ordinarily, you'll have more here. It could have used a bit more light, at least to see the menu by. I liked the wine concept but MH missed the usual table service. It could have been explained better by the server. I didn't know it was possible just to get tastes - thought it was only by the glass. Other than that, the service was good and friendly. First time I've seen waiters go around and refold napkins while the diners are getting wine, etc. And they clean tables with a small flashlight. It was a set menu with choices. I'll rate the dishes in order. 1) Bread - a nice variety. Hot and fresh. One was sweet. My favorite was the crispy cheese. Served with creamy herb butter at exactly the right temperature - no hard pats here! 2) Amuse-Bouche - a dollop of hummus, some pita triangles also served with black and green olives. Nice but not spectacular. 3) Salad - this is based on my tasting bite. Good but the bottom line - it is salad. very nicely presented. Encircled on the plate by two long, see-through fine slices of cucumber. 4) Wild Mushroom Risotto - one bite and I discovered a new comfort food. Something about this just made me feel warm, cozy and ready for a perfect night's sleep. I could have taken an hour to eat it, very slowly. I should have gotten some to bring home - am kicking myself now for not thinking of it ... I would pay for this recipe ... 5) Filet Mignon - We asked for this medium well and it came looking a bit charred on the outside, which initially made me think it might be overdone but it was very well done inside - just a little pink and very tender. The char was crispy, which I also really enjoyed. I had been looking forward to the 4 mustard sauce b/c I love mustard, but it turned out to be a bit too sweet for us. 6) Dessert - the only choice was Lemon Panna Cotta. As a person who 1) has never had panna cotta before and 2) prefers chocolate it was a bit disappointing. I wish there had been a choice, especially since the Apple Pie was less expensive on the menu. The biscotti was just ok too. I had two bites of each before leaving it. The small scoop of accompanying ice cream was better. Definitely an experience!
(3)Lindsey R.
Beautiful atmosphere, delightful staff, amazing wine selecting, and an unbeatable presentation - the food, drink, and company were absolutely fantastic! If I'm ever in Miami Beach again, I'll be sure to make reservations at The Forge!
(5)R J.
The new chef has done an amazing job! Shareef Malnik strikes again... Everything was top quality and better even than I remember. Try everything- super steak was super duper. Don't hesitate to try new desserts! Even better than the famous soufflé- still delicious. This place is always the BOMB!!!
(5)Andrew S.
Holy. Mother. The lobster and P&J sandwich is, as my mother would say, to die for. I'm talking about the kind of thing you put in your mouth and you never forget. If you like Thai food, you'll love this concoction -- 'Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich' is a misnomer. Think a spicy thai sauce and an onion marmalade slathered on brioche with chunks of lucious, juicy Caribbean lobster in between. Just very, very good. Their burger is also one of the best in Miami. The truffle oiled fries on the side were perfect. The design of the restaurant is fashion forward, certainly Starck inspired. Their salt and pepper grinders were a hit with the fiancee and I, and we bought the same ones at Crate and Barrel yesterday.
(5)Karen P.
A friend from the neighborhood recommended the Forge after recently returning from vacation in South Beach. She described it as good food and one where they kept bringing her glasses of wine. Being a wine-o, I oculdn't ask for a better recommendation! We arrived on time and were promptly seated. My first thought was "cool decor"! The distressed brick walls, interesting lighting and big mirror on one wall - great ambiance! Almost French Provincial meets New York City. I started with the Ceviche special - the waiter highly recommended it. It had large chunks of fish in a tangy citrus marinade. The popcorn on top was an interesting addition but didn't do much for me. I then had the Mushroom risotto off of the menu - delicious. My friend started with the kale salad and then had the fish specail - both were very good. The wine list, particularly by the glass, was extensive but a little expensive. I stuck to prosecco and a nice French Burgundy. A side note: people watching was a lot of fun here - the "nice people" of Miami Beach - look for Ferrari's, Maserati's and other to drive up for valet parking.
(4)David H.
This is probably the most consistent place to get a great French meal with a fun atmosphere.....fresh oysters,,,,foie gras..perfect steak au poivre and airy soufflés.....as well as the best wine list in Miami.....the regulars go Wednesdays...
(5)Catherine C.
I love this place! The beef tartare is to die for and the wine selection is really good. We went here for dinner with 2 friends and we had a great time. The ladies singing out of nowhere is hilarious and highlight of the nite. Their food is incredible, coming back here very soon.
(5)Jenna R.
I heard that Forge was a place I would have to experience if I was a foodie.... I made reservations for 8:00 and got seated at 750 which was a nice surprise . I started my evening with some champagne of veuve clicquot that was 25.00 a glass which I thought was a little high . If you come on Fridays they have 10.00 a glass or 50.00 a bottle.... Which is a great deal! I was very frustrated at first when I tried to order my dinner... I have a gluten allergy and also dairy ... I asked my server to help accommodate and the result ended in one fish option or I would have to get steak..... That was a very disappointing solution and with a late reservation I really didn't want steak at 930 at night ... The service besides that hiccup was actually very good ... They had a man coming around always checking to make sure that everything was okay .... I did get steak which was the filet mignon 8oz and found it to be amazing. My aunt and I both got the filet and I got it medium and she got it medium rare ... There was absolutely no difference in color . The Vice President Joseph Day was an obvious presence of authority- he visited casually at tables to make sure the experience was what people were expecting. I hesitated to speak up when he approached our table but decided to mention two key points 1) when ordering your drinks be mindful it's going to take a good 20 minutes- I ordered a wine with my steak and literally had to wait to have a bite of it for at least 20 minutes when no one was at the bar 2) when you are told that you can't make a piece of fish gluten free dairy free get the manager because it's absolutely possible ( finding out later) Joe turned my awful dining experience into a very memorable amazing experience that has left me wanting to experience it over and over again- I gave it 4 stars for the hiccups but the management and customer service changed an entirely bad night into a very special dining experience . I also wanted to mention the customer service that Justin provided who was also just a gem in the dining industry. I highly recommend this restaurant not just for the great food but for the ambience, customer service and ability to take responsibility and make your dining experience be magnificent.
(4)Kursteen N.
The service, the decor and food is beyond five stars. My sister and I came here on a Friday evening to try out the Miami Spice menu. The menu is a fixed price of $39 for an appetizer, entrée and desert. Our waiter Oscar made sure that our dining experience was memorable. The other wait staff was just as attentive to our needs. The service gratuity of 20% is included on the check (worth the 20%). Forge also has an awesome Happy Hour special. Love this place, my new favorite restaurant.
(5)Nicolette R.
The service was great! That i give them a 5 for. The ambiance and the decor was also really cool and gave the restaurant a great vibe. The food however, was not that good. The filet Mignon was a little dry and not too flavorful, the salad was okay. On a positive note, the bread variety basket is great!
(3)Casey D.
My husband and I went while on vacation in Miami we had reservations at Michael Mina but we sat down there and quickly left after the service was horrendous so glad we found The Forge!. From the minute we walked in we were greeted by a sweet hostess that actually ran outside to get us because we went in the wrong entrance! The restaurant is beautiful! We were seated in a great table with a seat that made me feel like a queen! Then the biggest surprise! My husband discovered he knew the Chef Christopher Lee from his Four Seasons days. Being my husband is an amazing 5 diamond award winning chef makes it hard to find restaurants up to our standards! Chef Lee made our experience just incredible and came out and talked about the old days as well as his excitement to come to Miami. Our waiter was very professional and charming as well. We had the beef tartare The crabcake (my favorite), and a french onion soup that was perfectly prepared. THEN...the Chef sent over many dishes for us to try including the amazing donut with foie gras on top! That was heaven on a plate! To end our dinner, the pastry chef sent over amazing and beautiful desserts. To end our dinner again, the incredibly charming sommelier gave us an incredible tour of the vast wine collection that would blow your mind. The entire experienxe was perfect. The other waiter serving next to us, Chris was so good that I had to comment to him how good he was and could hear his passion. It turns out my husband knew him too! What a small world which turned out to be an amazing experience for us. This restaurant should be at the top of your list NOW! We are very picky when it comes to food and mostly service and this exceeded all of our expectations. Why in the world those other restaurants are even on a list of go to places doesnt make sense. THE Forge blew them away!
(5)Stephanie F.
This place is breath taking! Expensive to say the least but it was a great experience. I was most fascinated by the bathroom! Lol the drink I had was the Lychee something and I had the Lemon Herb crusted chicken with puréed potatoes. It was just so mouth watering. The ambience is very high class all I saw was red bottoms and white wine.
(4)Tobias S.
What an AMAZING experience!!!!!!! When I inVision going to a restaurant I expected to be like this. This place is superb. The food, the ambiance, the service, alllll stellar. Not 1 complaint. Christopher was our server/tour guide. You can tell he really enjoys his jobs & respects the Chef. He ra down the Chefs AWSOME accolades. He guided us through the menu like a perfectly navigated capt. My mother feel in love with him which is a plus. I think he actually enhanced my taste buds as he described the menu. If I open up a restaurant I need this guy. I hope this restaurant takes care of this guy as well as he does the customers. We started off with the jerked bacon, sushi, & ravioli, all three were excellent & perfectly cooked. Cesar salad was made table side by a very entertaining gentlemen, didn't catch his name. Entrees we had the Red Snapper(Best plate presentation of a fish dish I've ever seen in Miami), & the Duck w/gnocchi. So good, I wanted to ask for an encore, instead we just ordered an awesome dessert The custard pie with vanilla gelato Excellent. Thank you Forge
(5)Ethan G.
I am a frequent customer of The Forge and there is nothing more impressive than taking your out-of-town relatives to just about the best dining EXPERIENCE in South Florida. Everything was as usual...perfect. Thank you once again and I look forward to hearing this being said to me many more times..."Great choice Ethan...!"
(5)Jack S.
Celebrated a birthday with friends at the famous forge Beautiful place with a lots of history We ordered one entry from apps to soup & main course The house chopped salad great Scallop app very skimpy but good Overpriced The lobster corn chowder was very good The tuna great presentation but bland The steak was very good We spotted a glass of wine for 6.00 deal But an average cup of American coffee Was. 6.00 come on All in all service was less than ok Overpriced. But that's the forge
(3)Natasha P.
What happens in the champagne room stays in the champagne room. Or just stop by the back private room at Forge if you're doing a big group dinner. Rumor has it that a power hungry JackieO sold off the chandeliers at auction while redecorating the White House, and they found themselves hanging above our heads at the Forge. Further Pro tip: make your own playlist and they'll stream it directly into the back room so you can enjoy a perfectly seared filet, and a plethora of bread choices all while listening to Ms. Taylor Swift discuss her next mistake. Only downsides include lighting so low that I had to pull out my phone to see, and chairs spaced so far apart you better enjoy your closest neighbors company as across the table footsie will remain merely a pipe dream.
(5)Remington T.
Worst "upscale" dining experience of my life. We did go on Valentine's Day--not really realizing it was Valentine's --which was a huge mistake. Service was stretched, crowd was probably uncharacteristic of this restaurant. Food was solid. It may get a second chance next time I'm in Miami--if I can get over the initial memory.
(2)Irina R.
I really enjoyed the trendy atmosphere of The Forge. My reservation was a late one, 11pm, and the restaurant was visibly slowing down at that point. The ambiance of a partially busy space made it just right. I could hear myself talking. I liked the scallop risotto and the drinks were pretty good too. Weird thing I liked: the bathrooms are awesome! Very trendy.
(5)Michelle R.
I'll start out by saying the service was top notch at The Forge, but that's the only aspect of my experience that I can speak highly of. My boyfriend's filet mignon came out medium rare/rare although he ordered it medium well. My lobster thermidor was not very memorable, as I kiiiiinda wish I had it steamed instead. The mac and cheese congealed almost immediately after arriving to the table, not a creamy mac and cheese you usually get at a great steakhouse although it was tasty. Overall, not impressed and wouldn't recommend. Although, it must be mentioned that the interior of the restaurant is quite beautiful - reminded us of the Oak Room in NYC.
(3)Brett P.
We were only in town for one night, and decided on The Forge for our dinner choice. I took a bit of a shot in the dark after seeing their Executive Chef of an episode of Beat Bobby Flay. We are not big fans of the typical Miami club scene, so we did have some concerns that the "lounge" aspect of the venue would feature a dark, loud atmosphere dominated with music typically played in stores where you buy overpriced jeans. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find a setting and atmosphere that was comfortably classy. Yes, there were some Miami types that were the "pretty but do not touch" type, but mostly normal people of a fairly broad age range. The decor was unique with seemingly every table setting featuring somewhat obscure (but cool) chairs. Our table was close to a glossy white upright piano surrounded by mirrors and hanging glass bulbs. Cool. The bar area was good sized and drinks maintained the delicate balance of octane and drinkability. The bartender was courteous and attentive without having to warn him that I know Karate. We started with the Diver Sea Scallop Ceviche, which tasted fresh and clean, but could have possibly been complimented with some thinly sliced and toasted pieces of ciabatta. For our entrees, we had the Yellowfin Tuna Wellington, which was very well executed. It was not the least bit dry, as can occur with some Wellingtons. We also elected the Spiced Rubbed Ribeye, and we're somewhat disappointed when our waiter could not elaborate as to what kind of spices are involved in the rub. Ordered medium rare, it was cooked to perfection. The cut was just over an inch, and only about 10% non-edible fat. The dessert was the most memorable dish served, which was a s'mores soufflé. Final prep of the dish was performed at the table, and the complexity of the soufflé was paired perfectly with the simplicity of a Jet-Puffed marshmallow and a dark chocolate sauce. It was as if the simple marshmallow had hit the Powerball and was now living a life of luxury and dating a supermodel right there in Miami. Overall, my high score is reflective of well executed decor, staff, ambience, and cuisine. If you have a one night stop in Miami, I highly recommend The Forge.
(5)Claudette C.
Being invited for Miami Spice dinner I was expecting a great dinner because of this restaurants fine reputation. They did not disappoint, everything was great. There was a moment where it became awkward, we ordered a bottle of pinot noir which was recommended by our fine waiter, the problem was that the wine was weak at we were not pleased by the recommendation. After some give and take the Sommelier returned with a better choice of pinot noir wine. The food was great, chop salad to start, filet mignon for main course with mashed potatoes that were amazing! The cheesecake was to die for, very light, a foam creation, no crust. The service was great also, the waiter was awesome and able accommodate my secret request for a separate bill to allow me to pay for the coffees and gratuity, its the least I could do.
(5)Enjoli G.
I wish The Forge was closer to me. I would be in the library everyday. It's a stunning restaurant with a very attentive staff. The menu could be more varied though.
(4)Yara V.
Great place for dining! The ambiance is a little loud when you walk in. The crowd at the bar was older than myself. It was like 40+, but great 90's music everyone was loving. I don't recommend the tables near the bar cause u probably want be able to hear anything (music is too loud). The food was truly amazing. The lobster risotto to begin with, followed by their filet mignon with black truffle mac n cheese and mexican corn could not have made my night better. It was truly delish! Service was great! Great dessert.
(4)Elana M.
The Forge has a new chef. Christopher Lee has now brought the food to a serious new level. Last night was by far our best visit. Everything we tasted was outstanding. The menu has changed and you may notice many new dishes and some of your favorites may not be served anymore, but that is OK! I was sad to see the mushroom risotto no longer offered, they now offer a Maine lobster risotto, which I didn't try last night. Even the wedge salad was innovative and different from anything I have ever had. I loved the addition of chopped olives and dried tomatoes. Another stand out was the English Pea Ravioli. I must have used the entire bread basket sopping up the sauce. My husband said his salmon dish was the best he has ever had. The Sweet Potato Gratin with Gingersnap Cookie Crumble was obviously sweet, but at the same time, very savory. The chef used delicious herbs that took away the over the top, dessert like taste. It was so incredibly balanced. I used to love going to The Forge mainly for the ambiance. It is possibly the most beautiful restaurant in Miami. Now I have the whole package. With this new chef, The Forge has it all! And I have to agree with a rant from a fellow yelper. What the hell are people thinking coming to The Forge in shorts on a Saturday night???? Thankfully most know how to dress, but those couples who can't bother putting on some nice clothing should go to Applebee's or stay home.
(5)Coach M.
SuperSTEAK was an A+. The Forge is a classic steakhouse with a larger than life feeling. Seating in a 3-4 person chair / couch with a 15 ft mirror next to our table it is a grand feeling. The service was alert The pre bread assortment was a homemade fresh with 6+ varieties the onion bread was our tables favorite. App : Colossal shrimp - worth each cent ! Large (JUMBO) fresh white shrimpy. SuperSTEAK - Medium plus to my liking, cooked perfectly ! The flavor was exact with no fat to cut away, returned the plate clean. A+ Chilean sea bass in miso- cooked well done , nice , flakey fish with a good crust, quite salty. B+ Sides : Garlic mash potato, fries, brussel spouts, and green beans all sides were small and nothing was special ? C+ The steak was $60 and worth it, sides for $10 plus no flavor.... not worth it, sea bass was $40 and delicious. For a special event or great date this pace is great.
(3)Tina V.
Food was mediocre at best but service was impeccable. Ambiances was elegant and catered to the trendy older folks. Ill give them credit for the decor. 2 stars for the ambiances and the service Filet on the bone (2/5) sent it back because it was cooked medium well and i had ask for medium rare. It was a bland tough piece of meat. Mac and cheese (1/5) it was not good. Drinks were good but overall i would not return.
(2)Mimi B.
I have been to the forge several times and never once left disappointed. Their menus during Miami spice are also very good and a great deal for what you get. I love how this place is decorated.
(5)Stephen D.
I really enjoyed eating here, I would come again. I took our friends and my wife for dinner. Our service was impeccable, 3/4ths of the food was outstanding and ambiance was very good. One draw back was my wife's steak was horrid (dry and not very good) but I dont think that is usual. I will give them a chance again! The reason I could not give them 5 stars is the music level. It was very loud. I do not send food back and I don't complain. Sorry my DNA won't allow that! I just think if you want to be dinner theater, you should advertise that. But, I return!
(4)Adam F.
The Forge is as good as it gets when it comes to the complete package. Amazing food, wine, service, decor, music...and the list goes on and on. I brought my fiance' here after proposing on the beach and the night kept getting better! I got the reservation and table I wanted with help from Justin Maas who came through for me and I have absolutely no complaints. When I visit Miami going forward, I'll always be sure to spend an evening here.
(5)Douglas C.
Planned to meet my father and brother for a boys night out at Joe's Stone Crab. When we got there, the restaurant's power was off due to some rather strong storms. The kitchen closed, and were left in the dark literally and figuratively as we did not receive timely updates as to their reopening as the place began to fill. My father suggested we go to The Forge, where he used to eat back in the 80's and 90's. We had an awesome meal and did not miss Joe's one lick. Arrived kind of early on a Thursday night and seated in the over the top wood paneled room with huge crystal chandelier. Simone was our server and she was excellent. Friendly, funny with educated recommendations, she took care of us well the entire night. Food was great too! We started with Jamaican jerk bacon, foie gras on a donut, and scallops. Foie gras was my favorite of the three. Interesting sweet and rich flavors. Bacon fell in the middle and scallops were OK. Then we all opted for steaks. Each one was massive and cooked to perfection. I had a rib eye that was spiced really nicely, and not too fatty. The filet Mignon, one bone-in, one without, were tender and tasty and the mustard dipping sauce served upon request was awesome. Side of uniquely prepared creamed corn shined. Hash browns were unimpressive. Overall an excellent dining experience. Expensive, yes, but worth it.
(4)Vanessa L.
Went to The Forge - for the first time - for Miami Spice a couple of weeks ago and it was superb. Many restaurants participating in Miami Spice don't put much effort in their menu which I find ironic as it's the whole purpose of Miami Spice. Not so for this newly remodeled Miami institution. It was ALL absolutely scrumptious, from beginning to end. And to top it all off the service was excellent. The ambiance is also fantastic - great for a romantic dinner for two or for a group of friends. Already looking forward to returning to The Forge and putting it in my list of go-to restaurants for great food, service and ambiance.
(5)Leilani D.
I've been here a couple times and all I can say is the experience does not disappoint. - The food is amazing. They have a very extensive menu but from what I've tried the Mushroom Risotto is one of the best I've had, although the Black Grouper, Tuna Tartare, and Filet were all also amazing. I would avoid the Snapper & Grouper Ceviche - I ordered it this last time confusing it with the tartare and was disappointed. Do make sure you get one of the souffles. Both the Grand Marnier and the chocolate are fantastic. Even the bread they serve you at the beginning of your meal is wonderful... - The decor is even more amazing. I never went before the renovation, but I can say that no detail was spared. It's opulent and beautiful. Bonus: if you ask they'll let you tour the private rooms, which while keeping with the same style, are dark and intimate v. the large open dining room. - The service is top notch. Absolutely on point. Never rushed, incredibly helpful, professional, and courteous. Exactly the type of service you would expect to receive in a restaurant of this caliber.
(5)Janelle F.
The Forge left me so...underwhelmed. Walking in, I thought this place was going to be packed, as it was a Saturday night at around 8 o'clock and there were actually tons of empty tables. I started off with the lobster bisque that was just okay. In fact, I think I've had better lobster bisque at a Steak and Ale! I also tried the lobster PBJ sandwiches that everyone raves about. I thought they were so gross. I took one bite and that was all for me! The only thing that saved this meal was my steak--- it was cooked perfectly and the seasoning was just right. For dessert, I had the marble souffle, that again, left much to be desired. Expensive meals should be worth what you pay for them. I think the Forge is not worth the hype- or the price. NEXT!
(2)Sally K.
Amazing decor, great place, good service - the food is good and plenty of it. Not Michelin level, but really good. A wine cellar to die for.
(4)Ruth N.
As good as it gets! Excellent service without being overbearing. Magnificent presentation. Superb meal. For starters, Spouse and I had the Chilled Roasted Beets - a masterpiece, and the Crispy Corn Ravioli - interesting. We shared the Oak Grilled Super Steak - probably the best steak we ever had - lean and tender and flavorful. For dessert we had the Forge's signature Chocolate Souffle and did not regret it. We thought that the beer selection was wonderfully varied and eclectic enough for our taste. Appetizers for two, shared main course, shared dessert, tea and beers totaled around well spent $150.00.
(5)Franky A.
If you ever wanted to feel like Tony Montana, this is the place to be for you to be decadent and then some. Actually, this place has been around for ages and was once (probably still is) the spot where the real-life cocaine cowboys hung out. It's THE spot to check out celebs, high rollers, Arab royality, drug lords, hot girls, etc. I'm warning you ahead of time that this place is on the pricey side so don't go and be cheap because you won't have any fun. Wednesday nights are the best nights to go.
(4)Lisa C.
WOW! So impressive! This place is top notch all the way. Totally my speed (when I go high end). The décor is amazing. The food...top quality and all about impressing. The wine selection is superb and I even got a tour of the wine cellars and WHOA! Blown away. The starter breads are delicious. And the chef sent over these mini ribs and I swear they fell off the bone and were the best I have had in my life. Usually I steer clear of ribs because they are so messy but these just fell off the bone. No mess at all just heavenly rib loving goodness. We shared the gargantuan seafood tower for two. WOW! What a presentation. Multiple layers of plates filled with crab, crabmeat, oysters, shrimp cocktail, grilled calamari, lobster WOW! A seafood tower for total professionals. We also had the lobster peanutbutter and jelly sandwhich appetizer. Sounded totally gross but I went fear factor with it, gave it a shot and WOW! It's a must try. It's totally not what you think. We also ordered steak but got too full on the other food (plus too much wine) so we got the remainder wrapped up to go. I am so LOVING The Forge. It's classy and thanks to the location up on 41st street, it's not filled with golddigger trash trying to hooker their way to a table (like what is too common at Prime 112 and Prime Italia, where hemlines are so high and cleavage so inappropriate I wonder if a police raid is going to happen. This is not to say I don't like Prime, I do very much but the goldiggers that linger at the bar sleazes the place up. The Forge by contrast, is quiet and romantic, very sexy indeed. I'll put it this way... Prime is where you take someone you want to see naked. The Forge is where you take someone you want to see naked and propose to. I'm so curious to try the Sunday Brunch there. I absolutely will return.
(4)Meryl C.
I'll give two stars for the space and the fact the fact that they had a special on @VeuveClicquot at the bar. Otherwise, this experience was disappointing to say the least. We had a 9pm res and they didn't seat us until after 10pm- unapologetically, I might add. The service was nice but ineffectual. The food was good- but not good enough to make up for the bobbles elsewhere. I would recommend only going for a cocktail and saving your money for a place that will actually appreciate you being there.
(2)Jessica E.
Food is great. Service is spectacular. My only advice is to be careful about anything that says market price. My husband and I ordered 2 jumbo stone crab claws (1 each) they were $150 for both. The rest of our bill was $150 so $300 and $150 solely on appetizers! We almost had a heart attack because we had no idea they cost that much, we wish the server would have mentioned it. I know the forge was pricey, but I didn't expect it. I will ask from now on!
(4)Diana D.
The Forge restaurant was amazing! The food Is delicious and the people are very friendly! I got the mushroom risotto, which I highly recommend. Also, I ordered the sweet potato fries, which were fantastic! The portions were bigger than I was expecting so i had to take some leftovers to my hotel. The restaurant is very fancy, and so are the prices. The total amount for my family of 3 was $380.00! Very very pricey, but it was definantly with it. All I have to say is the food was a bit salty for my liking. Definantly is worth it, though.
(4)Reena M.
We came earlier than our reservation and waited at the bar until we were ready to be seated. Everyone who worked there was really nice. The decor is very chic and different; something one of a kind. We are from Houston and there are not many places that can compare to The Forge so to us, we loved it here. We started with drinks at the bar: -a Kiucumber (a drink mix that is so refreshing! it is a combination of vodka with Kiwi, cucumber, basil and lime juice) i score it 5/5 - the wines are available by bottle or by tastings. They have stations set up categorized by type/body and you are able to select the amount you want to try with the corresponding prices. I love this idea because you are able to try some really good ones for an affordable price other than a full 5 ounce price. I had a tempranillo which was in station 4 which was really smooth and prepared my pallet for the dinner. For the meal: 1. Grilled 8oz filet Mignon. $38 rating 4/5. the flavor is all I have to say! 2. Barolo braised short rib $30 rating 5/5. (it is one huge rib with a huge bone sticking up. The meat was so lean and tender. They placed it on top of the polenta and had an onion ring on the bone. I was not even able to finish the whole meal. With just having the main meal we were very satisfied. The portions were great and the food was delicious. There are no complaints! One perk: we were having dinner next to one of the Real Housewives from OC. I know that when I come back to visit, I will be coming here again.
(5)David Y.
This has to be one of the most consistently great restaurants any where. The food was beyond relishes and the service was tops! Can't wait to go back!
(5)daniel v.
If you spent $450 to treat 5 people and the tastiest item on my menu was the fries, and wind up getting Chinese food elsewhere because you're still hungry, then you'd probably be pissed. But much to the Forge's defense, this shee shee foo foo type of establishment is not my cup of tea to begin with. I ordered the sea bass, my family ordered crab leg, filet mignon, NY strip steak and a burger. They all enjoyed their food and although my bass was good, I've had much better for 1/2 the price. I was really disappointed with the 1 crab leg which was the size of a woman's palm at $45. I could have gotten twice that portion at Joe's stone crab. If you plan to go here, keep in mind that 1/2 of your bill is for the ambiance, which resembles old-world charm in Westchester NY. The service was impeccable as it should be for a place of this caliber, and if you want to impress a date who won't step into anything less than a late-model BMW or Mercedes, then this is your place. But if you just care for good food without the high price and ambiance--like I do--then look elsewhere.
(3)Akram b.
Just dined this past Saturday ordered the barbecue hamachi not very impressive as well as the special burrata but again very disappointing. I also ordered the fried ravioli and again this was not impressive . Main course was the steak which was again acceptable but not to par with good steakhouses in miami . I would give it 3 stars just because the service and ambiance is great. I would go there again on reason of these things but for food I would not go back
(3)Andrew S.
The Forge has always been one of our favorites during our annual visit to Miami. It's disapointing to see an old friend slip this much in a year. Good points: 1. The decor is top notch 2. The people watching is great 3. The bread is amazing Bad points: 1. Don't sit an the stage seating, there are two tables that are too well lit. We asked the waiter to reduce the lighting he said it would be, it never occurred. 2. As a starter we ordered the scallops from the "share the tables menu section". It only contained two small scallops......not much to share across a table. 3. My wife ordered a bake potato side. It didn't have any cheddar cheese and was not hot, so it was returned (with the food runner) when her crab cakes arrived. I would have thought that everything would arrive at the same time. To add insult our waiter never came over to ask about the baked potato. 4. My wife also ordered a side of portabella mushrooms......they never came. We finally waved at our waiter and asked about this. He didn't know what happened so we asked him to cancel the mushrooms. 5. As a main my wife ordered the crab cakes. Too much breading and not near enough crab. 6. The service was poor. At the end of the dinner it took over ten minutes for our plates to be cleared. 7. They added a 20% service charge to the bill. I've never seen this with a party of only two people!!!! Needless to say, we won't return during our next visit to Miami.
(1)Amber L.
Back in December (my, how time flies!!!), I was at The Forge for a Yelp event. I'll only be commenting on the design of the place, as I didn't eat a meal. This restaurant has gone through a complete transformation from what it was before. The dining area has been expanded with beautifully designed seating at glass tables in the brighter middle dining room. For more intimate dinners, there's a room in the back with dimmer lighting and different kinds of oversized chairs at smaller tables, making it feel like each group is in its own mini-restaurant. There's a separate room housing a massive bar. It feels almost Alice in Wonderland-ish with pink and purple chandeliers hanging from the ceiling for a modern twist on a classic decor piece. The piece d'resistance for me are the wine-dispenser WALLS surround the bar area. Checked out the prices and there are some very affordable options. An enthusiastic sommelier is available to walk customers through the available choices. Also, I'd be remiss in not mentioning the ladies' restroom/lounge! Mr. Malnik and I had a nice convo about his efforts to make sure the ladies had a gorgeous and comfortable space in which to handle the most urgent matters. Very nice, indeed! I'm looking forward to returning so I can try out some of the menu, as we only sampled a few delicious appetizers.
(4)Jessica A.
The whole time I was there i realized I was one of the only woman there that didnt have botox and fake b**bs. Was a beautiful place inside and I loved the bathroom! But not my crowd of people at all! This place isn't what I think of when I think of Miami at all, seems very LA like.
(2)Edwin M.
It's a shame about this place because the food was really good but everything else was horrible. If you're planning for a quiet evening then don't come here for dinner. It was as loud as a club. We couldn't have a conversation because we couldn't hear each other. There was a point where we didn't talk for at least 10 minutes because people were yelling and dancing by the bar. The final straw was seating us in the worst possible place, right next to the entrance where everyone was bumping into me as they passed by, especially the drunks that were stumbling around. I inhaled my food just so I could hurry and get out of there already. And no, we couldn't just leave because my wife had purchased a non-refundable voucher from TravelZoo for this place for my birthday. We even asked the waiter if it was the normal type of atmosphere for the forge, he says it only happens on Friday nights, so I guess we just picked the wrong night? Either way, first and last time for me.
(1)Reena K.
The grilled skirt steak melted in my mouth, my friend's mushroom risotto was delicious (she still talk about it, 4 months later), and the wine selection is INCREDIBLE (even the whites were well chosen). Easily one of the top 5 restaurants I have been to in the last few years. The decor is gorgeous, their chairs are all different styles, but work together really well. The high ceilings and the perfect lighting makes the place look larger than it already is. This place is one that everyone MUST try when in Miami.
(5)Stella T.
Opulent is the perfect word to describe this restaurant. It is simply gorgeous! Every room is decorated to the max. Every detail is beautiful. The food is over priced, but totally worth it. Everything comes out so beautiful you almost don't want to eat it. While dining here JLO stormed thru the back door past our table. If she dines here, you now they are doing something right in that kitchen.
(5)V. H.
I had been to the forge a few times for dinner prior to its renovations, but when I realized they were now serving brunch, I knew I had to check it out. To start I had the bloody mary ceviche. Soo good and surprisingly, a lot of fish. For entrees, I ordered the french toast and my friend went with the jersey eggs Benedict. The French toast could easily serve three people. Seriously, it was that big! Aside from the size, it was delicious and moist... this coming from a girl that used to think she didn't care much for french toast! My friends jersey eggs Benedict were nothing to write home and neither was the dessert. If you're in the mood for french toast in an upscale setting, this is your place.
(4)Derek F.
Very nice interior and the Service was great
(4)Komal B.
I loved the old Forge and I love the new Forge just as much. I grew up on Miami Beach and the Forge stood for mystery and class and smelled of old money. Now it smells of really good food and wine and new money is everywhere. The design is elegant and inspired and the wine bar at the back is captivating. Went with a party of 3 and I wish I had taken notes so I could tell you what bottle of wine we ordered. It was a luscious full-bodied red. The service was stellar. None of us liked the original red we ordered so they took it back and brought us another. (They did include it on the check but took it off when I brought it to their attention. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that was an honest mistake.) Food: Lamb spare ribs -- delicious and tender. Yellowfin tuna tartare -- a burst of flavor Alaskan king crab legs-- incredibly soft and flavorful Maine lobster -- the best I have had anywhere -- tender and flavorful. Everything was tender, everything was flavorful. I know that's irritating in a review but I'm not a frigging food critic and unfortunately, I didn't write the review as soon as I got home because said bottle of wine had made me too happy to care. Save up some money or better yet go on someone else's dime. You won't regret it. If it's romance you're looking for, ask for one of the cozy highboy-height banquettes at the back. And don't forget to check out the whimsical restrooms!
(5)Jenny C.
So, I decided to celebrate my wedding dinner here, since we had planned a destination wedding. I have to say that the restaurant is gorgeous. But I have to say the food was so so. We both had a steak, I asked for mine to be medium well.. And my husband asked for his well done. My came out well done, and his came out overlooked. The potatoes were delicious, and the broccoli was great to. Don't take your kids, they have nothing to offer them. I did give her some of the Mac.. Since you have to order aside, and she seemed to enjoy that. My daughter loves olives, so I asked the waiter if they had any black olives that I could order on the side. He came out with bacon stuffed olives, great for us, not so great for the kid. Regardless, the server was great and the great music playing in the background made it a nice atmosphere. The food is ok, but for customer service and ambience it's an At.
(3)Ali K.
Fun place for ladies night. Gal pals and I had many, many bottles of Veuve (great deal on Veuve bottles). Service was nice and above SoBe average. Food was yummy. In fact, we were so stuffed by the end of dinner that we could barely breathe! Then again, we were wearing fairly tight dresses to begin with... Which, by the way, appeared to be the preferred attire of most the lady patrons... ;)
(4)Kati E.
romantic night out. definitely recommend for a special occasion. food is delicious. tried the ceviche - scrumptious! the mashed potatoes are beyond this world - orgasmic! the salmon was well season, nothing to brag about.
(5)Brittany R.
So this place has a lot of history. It had A LOT of hype going into it as well. I decided to go for my birthday. We went on a Sunday night and the place was dead. They closed off the entire place, which had most of the appeal to me. The lights were literally off in the other rooms, so you couldn't even tour around to check them out. I was extremely disappointed by this. It was very unwelcoming and the decor is a huge part of the appeal to this place, after all it was just redone. The hostess wasn't the most friendly either. She was annoyed that we didn't want to sit at the first table, when you walk into the place. But apparently we didn't have a choice as they only had the first room open and it was the only table set up for 5 people. The room we sat in was cool but we were just next to the entrance way, and to be honest, it didn't have this amazing feel to it. The food was good but not incredible. The tuna steak dish was very good. The crab cakes were good. However, the New York Strip steak that came was not. It was fatty and chewy. When going to a restaurant like this, the last thing you expect is a bad piece of meat. Just disappointing. Also, realize that if you have never been to this area of town or don't know your way around, be prepared to be forced to valet your car for $10. Yes, they do this, after you go in and get ready to spend at least $50 a head. Very nickel and dime if you ask me, for such a luxury style restaurant.
(3)Robert C.
I have lived on the beach my entire life, and never dared to step foot into this place until last week. I was always told it was too expensive and exclusive for me, so as any naturally intimidated person, I told myself I would avoid this place until I became an oil tycoon or Mr. Monopoly. But nonetheless I was invited by a buddy of mine last week for Miami Spice. He assured me that I did not have to wear cuff-links. I accepted. We sat at the bar, and were greeted by several attentive bartenders. They gave us a long and exhaustive drink menu. I, being the lazy/illiterate person that I am, just told the bartender (His name was Ariel, tip him well) that I was looking for something bitter and tart. He told me not to worry, and made me a drink off the menu. Impressive and tasty. I later found out that all the bartenders were certified mixologists, and that they even had a sommelier on staff. As for the food, being Miami Spice week, we ordered off the 3 course $35 pre-fixed menu. I got the lamb knuckles, peppered duck, and sorbet. The food was mouthwatering good. The knuckles were a little too tangy, but were still fall off the bone good. The duck was made to perfection, nicely seasoned with their special rub. We paired up each course with a personal recommendation from the sommelier. One of the wines was not to my liking (seemed a little old), but the other was on point. Ended the meal with the refreshing sorbet, the perfect cap to a great night. Tips: Go after 9pm and avoid the old money rush. Talk to the bartenders and the sommelier, they are helpful. Make sure to check out the wine bar, very cool. The only knock on this place would be its reputation, and pretentious crowd. Otherwise, service was great. Food was timely and on point. Price was to be expected. In the end, I salute the Forge with a respectful golf clap.
(4)Carolina C.
Went to this restaurant a couple weeks ago with my husband. The place is beautiful! So romantic and perfect for date night! Food and service were excellent.
(5)Marisa Y.
This was the perfect place to catch up with a friend and discuss old times, as well as new. I choose the Forge on a Saturday evening because of a GiltCity voucher I was waiting to use. I did not know what to expect but as soon as I walked through the door, I was amazed. Walking in was like entering some inner sanctum that only the privileged get to visit. The surroundings were awe-inspiring and I openly stared as I was led to the bar, where our seats were set up. The voucher entitled us to glassed from the Ergomatic wine set up only for use by Gilt Members and we also received a tour from the sommelier on each wine and what pairings would work best. We were also entitled to a plate of signature appetizers and while some of the descriptions made me balk, every bite I tried was a foodies dream. The lobster PB and J sandwiches need to be tried to believe and should be. I do believe heaven tastes like the perfectly blended flavors in this sandwich. Try Forge; despite being across the causeway, this part of the beach is quiet in the evening and into the night. Parking is free (after six, the meters are no longer in operation) and ample. Impress a date, meet up with a mate, whatever your fancy, the Forge is sure to please
(4)H. R.
When a "restaurant" (a landmark......a culinary institution) can last this long in one of the fastest changing trendy hot-spot cities......they're doing everything right. From the moment you arrive......"you have arrived." No matter how many times you have been here.....it's always impressive. There's a sense of aristocracy. Driving East on 41st Street (Miami Beach)....just before Collins.....this regal landmark sits awaiting your arrival. Like a Palace with guards.....the Valet awaits. Valet....Doors were opened...we were greeted cordially and escorted to our table. White glove service. Evening started with a bottle of Merlot from the amazing wine list (more like a wine book).... a Caesar Salad (for 2)....and a Raw Platter (which includes oysters, Lobster, Ceviche). Also a favorite and not available everywhere....this seafood extravaganza was accompanied by Caviar. mmmmmm but save room....the chef is detailing your entree. As my wife was deciding between the Chilean Sea Bass and the Ribeye Steak....I had decided..... Coffee crusted Ribeye Steak.....and to this day....it is always what I go back for. Just amazing!!! Sides: Asparagus.....Mashed Potato Funny....Steak lovers from out of town always compare and ask about Prime 112 vs The Forge....which are 2 of the finest restaurants in Miami Beach (my opinion)...but comparing them is trying to decide between a Ferrari and a Rolls Royce. At the end.... as long as the budget allows.....you need both...and budget is required for both the cars I mentioned and the restaurants. Prime is hip....no question....an amazing Steak Institution....and from my review....it is obviously one of my favorite restaurants. The Forge is Regal.....absolutely one of the finest settings for fine cuisine in U.S....the Forge delivers "Royalty"....Formal Elegance....with a menu that delivers to every desire and taste. To impress a client.....that someone special.....or just to experience culinary perfection.......the Forge is a (with only 5 stars available).....a 6-star......and what an amazing job with the last remodel. Btw....it is also a favorite of celebrities.....so don't be surprised or star struck to see some of your favorite actor/entertainers. At the end.....work hard...invest your money wisely.....because The Forge is worth it! 6 Stars!
(5)Winnie C.
Decor was amazing, a lot of history to this place, and they kept the chandelier in the main dining hall. Food is very good. We went for Sunday Brunch $55 per person, they had the all you can eat section with ceviche, heirloom tomato salad, couscous, prociutto with grilled melon, devil eggs, potato pancake, sausage, roast beef, crepes, breadpudding, cheesecake etc..etc... This place did not have the omelette bar but the brunch came with 1 item from their menu. I have tried their eggs benedict, the sauce is one of the best. Service from the waiter is first class, he even told us the whole history of the Forge. Everything was organic, all you can drink mimosa and had a bloody mary bar.
(4)Dayna A.
The Forge is incredibly beautiful. Once you get past the formidable velvet rope crowd, you gain passage into another world. As far as I was told all of the mahogany and stained glass were shipped in from mansions of Europe, but maybe that's just an urban legend. The last time we there, it was a Russel Simmon's Art for Life after-party. The scene was bumping and it felt like were in an old exclusive speak easy. I would love to return for a Southern soul food night--- I've heard fantastic things.
(5)Kate S.
Celebrated my 26th birthday w beau at The Forge. We had such a good time, felt intimate and surreal. Beauty emblazed from ceiling to floor, service to food. Considerably the best wine list I've seen in Miami. Shared the Salmon croquettes with guava sauce. Chose to start with caviar, I enticed beau to try the caviar, a great triumph on my behalf. Ordered the "Coffee and Eggs", a coffee crusted ribeye and goat cheese frittata as my entree. The steak was cooked to my liking. He had the corn raviolli and the "snapper in a bag". Which he said were both good. For dessert. The exquisite marbled chocolate, grand marnier souffle. Prepared perfectly. Wish it was my birthday everyday : )
(5)Jay P.
I would've given this place a 5 star rating if I were still an Omnivore but I'm not. Great service...Great quality of food and atmosphere especially if you're a celebrity or business-man. It's just not my cup of tea anymore b/c I am now a non drinking Vegan that's allergic to soy, gluten and dairy products.
(4)sean k.
Where do I even start with The Forge? If I ever had to choose a last meal, this would be the place I'd dine at. Best Filet Mignon, hands down, every time I've been there. They even have the most comfortable chairs. The bread basket has the best assortment of bread you'll ever get served to you before any meal, but don't fill up on bread, because you MUST save room for the Lobster Bisque, served with the lobster in the bowl, then the broth poured over it. The shrimp cocktail had shrimp the size of my forearm! And they were delicious! The Bone-In Filet, Perfection. Perfectly cooked, seasoned, sized, and served. Juicy, tender, beautiful DO NOT forget the soufle!
(5)Kate V.
opulant, chic and dramatic are just a few words that come to mind when i describe the forge in miami beach. my designer / architect friends will also appreciate the rich cultural history of this site which now serves as an inspired farm to table restaurant, wine bar and social staple. the forge has been reinvented many times over the past 90 years but what i love about the history is that in the 20's, it started literally as a blacksmith's iron forge. dino phillips designed decorative iron gates and sculptures for miami's wealthy which included the firestones and the vanderbilts. not too shabby as far as clients go... in the 30's, phillips converted the space to a restaurant and casino, attracting starlets, musicians and famous actors. there was another large renovation in the late 60's and yet another just a few years ago. today, the space feels like a sexy, loft speak-easy with signature furniture and lighting accents. the forge continues to attract a-listers and travelers like us alike. while waiting for our table, the enomatic wine system caught my eye. you can sample any number of wines by a tasting size, half or full glass. i learned the enomatic system perfectly seals the wine bottle after every pour, ensuring the freshest taste possible. we could have happily stayed at the bar all night, the bar tenders were quick to serve and there were plenty of seats so we could sit back and relax. when we eventually got to our table, our server ran us through his menu favorites and offered up recommendations from the wine list. he was a stellar salesmen, we pretty much ordered everything he had described... how can you go wrong when you start with a few stone crabs, follow that up with what's known as lobster pb&j sandwiches and finish off your meal with an insanely tender bone-in steak and succulant three mushroom risotto? you can't. the meal was over the top. not that we had an ounce of room left but somehow we managed to take down a s'mores souffle for dessert. this thing even came with a fluffernutter cream on the side and warm chocolate syrup to douse over the top. i'm very, very sorry i don't have a pic of this one. we were too excited and dug right in! put on your fancy duds and strut over to the forge if you find yourself in miami beach~
(4)kelly h.
Decadent decor, attentive service, and great food about sums up the Forge. It was just me on a Sunday so sat at the bar. Both bartenders were attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Here's what i ordered: Two raw oysters (Atlantic & Pacific) Lobster peanut butter & jelly sandwich 8 oz. Filet Steamed Chinese broccoli with almonds and orange sauce Let's just say I finished the entire meal with not a single piece of food remaining. I had actually planned to only taste the lobster pb&j sandwich and bring the rest to my hotel, but it was too savory to put down... By the second bite any portion control I had set was duly over. The only other comment is that I'm not a big fan of F's special mustard sauce that comes with the filet... too sour. I paired my meal with Acacia Pinot Noir. The entire experience was enjoyable. See you next time!
(4)Monika K.
mamas birthday in mia, first time at the Forge, decor amazing and restaurant is beautiful, saw barry gibbs there from beegees that night, mama was excited for that, service great, food, meh! vino list was nice a lil annoying to have to order everything at onceper chefs request that night east vs west oysters, 4 were so small you could barely seem them 4 were huge, chicken wontons in some tamarind broth was the blandest stuff I ever tasted. sister got the super steak with baked potato she said it was good but the 'best steak in america' not so much. mama is a light eater so she ordered chilled lobster and crab salad which was tasty, prob the best of the night which isn't saying much. I had the special of striped sea bass with 4 mussels ramen noodles and mustard greens in a broth. again lackluster in flavor. ordered a grand marnier and chocolate souffle marble, tasted so plain. not exciting one bit. for a bill of $350 for 3 people, I'd expect a much tastier meal, but that didn't happen. maybe we were there on an off night but next time I'm going on someone else's tab.
(2)Rich K.
One of the best dining experiences of my life, based on venue, food, service and ambience. Everything was fantastically fantastic. I was very lucky to attend my sister's day two birthday party at the Forge. My brother-in-law is a very generous guy who paid the tab for the entire party of 14. We were lucky to have our meal in the private wine cellar, with Tim as our server. This guy was fantastic in how he managed to serve a party of 14 effortlessly. And at the same time being able to address all the guests by first name, amazing. This place is a real treat if you're celebrating a special occasion or if you happen to have a couple of Benjamin's burning a hole in your pocket.
(5)David C.
I was never a fan of the old Forge... It was a bit stuffy and full of itself. Well the new one is not stuffy. The food is really top notch, the drinks are well done and the wine selection is serious. The prices are steep... I recommend the hot and spicy martini. I have been there twice since the rebirth... Each time I have had the super steak, which is the best around. For starters, the tuna tartar is fresh and perfectly spiced, the tomato stack was incredible (and I hate tomatoes) and the mushroom risotto was tasty. My super steak was amazing... They make the best steak in Miami, it is huge, comes with 5 different toppers and should be shared. The smores soufflé was amazing. The last time I went, my table had a super weird experience with the waiter who looked like Uncle Fester He basically reprimanded us when my wife was trying to order a bottle of wine... and seemed to be channeling the killer from No Country For Old Men. The manager came over and saved the evening by changing the waiter and assigning the beverage director to our table. He's awesome, and seemed to cheer my wife up after the beat-down she received from the waiter. (yes it was that bad).
(4)David G.
I've been getting down about eating out lately. The quality doesn't seem to be there and the prices seem to have been going up and up. I had never been to the Forge, "pre-abscondment," or before the time the place mysteriously and suddenly closed but I had always wanted to go. I guess I was afraid of the cost. Ha! (considering what I've been paying to go out lately) To my surprise the Forge menu is reasonably priced. They have many, many wines by the glass under $10 and the entrees are in the $30 - $50 range. I had an enormous ribeye, called "coffee and eggs" for $38. That's reasonable because a ribeye half that size, half as good and a little more expensive can be had in many of the steak places in town. In addition, our table had the chopped salad, the short ribs, the hamburger and the chocolate souffle. Oh that souffle. Just get it. They make you order it before you've eaten anything so it's coming, ready or not; very good. I'll have to go back and just get the burger which was pretty good. The short ribs were standard melt in your mouth braised beef ribs. I had the Forge Manhattan which was pretty damn good. The Jim Beam was expertly tempered with port and there was a little slimy cherry on the bottom. It was supposed to be a very elaborate thing called "cherry caviar" but it was very anti-climactic. Our waiter was attentive, maybe a little too aggressive on the sales job but not too annoyingly so. When we were finished our plates sat in front of us a little too long and they did mess up the seat positions when serving. Nothing that detracted too much from the experience, just nit-picking. All in all, a very enjoyable meal. Large portions. Delicious food. This could very well be a place good enough to bring friends.
(4)Omid Z.
The experience at the Forge did not start off well, but ended up being decent. I made a reservation, but it was virtually ignored. My group of 4 had to wait 50 minutes for a table, and that's after I asked the hostess 3 times about the status of the situation. Very disorganized hostess and lack of concern from another employee that was supervising. After we finally were able to sit at a table, our night got better.. the specialty cocktails were great to start (best Pimms cup I've ever had), we ordered duck and pasta off of the miami spice menu and both were very good. Service from the waitress was fair, she was attentive but was pushing me to order things that I didn't want--kind of strange behavior. The ambiance and decor are the best part of this restaurant, fancy & chic, good vibe. I would good back with friends, but a risky place to bring someone who you are trying to impress.
(3)Samir C.
Been looking forward to go here. I've been in the business for over 13 yrs. Came in and i had to wait for the hostess to get off the phone to get a hi and get seated, very rude. Hostess or server never offered black linen since we were all wearing dark clothes. Btw for those who don't know if you go to a "fine dining restaurant" you should offer that before you are seated. Never saw a manger on the floor which I though was very strange. Food was good but not great. The cheese cake was very dry and tasted old. Lamb ribs were really good. Server didn't even get us thru the menu or the wine list. This is a must when you know they're first time diners. Great ambiance but I'm not impress with this restaurant at all.
(3)Praneeth W.
This is the perfect place to go for an anniversary dinner or if you want to impress a date. Our server went out of his way to make us feel comfortable, including a tour of the restaurant and giving us a history of the place (tour did not include the famous wine cellars though). The bank security door that was brought from San Francisco to be the door for the wine cellar, the huge chunks of wood flown in from Asia to make the giant wooden furniture, etc.. Food was great, the wine that the server helped us choose, exceptional and the ambiance was amazing: it's a beautiful restaurant. If listening to music with a beat while enjoying a perfectly cooked meal in a romantic setting is what you're looking for, Forge fits the bill. The Forge would definitely be a five star if it wasn't for how expensive it was, so don't let my 4 star rating stop you from choosing this for your special dinner. Note that Glass next door is closed for refurbishing (at least when we were there), so if that is part of your reason to visit Forge, check to make sure the club has reopened. They have an elaborate automatic wine dispensing / sampling system that I did not get to try.
(4)Hildegarde L.
Chef Dewey La Sasso really puts a twist on American Cuisine Went twice for Miami Spice and loved the food, the menu changes and ample amounts of food on plate . Everyone loves the bread basket. The Lobster, Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich toasted brioche with chopped fresh peanuts--Not for me, please dont ruin lobster with that mix! Appetizers- Crispy Corn Ravioli - They are fried and dusted with parmesan cheese and perhaps corn meal, awesome! BBQ Lamb- ample serving for appetizers! great smoky taste, very tender. Tomato Stack: Big slices of tomatoes yellow and red- was good Another night I had the Chicken wings and they were excellent, along with BBQ chicken for entree that was obviously farm raised, juicy and tender, and a huge portion I had the spice rubbed duck - via Miami Spice last and It was very good, and again, ample serving, could not eat it all. The cheddar grits with it were a nice addition. Steak rubbed with coffee was not part of Miami Spice but my friend's choice and was great. Wonderful Panna Cotta for dessert comes with Miami Spice menu as a choice. This is the opulent, glamorous, Forge, the new Forge with new decor, music, scene and reasonable menu done by creative chef. Lots of stars and attraction. I think the waiters need to stop the tourist attraction attitude and stick to the old steakhouse attitude where the service is impecable and you assume that everyone is your repeat customer. Service varies depending on waiter, some of the young, new waiters are annoying and not professional or what is expected from The Forge. The Forge experience is where you want to take your friends from out of town, reservations a must.
(4)Meo M.
i can eat the three-mushroom risotto every day.
(4)Noelle N.
I recently was taken on a first date to the Forge, and I must say, this was a smart move on his end. We walked in and the decor was amazing. I felt as if I was walking into a NYC restaurant. Even the bathrooms were truly unique and stylish. Our server was extremely helpful picking our dishes and drinks. Their cocktails and wine were amazing. My date is somewhat of a snob, and he was impressed, so you know its good. The food was delicious. We started off with the kale salad. To be honest, I actually wasn't that excited to try this dish. But my date asked me to and I did. It was delicious! I cannot suggest it enough. My main course was the mushroom risotto. I wish I could have eaten every bite. I was full, but I certainly tried to eat as much as I could. The only complaint I have would be the fries that are "saturated in duck fat". Stay away from these! They look more like reindeer droppings than anything. All and all - this was the best first date I had been on and though I'd like to give him all the credit for such a great date, it wouldn't be nearly as good without the Forge!
(4)Eve C.
The Forge is a Miami Beach institution, albeit with the prices to match. The exterior of the building looks very ornate, but does not match up to the interior decorations. The inside is a mix of many different murals, as well as a huge ornate mirror along one wall of the main dining room. Either way, there's some cool stuff to look at on the walls as you dine. The Forge is a steakhouse, so of course, that's what I ordered - the filet to be precise. It was absolutely delicious! I also split the wedge salad with a friend - and it was huge & yummy too. We ordered a bottle of Chilean wine that was very good. I know they have a huge wine list, but I didn't pick out the wine, so I didn't peruse it. Also, we started the meal with a lovely amuse-bouche from the chef - it was a calamari salad with an asian twist. It was outstanding. We ended the evening with the chocolate & vanilla bean souffle (which we ordered at the same time as our entrees) - and it was fab! There was absolutely nothing amiss with the food at The Forge that night. However, our waiter was just the slightest bit overbearing. He came around to talk about wine and the menu before we even had the menus in our hands! And then he proceeded to give us a 10-minute diatribe on his choices on the menu - which, of course, were the most expensive things on there. Oh, he also insisted we scoot away from the table as we looked at the menus, for fear of knocking something over. My recommendation - get smaller menus! Overall, it was an excellent meal, and I highly recommend The Forge. I just hope I get a less obnoxious waiter on my next visit!
(4)Todd S.
Georgous place. Beautiful rooms with high ceilings. Service is great. Food was fantastic. Best steak is the the best steak. Better than Peter Lugers or any other steak I have had. Seafood platter was huge, tasty. Chocalte suffle was unbeleieveable. For a person who doesn't eat many desserts, have it. It was my brithday dinner. It surpassed it reputation.
(5)Emerio Joel M.
The various bread and whipped butter with honey was total seduction of my tongue. Salmon croquettes were awesome and had ideal structure; they were slightly golden brown and a bit moist in the inside, with good dipping sauce. Skirt steak was really good but I have had better, surprisingly, in more modest restaurants. Cheesecake was good but as a dessert freak, it wasn't amazing; However, take note that my standards for desserts are higher than for food, so it may "rock-your-boat". The artsy-luxe decor is visually stimulating and fun. The bathroom surprised me; a pop-art style photo of a crocodile eating a person is employed to posses your attention. I suggest you make reservations in advance, if you want to avoid having dinner at the bar. However, the waiters are attentive and the courses were delivered within an ideal time frame from each other. More than anything, this place is to be seen and to feel "bouge". If you want a decent meal, posses disposable income, and want to feel "bouge" then, The Forge will certainly provide your needs.
(3)Diana N.
Food i give it 3 stars, but it gets bumped to 4 stars because of the service. I was so impressed by everyone here. They were so warm and friendly. VERY attentive. we wandered into the courtyard to take pictures although it was closed. they were nice enough to turn the lights on for us. I felt like royalty...well ok not really but it was pretty awesome. For a Wendesday night, I was surprised at how crowded the place was. Tried the Miami Spice menu (3 course meal fro $35) Appetizer: salmon croquettes were ok...kind of forgettable. the gazpacho was refreshing but very typical entree: had the Burger and Bordeaux: angus sirloin burger topped with boneless short rib. one of the best burgers i've had in awhile. perfect medium, so so juicy and packed full of flavor. the truffled fries with the pomegranate ketchup were ADDICTING. the bordeaux on the side was a nice kicker. never a big risotto fan, but my friend's 3 mushroom risotto was quite tasty. she LOVED it. wine list was pretty extensive with a nice selection. not too pricey. honestly can't remember what i had for dessert...was a bit tipsy by then.
(4)Blaine Z.
Last night I went back for the first time since the renovation.Food is still pretty good , though I did not have steak - and some of the best service in town. I do miss the darkness though - that was one of the best things abou the old place.
(3)Esteban Z.
Went here on Thanksgiving for their special menu. One look at the normal menu and we were asking ourselves if having oysters and steak for Thanksgiving would be bad. We stuck with the plan and had the most delicious non-traditional traditional meal. All the ingredients were the same but the chef's haute twist made it extra awesome. I looked at one of the couches and started imagining unbuttoning my pants (a Thanksgiving tradition in my family) readying myself for a nap. That was the worst part about the meal....having to drive home. The space itself is certainly Miami. Great vibe overall. Can't wait to go back. I also gave thanks that my hearing came back. I've been to quieter concerts.
(4)J H.
The Forge has a bone-in fillet that is not offered at any other steakhouse in Miami to my knowledge. They fillet here is excellent especially if you have a girlfriend that only eats fillets and you want to introduce her to something with a bone and more flavor. They also have EXCELLENT escargot at the Forge. The Forge has an excellent ambiance to it, really dark and old-school Miami gangsta.. and a really really cool bar area to chill at before or after dinner. And if you're lucky enough to go on a really really slow night or can prearrange it ask for a tour of the wine cellar. The Forge has a phenomenal collection of antique wines and really really cool cellar that can actually be rented for dinner. Its def worth the time to set up the tour and walk through. I love the forge and if you go on a wednesday you can slide into the club next door for a few drinks afterward - wednesday is one of the best nights there.
(5)Rhiannon R.
The food here is absolutely amazing. They did a great job with the renovations. Without a doubt, my favorite place to eat in miami.
(5)T R.
While the restaurant had a beautiful ambience and terrific service, the experience was very dissapointing. We ordered three types of steak which were all inferior in quality and taste. The sides were mediocre and lacking in flavor. Our sides consisted of crispy corn ravioli (which was bland and basically a deep fried piece of batter), the truffled fries which were incredibly salty and somehow tasted stale, the creamed kale, the tuna tartare which was overwhelmed by onions, and the seafood sampler which was a major disappointment. Every dish was substantially lacking in the flavors we were so looking forward to experiencing. The choice of wine was limited and pricey. Most glasses ranged from $25-45/glass. The only redeeming dish of the meal were the green beans. Overall - we were happy to pay the price for a wonderful and delicious dinner. Unfortunately, experience was underwhelming and the chef did not deliver. We will not be returning.
(1)Frank G.
Amazing Place. There is a lot of history here. When you walk in it feels like your dragged into the movie set of Scarface. Its an automatic time warp. You can feel the 80's. The food is outrageous. I recommend: The lobster Bisque. "The Super Steak", Flavor aged for 21 days and seasoned with an herb marinade and slowly grilled over oak wood. Its voted #1 steak in America by wine spectator magazine. I spiced it up a bit and add twin grilled Florida Lobster Tails. It really complimented the steak. They also have a very nice wine collection and wine cellar. I have been here many times and the sommelier has never failed us.
(5)Dan B.
I and my fiance ordered meat dishes that came with potatoes. I am diabetic and she watches her figure so we asked to substitute the potatoes with a green vegetable but the chef refused because it "violated the integrity of the dish." We were visibly annoyed but paid $9 for a side of brussels sprouts and asked for our entrees to come out without their potatoes. Get over yourselves. NOT COMING BACK.
(1)Alex G.
The last time I dined at the forge, you were permitted to smoke cigars at the table - that's how long ago it was! The new ambiance is combination of modern deco and hip "old school." While visually impressive, the restaurant is still a conclave of separate rooms, making real "people watching" more difficult than in other SoBe establishments. The four of us sat at a table under a stained glass window, on couches with a huge (7' high) back. We ordered the chilled seafood platter, which was as good as I've had anywhere on The Beach. The steaks we had were perfectly cooked and extremely flavorful. The whole fish was filleted table side; very classy. The food was all delicious, and the place very sexy. Two issues to note: First, the prices are obscene, even for South Beach. I mean ridiculous. Second, the bartenders are clueless and slow. We waited 15 minutes for them to offer us a drink, with a bar less than half full. Other couples walked away, muttering, from being totally ignored by the bartenders. Strange.
(4)Ericstevenc T.
This is a must see if your on Miami beach. My friend got us a tour of the wine room . Steaks were great !
(5)Bill B.
Decided to try out the newly renovated Forge a few days after the re-opening. I was thoroughly impressed and would definitely come back again. Gone is the opulent interior and outrageous furniture for a more modern and updated style. However, the stained glass ceilings and some of the original chandeliers remain the same, but still blend well with the new feel. As soon as we walked in we were warmly greeted and decided to check out the bar first before we sat down for dinner. We didn't try the different wine samplers, but would try it out the next time I come back considering it was reasonably priced. For the appetizer we had the tuna tatare and was one of the best I've had. My meal was the 18oz steak with garlic mashed potatoes. The steak was a little over cooked on the outside, but was pretty decent. My girlfriend had the mushroom risotto and that was delicious. I found myself eating off her plate! They still have a plenty of wines to choose from with many at good prices that won't leave a hole in your wallet. I couldn't believe how friendly the waiters, bartenders and maitre d were, hopefully it continues to stay that way. I would come back in the near future because the prices was very good and the food was superb.
(5)Samantha L.
On a recent trip to Miami I went to Forge and really enjoyed it. We tried the Lobster PBJ as a recommendation and it was interesting but I don't think I'd order it again. We had a great waiter who really knew his stuff and we got smores souffle that was to die for. It's for sure a nice little trendy spot with a great wine selection but also a little pricey be prepared. Also, be sure to check out the bathroom.
(4)Lorna C.
Amazing stone crab, green beans and potatoes. No to the polenta and Brussels sprouts. Yea to banana soufflé. A bit too stuffy and expensive for me to come back to on my own or with friends, but a nice place for a business dinner.
(4)Melissa C.
I honestly don't usually write bad reviews. If the place really sucks then I feel the social responsibility to let others know. The Forge sucked. At least the day I went. First off, the interior is weird. I am not sure what the look is that they are aiming for but it's some strange conglomeration of mirrors, gaudy Versace-esque gold colored accents, and dark wood. Honestly, I'm not an interior designer so I'll just leave it at that. We went with the intention of ordering from the Miami Spice menu then we decided not to because neither one of us wanted to eat prix fixe. We ordered the coffee-crusted steak. It should have been called charcoal-crusted because that is what it tasted like. One would think the steak would be a safe bet. Not this time. The fava beans were strange, too. They were either under-cooked or over-cooked and they were mixed together. My kitchen experience led me to believe that they probably had some left-over fava beans in the pan from another order and they just added more un-cooked beans to the pan then cooked them poorly together. BAD. Also, the "caramelized onions" were little black, crunchy, burned flakes. We tasted several other side dishes which failed to make any impression on me. I'm just going to stop there and say that the only good thing I tasted was the Manhattan I had. You can't bang up Baker's Bourbon Whiskey. Thank the God of Bourbon for that. Thumbs down. Way down.
(2)Nathan L.
Beautiful restaurant, brilliant food, excellent service. The self serve wine bar is very cool- great way to do a wine tasting before dinner. By the time we sat down very tipsy feeling good. Food was creative, clean, and yummy. Very well priced
(5)Anthony D.
Bring money.
(5)Laura F.
Mediocre. overpriced food, overblown cocktails, terrible management. Nothing was as good as it seemed. Our waiter was cool, but everything else was lame. Not worth it.
(1)Robert P.
Wonderful atmosphere with a very attentive wait staff. The steak I had was outstanding, though a bit overpriced. Desserts were average.
(3)Katie R.
the food was tasty, but pretty expensive and it came out too quickly. we had a late dinner reservation, and the waiter said they were trying to close the kitchen... but it really didn't seem like adequate time to cook the food. trippy decor. the soufflé dessert was delicious.
(3)Joris E.
Such a fun place with great service and fun items on the menu for each course. We went here after a recommendation from locals and would definitely go back. This place can get a tad loud, so more fun perhaps for groups, but we did have a couple's dinner and celebrated our birthdays and had a blast. If you have the time and are a wine lover, ask for a tour of the cellar -- you will be blown away.
(4)Joseph C.
I had the pleasure of eating brunch at The Forge this past Sunday thanks to a great deal that I purchased on Gilt City Miami. The voucher included Mimosas, an appetizer, one entree, and one dessert. Ambiance Any time you go to The Forge you can't help but marvel at the craftsmanship and attention to detail in this place. Everything around you just looks so well put together and has a very "expensive" look to it. From the brick wall adorned with a gigantic mirror that overlooks the main dining room, to the random massive high-backed leather chairs scattered about the main floor. I was also very impressed by the private dining room. Just looking at it from the outside is awe-inspiring. It must be great to have a family dinner in that room. I also heard that the wall art and fixtures belong to Shareef Malnik's personal art collection. The Food For starters, the mimosas were as good as it gets. I don't know what type of champagne they use, but hey, a mimosa is a mimosa. For appetizer I had the snapper and mahi mahi "bloody mary" ceviche. It was served with two thin plantain chips. It wasn't the best ceviche I've ever had but it was pretty tasty. For entree I had the eggs benedict and the french toast. The eggs benedict was delicious and the roasted potatoes were awesome. Definitely some of the best I've ever had. The star of the show here by far was the french toast. It was literally bigger than my head, warm, soft, and incredibly delicious. It blows any french toast I've ever even looked at out of the water. It was toasty on the outside and had the consistency of bread pudding on the inside. It was spectacular. It was so good that I asked the waiter to pack up the dessert that was included with my voucher because i couldn't even breathe when I finished my meal. I can't really comment on the dessert because I never got around to trying it. The Service The service here was very spot on and always is. It's very formal and the waiters are always very attentive. If you ever see that gilt city deal again, I would definitely recommend purchasing it. However, I don't know if the regular Sunday brunch here is worth the hefty price tag it comes along with.
(4)Susan L.
Went with 4 girlfriends and had a great time. We were all meat eaters and all got the ribs or duck. I liked the duck better- perfect consistency. The ribs was great comfort food but be warned its very heavy. For appetizers we shared the lobster PB&J, oysters and mahi mahi fritters. The lobster PB&J was worth a try for sure, but didn't blow my mind to be honest given the hype. The oysters were my favorite- very fresh. For dessert we shared the smores souffle, which was yummy. Their cocktails were also great and inventive. The ambiance is beautiful: elegant and fantastistical. Feels like you are in Alice in Wonderland. Make sure to check out the bathroom- interesting design, especially the outer powder room in the ladies bathroom. The only criticism I would have to say is service probably not as good as I would've expected from a restaurant of this caliber.
(4)Anatoli L.
The 4 stars are strictly out of respect - should be 3.5 or even less as the most. Let me explain: Experience - 5 Service - 5 Wine service - 5 Wine Selection - 4 Food - 3 This restaurant has a private cellar downstairs, with overall collection value exceeding $5M - definitely worth a trip ( ask for a tour - if there is no private party, you will be given a tour). Wines are starting from 1822 ( no typo - 1822). This is the experience part. Service is impeccable - nice, friendly and not pushy. Wine service is also excellent - head sommelier, Gino, definitely knows what he is talking about. Wine selection - I would like to see bigger diversity in Cabernet offerings, as well as better representation of Spanish wines. Food - unfortunately, not on par. We got salmon croquets which didn't taste much like anything. Roasted cauliflower was very good. But then two steaks were just mediocre - seasoning and salt were not done correctly, and side dishes of duck fries and mushrooms were too small for the price and server in very awkward square dishes. Dessert was excellent - but it didn't compensate for the shortcomings of the main dishes. Recommended for experience and ambiance, but if you are looking for the great steak - look elsewhere.
(4)Miami R.
Just came back from another great visit to the Forge. I don't know why I haven't written a review before. Even though the restaurant is an icon, it still deserves being reviewed. Especially since it's so good. The remodel looks fantastic, it's as classy as every. Classy but not dated. When you come a couple of times, they remember your name give you that welcoming returning welcome. If you're new to the Forge, they still welcome you in an inviting way. Joe, the GM, is always on the floor, going from table to table, checking in on the tables, catching up with regulars and creating experiences that make you want to come back. The drinks (which is what my wife is the master of) are fantastic. She gets the cucumber martini every time we come. I get the diet coke. Always a great vintage on the diet coke haha. We almost always get the lobster peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the pomegranate lamb ribs appetizer. This time I had the hangar steak with the tostone and onions ( I don't like tostones, but I love these) My wife had the NY and I brought a guest this time and he had the super steak. He was very satisfied (and he's a pain in the behind a lot of the time) we split some asparagus, short rib hash and duck home fries. The macadamia nut bread they give you is ridiculously good, the butter you can't get enough of. I was sooo close to getting the seabass, but since everyone else got meat, I decided to keep that trend going. Next time, seabass for sure. We had the apple pie sundae. The apple was a little too hard for my liking, but the rest of it was really good. We also got the blueberry fritters. I heard my wife make noises I didn't know she could make. She kept talking about it on the ride home and even when we got home. I strongly suggest you give that one a try. If you feel a little intimidated, come in and sit at the bar. you can snack on items and watch a game or whatever is on the tv's. But, I assure you, you'll come back and you'll sit at a table and enjoy. The wine list is huge, if you haven't already heard, just google it. To wrap it up, The ambiance is top notch The service is high quality The food is world class The vibe is what they write stories about. Go on a date, bring a group of friends, whatever, just go. In case you couldn't tell, this is a positive review on what you should already be trying.
(5)Max S.
Great place that makes you feel special despite the Miami Spice discounted prices. My girlfriend and our friend each ordered from the Miami Spice menu which everything came out wonderful. There was a slight oops with my steak but the waiter Jason recognized it without me even having to say it. With one look he took it back had them cook me a new steak. While waiting for my new steak they made sure I was not left out of enjoying something absolutely delicious while the others ate their food. In my book the staff at the Forge went well above and beyond in this situation. Additionally the food was amazing. From the bread to the appetizers to the main entrees and did not disappoint with dessert. The Parmesan crusted steak I had was better than I could have expected. A tip on something to enhance the taste was given to me which was to add the onions from the French onion soup to the top of the steak. My girlfriend had the panna cotta which had a marmalade that was to die for. I am not a marmalade person but this I couldn't stop eating it even though I was so stuffed. Overall the food and service and environment gave me a reason to write a review which I almost never do. For management that gets ahold of this review my waiter Jason deserves kudos for handling the situation in the most professional way and making sure the restaurants image remained intact.
(5)Blak B.
Ok Ok Ok I was patiently waiting for the return of the Forge and all I can say is WOOOOOWWW in my flavor flav voice. lol. They did a hell of a job with the new look! It went from back in the day 1950's mob steak house feel to new posh elegance! Yepper I will be here more often. I started with a very tasty lobster bisque that toyed with my tummy because it was gone faster than a speeding bullet. Then I ordered the snapper in a bag that I felt was less desirable so I sent it back and ordered scallops that were mouth watering yaaay.. My companion ordered the whole fish entree that was also yepperlicious. But ten thumbs up to the dessert menu because it was freakin awesome! We had the berry cake and *drum rooolllllll* chocolate souffle that melted in your mouth and in your hands! If you get a waiter by the name Alberto you will have a fine dinning experience ;-)
(4)Cristy M.
I have to say I was VERY let down by the forge. I had read all the great reviews on yelp and was so excited to dine but left with such a different experience. Yes, the ambiance, service and decor are all top notch. But all of our food from the fried cauliflower to my husband's short ribs, lacked seasoning and flavor. Maybe the kitchen was having an off night, but for the money I'm not willing to give it another shot - at least not for a while. Nothing was inedible but when you're paying $28 for gnocchi it better be amazing gnocchi! Even the soufflé was disappointing. I wish we would have chosen a different place to celebrate our anniversary.
(2)Taylor E.
The happy hour here is AMAZING!!! If you're looking for a classy, great deal this is it. Vueve champagne for $10 or Belvedere cocktails for $10 (i believe). Not to mention they serve you food while you enjoy your happy hour....for free! So my boyfriend and I came to enjoy happy hour on Valentine's day before our reservation at 8 pm. Upon arrival we let the hostess know we were at the bar and they informed us to come back around 7:45 to check in with them. My boyfriend went to them at 7:45 and they told us they were running behind on reservations. I went up about 8:25 and they told me they were running about 45 minutes behind. So I went back to our bar seats and waited until close to 9 pm. The manager was at the host stand and told me they are sorry but they are still running behind and cannot give an accurate time for when we would be seated. I told him it was now an hour past our reservation time. He said he was sorry, but people showed up 45 minutes late for their reservation earlier in the night. I told him I don't feel that I should have to wait because someone else decided to show up late. His response, "What am I supposed to do? Turn them away??" UM YES! I told him I have worked in the restaurant business many years and that is how it works. Especially on valentines day. I asked him then if he would like to take care of our meal at the bar if he couldn't tell me when we would be sitting to eat dinner. His response, "No i am not going to do that". I asked for a manager higher than him and he told me he was the general manager. I asked for the owner, "The owner is not taking calls right now". I guess to avoid a further argument, he decided to seat us in front of a lot of other people waiting. When he sat me he made a snide remark that it was wrong of me to cut in front of so many other people waiting. I told him that was not my fault and I don't feel that we should be to blame for poor management. After that point we had a great experience. We had an amazing bottle of wine from Veneto, Italy. Our server helped us pair an appetizer. We ordered the mac and cheese, the "famous" steak, and mushroom truffle risotto. The steak was overcooked and not worth it. But the rest of the meal was great. Risotto was to die for!!! and the mac and cheese was amazing!!! Our server was fantastic...I wish I could remember his name. The rest of the atmosphere was gorgeous and we really enjoyed it. I am so taken aback by the lack of professionalism by the general manager...blaming me for being sat over an hour after our reservation time. It's valentine's day...if you don't have a reservation you're not getting sat...so we were stuck there. Not my fault.
(2)Alyson L.
Nothing more than disappointed. I made reservations 2 weeks ago for my husbands birthday which happens to be valentines day. When we arrived to the restaurant, there was a line of approximately 30 couples ahead of us waiting for tables. There was no way to even reach the hostess. We stood outside along with everyone else who couldn't make it inside the restaurant. They poorly scheduled reservations. None the less, we had to call around to see what restaurant was taking walk-ins at 1000pm because there was no way we were going to be seated before midnight. I can't review the food, but it's safe to say the service was nothing more than horrible. We won't be returning. Thankfully Truluck's is always a safe bet and accommodated us on such a busy night.
(1)Carey A.
What is there not to like about this place! The Forge is a perfect representation of a unique blend of both an upbeat & modern ambiance and an extravagant menu of excellent options. We were seated towards the back and I got to sit in the Alice in Wonderland-like over sized chair...YES! This restaurant was unlike anything we have ever dined in before. The decor of the restaurant was absolutely amazing. The menu consisted of a lot different & innovative foods and some classics as well. Also, the music was in between "chill", "house", and "trance"....it was a little psychedelic! With so many interesting options on the menu, we decided to order the following: Lobster & PB sandwich-delectable 5/5 Creekstone Filet Mignon- perfect crust 5/5 Coffee & Eggs-4/5 Oyster Mushrooms-5/5 We also got a complimentary $25 gift card to use towards wine with our reservation. Now we just need one of these in D.C.!
(5)Dinorah a.
Love this restaurant ... Beautiful , trendy elegance.. romantic and fun.. not stuffy.. Food is amazing.. bone in steak.. great coktails.. great service.. I'm a fan..
(5)Sunny J.
Treated like royalty at the step up dinner table. A must in Miami!
(5)Matt M.
Great meal and very pricy. Yes the mushroom risotto is a must try....I don't mind paying for an expensive meal when it is worth it and yes this place is worth. What is with the automatic tip? it was just me and my wife and they automatically put on 20%...we had an expensive bottle of wine and I usually adjust for it. I always add appropraite tip but felt adding 20% was not appropraite. If I had known that I would not have purchased the overpriced wine and gone with a more reaonable choice. Overall a wonderful experience....
(4)David K.
Sorry...this place was a big disappointment. Used the gilt city coupon menu and other than the filet everything was very mediocre. First off, ribs at a fancy joint like this? Come on, I can get ribs anywhere, and these weren't even good. Next I had a Caesar salad, not even authentic, where were the anchovies? It didn't even come with shaved reggiano. Okay, you got me on the filet, one of the best I've ever had, it came with a cooked tomato, no other side. The dessert, shared one each with the wife, the cheesecake and the pumpkin whatever. Have had much much better. Sorry, I'm usually not critical but I have to say besides the filet this meal was very average. If they are trying to introduce people to the restaurant with this discount deal, it's not working, i doubt whether we'll go back. There are much better restaurants for a lot less money. Absolutely positively nothing special.
(2)Andy T.
The food here defiantly is a winner. Modern cuisine with a ecletic menu.. We ordered steaks, lamb, and a salad. Everything was cooked to perfection, along with a dinner supervised by an attentive wait staff. The atmosphere of the restaurant is almost "loungy", and it made me want to order a drink, and relax. Very cool spot, overall. They loose a star for overbooking the restaurant, We had to wait 45 minutes past our reservation, for a table.
(4)Roberto B.
As the Herald touted I was prepared to be "wowed" and as Wine Spectator gave them a 2010 Award for one of the most outstanding restaurant Wine Lists in The World (80 wines by the glass now available) and with a new renovation I felt it was time to revisit The Forge for Miami Spice. Now I've been in Miami for 25 plus years and I used to be an active freelance writer on the Miami Beach scene so I am no stranger to The Forge's ability to throw down a good soiree merely by being in the presence of its old school luster and charm. But the renovation has really taken The Forge up a notch in my book - this place is a gem in the crown jewel collection of what makes Miami Beach a tourist destination. And with the new innovative menu (that is actually not that pricey for the selections and ambience) after a brief return for a Miami Spice dinner, I will be putting this on my list of places to return in future months. My partner started out with a gazpacho soup that looked as delicious as she enthused it was - you would think that in a city with as much Latin influence as Miami we'd have a plethora of restaurants who can turn out a good gazpacho but that's not necessarily the case. It isn't just a matter of "less is more" to bring good game to the soup - you have to have a certain turn of hand to create that lustrous mixture of tomatoes, bread and spices to create a shimmering pool of crimson that is pleasing to both palate and eye. I tucked into the wedge of lettuce with signature Maytag blue cheese dressing - a wedge that was easily a half head of iceberg lettuce and boy was that scrumptious. The breads and butter - divine. Each different piece of bread roll was like a confection from a private bakery (which I imagine The Forge probably has). I have to admit I did have a little trouble navigating the 50 plus page wine list - my eye caught the phrase "French Bordeaux 23" which I thought was a heads up to a super bargain on low end Bordeaux but apparently that was the table of contents telling me to turn to page 23 for the selection of French reds - ok, even I giggled. My partner and I did easily find, however, an Argentine malbec at $28 so we weren't too much off target. Let's just say - this is a really BIG BOOK. If only schoolwork had been so challenging who knows where I'd be today? Main courses: My partner opted for the Filet Mignon; and let's not kid ourselves - The Forge is a steakhouse par excellence, a chance to dive into their Filet on a pre-fixe Spice Menu? Well sure! But I had been here for a Spice Menu two years back and I knew what to expect - it was a beautiful presentation, but that piece of meat qualifies as appetizer in my book - too too small. With this in mind I put some thought into the other choices and opted for the roasted chicken - ah this is a culinary delight! With roasted blue Peruvian potatoes and a scrumptious chicken broth au jus on the side - well let's just say my partner had long ago dispatched with her filet and I had to take half my bird home. Dessert? Partner opted for the light and airy flourless chocolate torte and I went for the cheesecake - both were spot on divine. Couple these great meal with the ambience of being served in what I take it was a mock-up library section of the newly remodeled Forge (replete with some beautiful stained glass that makes you feel you're in a belle epoque dining room in Europe - and our gracious server Ashley (a cross between Kate Winslet and Leighten Meester she was a treat herself and she didn't laugh at my wine gaffe) - it was a night to remember. I'm coming back Mr. Malnick
(5)Paul M.
I have not been to the Forge since their renovation and I have to say that the venue looks great. We came here to celebrate a friend's engagement and had reservations for a party of 7 at 9:30. The hostess instructed us to wait by the bar until a table was ready. It was a Friday night so the place was packed. I'll say the vibe was pretty cool with just the right speed of music to keep it going but not a full-blown nightclub experience. Although we had a great time having drinks at the bar I was a little disappointed that we were finally seated at 11:00 PM. 1.5 hour wait WITH a reservation is never good. We were seated at a nice table in the back and was surprised to find out it was Miami Spice. I'm glad that they actually gave us those menus without having to ask for them like some other places. Some of our table ordered from the regular menu, but I opted for the Spice as it was a very good deal. I started with the shrimp appetizer which was awesome. The shrimp were very large and delicious. The cerviche was also excellent. For the main I had the petit Filet which was cooked perfectly and was definitely full afterward. My buddy had the 14oz bone in filet which he could not finish. I tried it and the petit filet was just as good. The wife had the Arcitc Char which was EXCELLENT. I was a little annoyed that the server tried to give us the bill before our deserts came. After we pointed this out it took and additional 30 minutes for the desserts to finally come out. By the time we left it was probably near 4 hours we had been there. Overall I would say that the food and venue are great. The exorbitant wait for a table and the dessert fiasco were big negatives. Still, if you are looking for a place to impress a date with a great vibe I would probably recommend as long as you know what you are getting into.
(3)A. L.
The Forge was a staple in mid-beach. It was a place of dreams. I always thought I was in an old classic 50s movie there. Not anymore. They changed it from a special place into a circus: Think "Mangos" South Beach. What's worse is the food was sub par and drinks way over priced. Gone are Donald Trump, Bill Gates, Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan as visitors. Here are Bachelorette parties from Hialeah, Opa Locka, Kansas, and your regular "douche" button up shirt "wanna be' scenesters. Not their fault. They had to keep up with all the steakhouses in Miami Beach so they changed. Fine. But dam- got the Miami Spice menu last Friday night and the Kale Salad was great, bread was great, but the Filet Mignon they poured McDonalds sweet and sour sauce all over it. Might was put ketchup on it. I know from friends of mine who are chefs that they put sauce on ":cheap" cuts of meat. Do you really have to cut corners for Miami Spice. Other than that the evening was OK, performances were OK. Yeah, they have one song every hour where someone sings. What you pay for - loud bachelorette parties, one song an hour, and decent overpriced food. Its just not what it used to be. Positives- Wait staff was very efficient and friendly. Bartenders not bad, but not great. Negatives- (above) Do not come here on a Friday with a date. Come here on an off night. If you have guy friends, girl friends, come for one drink and dip.
(2)Brenda P.
As a (former) big fan of The Forge, I have lost count of how many times I have dined at the restaurant in the last 15 years. I've celebrated it all since the pre-Yelp and pre-Opentable days. The most memorable for me would have to be my birthday party held in the private wine cellar and attending their Caymus dinner in the back banquet space. The Forge, for me, has always been that "sure-thing" I could always count on: always a class act, deep Miami Beach roots, and exceptional food. I have been meaning to return to try out the new chef's cuisine and was able to finally visit last week. I walked in and was greeted by Hardy. Well, that was a nice surprise. Hardy Hill, formerly of Big Brother (I'm a huge BB nerd) and who I last saw at (the sadly now-closed) Catch Miami. That wasn't the only change. I heard the music right away. I didn't give it much thought thinking it was perhaps the tail end of their happy hour in the bar area, but that was not the case. Old and young Miami Beach were all in attendance. What a mix of people! We sat down right away. Our waiter had to keep bending down, uncomfortably close to speak to us because it was just so damn loud. I need to point out that I don't necessarily mind loud music in restaurants. That just has never been the thing at The Forge and not what I thought I was doing on this particular night. From what I can remember, before the remodeling, the music was always towards the back of the restaurant and never at these kinds of decibels. It can be that the structure is just not meant to hold that kind of level? The acoustics are definitively off in there. As for the music, it was a cross between EDM and lounge music: not as upbeat as EDM and not as slow as lounge tunes. What I do know is that it was the same thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump,thump, FOR AN HOUR. NO LYRICS. NO TEMPO CHANGE. JUST thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump. Then, in a random change, the "DJ" (or someone) played (freestyle) "Diamond Girl." Huh? Only to then thump thump it again for about 5 minutes. Then, he/she/it played Yaz's "Situation" and back to the thump. *Check out the 3 videos I uploaded* But wait, there's more! A spotlight came on and a (jazz or something like it) singer came out for ONE song. Again, it was all off because it was SO.DAMN.LOUD. Once she was done, you guessed it, back to the thump thump thump. So, in a nutshell. Thumps for an hour. Diamond Girl. Thumps. Situation.Thumps. Jazz. Thumps. I could not get out of there fast enough. The food? Oh yeah, the food. Who could think of the food in the midst of all that madness? I will say that I loved the foie gras-cronut appetizer and the table side prepared Caesar salad. The salad was fun and definitively a one time deal because it's overpriced. As good as it was, it's still just a salad. The Colorado rack of lamb was smaller than I'm used to, not the best I've ever had (like at Wolfgang's), but it was good. My husband seemed to enjoy his sea bass. I didn't love the PB&J wontons, but did enjoy the Dark Chocolate Napoleon. Another sour point to my night? The bathroom attendant. Again with the club thing. The Forge has one of the coolest bathrooms on the beach and perhaps the most photographed one. Everyone photographs themselves inside the opulent, chic mirror framed interior. Well, that just got ruined. The bathroom attendant has a huge spread of hairspray, brushes, make up, yadda yadda cluttering up the counter. And really, why do we need an attendant? Are we dancing? Sweating? Is it too hard to pump our own soap and grab our own towels to dry our hands after we wash them? Was dinner that strenuous that I need backup help to look perfect? GTFOH! I feel like the restaurant is trying way too hard to compete with it's southernmost SOBE sibling and I really don't think it needs to reinvent itself to be that way. Why? It has always been full when I visited before as it was now. I've never put say, STK and The Forge in the same sentence. If I want the clubby feel with my dining I will head to (soon to reopen) STK, a place like Baoli, or any of the frivolous-trendy-never lasting- restaurants in South Beach. Lastly, their policy of not allowing outside wine with a corkage fee is outdated. While I always put up with it before because of my love for the place, I am certainly over it now. It's a big deal considering I am paying (up to) four times, over retail, for bottles I have at home. Not worth it. I hope they rethink this phase, go back to their roots, and start behaving like the Miami Beach ICON that has always been The Forge. Until then, I'm out!
(3)Eddyg M.
Our family of five came here for the Miami Spice menu. Our son is getting ready to return to FSU & this was our last fancy meal before he goes. We had never been before. Our waiter was Endy Morffi. His attention to detail was excellent! He was very thorough explaining the history of the restaurant, as well as the providing tid bits on the decor. At the end of the meal he gave us a tour of the establishment. He was great at conversation & customer service. We had a marvelous waiter & a wonderful time. Our appetizers were yellow fin tuna tartare, bleu cheese wedge salad & French onion soup. Our entrees were filet mignon & the salmon. Our deserts were the chocolate lava cake & lemon pound cake. We were thrilled with the meal. Very delicious! The Miami Spice menu at The Forge changes weekly. We can easily go back and have another great experience.
(5)Nicole C.
The Forge was absolutely fabulous they treat my hunny like a King on his Birthday. The food was so fresh the waiters was so nice and the Wine was great and I'm not big on wine. They gave us first class service and its was so worth the check and much more
(5)Belinda B.
So this is my second Forge experience, the first was almost flawless...this second was flawless! From the first step under the entrance awning to the entire wait staff (can we bookmark a waitstaff on yelp? I'm bookmarking Jonathan from NYC) to the mixologist (mad scientist) to the manager (great table-side convo) to the beautiful lady that helped me in the restroom! Flawless. Wait...I'm forgetting something, oh, yes!, my meal was impeccable! Sweet and savory, soft and crispy, elegant and rustic breads accompanied by creamy butter, whimsical tuna tartare with scallion pancakes, salmon cooked perfectly with fresh greens, beautiful lemon pound cake to complete my meal...and a nice, crisp Riesling. Can I say more? Yes, but go experience it for yourself and tell me what you think. According to my daughter, The Forge is the best restaurant in Miami. I concur.
(5)Kim C.
This restaurant was like something out of a dream. Beautiful architecture and a warm ambiance makes your dining a true experience. Live entertainment on Saturday nights too! Came during MiamiSpice restaurant week and had a three-course meal for an unbelievable $39! Our server, Matthew, was phenomenal; very attentive, informative, and even gave my party a private tour of the grounds. The Forge is a must for your visit!!
(5)Celine M.
Really good, amazing, fun atmosphere. Our waiter Neil delivered incredible service. We sat down immediately as well it was perfect, we made our reservation on the open table app. Def recommend the fillet minion, 10 oz burger and chicken! Kale salad as an appetizer I don't recommend Chocolate smores soufflé is INCREDIBLE !! Live music and dj. Can get a bit loud.
(5)Kearstin E.
It would definitely be 5 stars for the service and the breathtaking style and architecture- but I have to account for the food too unfortunately. I'm really disappointed by their filet mignon. The edges were charred and it fully took away from the flavor of the meat; it just killed it. I've been to many fancy steakhouses and never have they done this to my meat- and on top of that, they didn't even ask my permission to cook it that way. The bread was also nothing special and left me needing to down my wine to get the taste out of my mouth. The only item truly worth consuming was the chocolate lava cake desert- it was rich and heavenly. Also while we were there, on one side of us was a young couple throwing a fit in the middle of the restaurant. The woman was raising her voice and cussing and stamped out multiple times to cry in the bathroom. On our other side was a pimp (seemingly) and two higher-class hookers. Lol- this place is definitely the place to come to people watch! The people that dine here have less class than people at Denny's! Still I would probably come back, give them another try, have their amazing desert, and take in the gorgeous art everywhere. Do not order steak- if you like to enjoy the actual flavor of your meat. Bring a camera to capture the Jerry Springer episode unfolding throughout the dining room. Check out of the wine cellar- it's definitely a sight to see.
(3)Bill H.
Our Tour Guide from South Beach Culinary Tours (great tour, see review) recommended this place to us for our last night. It's a fairly ritzy place where she said you never know who you may see there. Enter into a very cool looking main dining room. Each table with more than two chairs has a funky bench or super high back armchairs. Take a look at some photos. Music playing (it may too loud / distracting for some so be warned) constantly. Waiters were attentive at beginning but service tended to dwindle once served. Selection of breads was excellent. Could have made a meal out of that focaccia and toasted raisin crisps alone. We ordered sea bass and mushroom risotto and both were delicious. Risotto was a bit cheesy and very filling, but delicious. Sea bass was cooked perfectly. We were excited about dessert as they have a selection of soufflés. We couldn't decide between grand mariner and pistachio but went with grand mariner. Waiter didn't write it down and came back out to confirm and we told him grand marnier. We were served pistachio instead. It was delicious nonetheless and we didn't bother to say anything. In fact we had trouble spotting our waiter and it wasn't a busy night. Another staff member deliver dessert and settled our bill. Not sure what happened to him. After dinner we asked the hostess if we could look around since we heard there are some cool private rooms and she escorted us to this area. She was very nice and snapped some photos of us as well. Overall a wonderful dining experience.
(4)Amy D.
Solid steakhouse in Miami with excellent service. My friend made reservations for a party of 4 at 8pm on a Saturday night, and they were packed- definitely make sure you have a reservation if you're dining here on the weekend! We were seated right after we arrived, and we ordered: -Complimentary Bread Basket: I liked that you got a variety of different breads, and they were good, but not amazing. I think I liked the plain butter roll the best. -Yellowfin Tuna Wellington (Wild Mushrooms, Spinach, Foie Gras, Red Wine Reduction, $36, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Not so great, and fishy smelling/tasting. We were all looking forward to trying this inventive dish, but it was so disappointing! And for some reason, one piece smelled and tasted fishy whereas the other one didn't- despite the fishiness, I didn't think the ingredients worked well together and wouldn't order this again. -16oz Spiced Rubbed Boneless Ribeye ($45, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Yum- the rib eye was seasoned well and cooked perfectly. I wish the cut had more fat in it, but I liked that it had a really good sear. -Black Truffle Mac & Cheese Pot Pie ($14) & Roasted Brussels Sprouts w/Duck Confit ($10) [ yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… : Both sides were good, although I liked the mac n cheese a bit more. -Crispy Loaded Baked Potato ($12, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Surprisingly, this potato was actually too crispy for my liking, and I wished the sour cream, etc was served in the potato vs. in separate little containers for you to do it yourself. However, my friend really liked the crispiness of the potato, so it really depends on your preference- I wouldn't order it again though. -Espresso ($6): Nice and strong, and a great way to end the meal. Our server was amazing, and I wish I had remembered his name. He was attentive but not overbearing, and was also super accommodating about taking a group photo for us. We also requested a tour of the wine room, which is a must if you have time and are interested in wine- their room is amazing, and they have some great stories to tell. You also get to see the private dining table in the wine room where past presidents and celebrities have dined at. My only complaint is with the live music- some of the songs were good, but it's really hard to find songs that all of the diners would enjoy hearing, and it was more distracting then entertaining. Overall, The Forge is a great place to go for a nice dinner/special occasion (dressing up highly recommended), with the swanky ambiance and excellent service. Parking in this area seemed tough, although they have valet available.
(4)Francine S.
What a beautiful birthday experience at The Forge! My serve Audrey was very informative not only about the food but about the history of the restaurant itself! Audrey was very attentive and professional, she made my dining experience very special indeed!!!
(5)Katrina L.
I've been wanting to try this restaurant for a while and Miami Spice gave me the perfect opportunity to do so. I cannot rave enough about the food and the service!! I had the wedge salad, petite filet mignon and the chocolate lava cake for dessert-- the filet mignon was cooked to perfection and the chocolate lava cake melted in my mouth! I had their signature drink called Smoke on the Water...wow! The flair in which it was presented was sensational...the smoking and the bubbling of the drink was an event and the taste was sublime! I will definitely come back here again very soon. Hmm, my birthday is in December...
(5)Dan C.
I went with the Travelzoo deal for $99 and I was not one bit impressed. They give you a Travelzoo prefix menu with choices: 3 appetizers, 3 main entrees, and 2 desserts. It also includes 2 glasses of either white wine or red wine per person. So the place itself is gorgeous and very spacious. Beautiful and expensive looking decor. The lights were too dim for our liking. Our choices: For appetizer: German Ale and cheese soup: Completely bland so we added salt which brought out a lot of the flavors. It had duck in it which tasted really good. Salmon tartare: Such a shame here... nice amount of salmon but it was overwhelmed by the taste of the cream cheese on top. It had so much potential :( Entrees: Filet Mignon with brussel sprouts: I ate about half but the smell of the steak was awful...I couldn't force myself to eat it anymore. The brussel sprouts were too salty. The Grouper: Nice size of grouper. This was really simply done so it tasted really good. Dessert: The molten lave chocolate cake was the highlight of this night. Delicious. And the tiny scoop of coffee ice cream was good. The wine was a mystery. The one they offered us was none of the ones in the menu and remained nameless. The server would just bring a cup from the back and fill your wine cup. Weird. It was fine. Probably a good cheap wine. The verdict: I'm sure that based on previous reviews this restaurant has a lot of good things to offer but based on the sample we received, we were left wondering if they are really as good as the ratings claim.
(2)Nestor M.
I highly recommend the beef and tuna tartar. My spice was a great value and you cannot beat the ambiance or the scenery
(5)Kimberly B.
Wow wow wow wow wow!!!! Came with a large group of 15 or so and had the private room with the extra large table & chairs. That alone is enough to make you feel fabulous. I ordered the filet with a side of bernaise sauce and the meat just melted in your mouth. The truffle fries were delicious. After our meal we left the room and the main area had a DJ, dancing girls & a great night vibe. I would highly recommend coming here on a date or with a group of girlfriends!
(5)Ashley K.
Well worth the price! My husband and I recently went there for my birthday. You walk im and the wait staff immediately makes you feel welcomed and comfortable. We ordered the NY strip and the filet. The Filet was the most tender, flavorful steak we had ever tasted. Our server made a great recommendation. The smores souffle was decadent, but light and fluffy. Everything was to perfection!
(5)Kyle O.
I have been to "The Forge" a few times in the past which always provides great service, delicious food and the best atmosphere in Miami. However, I was never aware of the history of this Miami Staple. I got the chance to see some of the private rooms tonight. Truly amazing. Thank you Danilo for the excellent customer service, I look forward to doing my next business event here.
(5)Shayla B.
From the moment you feast your eyes on the Alice in Wonderland decor, you will realize why the Forge has been a Miami institution for 40 plus years. We arrived on R & B night (Sunday), where they serve $50 bottles of Moët and the same at $10/ glass. Our bartender Renzo, was pouring up a concoction called 'Smoke on the Water' which I'm definitely going to try next time.The ambiance was fun, the food, exquisite, and the music kept us dancing in our seats. Our server, Richard guided us through our courses seamlessly. The beef tartare is to die for and the Salmon entree provided on the Miami Spice menu ( a special prix fixe menu offered during the months of August and September) was delish!!! I highly recommend this restaurant on ANY night as it is sure to please.
(5)elizabeth m.
I will begin by stating that this is my first visit to the Forge Restaurant. I invited my sister and we had a wonderful experience. First of all our server Audrey was exceptional she had a smile on her face from the moment she came to our table. She answered all of our questions and gave us prompt, courteous and efficient service. The food was delicious we both had the German and Cheese soup followed by a filet mignonette and the chocolate lava cake. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. The service and food were so great we had to tell the manager in person. He was very humble and gracious. I would rate this dining experience a 10+. If you ever choose to dine at The Forge, which I highly recommend please make sure to ask for Audrey, you will be happy you did.
(5)Dania V.
visited for Miami spice wonderful food. Perfect portions, excellent service. We had grouper and file mignon, they were both excellent. The lava cake dessert was to die for
(5)Michelle L.
I'm not really sure if our experience applies for every night but here goes for what you can expect on a Friday night at the Forge. We had reservations for dinner at 9. My friend wanted to have a nice birthday dinner. We walk in and it is extremely hot and packed inside. We give the host our names and she says there is a wait for our table for four but to go to the bar and enjoy some drinks.. We head to the main bar to wait for our table and the music is blarring all sorts of 80s freestyle classics, which was fun, and the special is on Veuve champagne $10 a glass $50 a bottle. We dive in. Time passes and still no word on our table. Finally an hour has passed from our initial 9 pm reservation and the host says, "the guests have finished at your table but they simply wont get up." I guess people hang out at their tables because Friday nights this place is sort of a dinner lounge party atmosphere. Hour and a half and we are finally seated. Normally if I know this is going to happen I would just have drinks and bites at the bar but my friend wanted a dinner so by 10:30 pm we were starved!! We are escorted finally to where our table was. Yes the room is beautiful but it is hard to take in this beauty when we are hungry and hot! "The AC is not working correctly tonight" says our waiter. It's August and the service staff here must be dying. I find all of this to be unacceptable at "The Forge" Ok now for the pros: The Miami Spice menu was good and the filet mignon was delicious. Highly indicative that this place has a great steak on their menu. I would definitely return for that but on a different night where music isnt blarring and the restaurant feels more like an intimate setting rather than Club Babylon from the movie Scarface!
(3)Peter G.
One word Amazing! Had dinner here last night and everything was perfect. I had the 8oz center cut filet it was to die for. Javier was our server very attentive and always with a smile. Everyone makes you feel like royalty. Only one thing i was uncomfortable with was the restrooms have an attendant there and i'm not to fond of that. Overall excellent experience, Thank you Forge.
(5)Daniela O.
The place is very nice, it is very chic and retro, the downside is that they charge you 20% tip regardless of the number of people eating at the table. I had the ceviche and it was awful, I honestly never return a plate but had to do it because the taste of the fish was very bad. In summary I think is a very fancy place, very expensive and the food is so so
(3)Javier M.
Arrived with a large group of ten for a bachelor party and were seated promptly. The decor of the restaurant is excellent and has a mix between intimate but still very live and outgoing. We were seated in the back room, where the bachelor was seated in a giant black chair "Scarface" style which was pretty cool. The rest of us were seated on some metal chairs that weren't particularly comfortable but I can appreciate the restaurant trying to be different and cool. For cocktail I had a mad mango which was excellent. For an appetizer I had a caesar salad which was really, really good. Make sure to try it when you go. They make it at your table with fresh ingredients and it was really the best part of the meal. The wine was also very good. Then it got bad which gave this restaurant 3 stars instead of 4. I may have ordered the wrong thing. Some of the other people in my party enjoyed their main course. For an entree I had the ribeye which was not good. It was dry and really had no real taste to it. As a side they serve you with a sort of bbq sauce which was equally as bad. As a side dish I had the mashed potatoes which were AWFUL. I mean really how can you mess up mashed potatoes? The Forge is worth a try if you are in Miami or around that area. However, be weary of what you order because not everything is good. Overall, I wish I could give this restaurant 3 1/2 stars. Definitely, not four star worthy.
(3)Lizzie P.
Be prepared to spend a lot of money!!! its expensive AND KNOW THAT THE TIPS IN MIAMI ARE ADD TO THE BILL... check your bill.. I was very disappointing about the food... very expensive and NOT tasty at all,,, ceviche was beautiful on the plate, but flavorless.. The place is beautiful, but very dissapointing to see some people walking in in shorts and flipflops.. This should NOT be allowed by the restaurant management. Most everyone dresses up for the occasion, why not make it classier all the way!!! NO SHORTS NO FLIP-FLOPS
(2)Michelle C.
My husband took me here to celebrate my birthday. It was a nice trendy restaurant with great decor. It's Miami Spice restaurant month so they had a great deal for prix fix menu, which included appetizer, filet mignon, and molten cake. I highly recommend coming here to try their $39/person prix fixe for dinner.
(3)Foodie Lawyer I.
This place is gorgeous, the service is warm and friendly, and their drinks are delicious. They get 5 stars for those aspects. However, the food, while good, was underwhelming for a place of this caliber. I would certainly go there again but not with the same expectation of the impeccable flavors that I enjoyed there several years ago. Started this evening off with a delicious carrot ginger drink from their cocktail menu which was made with an assortment of fresh juices. Very delicious. The bread basket had a lot of interesting variety, including a white roll with macadamia nuts inside of it, served with whipped butter and sea salt. The offbeat options were exciting to try out but the tastes were not that notable except for the Parmesan crisps, which were yummy. The French onion soup was well-presented however it did not have that rich, hearty, beefy taste and huge chunks of onion that I am accustomed to. They try to make it stand out with beef carpaccio and crusted bread accompaniments, but I could not taste the sherry and found it a bit light and bland for such a heavy starter. I was having so much fun enjoying the atmosphere and the company of our waiter, Endy Morfi (sounds like Andy Murphy but not to be confused with Eddie Murphy) that I didn't even mind. And, I'm usually pretty picky. The filet mignon with potatoes and asparagus were restaurant quality but not in the same league as some higher end steak houses or a solid night at Ruth's Chris. The cut of meat was high quality and it was cooked to the correct temperature but the sear was not ideal, it was not very seasoned and was covered in gravy that reminded me in taste of Salisbury steak and that was a tad too salty for my taste (to be fair, I'm not that into salty). IMHO, it may have been better if they removed the sauce and added some butter when they cooked the steak, instead. My friend really enjoyed the mashed/puréed potatoes but, ideally, I prefer a thicker texture, less fat and only a pinch of salt. It was tasty but nothing to write home about. The meal was accompanied by some lovely house wine. We were so full that when the deserts arrived, we had them wrapped up to take home. I only had a little bite of the chocolate molten cake and it was very good with some inventive accent flavors. Endy was amusing and very attentive. He took us for a long tour of the facilities, including wine cellars and private rooms, and regaled us with amusing stories and historical anecdotes about The Forge. We were really impressed by his patience and willingness to snap photos of us in all of these rooms, even when we were his last table of the night. We simply adored him. Ask for Endy (sounds like Andy) if you visit. I would love to return for cocktails, happy hour, dinner, a party or an event but mainly because of the multi-faceted and aesthetically pleasing environment and the exceptionally welcoming and attentive service. There is much attention to detail and the staff seems to take a lot of pride in where they work. And, I appreciate that they use fresh juices in their drinks and look forward to trying others on the menu. In my opinion, the food was adequate at that price point considering the atmosphere and history of the place but there is room for improvement. This is based on only one recent visit (I had not been there in years) and, in full disclosure, it was a Tuesday night so I may need to go again on a weekend and try some different menu items. This place has a rich history and it is very cool looking so it is worth checking out at least once.
(4)Matt P.
Great service at bar for Miami Spice stop over. The menu and quality was tiptop. I highly recommend this to anyone.
(5)Charlotte H.
I celebrated my 25th Birthday here! It Was absolutely delicious! I ordered the filet mignon with the Mac and cheese pot pie! So amazing! Everyone in my party was extremely satisfied with their meals as well. The atmosphere is out of this world. You feel as though you are in a lush restaurant in a Hollywood movie. I gave this place 4 stars because they were a little disorganized with how they take reservations. I had called one month in advanced to make a reservation for 15. When I called the night before to confirm they had no record of my reservation...Even though I had put a card on file. I had to put up quite a fight for them to fit me back in. The manager fid a good job of correcting the error though. All in all it was a great experience; I highly recommend it!
(4)Nicole W.
I dined here on July 4th. For a Friday night the place was empty, so we pretty much had our waiters undivided attention. This place is beautiful. The dining room we were seated in had a large chandelier that took my breath away! The seating was very unique and comfortable. Many of the tables had sofa like seating, and some tables had chairs that could accommodate a giant! The ambiance here was truly incredible, making it a great place to celebrate a special occasion. I noticed some reviewers mentioned the music being too loud. It wasn't, however a place that elegant, should have more refined music. We started out with cocktails and wine. Both were good. For appetizers, we ordered the French onion soup and the Diver Sea Scallop Ceviche. My friend wasn't too impressed with the scallop ceviche as he felt it needed more flavor. I thought the onion soup was just okay, but the 2 small servings of beef carpaccio that adorned the top were awesome! They should consider making that into an appetizer!! For the main course, we ordered the Miso marinated Chilean Sea Bass,16oz Boneless Ribeye with a side of Béarnaise, truffled Mac and Cheese Pot Pie, and the Mexican Corn. They were all awesome, but the portion of the Sea Bass was skimpy. Not worth $44! The Ribeye was nicely seasoned and cooked to perfection. It had a nice crust on the outside...just superb. The Mac n Cheese was creamy and flavorful, but I didn't care too much for the "pot pie" type crust that topped it. Despite that, it was still fabulous. The Mexican corn was pretty good, but I wasn't wowed by it. Still a decent choice though. For dessert, we ordered the Grand Marnier Soufflé. I didn't like it. The sauce that accompanied it was too eggy! I wish we would have ordered the Chocolate instead. They have quite a few interesting desserts on the menu. Next time, I'm definitely trying the Blacksmith Pie (chocolate ganache, vanilla custard, whipped cream, chips ahoy). Good lord, it sounds heavenly! Overall, The Forge serves up some great food! It's very pricey though! Dinner for two with the above, 3 beverages and 2 cappuccinos came to almost $300 with their included 20% gratuity. Very much worth it, in my opinion, and I can't wait to return!
(5)Laurie B.
Food was great. Ambience beautiful.Filet very tender. Desserts beyond. Biggest complaint I had is they overcharged us $50.00 on the bill . Waitress said she read the #s wrong. Waiting for it to be settled. Otherwise highly recommend.
(4)Amanda P.
Pretty good restaurant. The service started out kind of crappy at first when the lady found out that we were part of the Gilt menu (I figured maybe because she thought we were cheap, I don't know) but then she completely changed her mood once the food came and everything was fine! The gilt was definitely worth it but I probably wouldn't visit again. Oh... And the bread was AMAAAAAAAAZING, I wanted a second baskets
(3)Larry C.
The best of the best Dean their wine expert is so knowledgeable and caring because for most people wine selection intimidating but not here The GM Miki really watches all services and the food is so well prepared I am saving up to go again
(5)Mark K.
Delicious restaurant. Great service and awesome atmosphere. You'll enjoy yourself no matter what the occasion. CHEERS!
(5)Angelica M.
Amazing food, service & ambiance/decor. They made the salad right in front of us at our table, they steak & chicken was excellent, and in large portions. The s'more soufflé dessert was also awesome and you order it before your meal because it takes 40 minutes to make. The lights changed to blue/purple around 8pm and there was live music/a DJ. Very cool experience all around and our server was excellent.
(5)Talisha M.
Forgot how much I love this place! Amazing steaks, drinks, decor, people watching, & music! What else could a girl want?!
(4)Tamia G.
Wow! What an AMAZING Happy Hour! I accompanied my friends to the Forge's 6-9pm Friday night happy hour, featuring Veuve Clicquot champagne for $100 bottle; $175 for rosé; or, $10 per flute. Plus, they passed several delicious Chef's Choice complimentary hors d'oeuvres in the bar area. We sat in Renzo's section and had an awesome experience. Both Renzo and Frankie kept pouring and ensuring that our glasses were filled with Veuve Clicquot. Plus, they made sure our snack plates had samplings of the chefs' tasty offerings. Aside from the opulence of the Forge and the packed house, this restaurant has several interesting aspects. The chandelier are all whimsical and slightly askew; the tables are all dressed like the most classy French restaurant; and, even the restrooms are custom designed. They also have an amazing wine cellar, which boasts very rare vintages. Plus, their private party room is fit for royalty and exquisite fine dining. I'll be sure to keep this fantastic gem in frequent rotation! Almost forgot... They had a DJ, who played "dance from your seat" good music. The entire bar area jammed for hours. At times, we even got up to dance around our bar stools or in the DJ area. So FUN! He played the best of the 80's and kept folks from all genre grooving!
(5)E. L.
The outrageousness of the price, matched the deliciousness of the steak. 10/10 would go again if money was no object. Had the 16oz boneless ribeye. I can think of only one or two other steaks I've had that were as delicious. What stood out in particular was the spectacular crust. Had a little bit of spice (bite) to it that I really appreciated. The mac and cheese was also quite good.
(5)Mich P.
My new favorite spot in Miami! Went on a Friday night.. Great crowd.. $50 bottles of Veuve, had some free appetizers at the bar while we waited for the rest of our party to arrive, the decor of the entire restaurant is awesome- Alice in Wonderland sorta theme. Service was on point the entire time, very friendly and attentive..table-side Caesar salad was great, filet mignon was cooked perfect & tastes incredible.. Also had the special Soufflé, first time I ever had it as well, thought is was amazing!! Loved it! Also had some shots that were s'mores shots if I recall, but they were also amazing! Can't wait to go back! I've recommended to many!
(5)Elizabeth R.
Frank Sinata. Al Capone. P. Diddy. J. Lo. Just a few of the celebrities who have frequented The Forge over the years. Apparently, The Forge used to be many things before it was a restaurant. It was a residence to the wealthy, an inn for the tourists and a brothel for the horny. If the walls could talk in this place, you'd hear more scandalous stories than TMZ, Perez Hilton and The Inquirer combined. The Forge has an undeniable character and boasts a woodsy-chic decor that smells of rich mahogany and Sex Panther (60% of the time, it works every time). But, we ain't in San Diaaaago, friends. We are on Miami Beach. There is NOTHING in the City of Miami like The Forge. You can count on having a unique experience to be talked about for the ages. Where do I begin? I've been to The Forge twice, both times I dined with work cohorts and clients in their private rooms. EPIC private rooms, I should say. The first room I call: The Alice in Wonderland Room. The table is carved from a massive tree that can only exist in a forest next to Mordor. Don't get me started on the chairs. They are 9 feet high. I'm almost 6 feet fall without heels and I looked like a little baby sitting in this thing. The walls are coated with whimsical patterns and the lighting is part chandelier, part tree branch. The only unfortunate part about the seating arrangement is that you and your brethren are very spread out. You need to pretty much shout across the table to hear each other, but I am not complaining. The Mad Hatter would be pleased and maybe even show up on time for his date. The other room I call: The Grand Wine Cellar. Why? Well, because you are literally dining in their exclusive (and very chilly) wine cellar next to bottles of wine older than my Great Great Grandmother. The room is exquisitely beautiful with mirrored walls and a grand table that stretches the length of the room. Just off to the side are other rooms filled with even more wine - total value of the wine is upwards of $7 million bucks. I'll drink to that! On both occasions, we required the help of Dean, their Sommelier. Dean is a man who is a big teddy bear sweetheart who knows and loves his vino. I can point to a bottle on the shelf and he can tell me where it's from, when it was made, by who and what it would be paired well with without missing a beat. Seriously impressive, but then again, that is his job. Since these were both work functions, my boss got to pick the wine and I honestly could not tell you what it was. All I know, it was the smoothest, tastiest and most expensivest wine I've ever had. I felt like a superstar swirling wine in my glass like a true wine connoisseur would. But, I ain't no wine snob. Bring on the Yellow Tail and this girl is a happy camper. OK, finally, we have the food and service. OMFG. We ordered seafood towers overflowing with ceviche, monstrous prawns, east/west coast oysters, tuna tacos and king crab. I can't even! Succulent. Next in line is the main course. My boss decides to go family style and order plethora of crap from the menu. A little bit of the grilled Branzino with forbidden rice (which I find out is a Mediterranean fish), duck fat fries, t-bone tomahawk steaks with truffle butter, and truffled mac-n-cheese. I'm pretty sure I clogged an artery or two at dinner and will probably pay for this later in life, but it was just too damn good to worry about my diet. Last but not least, we have dessert. Chocolate souffle with Grand Marnier sauce for drizzling purposes. Sweet Jesus. Other honorable mentions include the s'mores/chocolate mousse thingy (see photo) and the key lime tart. Can't end my review without giving a major shout out to the servers who put up with our crazy requests and treated us no differently than Kanye, Kim and their entourage. Clearly I have nothing but great things to say about The Forge. Be prepared to put a hurting on your bank account and eat ramen noodles for the next month. But it's worth every penny my friends. Bon Appetit!
(5)Danielle G.
This restaurant was just gorgeous. The food was incredible. The server we had was very helpful with suggestions, especially suggesting something according to you're taste. The libations are delicious, fresh and beautiful. The night we went they had live singers that where wonderful. They made a point to sing to the birthday girl i was there with! We we're treated like royalty. I enjoyed everything we had! Definitely going back!
(5)Gigi M.
We went to the Forge for Miami Spice, and even though we had reservations we had to wait about 40 mins for to be seated. The atmosphere is very nice and trendy. I had the snapper and my friend had the filet mignon. They were both excellent! As a side we had sweet potato mash. I thought it was an excellent value for Miami Spice, otherwise be prepared to spend a lot as this restaurant is on the pricey side
(5)Mary M.
Hands Down the most handsome, pleasant hostess EVER. This guy really should be in politics: he could not have been more attentive or personable. To review our table: perfect for our birthday celebration, as it was NOT in the main dining room which seemed very loud, impersonal and only a place to be seen rather than a place to dine. Our server, Neal: Lovely. Smart. Funny. Our sommelier, Gino: Perfect. Kind and intelligent and completely behind our $55.00 wine choice (when prices were 20 times higher for many vintages). Our food: Fair. Beware the wild mushrooms: they most certainly are. Tasted like they'd just been foraged from the forest and put on the plate. Beware the $18 sides: they are barely enough for one. Beware the octopus appetizer: it comes on a soupy bed of pale yellow 'risotto' (really? That's risotto??) that was so watery and tasteless it almost made me feel bad for the octopus. A gazillion dollars, even during Miami Spice week, but fun nonetheless to say we finally went to this piece of Miami Beach history. Special thanks to Gino for the wine cellar tour. THAT was special.
(3)Deepan M.
What a beautiful historic place! When you enter, you are not sure where you are. The blend of artistic lights and tall chairs with amazing tables made with whole trees. Absolutely worth going just for the history. We went for a deal we got on Gilt that was a three course meal with wine. The appetizer onion soup with beef broth got all my senses open. An explosion of flavor! Everyone had different meals, from a nice filet, to pasta, to the salmon. They were all good. The place was a little loud and felt a little like a loud lounge. People were drinking at the bar and the dress code was definitely sportscoat or formal dress. Great fun night, but the thing I remember the most is the tour of the wine cellar and private rooms in the back. Breathtaking!
(5)Sevann H.
Went here for a work dinner while in Miami. We had a group of 50 or so and were seated in a private dining area. The rest of the restaurant seemed very nice, would definitely recommend dressing up for this place. We had a limited menu to choose from so I can't speak to all of the dishes but I did have a taste of my colleague's chicken, mashed potatoes and steamed spinach dish. The presentation was beautiful, chicken tender and delicious. My salmon was delicious, although nothing life-changing. It was served over a bed of couscous which had just enough flavor without too much salt. The salad we were served at the beginning of the meal was also beautifully plated. Deseret was a chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream. Fantastic! Can't speak to the price since the meal was free.
(4)Cherise I.
Stopped by a few days ago and had a wonderful experience. My friend was looking for crab cakes, and Forge was one of the only places we could find nearby that had them. From the moment we were greeted the service was phenomenal. This continued to the host that seated us, the server, and everyone else who stopped by the table. The variety of breads were super tasty. Loved the raisin and cinnamon sugar bread! They also had many much more traditional types. My friend loved the crab cakes and said he will definitely be back. I ordered a very simple salad with balsamic vinaigrette. It was very light and refreshing. And the presentation was different which I enjoyed. Besides the food, the decor was awesome. Loved that most 4 top tables had a chair that was definitely for the head of the table. My friend loved it! definitely a 5 star experience. Highly recommend!
(5)Oodia B.
I had the honor and pleasure to be invited to meet Anwar Zayden from the LegendofAnwar.com for dinner at the forge in Miami beach. I had no expectations, but i knew from the moment i walked in that the night was going to be spectacular. Our Waiter Nathan Gerve showed us 1st class service. I realize this is Anwars Favorite place, so I know they are going to be on their best behavior, but they went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. Even Shareef Malnik came out to take a picture with us. I felt like a king, we had a feast! The Stone Crab Claws were HUGE! After dinner, the general manager gave us a tour of the wine cellar. Wow is all i can say. It was a great night, with great company. And to top everything else off, Catherine Bach came over to say hello.
(5)Darian E.
I chose the Forge as the location to propose to my girlfriend (now fiance) during our Miami vacation. The food, ambiance, and service were nothing short of exceptional. Food (****1/2) - For dinner we shared a raw Yellowtail Tuna tartare which was rich and mixed in front of us with egg and 5 different sides. It was delicious and refreshing, with a slight asian-vibe that came together perfectly. We followed this with the 16oz Dry Aged Prime NY Strip "Super Steak", the restaurant's signature item, paired with a grand mariner green peppercorn sauce. The steak is among the best we ever had. The sauce, as recommended by our server, paired perfectly and made it spectacular. We finished with a dark chocolate Napoleon cake which was delicious and light and concluded the meal in great fashion. She had a glass of Pinot Grigio and I their blood and sand cocktail which were great in their own right. Ambiance (*****) - The environment in this restaurant is probably what stands out the most to me. Reading the restaurant's history, a number of renovations have been made over the last several years and it shows. A popular site for celebrities in decades past and an inspiration for the scene in Scarface, this place is well fitting of its reputation. The inside is a mix between Alice and Wonderland and an opulent palace, rich with high topped chairs poised like thrones and fancy tables scattered throughout the room. The main dining area is bisected by a triple arch reminiscent of Moorish Spain architecture. In the back is a cozy library filled with books and stained glass, including a few original Tiffany pieces and a Chandelier bought from the Kennedy family's old White House collection. A courtyard was present in the back and a large wine cellar as well (although it was hosting a private event and we did not see it). Most impressive, is that our server and random staff members all knew a great deal about the restaurant's history and the original source of many of its pieces. Service (*****) - Perhaps most impressive of our experience was the service. All of the employees were remarkably friendly, approachable, and seemed happy, nay, honored, to be working there. Christophe was our server that evening and as we toured the restaurtant after the meal he told us much about the place's history, complete with dates and names. It was quite impressive. Given this restaurant's reputation, I chose this as the venue for my engagement proposal and I wasn't disappointed at all. Reservations were easy (albeit I did do this on a Tuesday night), and I called ahead to notify them of the special nature of the dinner the afternoon prior. The manager took note to sit us in one of the nicer tables in the corner, and helped me present the ring in a way my now fiance loved. The entire restaurant applauded and congratulated us throughout the night and the entire experience was excellent. They even treated us to two complementary glasses of champagne, which really capped off the night. Overall, I'd recommend the Forge to anyone who is looking for great food and an amazing ambiance and service. For the special occasion or just a night on the town I recommend it wholeheartedly.
(5)Kwan L.
Came here with a party of 7 for their Miami Spice menu. It was pretty packed for a Monday night. 1st time dining here & it's definitely impressive. The exterior does a great job hiding the distinctive architecture design within. Miami Spice menu is simple, I started with the French onion soup, next is the grilled swordfish, then followed by molten chocolate cake. The soup needed a touch more salt, but I rather under-salted than over salt. The swordfish portion was less than the other option which is the filet mignon. It was good none the less. Chocolate cake was a nice touch at the end. In addition to our meals, we also ordered the tomahawk steak which we all shared. The steak was definitely a man's steak. 40oz dry aged prime piece of meat. It's suggested for 2 but can feed more. Overall it was a great experience. Will definitely come back & explore the rest of the menu.
(4)Dominique M.
I had a sincerely phenomenal dining experience !!! I have been there many times before but the service, entertainment and food was beyond expectations. From our waiter, Christopher's attention to detail, attentiveness and personality and the live performance it was really amazing! The Salmon Tartar and Filet Mignon to die for! The service at the bar was not as detailed and friendly but I had a Vesper (Signature Drink) at the bar afterwards and it was great too.
(5)Shawn H.
Ate dinner here. I had the Chilean Sea Bass. It was outstanding. I was with a group of co-workers. A few others had the Rack of Lamb but I think the Sea Bass was the winner. The ambience was very nice. Upscale but not over the top. A house DJ plays music while you eat. Sounded like we were in a club at some points. They even had live entertainment. Throughout the night at various sites throughout the restaurant they would set up a mic stand, shine a spotlight and a singer would sing. It was a great touch. I highly recommend this restaurant. Oh yeah, the drinks were outstanding too!!
(5)Alejandra S.
Great service and great ambience. Food was okay. We had the Filet Mignon however the sides it came with could, mash and asparagus should have some seasoning.
(4)N S.
From the moment that we walked into the door we were treated respectfully and curiously. The maître de, Hardy, could not seat us on time and in a more than generous gesture bought us a round of drinks. After waiting longer he even compt our dessert. Once we were seated the food was extraordinary. Our foigrois was out of this world and the desserts were freshly made and delicious. The steaks were organic fair I don't believe they were prime but they were very fresh. The wait staff, especially Neil, was excellent and clearly professional. On top of all the great food service and ambiance, there was live music. Truly a wonderful experience and must for anyone living or traveling to the area. Kudos.
(5)Lindsay K.
LOVED this place! The food & wine was 100% up to par. We ate here a few nights ago with a group of 7 people. I don't live in Miami but I'd definitely want to go again.
(5)Lawrence P.
I was excited to try Chef Christopher Lee's cuisine. But any excitement I had coming in quickly banished. I shall title this review "If I wanted to go to a club, I would have." Are you kidding me? Why is it that a staple like The Forge, a restaurant that has been around since the 1920's, a classic, an icon on the beach, would feel the need to turn its dining room into... a club experience. I didn't go to dinner with the wife to hear crappy Miami Beach music blasting throughout the main room for the entirety of my dinner. Are you kidding me?!?!?!?! The food was fine. The Foie Gras was easily the best in show while the Miso Seabass was well done. Skip the table side Cesar Salad cart experience. The show is not worth $18pp though the salad tasted fresh. Also, The Forge is one of but a handful of restaurants at the beach that doesn't let you bring your own wine. Thus, we paid $157 for a bottle of Col Solare. I have about 40 of those in my cellar... at $39 per bottle. RIP The Forge... You will be missed. Another classic bites the dust...
(3)Jess F.
I had a fantastic meal at the Forge while visiting Miami. Its steaks were well worth the price. The quality was top shelf and I would absolutely visit again. Highly recommended for a nice date night out on the town.
(5)Taylor G.
My family and I ate dinner here during our most recent trip to South Beach. The restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful! We have a lot of food allergies (including gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy), so we were a little worried that they would be unable to accommodate them given that the menu is somewhat funky for a steakhouse but they were able to modify all our dishes with the exception of the half chicken (which was pre-marinated in butter). We started with the table-side caesar salad (for two), which was decent but more lemon-y than creamy as we prefer, the shrimp cocktail (which were huge and absolutely delicious), and a wedge salad. For main courses, we had the half roast chicken (which was outstanding) with a side of hash browns, the dry-aged NY strip, and dry-aged porterhouse for 2. The meat was not the most amazing steak I've ever had, but it was very delicious. Unfortunately, our waiter didn't let us know about the soufflés ahead of time and we didn't want to wait 35-40 minutes, so we didn't have dessert. We will most certainly be back! Note: The Forge uses peanut oil in the fryers, so people with peanut allergies beware. We have severe peanut allergies and although they were able to accommodate it for most dishes, anything that went in the fryer was off limits.
(5)Diane T.
Delicious food with excellent service. Dinner can be pricy, however, they do have specials ,occasionally, dinner for 2 including a glass of wine for $99.00, can't be beat. Try this gem on Miami Beach you won't be disappointed.
(5)Carolina M.
The Forge is a Miami Landmark. Went on a Friday night. I had not been back in many years. We got there around 7:30 PM and as a Miamian, i know that is early for dinner, so unsurprisingly, there was not a lot of people there. I had forgotten how beautiful the place is, they renovated it some years ago and looks better than ever. It is a little too over the top, but it definitely adds to the whole ambiance. VERY luxurious. Beautiful decor, huge rooms, chandeliers, books, lights, the works. Our server was friendly and the rest of the staff was nice as well. Everyone greets you as you walk to your table with a smile on their faces. Now to the food. We ordered the Colossal shrimp= yummy. The wedge= OK The black truffle mac n cheese= Delicious Organic salmon= very good Filet Mignon= Very good The panna cotta= which some other reviewer called "flan" , but in reality is a panna cotta= was good but not great. Their selection of wines is outstanding and immense. Good cocktails too but we each had wine by the glass. By 8 or 9 the place was packed. It is very Miami, with the typical Miami crowd, i thought most of the crowds are locals, not tourists. If you have not been, you have to. It's an experience in itself. Like i said,"very Miami" which can be both good and bad.
(4)Stephen F.
I hesitantly purchased and visited The Forge using a Travelzoo deal for $99 for two, as a birthday gift to my boyfriend. I was initially hesitant because I have had bad experiences dinning at several other nice restaurants during the annual Spice promotions: the wait staff becomes visibly annoyed and less attentive as soon as you request the discounted / pre fix menu. That being said, we were treated like royalty here! The waiter was so polite, prompt, formal, yet personal... everything you expect and hope for when fine dinning. We received a three course meal with two glasses of wine. The french onion soup was perfect, savory taste without being overly salted. The 6oz filet was perfection, tender and lite pink in the center, every bite was pure meat lover's heaven. We destroyed the chocolate lava cake in less than 2 mins. After our meal, I was gushing to the manager about how pleased we were with everything from the service to the ambiance, when to our surprise, he offered us a tour of their renowned wine room. This in itself made the visit worth it. The wine rooms are so amazing and perfectly kept, millions of dollars worth of delicious fruit of the vine held securely in bank vault like conditions. Needless to say, The Forge deserves all the praise and acclaim its known for in Miami Beach. Just a wonderful experience all around!
(5)Jenny G.
Had drinks at the bar and they were fabulous. Then dinner was one great dish after another. Finally, I had some divine orange dessert. All in all a fantastic experience.
(5)Andrea M.
Oh let me count the ways I LOVE THIS RESTAURANT! I went on a Saturday with a group of girls for my sister's bachelorette party. We had previously purchased a Travelzoo voucher (normally as soon as the restaurant knows you are not paying full price...the service lacks). Everyone was absolutely amazing! One of my cousins lost something and 5 workers came over with flashlights looking everywhere trying to find it. Our waitress, Mary, was the best. She was patient (9 girls are pretty indecisive lol) and made sure our entire visit was seamless. The manager, Mickey, came over to our table multiple times to make sure the service we received was impeccable. There were live entertainers who made our experience even more amazing. The food....PERFECTION! At the end of our amazing, perfect, astounding meal. We were greeted by Mickey again and asked if we would like a tour of the wine cellar. After we took pictures all over the restaurant (the workers were very patient taking pictures of 9 girls constantly saying..."I do not like how I look in this picture"), we were escorted into the wine cellar where we were greeted by Dean (The sommelier). His knowledge of wine and the history of The Forge restaurant was unbelievable. Of course...we had to take more pictures inside the wine cellar...of which Dean took. I will visit this restaurant EVERY SINGLE TIME I come to Miami from now on. Job well done to all of the Forge workers...I can honestly say this was a WOW experience for my friends and I.
(5)Kyla C.
The place to go in south beach! Service, food, and atmosphere are on point! I'm vegan, they happily accommodated. Yum! The wine cellar was amazing! A must try for sure!
(5)Greta G.
What an amazing restaurant! The atmosphere here was awesome and the food was incredible. Our server, Matthew, went the extra mile for my boyfriend and I have the best and overall experience of the restaurant. He even gave us a tour of the restaurant and explained the history of it, which was quite an experience that I will not forget! This was the best restaurant I have had in Miami. Definitely coming back here and wishing there was one in Chicago,
(5)Ary G.
It was my first time at the Forge with all my girls, the atmosphere was great and the restaurant is beautiful. However, the service was terrible. To begin with, our waitress was Audrey. She denied some of the IDs at the tables because they were bent (this is the first time in history this has ever been a problem for me) Instead of trying to help us and call the manager she just made it a problem for us. Sure enough I, myself, requested the manager and he came and simply solved the problem. Several of us at the table ordered filet mignons. Once we each started eating our steaks we realized that they weren't cooked to the way we requested. They just placed the plates down and didn't make it an issue to give us the right ones. I've been to many other restaurants where they know who is eating what without a problem, or simply they ask! BUT WAIT, two seconds after paying for our food, Audrey asked us to leave the table. Never have I EVER, been asked to leave the table after I paid, no matter how many people are waiting. This to me was just disrespectful and rude. Once we weren't needed anymore for their convenience, we were asked to leave by our waitress. By all means the Forge is a place of great atmosphere, but it should hold up to its standards in every way.
(2)Yoel G.
This place is a Miami institution and I have being there a couple of time but it has changed a lot. The main room is really crowdie now that you barely can walk between the tables and the bar is right away next to the room, so it is extremely and very uncomfortable lousy, It was a zoo. Luckily my dinner was in the library room, which is quitter and nicer. Very well decorated and a great ambiance. The food is ok, nothing memorable but very enjoyable. The highlight was the panna cota we had for dessert. Service was good and very timely, although the place was very busy. Overall, is always a great experience eating in the forge, even is not that spectacular anymore.
(4)Mark V.
Recently celebrated birthday there. Good: the food was good all around. Had the 8 Oz center cut along with the Forge chopped salad and chocolate souffle. Our server Mike was a great server in helping with our first visit. Service all around was superb. The timing when each course was served was on time. Bad: had to ask for the Miami spice menu despite putting it on request when making the reservation on OpenTable. I know the note was read because the concierge mentioned happy birthday. Ugly: the noise level was louder than expected.
(4)Ana G.
I was very much looking forward to my girls night at The Forge this past Friday since reading such great reviews. Unfortunately, my night did not go as expected. The atmosphere was great and so was the music. I can say the bread was the high light of the night. Starting off with the service, our waitress, Audrey did not meet up to the restaurants standards. Carding us for a bottle of champagne was a mission when she began to deny very rudely two of the girls ID's because they were "bent". We got the manager and he finally approved ID's. That was definitely very uncomfortable for us. We are young girls but definitely don't look under 21. Now let's get on to the food. I was so excited for my filet mignon. Being that FOUR out of the 5 girls got filet mignon, we all asked a certain way to have it cooked. When they brought out our entrees we began eating and half way through our steak we all realize and start asking each other "hey how is your steak? Cause I'm pretty sure I got the wrong one..." Really??!? I assumed they put the plates down and knew whose was whose. Was it too hard to ask if anything? Lastly, let's not forget the cherry on top. As we finished our dessert and they picked up the plate, 5 minutes later Audrey came to our table and suggested to take our "little party" to the lounge...Did we just get kicked out of our table? Yes, in an indirect way we were suggested to leave the table which should never happen no matter the restaurant. I am very disappointed. Very unsatisfied for the dinner we were so excited to have, especially the poor service.
(2)Samantha G.
Forge has become our new spot for NYE...we love the bar staff and food! They have reasonable tickets and a great DJ...
(5)Philip K.
Food is amazing and ambiance is spectacular. Wife and daughter loved the sea bass and I enjoyed the ribeye. It was rare and delicious. MUST ask the waiter for a tour of the wine cellar. Service is spectacular and a tour of the restaurant is included. Nothing like standing in the middle of a multi-million dollar wine collection.
(4)Jillian Z.
Ugh. The forge is one of my old fave spots in Miami and usually the first place we go to when we are in town. We went last night (Friday) and was so disappointed in the experience. We were going to sit at the bar but there was a DJ in there, which at first I was excited about, but the music was BLASTING. Couldn't even hear the person next to you unless you were screaming in their ear. Also, the music could not have been worse. We opted for the dining room and had to listen to horrible wedding music all night. Gloria Gaynor? Soul Sisters?! Awful. Our server and all of the support staff were all excellent. The food was pretty good. I was disappointed in a couple dishes. The "whole fish" is not actually a whole fish as they have removed the head, bones etc, so it is just a piece of fish. Also the menu fails to mention that the fish sits on a bed at red bell peppers. (I hate bell peppers) and never would have ordered this dish had I known that it was just going to taste like a pepper. It wasn't terrible busy. We were one of the only tables in the back dining room. I like to course my own meal. We usually order 2 or 3 dishes at once and split everything. I have zero interest in any restaurant that makes you put your entire order in at once and they made us do this last night. Super frustrating.
(3)Ilissa B.
This place is phenomenal. We were in Miami for a "mini moon" after our wedding and came here for dinner on a Friday night. Yes, the food is expensive, but considering the space, the decor, the quality of the food, and the service, both of us agreed that the pricing was fair. We paid just under what we paid here at a couple other restaurants, and the experience at the Forge was by far our favorite. First off, the property is gorgeous. There are multiple rooms and each is prettier than the previous. Especially exceptional was the private dining room, which was so spectacular. The food was fantastic - we had the salmon sushi and tuna tartare as appetizers and both were incredible, although the tartare was really fantastic. I had the sea bass, which was the best I have ever had, and he had the NY strip, was was also incredible. For dessert we had the special, which was peanut butter wontons with carmelized bananas and grape jelly gelato, and while I wouldn't need to order it again, it was very good and definitely like nothing I have ever tried before. Next time we are in Miami, we will definitely return, and most likely request a table in the library, as it was much more romantic and intimate of a room.
(5)V S.
Iconic. Had to have dinner here with friends for my 50th. We had a lovely table, the food was really good, but this review is for the service. Our waiter pretty much ignored us and told us that we needed to get our appetizers and entrees at the same time. I didn't want to disagree or argue: it was my birthday and I was happy and open to whatever. While at the restaurant, I let things slide like the never refilled water glasses, the basket of bread (ONE for a table of 12!) that was whisked away and never returned, the over-my-shoulder wine pour that concluded with wine on the table and my arm, the table loaded with food, as per the waiter's insistence, and the insulting 20% gratuity tacked onto our tab. (This place is EXPENSIVE, especially the wine, so be prepared.) I didn't argue anything, but I do know my rights. You should, too: taxfoundation.org/blog/i…
(2)margie k.
My husband, daughter, son-in-law and myself dine at The Forge this past Saturday, June 6th. We celebrated, birthday and Anniversary. The food and service was outstanding. Our waiter Jonathan could not do enough to make this a memorable evening. I also would like to comment on Gino Santangelo who guided us on a tour of the restaurant and Wine cellar. His knowledge of wine is outstanding. A must restaurant to enjoy a wonderful dining night out. We will be back again Christmas Eve.
(5)Andi T.
I went with a friend for brunch buffet a while back and loved it. The decor was eclectic and tastefully put together- you can tell a great deal of effort was put into it. The atmosphere was pretty laid back for an upscale restaurant- which I enjoyed. The food was tasty & filling. The staff really drove home the decision that I, in fact, loved this restaurant and would be back.
(5)Michael A.
This restaurant is impressive from the moment you drive up to it. Valet service is available for $10. We had reservations for 9:30 Friday night, got there at 9:29 and were immediately seated. Unfortunately where they set us at a table for two was too cramped. I asked to be moved and they found us a new table immediately. Mike was our server, very nice and funny as described by other Yelpers. We ordered a bottle of Champagne and ate from the Miami Spice menu. The food was good, not amazing, but it was a great experience. Saw Lisa Hochstein from Real Housewife of Miami and a few Heat players, didn't approach them, in Miami it's no big deal. The waiter wrote on my dessert Happy Birthday. Overall great experience!!
(4)Ephraim M.
Great and amazng place awesome management and ownerhip I love these people!!
(5)Elena I.
We came here for a a friend's birthday and we were not disappointed. We had the miami spice menu which was not only affordable, but quite delicious. Their wine menu is insane and surprisingly enough, has something for every budget. As usual, for me, what made the night spectacular was the service. Our server Juan was so sweet and knowledgeable. He took his time with us and always had a smile on his face. This iconic miami restaurant is not only delicious, it is also a feast for the eyes. The decor is as eclectic as they come and just breathtaking.
(5)Gabrielle K.
Hadn't been to the Forge in (10) years and was surprised at how lively it still was. Our intention was just to have a drink at the bar but going ended up getting seated and having a great experience. The food was amazing and the service impeccable. Mary was our server. Definitely A+ service. She was very attentive and knew what we wanted/needed before we did. Will go back in a heart beat if she's our server again.
(4)Lyza L.
"Wow," is all I can say. Superlative service, outrageous food, spectacular wine list, lots of wines "on tap." Of course, with a price tag to match. Totally worth it. Also a really cool interior. Perfect for an elegant girls' night out or a romantic date.
(5)Therese D.
I can't tell you how excited I was to check out The Forge. As a Frank Sinatra I was beyond excited to sit in the same room as the legend had before me. When I went , they were offering the "Miami Spice" special which I took advantage of. Had a signature drink as well. Ambiance is very fancy, sophisticated, elegant. I came from a very late plane right away, didn't have much time to freshen up, so felt quite out of place, but service, food, and ambiance were quite lovely. Server was a little snobby, but it wasn't unexpected, this place is the height of sophistication in Miami!
(4)Julianne B.
Really gorgeous place! Ask for a tour, and start with a drink at the bar. There's also free parking in the lot behind the restaurant. My three friends and I went to the Forge on a Tuesday night with 8pm reservations, and ordered off the Miami Spice menu. It was kind of awkward trying to find someone to seat us once we were done waiting at the bar, but it wasn't a big deal. We were seated in a cozy, dimly-lit room in the back. The table featured one big throne-like chair that was claimed by the guest of honor. Would be great for the birthday girl/boy. Had both a glass of champagne and their tarragon lemonade, made with gin. I loved the cocktail and would order it again. They offered us a generous bread basket with lots of good choices. You're presented with regular menus, and have to request the Miami Spice menus. There was absolutely no hint of snobbery when we asked for them and ordered exclusively from them. The appetizers were all great. My friends ordered the oricchiette and salad, and I had the French onion soup with bone marrow and beef carpaccio. Loved mine, and everyone else seemed happy. Two of us ordered the filet mignon entree, and they both came out perfectly medium rare as ordered. A nice cut, and a great sear. Loved it. The other two guests ordered the swordfish and said it was great. Desserts left a bit to be desired. One of us ordered the red velvet cake, and we all agreed that it looked like one of those rectangular weight watchers brand cakes that come wrapped in plastic. Gross. Three of us, myself included, ordered the molten chocolate cake. All three were over cooked--absolutely no molten lava to be found! The coffee ice cream and crunchy chocolate accompaniments were good though. Had no desire to finish the dessert. After drinks, tax, and tip, it was still pricy even with the Miami Spicy menu, but worth it. We'd heard this place is annoying with splitting checks, but we had no issue. One guest ordered something to go for her boyfriend, and had no issue getting that placed separately on her card. The rest they were able to split evenly between the four of us. Unlike other reviewers, we had no issues with the AC. Overall, highly recommend for a special occasion.
(5)Alesandro R.
We were seated in a beautiful, quiet wine cellar away from the noise and hoopla of the main hall. The sommelier is a true scholar and a gentleman. Incredible service. Classical background music. Delicious wine. Best Kale salad I've ever had. Absolutely perfect steak meal. Definitely top-notch fine dining, although I must say if we were seated in the main hall (and not in the quiet private space) I probably would have hated it.
(5)Lina C.
Ten minutes walk from the popular Fontainebleau, this dimly lit restaurant has nice decor and attentive service staff. The focaccia bread here comes out warm, and it's the best I have had. Unfortunately, the rest of the meal was not so impressive. The ceviche was too sour though the plantains were crispy good. The chopped salad had a nice presentation. For the entrees, the steak is tender except the parts that were blacked which gave it an unpleasant salty burnt taste. The truffled grits that come with it is yummy though. The meaty risotto entree was overpowering, and the risotto was mushy. The dessert sorbet was very good. Overall, a pretty restaurant with ok food.
(3)ben s.
The best restaurant I have been to in Miami. Bone in ribeye with foie gras and black truffles is the greatest combination in life. The atmosphere is so cool. Definitely recommend for everyone, quite an unparalleled experience.
(5)Luis A.
went to the forge on a travelzoo deal and to my surprise the selection on the limited menu was excellent i def recommended it specially if your taking a special lady...music was great and atmosphere was rockin...
(5)Alberto F.
Waiters & bus boys were very professional and efficient. Unfortunately, that is the only pro comment about this restaurant that I will be making. Food: Good, but not impressive. (My filet mignon was the wrong temperature) Check time: what type of restaurant in the 21st century does not split checks? Apart from that they agreed to split but only evenly. Management did not necessarily make it any easier. To make a long story short... Appetizer, entree, and dessert took approximately 2 hours for a table of 11. Paying the bill took an extra 1 and 1/2. I don't see myself returning to this place.
(1)Michael P.
Here now. Service is horrible and the food is okay. If you are visiting Miami don't come here. There are 1000 other places with better service and better food.
(1)Michael L.
Everything about this restaurant is pretty amazing. The staff was extremely attentive. Tomahawk steak was cooked to perfection and the sides were on point as well as an extensive wine list. It's everything u want from a traditional steak house and more. Great experience highly recommend.
(5)Richard P.
Great food, service, and atmosphere. Great place for a romantic dinner. Hardy took great care of us. Place is loud, but not overly.
(5)Ren O.
I love the interior design, old Europe meets trendy Miami. We ordered the yellowtail and grouper ceviche. It was a bit bland, and I did not like the presentation in a simple cup. For main, we ordered the 8 oz filet mignon, as well as truffled fries and green beans. The meat was perfectly cooked and very juicy. The sides were also outstanding. Good wine list as many other Yelpers have mentioned.
(4)Inga W.
We had a weekend getaway to Miami so while during the day we were beach bums we wanted to go out to some nice dinners. This place was nice, elegant, good service but the food was not amazing, especially for the price. We started with the stone crab claws for the appetizer and then we both got fish as our entree. The claws were great, the mustard sauce very refreshing and beautifully complemented the claws. I got the fish of the day and my husband got the fish in the bag. The fish were nicely prepared, well executed and presented but the sauces that accompanied them were a not so great pairing for the fish and they were cold, so if you poured it on you basically would have cooled down the whole dish. We preordered a souffle, which was just OK, too sweet, not fluffy enough, we've both had better. The grand total with wine and espressos in the end was almost $250. A bit confusing until we saw how much the crab claws were, $40 each, that's right for just one claw, I'm not sure what the market price for these is but this just seemed a bit high. We probably wouldn't have minded if the waiter let us know. We love good food but we also have high expectations...
(3)Martin O.
The Forge re-opened in April 2010 so I was anxious to check out the new menu as well as the Enomatic Wine Dispensers in the bar. As we were waiting for our party to arrive, the W and I sat at the bar. The first thing I noticed were the Enomatic Wine Dispensers that allow you to sample a lineup of 72 different wines. The friendly bartender set us up with a Wine Dispenser card and before I knew, the W was off for her private demo on using the self serve wine dispensers. The self-service Enomatic Dispensers allow you to select 1 oz, 3 oz or 5 oz glasses of wine. There are shelves of wine glasses which make it easy for you easily move to your second or third glass of wine. There is even are a number of Apple iTouches with the Forge Wine Application providing you with a description of the wine. Meanwhile, I chilled at the bar and sampled one of their 8 draft beers. When our party arrived, our hostess found us at the bar and came to seat us. The waiter explained that they could serve us 5 oz wines form the Dispensers or were were free to get up and get our own from the Dispensers with the Wine Card. The W and I started that night with the Cesar Salad and it went well with the very large basket of bread. We followed it with Cheese and Bread for Two and the Porcini Seared Driver Sea Scallops (delicious). I sampled a Lobster Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich from a member of my party (one of the most unusual appetizers I have ever had). For a main course, the 3 Mushroom Risotto (best dish that night), the Bone In Fillet (very tender) and Duck Fries (just okay). For dessert, our party shared a Smores Souffle. After dinner, we migrated to the Library with the stained glass and boxes which is the part of the Old Forge I remember. As we were hanging out the library, we were asked of we wanted a tour of their wine cellar and private dining room. Shortly thereafter, we were walking amidst 300K bottles of wines; an office desk centuries old once owned by Napolean; a gated wine cellar that contains a $160K bottle of wine and a very private dining room that was simply museum like. A very nice dining experience with some great friends! There is valet parking and free street parking since the meters in this section of Miami beach ends at 6pm.
(4)Nish N.
I needed to have one phenomenal dining experience while touring Miami, and The Forge came highly recommended. It's the sort of restaurant where ingredients interact with your senses, and you're challenged to reinterpret food. This can be a disaster in less able hands, but not with Chef Dewey doing his thing. My dining companion and I decided to share a few items, only to both realize that we could order completely different ones the next time without batting a lash. How can one resist a Lobster PB& J sandwich, or a tricked out Burger & Bordeaux, really? The 3 Mushroom Risotto was perhaps our favorite when all was said and eaten, but as I said above, I can easily see another visit to include the "Super Steak" and the Grilled Shrimp Waffle. Our server was attentive and friendly, and the foxy hostess even charged my iPhone for me. To start off the meal, I tried a Hot & Dirty cocktail that kicked me into high gear. The Forge also has an enomatic wine arrangement with something like 80 wines to try. It's yet another way of making the diners part of the experience, and not a bad way to sample some Opus One! Add in all the beautiful women and the men who can afford them and it's easy to understand why The Forge has become a destination worthy of all the accolades. I can now go back to San Francisco knowing that culinary dreams do exist out there, if you go looking for them!
(5)Jeremy K.
Came here for my wifes birthday dinner. Made reservation 1 month in advance. So when we got there, we got the best seats in the house...smack dab in the middle...where we can see everyone! The building it self is so beautiful with its white outer columns. The hostess were beautiful and sexy!!! Everyone who eats there regularly has $$$$ and it was a bit of an older crowd. We started off with the beef tataki, good and tasty but nothing really crazy out there. She had the lobster bisque, which was perfect!!! not too creamy and heavy but smooth and tasty with lobster chunks.....we also had a few raw oyster, which were delicious and naturally sweet. For our main meal, I had the duck...had them extra crisp the skin so when it came out....it was sooooo delicious!!! It was a huge serving too!!! It was a whole 1/2 a duck....I couldn't finish it...but the crispy skin with the light gameiness of the moist meat was yummy. My wife had the Snapper in the bag, which came out piping hot, moist, tender too!!! Our waiter Preston was pretty nice to us, he had lots of good recommendations, answered all our questions and made our dinner special. He even gave us a birthday dessert on the house. Really cool guy. Would come back if in miami again!!!
(5)Tom H.
one of miami's classic!!! expensive!!! but the attention, its history and the food is worth it!!!
(5)Stephanie G.
I went to dinner at the Forge last night with one of my best friends for a belated birthday dinner. Last night was the end of Miami Spice and the restaurant was quite busy, but the service was still excellent. In fact, we were taken aback with the quality of the service. I was also very impressed with their wine list. To start we had the smoked salmon croquettes with a spicy guava sauce and peppered cream. The croquettes were quite good, but not the best I've had. For our entrees we ordered the three mushroom risotto and the oak grilled new york strip steak. The risotto was very good and the highlight of our meal. The steak was mostly fat. Once the fat was cut away there were about three bites left of my half. I think if I hadn't had such high expectations of this place, my review might have been better. I also feel guilty because I chose the venue for our dinner and I think there were probably several better options available. But, knowing that the restaurant's regular menu is quite pricey it makes me think of other steak houses I've been to in Miami where the quality of the meat was just so much better. For dessert we had the turron nougat cheesecake. Although the dessert did taste good, it wasn't out of this world and not what one would except to have at a restaurant the likes of the Forge. They added honey roasted grapes to the dessert along with sauterne jelly, but it was more of a garnish than a significant part of the dish. It didn't seem to "go" with the rest of it. Something tells me the Forge's regular menu is much much better than what they serve for Spice, so I'd give them the benefit of the doubt. But after this introduction, I can honestly say I doubt I'll be going back.
(2)Janet P.
Best chopped salad I've ever had. Beautiful and delicious. But the place is mammoth and eccentrically designed. We were one of two parties in the room so it was a bit weird and uncomfortable. It's an odd spot, but again...that salad. Amazing.
(3)Frankie S.
Again - excellent experience. We got the tour as requested, and learned more the second time around! The wine cellar is a must see experience. I just love the décor and the ambience. My interior design was heavily inspired by this magnificent and diversely decorated restaurant. My fish special was really nice, lovely. The server was super young but extremely knowledgeable. The one turn off I had was the twist in martini. It took three times for someone to get it right. The first time was a slice of lemon on the side, the second was something akin to a twist and the third time, a real bartender must have come in to work and I finally got a proper twist. Hey, can't forget, Miami is STILL Florida.
(5)Joe C.
Young crowd, good atmosphere, great food. If you like martinis be sure to try the bacon stuffed olives
(5)Mark S.
I've been going to this restaurant since the early 70's and I must say I was very disappointed with my meal and the service. Super steak super raw sent it back three times and they were never able to get it right. Couldn't hear the waiter do to the horrible music and his didn't speak above a whisper. Spent $1500.00 for diner for 8 ,which I certainly don't have a problem with if it was worth it. My guests who all have been going to this establishment as long as I have and where all disappointed. Get your shit together Shareef the competition is brutal.
(1)Caro P.
My mom and I did the Miami spice here. The staff were exceptional and educated. The FOOD was AWESOME. We started off with the BBQ lamb ribs. Comes with about 5 small pieces . Then for entree we had the filet mignon with the mustard sauce and yucca tostone. Finally, for dessert I had the chocolate and hazelnut cake and my mom had the lemon pan cotta. Oh and I almost forgot the bread and butter they give in the beginning is absolutely amazing! It was truly a 5 star experience.
(5)Lauren C.
I came here for my friend's 30th birthday dinner. We visited Miami for a celebration, and a celebration we got. The food here is superb. The atmosphere is superb. The service is superb. It really is "as good as it gets!" Now let's talk about The Zombie. It's a drink. Doesn't that tell you enough? It's almost like a better, cooler Long Island Iced Tea. It doesn't make you a zombie... but it does make you super drunk. :)
(5)Kristen M.
I love the vibe and atmosphere from this place! The high chairs, gold trimmings, and mirrors make me feel like I am somewhere in between a trendy town and a renaissance castle. The music is loud and we were seated in an area lifted above the floor with lights all around us which I loved because you had a great view of everything. Our waiter accidentaly poured an extra glass of the wine I ordered so he just gave it to me for free which sold the deal. The food was good, I had the filet mignon and I wish I had enough room for their famous desserts... My bf likes a quick service and this is not the place where you order receive your food and leave. You can sit there enjoy your appetizer then order your meal, sit there some more and then dessert.
(4)Rachel S.
I am kind of torn between my rating here. I wanted to give the Forge 5 stars. I really did. But the while the food was 5 stars all the way, the service was 3 at best. Here's the break down: Wine: We started with the 2007 Cabernet Savignon. It was perfect in color, flavor, and paired well with all of our dishes. Appetizer: "PAN SEARED CRAB CAKE,ROASTED APPLE AND CALABAZA SALAD, WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD AIOLI" Lump blue crab meat pan seared in crispy polenta. Every bite was fabulous. Entree: I had the "BAROLO BRAISED SHORT RIB with PROSCIUTTO BACON, POLENTA, ONION RINGS" Beautifully presented, meat was savory, soft-fall off the bone. Delicious My date had the ""BONE-IN" PRIME 18 OZ FILET MIGNON OAK GRILLED, GRAND MARNIER AU POIVRE SAUCE". He really enjoyed it. For dessert we shared the butterscotch souffle. Very Very yummy. Every dish was 5/5. We were told about this expressively when ordering our appetizers and advised that we must order this at least 35-40 minutes in advance. Here's where the rating declined:We felt rushed during the entire experience. Every time we would get into our conversation the waiter would be there trying to get us to hurry up and order, eat the food on our plates, or let them clear it away. I know that some may consider this attentive but it was closer to pushy in this case. After being prodded twice to order more wine we did. When mine was poured, the waiter (accidentally, I think) spilled it all over the base of the glass, the table, and on my dinner fork. He then disappeared. When we finally got his attention he came by and acted as if it was my fault. I hadn't touched the glass since he'd poured the wine. He came back with a napkin, then left again saying it was the wrong napkin. When he returned he did wipe up the wine and took my dinner fork as well. Then our entrees arrived. I had no fork, so my date tried to grab one for me from another table. Just then the waiter returned, gave me another fork and took away the one my date had just gotten for me with an admonishing expression. Once again we were rushed through our dinner and ended up leaving over most of the food. Our waiter and busboy were hovering to try to take our plates so we finally let them. Overall the food was great, but at prices this high you are also paying for great service. It helps when you have both, and we did not.
(4)Jackie S.
I wonder if sometimes when you do a little too much investigation, read all the rave reviews, salivate over the appetizing menu...are you really just setting yourself up to be disappointed?? Visually, The Forge is beautiful. Rich in its décor it is very unlike any other cut paste Miami steakhouse. The stained glassed windows and crystal chandelier gives it an old school romance kinda vibe. And of course being a self proclaimed devout wino, my absolute favorite is the new wine bar!!!! Genius is the concept to incorporate the new trend of an enomatic wine bar! Oh but the food! Ugghhh, not by any means inedible, just mediocre. Every dish from the Local Tomato Stack to even the bone-in-filet, missed the mark. Nothing special, no little explosions of flavor, nada. Sadly I would have to say, that overall it was more a feast for my eyes then my taste buds.
(3)ben s.
The best restaurant I have been to in Miami. Bone in ribeye with foie gras and black truffles is the greatest combination in life. The atmosphere is so cool. Definitely recommend for everyone, quite an unparalleled experience.
(5)Luis A.
went to the forge on a travelzoo deal and to my surprise the selection on the limited menu was excellent i def recommended it specially if your taking a special lady...music was great and atmosphere was rockin...
(5)Alberto F.
Waiters & bus boys were very professional and efficient. Unfortunately, that is the only pro comment about this restaurant that I will be making. Food: Good, but not impressive. (My filet mignon was the wrong temperature) Check time: what type of restaurant in the 21st century does not split checks? Apart from that they agreed to split but only evenly. Management did not necessarily make it any easier. To make a long story short... Appetizer, entree, and dessert took approximately 2 hours for a table of 11. Paying the bill took an extra 1 and 1/2. I don't see myself returning to this place.
(1)Michael P.
Here now. Service is horrible and the food is okay. If you are visiting Miami don't come here. There are 1000 other places with better service and better food.
(1)Michael L.
Everything about this restaurant is pretty amazing. The staff was extremely attentive. Tomahawk steak was cooked to perfection and the sides were on point as well as an extensive wine list. It's everything u want from a traditional steak house and more. Great experience highly recommend.
(5)Richard P.
Great food, service, and atmosphere. Great place for a romantic dinner. Hardy took great care of us. Place is loud, but not overly.
(5)Ren O.
I love the interior design, old Europe meets trendy Miami. We ordered the yellowtail and grouper ceviche. It was a bit bland, and I did not like the presentation in a simple cup. For main, we ordered the 8 oz filet mignon, as well as truffled fries and green beans. The meat was perfectly cooked and very juicy. The sides were also outstanding. Good wine list as many other Yelpers have mentioned.
(4)Catherine C.
I love this place! The beef tartare is to die for and the wine selection is really good. We went here for dinner with 2 friends and we had a great time. The ladies singing out of nowhere is hilarious and highlight of the nite. Their food is incredible, coming back here very soon.
(5)Jenna R.
I heard that Forge was a place I would have to experience if I was a foodie.... I made reservations for 8:00 and got seated at 750 which was a nice surprise . I started my evening with some champagne of veuve clicquot that was 25.00 a glass which I thought was a little high . If you come on Fridays they have 10.00 a glass or 50.00 a bottle.... Which is a great deal! I was very frustrated at first when I tried to order my dinner... I have a gluten allergy and also dairy ... I asked my server to help accommodate and the result ended in one fish option or I would have to get steak..... That was a very disappointing solution and with a late reservation I really didn't want steak at 930 at night ... The service besides that hiccup was actually very good ... They had a man coming around always checking to make sure that everything was okay .... I did get steak which was the filet mignon 8oz and found it to be amazing. My aunt and I both got the filet and I got it medium and she got it medium rare ... There was absolutely no difference in color . The Vice President Joseph Day was an obvious presence of authority- he visited casually at tables to make sure the experience was what people were expecting. I hesitated to speak up when he approached our table but decided to mention two key points 1) when ordering your drinks be mindful it's going to take a good 20 minutes- I ordered a wine with my steak and literally had to wait to have a bite of it for at least 20 minutes when no one was at the bar 2) when you are told that you can't make a piece of fish gluten free dairy free get the manager because it's absolutely possible ( finding out later) Joe turned my awful dining experience into a very memorable amazing experience that has left me wanting to experience it over and over again- I gave it 4 stars for the hiccups but the management and customer service changed an entirely bad night into a very special dining experience . I also wanted to mention the customer service that Justin provided who was also just a gem in the dining industry. I highly recommend this restaurant not just for the great food but for the ambience, customer service and ability to take responsibility and make your dining experience be magnificent.
(4)Kursteen N.
The service, the decor and food is beyond five stars. My sister and I came here on a Friday evening to try out the Miami Spice menu. The menu is a fixed price of $39 for an appetizer, entrée and desert. Our waiter Oscar made sure that our dining experience was memorable. The other wait staff was just as attentive to our needs. The service gratuity of 20% is included on the check (worth the 20%). Forge also has an awesome Happy Hour special. Love this place, my new favorite restaurant.
(5)Nicolette R.
The service was great! That i give them a 5 for. The ambiance and the decor was also really cool and gave the restaurant a great vibe. The food however, was not that good. The filet Mignon was a little dry and not too flavorful, the salad was okay. On a positive note, the bread variety basket is great!
(3)Casey D.
My husband and I went while on vacation in Miami we had reservations at Michael Mina but we sat down there and quickly left after the service was horrendous so glad we found The Forge!. From the minute we walked in we were greeted by a sweet hostess that actually ran outside to get us because we went in the wrong entrance! The restaurant is beautiful! We were seated in a great table with a seat that made me feel like a queen! Then the biggest surprise! My husband discovered he knew the Chef Christopher Lee from his Four Seasons days. Being my husband is an amazing 5 diamond award winning chef makes it hard to find restaurants up to our standards! Chef Lee made our experience just incredible and came out and talked about the old days as well as his excitement to come to Miami. Our waiter was very professional and charming as well. We had the beef tartare The crabcake (my favorite), and a french onion soup that was perfectly prepared. THEN...the Chef sent over many dishes for us to try including the amazing donut with foie gras on top! That was heaven on a plate! To end our dinner, the pastry chef sent over amazing and beautiful desserts. To end our dinner again, the incredibly charming sommelier gave us an incredible tour of the vast wine collection that would blow your mind. The entire experienxe was perfect. The other waiter serving next to us, Chris was so good that I had to comment to him how good he was and could hear his passion. It turns out my husband knew him too! What a small world which turned out to be an amazing experience for us. This restaurant should be at the top of your list NOW! We are very picky when it comes to food and mostly service and this exceeded all of our expectations. Why in the world those other restaurants are even on a list of go to places doesnt make sense. THE Forge blew them away!
(5)Stephanie F.
This place is breath taking! Expensive to say the least but it was a great experience. I was most fascinated by the bathroom! Lol the drink I had was the Lychee something and I had the Lemon Herb crusted chicken with puréed potatoes. It was just so mouth watering. The ambience is very high class all I saw was red bottoms and white wine.
(4)Tobias S.
What an AMAZING experience!!!!!!! When I inVision going to a restaurant I expected to be like this. This place is superb. The food, the ambiance, the service, alllll stellar. Not 1 complaint. Christopher was our server/tour guide. You can tell he really enjoys his jobs & respects the Chef. He ra down the Chefs AWSOME accolades. He guided us through the menu like a perfectly navigated capt. My mother feel in love with him which is a plus. I think he actually enhanced my taste buds as he described the menu. If I open up a restaurant I need this guy. I hope this restaurant takes care of this guy as well as he does the customers. We started off with the jerked bacon, sushi, & ravioli, all three were excellent & perfectly cooked. Cesar salad was made table side by a very entertaining gentlemen, didn't catch his name. Entrees we had the Red Snapper(Best plate presentation of a fish dish I've ever seen in Miami), & the Duck w/gnocchi. So good, I wanted to ask for an encore, instead we just ordered an awesome dessert The custard pie with vanilla gelato Excellent. Thank you Forge
(5)Ethan G.
I am a frequent customer of The Forge and there is nothing more impressive than taking your out-of-town relatives to just about the best dining EXPERIENCE in South Florida. Everything was as usual...perfect. Thank you once again and I look forward to hearing this being said to me many more times..."Great choice Ethan...!"
(5)Jack S.
Celebrated a birthday with friends at the famous forge Beautiful place with a lots of history We ordered one entry from apps to soup & main course The house chopped salad great Scallop app very skimpy but good Overpriced The lobster corn chowder was very good The tuna great presentation but bland The steak was very good We spotted a glass of wine for 6.00 deal But an average cup of American coffee Was. 6.00 come on All in all service was less than ok Overpriced. But that's the forge
(3)Natasha P.
What happens in the champagne room stays in the champagne room. Or just stop by the back private room at Forge if you're doing a big group dinner. Rumor has it that a power hungry JackieO sold off the chandeliers at auction while redecorating the White House, and they found themselves hanging above our heads at the Forge. Further Pro tip: make your own playlist and they'll stream it directly into the back room so you can enjoy a perfectly seared filet, and a plethora of bread choices all while listening to Ms. Taylor Swift discuss her next mistake. Only downsides include lighting so low that I had to pull out my phone to see, and chairs spaced so far apart you better enjoy your closest neighbors company as across the table footsie will remain merely a pipe dream.
(5)Deepan M.
What a beautiful historic place! When you enter, you are not sure where you are. The blend of artistic lights and tall chairs with amazing tables made with whole trees. Absolutely worth going just for the history. We went for a deal we got on Gilt that was a three course meal with wine. The appetizer onion soup with beef broth got all my senses open. An explosion of flavor! Everyone had different meals, from a nice filet, to pasta, to the salmon. They were all good. The place was a little loud and felt a little like a loud lounge. People were drinking at the bar and the dress code was definitely sportscoat or formal dress. Great fun night, but the thing I remember the most is the tour of the wine cellar and private rooms in the back. Breathtaking!
(5)Sevann H.
Went here for a work dinner while in Miami. We had a group of 50 or so and were seated in a private dining area. The rest of the restaurant seemed very nice, would definitely recommend dressing up for this place. We had a limited menu to choose from so I can't speak to all of the dishes but I did have a taste of my colleague's chicken, mashed potatoes and steamed spinach dish. The presentation was beautiful, chicken tender and delicious. My salmon was delicious, although nothing life-changing. It was served over a bed of couscous which had just enough flavor without too much salt. The salad we were served at the beginning of the meal was also beautifully plated. Deseret was a chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream. Fantastic! Can't speak to the price since the meal was free.
(4)Michelle R.
WOW! let me start off by saying I felt like I was in a movie. Beautiful décor, elegant, everyone was extremely good looking, and friendly. As my date and I waited for our table, we had a drink at the bar... I had the Manhattan and it was delicious.. with a KICK! We also ordered a bottle of champagne and took our seats at our table that was next to the glass/ mirrors... I felt like I was in Scarface. Totally badass! We did the Miami spice menu and ouphhhh best filet EVER! cooked to perfection! Everything was on point. Cant wait to go back. Our waitress Mary V. was delightful :)
(5)Costa P.
2 stars for the deco and the food was ok. Less stars for the crowd. If you're under 50, then go somewhere else. Service was painfully slow. Took over an hour for meal to arrive after ordering (the excuse was because one person in the party ordered the burger and the meat is very thick, it takes a long time to cook). The music and C grade entertainment cater to the seniors market (the table of geriatrics next to ours were loving it) Was here a few years back and it used to be way better. In summary, this place is waaaaay past its prime. Don't bother.
(2)Paul M.
I have not been to the Forge since their renovation and I have to say that the venue looks great. We came here to celebrate a friend's engagement and had reservations for a party of 7 at 9:30. The hostess instructed us to wait by the bar until a table was ready. It was a Friday night so the place was packed. I'll say the vibe was pretty cool with just the right speed of music to keep it going but not a full-blown nightclub experience. Although we had a great time having drinks at the bar I was a little disappointed that we were finally seated at 11:00 PM. 1.5 hour wait WITH a reservation is never good. We were seated at a nice table in the back and was surprised to find out it was Miami Spice. I'm glad that they actually gave us those menus without having to ask for them like some other places. Some of our table ordered from the regular menu, but I opted for the Spice as it was a very good deal. I started with the shrimp appetizer which was awesome. The shrimp were very large and delicious. The cerviche was also excellent. For the main I had the petit Filet which was cooked perfectly and was definitely full afterward. My buddy had the 14oz bone in filet which he could not finish. I tried it and the petit filet was just as good. The wife had the Arcitc Char which was EXCELLENT. I was a little annoyed that the server tried to give us the bill before our deserts came. After we pointed this out it took and additional 30 minutes for the desserts to finally come out. By the time we left it was probably near 4 hours we had been there. Overall I would say that the food and venue are great. The exorbitant wait for a table and the dessert fiasco were big negatives. Still, if you are looking for a place to impress a date with a great vibe I would probably recommend as long as you know what you are getting into.
(3)A. L.
The Forge was a staple in mid-beach. It was a place of dreams. I always thought I was in an old classic 50s movie there. Not anymore. They changed it from a special place into a circus: Think "Mangos" South Beach. What's worse is the food was sub par and drinks way over priced. Gone are Donald Trump, Bill Gates, Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan as visitors. Here are Bachelorette parties from Hialeah, Opa Locka, Kansas, and your regular "douche" button up shirt "wanna be' scenesters. Not their fault. They had to keep up with all the steakhouses in Miami Beach so they changed. Fine. But dam- got the Miami Spice menu last Friday night and the Kale Salad was great, bread was great, but the Filet Mignon they poured McDonalds sweet and sour sauce all over it. Might was put ketchup on it. I know from friends of mine who are chefs that they put sauce on ":cheap" cuts of meat. Do you really have to cut corners for Miami Spice. Other than that the evening was OK, performances were OK. Yeah, they have one song every hour where someone sings. What you pay for - loud bachelorette parties, one song an hour, and decent overpriced food. Its just not what it used to be. Positives- Wait staff was very efficient and friendly. Bartenders not bad, but not great. Negatives- (above) Do not come here on a Friday with a date. Come here on an off night. If you have guy friends, girl friends, come for one drink and dip.
(2)Eddyg M.
Our family of five came here for the Miami Spice menu. Our son is getting ready to return to FSU & this was our last fancy meal before he goes. We had never been before. Our waiter was Endy Morffi. His attention to detail was excellent! He was very thorough explaining the history of the restaurant, as well as the providing tid bits on the decor. At the end of the meal he gave us a tour of the establishment. He was great at conversation & customer service. We had a marvelous waiter & a wonderful time. Our appetizers were yellow fin tuna tartare, bleu cheese wedge salad & French onion soup. Our entrees were filet mignon & the salmon. Our deserts were the chocolate lava cake & lemon pound cake. We were thrilled with the meal. Very delicious! The Miami Spice menu at The Forge changes weekly. We can easily go back and have another great experience.
(5)Nicole C.
The Forge was absolutely fabulous they treat my hunny like a King on his Birthday. The food was so fresh the waiters was so nice and the Wine was great and I'm not big on wine. They gave us first class service and its was so worth the check and much more
(5)Belinda B.
So this is my second Forge experience, the first was almost flawless...this second was flawless! From the first step under the entrance awning to the entire wait staff (can we bookmark a waitstaff on yelp? I'm bookmarking Jonathan from NYC) to the mixologist (mad scientist) to the manager (great table-side convo) to the beautiful lady that helped me in the restroom! Flawless. Wait...I'm forgetting something, oh, yes!, my meal was impeccable! Sweet and savory, soft and crispy, elegant and rustic breads accompanied by creamy butter, whimsical tuna tartare with scallion pancakes, salmon cooked perfectly with fresh greens, beautiful lemon pound cake to complete my meal...and a nice, crisp Riesling. Can I say more? Yes, but go experience it for yourself and tell me what you think. According to my daughter, The Forge is the best restaurant in Miami. I concur.
(5)Kim C.
This restaurant was like something out of a dream. Beautiful architecture and a warm ambiance makes your dining a true experience. Live entertainment on Saturday nights too! Came during MiamiSpice restaurant week and had a three-course meal for an unbelievable $39! Our server, Matthew, was phenomenal; very attentive, informative, and even gave my party a private tour of the grounds. The Forge is a must for your visit!!
(5)Celine M.
Really good, amazing, fun atmosphere. Our waiter Neil delivered incredible service. We sat down immediately as well it was perfect, we made our reservation on the open table app. Def recommend the fillet minion, 10 oz burger and chicken! Kale salad as an appetizer I don't recommend Chocolate smores soufflé is INCREDIBLE !! Live music and dj. Can get a bit loud.
(5)Kearstin E.
It would definitely be 5 stars for the service and the breathtaking style and architecture- but I have to account for the food too unfortunately. I'm really disappointed by their filet mignon. The edges were charred and it fully took away from the flavor of the meat; it just killed it. I've been to many fancy steakhouses and never have they done this to my meat- and on top of that, they didn't even ask my permission to cook it that way. The bread was also nothing special and left me needing to down my wine to get the taste out of my mouth. The only item truly worth consuming was the chocolate lava cake desert- it was rich and heavenly. Also while we were there, on one side of us was a young couple throwing a fit in the middle of the restaurant. The woman was raising her voice and cussing and stamped out multiple times to cry in the bathroom. On our other side was a pimp (seemingly) and two higher-class hookers. Lol- this place is definitely the place to come to people watch! The people that dine here have less class than people at Denny's! Still I would probably come back, give them another try, have their amazing desert, and take in the gorgeous art everywhere. Do not order steak- if you like to enjoy the actual flavor of your meat. Bring a camera to capture the Jerry Springer episode unfolding throughout the dining room. Check out of the wine cellar- it's definitely a sight to see.
(3)Brenda P.
As a (former) big fan of The Forge, I have lost count of how many times I have dined at the restaurant in the last 15 years. I've celebrated it all since the pre-Yelp and pre-Opentable days. The most memorable for me would have to be my birthday party held in the private wine cellar and attending their Caymus dinner in the back banquet space. The Forge, for me, has always been that "sure-thing" I could always count on: always a class act, deep Miami Beach roots, and exceptional food. I have been meaning to return to try out the new chef's cuisine and was able to finally visit last week. I walked in and was greeted by Hardy. Well, that was a nice surprise. Hardy Hill, formerly of Big Brother (I'm a huge BB nerd) and who I last saw at (the sadly now-closed) Catch Miami. That wasn't the only change. I heard the music right away. I didn't give it much thought thinking it was perhaps the tail end of their happy hour in the bar area, but that was not the case. Old and young Miami Beach were all in attendance. What a mix of people! We sat down right away. Our waiter had to keep bending down, uncomfortably close to speak to us because it was just so damn loud. I need to point out that I don't necessarily mind loud music in restaurants. That just has never been the thing at The Forge and not what I thought I was doing on this particular night. From what I can remember, before the remodeling, the music was always towards the back of the restaurant and never at these kinds of decibels. It can be that the structure is just not meant to hold that kind of level? The acoustics are definitively off in there. As for the music, it was a cross between EDM and lounge music: not as upbeat as EDM and not as slow as lounge tunes. What I do know is that it was the same thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump,thump, FOR AN HOUR. NO LYRICS. NO TEMPO CHANGE. JUST thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump. Then, in a random change, the "DJ" (or someone) played (freestyle) "Diamond Girl." Huh? Only to then thump thump it again for about 5 minutes. Then, he/she/it played Yaz's "Situation" and back to the thump. *Check out the 3 videos I uploaded* But wait, there's more! A spotlight came on and a (jazz or something like it) singer came out for ONE song. Again, it was all off because it was SO.DAMN.LOUD. Once she was done, you guessed it, back to the thump thump thump. So, in a nutshell. Thumps for an hour. Diamond Girl. Thumps. Situation.Thumps. Jazz. Thumps. I could not get out of there fast enough. The food? Oh yeah, the food. Who could think of the food in the midst of all that madness? I will say that I loved the foie gras-cronut appetizer and the table side prepared Caesar salad. The salad was fun and definitively a one time deal because it's overpriced. As good as it was, it's still just a salad. The Colorado rack of lamb was smaller than I'm used to, not the best I've ever had (like at Wolfgang's), but it was good. My husband seemed to enjoy his sea bass. I didn't love the PB&J wontons, but did enjoy the Dark Chocolate Napoleon. Another sour point to my night? The bathroom attendant. Again with the club thing. The Forge has one of the coolest bathrooms on the beach and perhaps the most photographed one. Everyone photographs themselves inside the opulent, chic mirror framed interior. Well, that just got ruined. The bathroom attendant has a huge spread of hairspray, brushes, make up, yadda yadda cluttering up the counter. And really, why do we need an attendant? Are we dancing? Sweating? Is it too hard to pump our own soap and grab our own towels to dry our hands after we wash them? Was dinner that strenuous that I need backup help to look perfect? GTFOH! I feel like the restaurant is trying way too hard to compete with it's southernmost SOBE sibling and I really don't think it needs to reinvent itself to be that way. Why? It has always been full when I visited before as it was now. I've never put say, STK and The Forge in the same sentence. If I want the clubby feel with my dining I will head to (soon to reopen) STK, a place like Baoli, or any of the frivolous-trendy-never lasting- restaurants in South Beach. Lastly, their policy of not allowing outside wine with a corkage fee is outdated. While I always put up with it before because of my love for the place, I am certainly over it now. It's a big deal considering I am paying (up to) four times, over retail, for bottles I have at home. Not worth it. I hope they rethink this phase, go back to their roots, and start behaving like the Miami Beach ICON that has always been The Forge. Until then, I'm out!
(3)Todd N.
Took my wife for a special dinner at The Forge. The atmosphere was elegant but not pretentious, the service was prompt, servers were knowledgable and engaging and the food was excellent. My filet was cooked perfectly as was my wife's and the accompaniments complemented the meal quite nicely. All in all, a nice, romantic dinner!
(5)Amy D.
Solid steakhouse in Miami with excellent service. My friend made reservations for a party of 4 at 8pm on a Saturday night, and they were packed- definitely make sure you have a reservation if you're dining here on the weekend! We were seated right after we arrived, and we ordered: -Complimentary Bread Basket: I liked that you got a variety of different breads, and they were good, but not amazing. I think I liked the plain butter roll the best. -Yellowfin Tuna Wellington (Wild Mushrooms, Spinach, Foie Gras, Red Wine Reduction, $36, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Not so great, and fishy smelling/tasting. We were all looking forward to trying this inventive dish, but it was so disappointing! And for some reason, one piece smelled and tasted fishy whereas the other one didn't- despite the fishiness, I didn't think the ingredients worked well together and wouldn't order this again. -16oz Spiced Rubbed Boneless Ribeye ($45, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Yum- the rib eye was seasoned well and cooked perfectly. I wish the cut had more fat in it, but I liked that it had a really good sear. -Black Truffle Mac & Cheese Pot Pie ($14) & Roasted Brussels Sprouts w/Duck Confit ($10) [ yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… : Both sides were good, although I liked the mac n cheese a bit more. -Crispy Loaded Baked Potato ($12, yelp.com/biz_photos/the-… ): Surprisingly, this potato was actually too crispy for my liking, and I wished the sour cream, etc was served in the potato vs. in separate little containers for you to do it yourself. However, my friend really liked the crispiness of the potato, so it really depends on your preference- I wouldn't order it again though. -Espresso ($6): Nice and strong, and a great way to end the meal. Our server was amazing, and I wish I had remembered his name. He was attentive but not overbearing, and was also super accommodating about taking a group photo for us. We also requested a tour of the wine room, which is a must if you have time and are interested in wine- their room is amazing, and they have some great stories to tell. You also get to see the private dining table in the wine room where past presidents and celebrities have dined at. My only complaint is with the live music- some of the songs were good, but it's really hard to find songs that all of the diners would enjoy hearing, and it was more distracting then entertaining. Overall, The Forge is a great place to go for a nice dinner/special occasion (dressing up highly recommended), with the swanky ambiance and excellent service. Parking in this area seemed tough, although they have valet available.
(4)Francine S.
What a beautiful birthday experience at The Forge! My serve Audrey was very informative not only about the food but about the history of the restaurant itself! Audrey was very attentive and professional, she made my dining experience very special indeed!!!
(5)Katrina L.
I've been wanting to try this restaurant for a while and Miami Spice gave me the perfect opportunity to do so. I cannot rave enough about the food and the service!! I had the wedge salad, petite filet mignon and the chocolate lava cake for dessert-- the filet mignon was cooked to perfection and the chocolate lava cake melted in my mouth! I had their signature drink called Smoke on the Water...wow! The flair in which it was presented was sensational...the smoking and the bubbling of the drink was an event and the taste was sublime! I will definitely come back here again very soon. Hmm, my birthday is in December...
(5)Dan C.
I went with the Travelzoo deal for $99 and I was not one bit impressed. They give you a Travelzoo prefix menu with choices: 3 appetizers, 3 main entrees, and 2 desserts. It also includes 2 glasses of either white wine or red wine per person. So the place itself is gorgeous and very spacious. Beautiful and expensive looking decor. The lights were too dim for our liking. Our choices: For appetizer: German Ale and cheese soup: Completely bland so we added salt which brought out a lot of the flavors. It had duck in it which tasted really good. Salmon tartare: Such a shame here... nice amount of salmon but it was overwhelmed by the taste of the cream cheese on top. It had so much potential :( Entrees: Filet Mignon with brussel sprouts: I ate about half but the smell of the steak was awful...I couldn't force myself to eat it anymore. The brussel sprouts were too salty. The Grouper: Nice size of grouper. This was really simply done so it tasted really good. Dessert: The molten lave chocolate cake was the highlight of this night. Delicious. And the tiny scoop of coffee ice cream was good. The wine was a mystery. The one they offered us was none of the ones in the menu and remained nameless. The server would just bring a cup from the back and fill your wine cup. Weird. It was fine. Probably a good cheap wine. The verdict: I'm sure that based on previous reviews this restaurant has a lot of good things to offer but based on the sample we received, we were left wondering if they are really as good as the ratings claim.
(2)Nestor M.
I highly recommend the beef and tuna tartar. My spice was a great value and you cannot beat the ambiance or the scenery
(5)Kimberly B.
Wow wow wow wow wow!!!! Came with a large group of 15 or so and had the private room with the extra large table & chairs. That alone is enough to make you feel fabulous. I ordered the filet with a side of bernaise sauce and the meat just melted in your mouth. The truffle fries were delicious. After our meal we left the room and the main area had a DJ, dancing girls & a great night vibe. I would highly recommend coming here on a date or with a group of girlfriends!
(5)Ashley K.
Well worth the price! My husband and I recently went there for my birthday. You walk im and the wait staff immediately makes you feel welcomed and comfortable. We ordered the NY strip and the filet. The Filet was the most tender, flavorful steak we had ever tasted. Our server made a great recommendation. The smores souffle was decadent, but light and fluffy. Everything was to perfection!
(5)Kyle O.
I have been to "The Forge" a few times in the past which always provides great service, delicious food and the best atmosphere in Miami. However, I was never aware of the history of this Miami Staple. I got the chance to see some of the private rooms tonight. Truly amazing. Thank you Danilo for the excellent customer service, I look forward to doing my next business event here.
(5)Shayla B.
From the moment you feast your eyes on the Alice in Wonderland decor, you will realize why the Forge has been a Miami institution for 40 plus years. We arrived on R & B night (Sunday), where they serve $50 bottles of Moët and the same at $10/ glass. Our bartender Renzo, was pouring up a concoction called 'Smoke on the Water' which I'm definitely going to try next time.The ambiance was fun, the food, exquisite, and the music kept us dancing in our seats. Our server, Richard guided us through our courses seamlessly. The beef tartare is to die for and the Salmon entree provided on the Miami Spice menu ( a special prix fixe menu offered during the months of August and September) was delish!!! I highly recommend this restaurant on ANY night as it is sure to please.
(5)elizabeth m.
I will begin by stating that this is my first visit to the Forge Restaurant. I invited my sister and we had a wonderful experience. First of all our server Audrey was exceptional she had a smile on her face from the moment she came to our table. She answered all of our questions and gave us prompt, courteous and efficient service. The food was delicious we both had the German and Cheese soup followed by a filet mignonette and the chocolate lava cake. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. The service and food were so great we had to tell the manager in person. He was very humble and gracious. I would rate this dining experience a 10+. If you ever choose to dine at The Forge, which I highly recommend please make sure to ask for Audrey, you will be happy you did.
(5)Dania V.
visited for Miami spice wonderful food. Perfect portions, excellent service. We had grouper and file mignon, they were both excellent. The lava cake dessert was to die for
(5)Michelle L.
I'm not really sure if our experience applies for every night but here goes for what you can expect on a Friday night at the Forge. We had reservations for dinner at 9. My friend wanted to have a nice birthday dinner. We walk in and it is extremely hot and packed inside. We give the host our names and she says there is a wait for our table for four but to go to the bar and enjoy some drinks.. We head to the main bar to wait for our table and the music is blarring all sorts of 80s freestyle classics, which was fun, and the special is on Veuve champagne $10 a glass $50 a bottle. We dive in. Time passes and still no word on our table. Finally an hour has passed from our initial 9 pm reservation and the host says, "the guests have finished at your table but they simply wont get up." I guess people hang out at their tables because Friday nights this place is sort of a dinner lounge party atmosphere. Hour and a half and we are finally seated. Normally if I know this is going to happen I would just have drinks and bites at the bar but my friend wanted a dinner so by 10:30 pm we were starved!! We are escorted finally to where our table was. Yes the room is beautiful but it is hard to take in this beauty when we are hungry and hot! "The AC is not working correctly tonight" says our waiter. It's August and the service staff here must be dying. I find all of this to be unacceptable at "The Forge" Ok now for the pros: The Miami Spice menu was good and the filet mignon was delicious. Highly indicative that this place has a great steak on their menu. I would definitely return for that but on a different night where music isnt blarring and the restaurant feels more like an intimate setting rather than Club Babylon from the movie Scarface!
(3)Lavinia P.
Every dinner at The Forge is a real treat - upscale ambiance, fantastic food, top notch service and overall experience make you feel like royalty. I had the pleasure of dining in their wine cellar during a couple of high end whisky dinners and I will never forget the experience. No place like it in Miami. Or anywhere else for that matter. The Friday happy hour is not to pass, please ask for Justin, their irreplaceable mixologist, and ask him to make you a "Blood & Sand". You will never want to drink anything else.
(5)Peter G.
One word Amazing! Had dinner here last night and everything was perfect. I had the 8oz center cut filet it was to die for. Javier was our server very attentive and always with a smile. Everyone makes you feel like royalty. Only one thing i was uncomfortable with was the restrooms have an attendant there and i'm not to fond of that. Overall excellent experience, Thank you Forge.
(5)Daniela O.
The place is very nice, it is very chic and retro, the downside is that they charge you 20% tip regardless of the number of people eating at the table. I had the ceviche and it was awful, I honestly never return a plate but had to do it because the taste of the fish was very bad. In summary I think is a very fancy place, very expensive and the food is so so
(3)Javier M.
Arrived with a large group of ten for a bachelor party and were seated promptly. The decor of the restaurant is excellent and has a mix between intimate but still very live and outgoing. We were seated in the back room, where the bachelor was seated in a giant black chair "Scarface" style which was pretty cool. The rest of us were seated on some metal chairs that weren't particularly comfortable but I can appreciate the restaurant trying to be different and cool. For cocktail I had a mad mango which was excellent. For an appetizer I had a caesar salad which was really, really good. Make sure to try it when you go. They make it at your table with fresh ingredients and it was really the best part of the meal. The wine was also very good. Then it got bad which gave this restaurant 3 stars instead of 4. I may have ordered the wrong thing. Some of the other people in my party enjoyed their main course. For an entree I had the ribeye which was not good. It was dry and really had no real taste to it. As a side they serve you with a sort of bbq sauce which was equally as bad. As a side dish I had the mashed potatoes which were AWFUL. I mean really how can you mess up mashed potatoes? The Forge is worth a try if you are in Miami or around that area. However, be weary of what you order because not everything is good. Overall, I wish I could give this restaurant 3 1/2 stars. Definitely, not four star worthy.
(3)Lizzie P.
Be prepared to spend a lot of money!!! its expensive AND KNOW THAT THE TIPS IN MIAMI ARE ADD TO THE BILL... check your bill.. I was very disappointing about the food... very expensive and NOT tasty at all,,, ceviche was beautiful on the plate, but flavorless.. The place is beautiful, but very dissapointing to see some people walking in in shorts and flipflops.. This should NOT be allowed by the restaurant management. Most everyone dresses up for the occasion, why not make it classier all the way!!! NO SHORTS NO FLIP-FLOPS
(2)Foodie Lawyer I.
This place is gorgeous, the service is warm and friendly, and their drinks are delicious. They get 5 stars for those aspects. However, the food, while good, was underwhelming for a place of this caliber. I would certainly go there again but not with the same expectation of the impeccable flavors that I enjoyed there several years ago. Started this evening off with a delicious carrot ginger drink from their cocktail menu which was made with an assortment of fresh juices. Very delicious. The bread basket had a lot of interesting variety, including a white roll with macadamia nuts inside of it, served with whipped butter and sea salt. The offbeat options were exciting to try out but the tastes were not that notable except for the Parmesan crisps, which were yummy. The French onion soup was well-presented however it did not have that rich, hearty, beefy taste and huge chunks of onion that I am accustomed to. They try to make it stand out with beef carpaccio and crusted bread accompaniments, but I could not taste the sherry and found it a bit light and bland for such a heavy starter. I was having so much fun enjoying the atmosphere and the company of our waiter, Endy Morfi (sounds like Andy Murphy but not to be confused with Eddie Murphy) that I didn't even mind. And, I'm usually pretty picky. The filet mignon with potatoes and asparagus were restaurant quality but not in the same league as some higher end steak houses or a solid night at Ruth's Chris. The cut of meat was high quality and it was cooked to the correct temperature but the sear was not ideal, it was not very seasoned and was covered in gravy that reminded me in taste of Salisbury steak and that was a tad too salty for my taste (to be fair, I'm not that into salty). IMHO, it may have been better if they removed the sauce and added some butter when they cooked the steak, instead. My friend really enjoyed the mashed/puréed potatoes but, ideally, I prefer a thicker texture, less fat and only a pinch of salt. It was tasty but nothing to write home about. The meal was accompanied by some lovely house wine. We were so full that when the deserts arrived, we had them wrapped up to take home. I only had a little bite of the chocolate molten cake and it was very good with some inventive accent flavors. Endy was amusing and very attentive. He took us for a long tour of the facilities, including wine cellars and private rooms, and regaled us with amusing stories and historical anecdotes about The Forge. We were really impressed by his patience and willingness to snap photos of us in all of these rooms, even when we were his last table of the night. We simply adored him. Ask for Endy (sounds like Andy) if you visit. I would love to return for cocktails, happy hour, dinner, a party or an event but mainly because of the multi-faceted and aesthetically pleasing environment and the exceptionally welcoming and attentive service. There is much attention to detail and the staff seems to take a lot of pride in where they work. And, I appreciate that they use fresh juices in their drinks and look forward to trying others on the menu. In my opinion, the food was adequate at that price point considering the atmosphere and history of the place but there is room for improvement. This is based on only one recent visit (I had not been there in years) and, in full disclosure, it was a Tuesday night so I may need to go again on a weekend and try some different menu items. This place has a rich history and it is very cool looking so it is worth checking out at least once.
(4)Matt P.
Great service at bar for Miami Spice stop over. The menu and quality was tiptop. I highly recommend this to anyone.
(5)Charlotte H.
I celebrated my 25th Birthday here! It Was absolutely delicious! I ordered the filet mignon with the Mac and cheese pot pie! So amazing! Everyone in my party was extremely satisfied with their meals as well. The atmosphere is out of this world. You feel as though you are in a lush restaurant in a Hollywood movie. I gave this place 4 stars because they were a little disorganized with how they take reservations. I had called one month in advanced to make a reservation for 15. When I called the night before to confirm they had no record of my reservation...Even though I had put a card on file. I had to put up quite a fight for them to fit me back in. The manager fid a good job of correcting the error though. All in all it was a great experience; I highly recommend it!
(4)Nicole W.
I dined here on July 4th. For a Friday night the place was empty, so we pretty much had our waiters undivided attention. This place is beautiful. The dining room we were seated in had a large chandelier that took my breath away! The seating was very unique and comfortable. Many of the tables had sofa like seating, and some tables had chairs that could accommodate a giant! The ambiance here was truly incredible, making it a great place to celebrate a special occasion. I noticed some reviewers mentioned the music being too loud. It wasn't, however a place that elegant, should have more refined music. We started out with cocktails and wine. Both were good. For appetizers, we ordered the French onion soup and the Diver Sea Scallop Ceviche. My friend wasn't too impressed with the scallop ceviche as he felt it needed more flavor. I thought the onion soup was just okay, but the 2 small servings of beef carpaccio that adorned the top were awesome! They should consider making that into an appetizer!! For the main course, we ordered the Miso marinated Chilean Sea Bass,16oz Boneless Ribeye with a side of Béarnaise, truffled Mac and Cheese Pot Pie, and the Mexican Corn. They were all awesome, but the portion of the Sea Bass was skimpy. Not worth $44! The Ribeye was nicely seasoned and cooked to perfection. It had a nice crust on the outside...just superb. The Mac n Cheese was creamy and flavorful, but I didn't care too much for the "pot pie" type crust that topped it. Despite that, it was still fabulous. The Mexican corn was pretty good, but I wasn't wowed by it. Still a decent choice though. For dessert, we ordered the Grand Marnier Soufflé. I didn't like it. The sauce that accompanied it was too eggy! I wish we would have ordered the Chocolate instead. They have quite a few interesting desserts on the menu. Next time, I'm definitely trying the Blacksmith Pie (chocolate ganache, vanilla custard, whipped cream, chips ahoy). Good lord, it sounds heavenly! Overall, The Forge serves up some great food! It's very pricey though! Dinner for two with the above, 3 beverages and 2 cappuccinos came to almost $300 with their included 20% gratuity. Very much worth it, in my opinion, and I can't wait to return!
(5)Laurie B.
Food was great. Ambience beautiful.Filet very tender. Desserts beyond. Biggest complaint I had is they overcharged us $50.00 on the bill . Waitress said she read the #s wrong. Waiting for it to be settled. Otherwise highly recommend.
(4)Michelle C.
My husband took me here to celebrate my birthday. It was a nice trendy restaurant with great decor. It's Miami Spice restaurant month so they had a great deal for prix fix menu, which included appetizer, filet mignon, and molten cake. I highly recommend coming here to try their $39/person prix fixe for dinner.
(3)Amanda P.
Pretty good restaurant. The service started out kind of crappy at first when the lady found out that we were part of the Gilt menu (I figured maybe because she thought we were cheap, I don't know) but then she completely changed her mood once the food came and everything was fine! The gilt was definitely worth it but I probably wouldn't visit again. Oh... And the bread was AMAAAAAAAAZING, I wanted a second baskets
(3)Larry C.
The best of the best Dean their wine expert is so knowledgeable and caring because for most people wine selection intimidating but not here The GM Miki really watches all services and the food is so well prepared I am saving up to go again
(5)Mark K.
Delicious restaurant. Great service and awesome atmosphere. You'll enjoy yourself no matter what the occasion. CHEERS!
(5)Angelica M.
Amazing food, service & ambiance/decor. They made the salad right in front of us at our table, they steak & chicken was excellent, and in large portions. The s'more soufflé dessert was also awesome and you order it before your meal because it takes 40 minutes to make. The lights changed to blue/purple around 8pm and there was live music/a DJ. Very cool experience all around and our server was excellent.
(5)Talisha M.
Forgot how much I love this place! Amazing steaks, drinks, decor, people watching, & music! What else could a girl want?!
(4)Tamia G.
Wow! What an AMAZING Happy Hour! I accompanied my friends to the Forge's 6-9pm Friday night happy hour, featuring Veuve Clicquot champagne for $100 bottle; $175 for rosé; or, $10 per flute. Plus, they passed several delicious Chef's Choice complimentary hors d'oeuvres in the bar area. We sat in Renzo's section and had an awesome experience. Both Renzo and Frankie kept pouring and ensuring that our glasses were filled with Veuve Clicquot. Plus, they made sure our snack plates had samplings of the chefs' tasty offerings. Aside from the opulence of the Forge and the packed house, this restaurant has several interesting aspects. The chandelier are all whimsical and slightly askew; the tables are all dressed like the most classy French restaurant; and, even the restrooms are custom designed. They also have an amazing wine cellar, which boasts very rare vintages. Plus, their private party room is fit for royalty and exquisite fine dining. I'll be sure to keep this fantastic gem in frequent rotation! Almost forgot... They had a DJ, who played "dance from your seat" good music. The entire bar area jammed for hours. At times, we even got up to dance around our bar stools or in the DJ area. So FUN! He played the best of the 80's and kept folks from all genre grooving!
(5)E. L.
The outrageousness of the price, matched the deliciousness of the steak. 10/10 would go again if money was no object. Had the 16oz boneless ribeye. I can think of only one or two other steaks I've had that were as delicious. What stood out in particular was the spectacular crust. Had a little bit of spice (bite) to it that I really appreciated. The mac and cheese was also quite good.
(5)Mich P.
My new favorite spot in Miami! Went on a Friday night.. Great crowd.. $50 bottles of Veuve, had some free appetizers at the bar while we waited for the rest of our party to arrive, the decor of the entire restaurant is awesome- Alice in Wonderland sorta theme. Service was on point the entire time, very friendly and attentive..table-side Caesar salad was great, filet mignon was cooked perfect & tastes incredible.. Also had the special Soufflé, first time I ever had it as well, thought is was amazing!! Loved it! Also had some shots that were s'mores shots if I recall, but they were also amazing! Can't wait to go back! I've recommended to many!
(5)Elizabeth R.
Frank Sinata. Al Capone. P. Diddy. J. Lo. Just a few of the celebrities who have frequented The Forge over the years. Apparently, The Forge used to be many things before it was a restaurant. It was a residence to the wealthy, an inn for the tourists and a brothel for the horny. If the walls could talk in this place, you'd hear more scandalous stories than TMZ, Perez Hilton and The Inquirer combined. The Forge has an undeniable character and boasts a woodsy-chic decor that smells of rich mahogany and Sex Panther (60% of the time, it works every time). But, we ain't in San Diaaaago, friends. We are on Miami Beach. There is NOTHING in the City of Miami like The Forge. You can count on having a unique experience to be talked about for the ages. Where do I begin? I've been to The Forge twice, both times I dined with work cohorts and clients in their private rooms. EPIC private rooms, I should say. The first room I call: The Alice in Wonderland Room. The table is carved from a massive tree that can only exist in a forest next to Mordor. Don't get me started on the chairs. They are 9 feet high. I'm almost 6 feet fall without heels and I looked like a little baby sitting in this thing. The walls are coated with whimsical patterns and the lighting is part chandelier, part tree branch. The only unfortunate part about the seating arrangement is that you and your brethren are very spread out. You need to pretty much shout across the table to hear each other, but I am not complaining. The Mad Hatter would be pleased and maybe even show up on time for his date. The other room I call: The Grand Wine Cellar. Why? Well, because you are literally dining in their exclusive (and very chilly) wine cellar next to bottles of wine older than my Great Great Grandmother. The room is exquisitely beautiful with mirrored walls and a grand table that stretches the length of the room. Just off to the side are other rooms filled with even more wine - total value of the wine is upwards of $7 million bucks. I'll drink to that! On both occasions, we required the help of Dean, their Sommelier. Dean is a man who is a big teddy bear sweetheart who knows and loves his vino. I can point to a bottle on the shelf and he can tell me where it's from, when it was made, by who and what it would be paired well with without missing a beat. Seriously impressive, but then again, that is his job. Since these were both work functions, my boss got to pick the wine and I honestly could not tell you what it was. All I know, it was the smoothest, tastiest and most expensivest wine I've ever had. I felt like a superstar swirling wine in my glass like a true wine connoisseur would. But, I ain't no wine snob. Bring on the Yellow Tail and this girl is a happy camper. OK, finally, we have the food and service. OMFG. We ordered seafood towers overflowing with ceviche, monstrous prawns, east/west coast oysters, tuna tacos and king crab. I can't even! Succulent. Next in line is the main course. My boss decides to go family style and order plethora of crap from the menu. A little bit of the grilled Branzino with forbidden rice (which I find out is a Mediterranean fish), duck fat fries, t-bone tomahawk steaks with truffle butter, and truffled mac-n-cheese. I'm pretty sure I clogged an artery or two at dinner and will probably pay for this later in life, but it was just too damn good to worry about my diet. Last but not least, we have dessert. Chocolate souffle with Grand Marnier sauce for drizzling purposes. Sweet Jesus. Other honorable mentions include the s'mores/chocolate mousse thingy (see photo) and the key lime tart. Can't end my review without giving a major shout out to the servers who put up with our crazy requests and treated us no differently than Kanye, Kim and their entourage. Clearly I have nothing but great things to say about The Forge. Be prepared to put a hurting on your bank account and eat ramen noodles for the next month. But it's worth every penny my friends. Bon Appetit!
(5)Danielle G.
This restaurant was just gorgeous. The food was incredible. The server we had was very helpful with suggestions, especially suggesting something according to you're taste. The libations are delicious, fresh and beautiful. The night we went they had live singers that where wonderful. They made a point to sing to the birthday girl i was there with! We we're treated like royalty. I enjoyed everything we had! Definitely going back!
(5)Gigi M.
We went to the Forge for Miami Spice, and even though we had reservations we had to wait about 40 mins for to be seated. The atmosphere is very nice and trendy. I had the snapper and my friend had the filet mignon. They were both excellent! As a side we had sweet potato mash. I thought it was an excellent value for Miami Spice, otherwise be prepared to spend a lot as this restaurant is on the pricey side
(5)N S.
From the moment that we walked into the door we were treated respectfully and curiously. The maître de, Hardy, could not seat us on time and in a more than generous gesture bought us a round of drinks. After waiting longer he even compt our dessert. Once we were seated the food was extraordinary. Our foigrois was out of this world and the desserts were freshly made and delicious. The steaks were organic fair I don't believe they were prime but they were very fresh. The wait staff, especially Neil, was excellent and clearly professional. On top of all the great food service and ambiance, there was live music. Truly a wonderful experience and must for anyone living or traveling to the area. Kudos.
(5)Lindsay K.
LOVED this place! The food & wine was 100% up to par. We ate here a few nights ago with a group of 7 people. I don't live in Miami but I'd definitely want to go again.
(5)Lawrence P.
I was excited to try Chef Christopher Lee's cuisine. But any excitement I had coming in quickly banished. I shall title this review "If I wanted to go to a club, I would have." Are you kidding me? Why is it that a staple like The Forge, a restaurant that has been around since the 1920's, a classic, an icon on the beach, would feel the need to turn its dining room into... a club experience. I didn't go to dinner with the wife to hear crappy Miami Beach music blasting throughout the main room for the entirety of my dinner. Are you kidding me?!?!?!?! The food was fine. The Foie Gras was easily the best in show while the Miso Seabass was well done. Skip the table side Cesar Salad cart experience. The show is not worth $18pp though the salad tasted fresh. Also, The Forge is one of but a handful of restaurants at the beach that doesn't let you bring your own wine. Thus, we paid $157 for a bottle of Col Solare. I have about 40 of those in my cellar... at $39 per bottle. RIP The Forge... You will be missed. Another classic bites the dust...
(3)Jess F.
I had a fantastic meal at the Forge while visiting Miami. Its steaks were well worth the price. The quality was top shelf and I would absolutely visit again. Highly recommended for a nice date night out on the town.
(5)Taylor G.
My family and I ate dinner here during our most recent trip to South Beach. The restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful! We have a lot of food allergies (including gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy), so we were a little worried that they would be unable to accommodate them given that the menu is somewhat funky for a steakhouse but they were able to modify all our dishes with the exception of the half chicken (which was pre-marinated in butter). We started with the table-side caesar salad (for two), which was decent but more lemon-y than creamy as we prefer, the shrimp cocktail (which were huge and absolutely delicious), and a wedge salad. For main courses, we had the half roast chicken (which was outstanding) with a side of hash browns, the dry-aged NY strip, and dry-aged porterhouse for 2. The meat was not the most amazing steak I've ever had, but it was very delicious. Unfortunately, our waiter didn't let us know about the soufflés ahead of time and we didn't want to wait 35-40 minutes, so we didn't have dessert. We will most certainly be back! Note: The Forge uses peanut oil in the fryers, so people with peanut allergies beware. We have severe peanut allergies and although they were able to accommodate it for most dishes, anything that went in the fryer was off limits.
(5)Diane T.
Delicious food with excellent service. Dinner can be pricy, however, they do have specials ,occasionally, dinner for 2 including a glass of wine for $99.00, can't be beat. Try this gem on Miami Beach you won't be disappointed.
(5)Carolina M.
The Forge is a Miami Landmark. Went on a Friday night. I had not been back in many years. We got there around 7:30 PM and as a Miamian, i know that is early for dinner, so unsurprisingly, there was not a lot of people there. I had forgotten how beautiful the place is, they renovated it some years ago and looks better than ever. It is a little too over the top, but it definitely adds to the whole ambiance. VERY luxurious. Beautiful decor, huge rooms, chandeliers, books, lights, the works. Our server was friendly and the rest of the staff was nice as well. Everyone greets you as you walk to your table with a smile on their faces. Now to the food. We ordered the Colossal shrimp= yummy. The wedge= OK The black truffle mac n cheese= Delicious Organic salmon= very good Filet Mignon= Very good The panna cotta= which some other reviewer called "flan" , but in reality is a panna cotta= was good but not great. Their selection of wines is outstanding and immense. Good cocktails too but we each had wine by the glass. By 8 or 9 the place was packed. It is very Miami, with the typical Miami crowd, i thought most of the crowds are locals, not tourists. If you have not been, you have to. It's an experience in itself. Like i said,"very Miami" which can be both good and bad.
(4)Stephen F.
I hesitantly purchased and visited The Forge using a Travelzoo deal for $99 for two, as a birthday gift to my boyfriend. I was initially hesitant because I have had bad experiences dinning at several other nice restaurants during the annual Spice promotions: the wait staff becomes visibly annoyed and less attentive as soon as you request the discounted / pre fix menu. That being said, we were treated like royalty here! The waiter was so polite, prompt, formal, yet personal... everything you expect and hope for when fine dinning. We received a three course meal with two glasses of wine. The french onion soup was perfect, savory taste without being overly salted. The 6oz filet was perfection, tender and lite pink in the center, every bite was pure meat lover's heaven. We destroyed the chocolate lava cake in less than 2 mins. After our meal, I was gushing to the manager about how pleased we were with everything from the service to the ambiance, when to our surprise, he offered us a tour of their renowned wine room. This in itself made the visit worth it. The wine rooms are so amazing and perfectly kept, millions of dollars worth of delicious fruit of the vine held securely in bank vault like conditions. Needless to say, The Forge deserves all the praise and acclaim its known for in Miami Beach. Just a wonderful experience all around!
(5)Jenny G.
Had drinks at the bar and they were fabulous. Then dinner was one great dish after another. Finally, I had some divine orange dessert. All in all a fantastic experience.
(5)margie k.
My husband, daughter, son-in-law and myself dine at The Forge this past Saturday, June 6th. We celebrated, birthday and Anniversary. The food and service was outstanding. Our waiter Jonathan could not do enough to make this a memorable evening. I also would like to comment on Gino Santangelo who guided us on a tour of the restaurant and Wine cellar. His knowledge of wine is outstanding. A must restaurant to enjoy a wonderful dining night out. We will be back again Christmas Eve.
(5)Andrea M.
Oh let me count the ways I LOVE THIS RESTAURANT! I went on a Saturday with a group of girls for my sister's bachelorette party. We had previously purchased a Travelzoo voucher (normally as soon as the restaurant knows you are not paying full price...the service lacks). Everyone was absolutely amazing! One of my cousins lost something and 5 workers came over with flashlights looking everywhere trying to find it. Our waitress, Mary, was the best. She was patient (9 girls are pretty indecisive lol) and made sure our entire visit was seamless. The manager, Mickey, came over to our table multiple times to make sure the service we received was impeccable. There were live entertainers who made our experience even more amazing. The food....PERFECTION! At the end of our amazing, perfect, astounding meal. We were greeted by Mickey again and asked if we would like a tour of the wine cellar. After we took pictures all over the restaurant (the workers were very patient taking pictures of 9 girls constantly saying..."I do not like how I look in this picture"), we were escorted into the wine cellar where we were greeted by Dean (The sommelier). His knowledge of wine and the history of The Forge restaurant was unbelievable. Of course...we had to take more pictures inside the wine cellar...of which Dean took. I will visit this restaurant EVERY SINGLE TIME I come to Miami from now on. Job well done to all of the Forge workers...I can honestly say this was a WOW experience for my friends and I.
(5)Kyla C.
The place to go in south beach! Service, food, and atmosphere are on point! I'm vegan, they happily accommodated. Yum! The wine cellar was amazing! A must try for sure!
(5)Greta G.
What an amazing restaurant! The atmosphere here was awesome and the food was incredible. Our server, Matthew, went the extra mile for my boyfriend and I have the best and overall experience of the restaurant. He even gave us a tour of the restaurant and explained the history of it, which was quite an experience that I will not forget! This was the best restaurant I have had in Miami. Definitely coming back here and wishing there was one in Chicago,
(5)Ary G.
It was my first time at the Forge with all my girls, the atmosphere was great and the restaurant is beautiful. However, the service was terrible. To begin with, our waitress was Audrey. She denied some of the IDs at the tables because they were bent (this is the first time in history this has ever been a problem for me) Instead of trying to help us and call the manager she just made it a problem for us. Sure enough I, myself, requested the manager and he came and simply solved the problem. Several of us at the table ordered filet mignons. Once we each started eating our steaks we realized that they weren't cooked to the way we requested. They just placed the plates down and didn't make it an issue to give us the right ones. I've been to many other restaurants where they know who is eating what without a problem, or simply they ask! BUT WAIT, two seconds after paying for our food, Audrey asked us to leave the table. Never have I EVER, been asked to leave the table after I paid, no matter how many people are waiting. This to me was just disrespectful and rude. Once we weren't needed anymore for their convenience, we were asked to leave by our waitress. By all means the Forge is a place of great atmosphere, but it should hold up to its standards in every way.
(2)Yoel G.
This place is a Miami institution and I have being there a couple of time but it has changed a lot. The main room is really crowdie now that you barely can walk between the tables and the bar is right away next to the room, so it is extremely and very uncomfortable lousy, It was a zoo. Luckily my dinner was in the library room, which is quitter and nicer. Very well decorated and a great ambiance. The food is ok, nothing memorable but very enjoyable. The highlight was the panna cota we had for dessert. Service was good and very timely, although the place was very busy. Overall, is always a great experience eating in the forge, even is not that spectacular anymore.
(4)Mark V.
Recently celebrated birthday there. Good: the food was good all around. Had the 8 Oz center cut along with the Forge chopped salad and chocolate souffle. Our server Mike was a great server in helping with our first visit. Service all around was superb. The timing when each course was served was on time. Bad: had to ask for the Miami spice menu despite putting it on request when making the reservation on OpenTable. I know the note was read because the concierge mentioned happy birthday. Ugly: the noise level was louder than expected.
(4)Ana G.
I was very much looking forward to my girls night at The Forge this past Friday since reading such great reviews. Unfortunately, my night did not go as expected. The atmosphere was great and so was the music. I can say the bread was the high light of the night. Starting off with the service, our waitress, Audrey did not meet up to the restaurants standards. Carding us for a bottle of champagne was a mission when she began to deny very rudely two of the girls ID's because they were "bent". We got the manager and he finally approved ID's. That was definitely very uncomfortable for us. We are young girls but definitely don't look under 21. Now let's get on to the food. I was so excited for my filet mignon. Being that FOUR out of the 5 girls got filet mignon, we all asked a certain way to have it cooked. When they brought out our entrees we began eating and half way through our steak we all realize and start asking each other "hey how is your steak? Cause I'm pretty sure I got the wrong one..." Really??!? I assumed they put the plates down and knew whose was whose. Was it too hard to ask if anything? Lastly, let's not forget the cherry on top. As we finished our dessert and they picked up the plate, 5 minutes later Audrey came to our table and suggested to take our "little party" to the lounge...Did we just get kicked out of our table? Yes, in an indirect way we were suggested to leave the table which should never happen no matter the restaurant. I am very disappointed. Very unsatisfied for the dinner we were so excited to have, especially the poor service.
(2)Samantha G.
Forge has become our new spot for NYE...we love the bar staff and food! They have reasonable tickets and a great DJ...
(5)Philip K.
Food is amazing and ambiance is spectacular. Wife and daughter loved the sea bass and I enjoyed the ribeye. It was rare and delicious. MUST ask the waiter for a tour of the wine cellar. Service is spectacular and a tour of the restaurant is included. Nothing like standing in the middle of a multi-million dollar wine collection.
(4)Jillian Z.
Ugh. The forge is one of my old fave spots in Miami and usually the first place we go to when we are in town. We went last night (Friday) and was so disappointed in the experience. We were going to sit at the bar but there was a DJ in there, which at first I was excited about, but the music was BLASTING. Couldn't even hear the person next to you unless you were screaming in their ear. Also, the music could not have been worse. We opted for the dining room and had to listen to horrible wedding music all night. Gloria Gaynor? Soul Sisters?! Awful. Our server and all of the support staff were all excellent. The food was pretty good. I was disappointed in a couple dishes. The "whole fish" is not actually a whole fish as they have removed the head, bones etc, so it is just a piece of fish. Also the menu fails to mention that the fish sits on a bed at red bell peppers. (I hate bell peppers) and never would have ordered this dish had I known that it was just going to taste like a pepper. It wasn't terrible busy. We were one of the only tables in the back dining room. I like to course my own meal. We usually order 2 or 3 dishes at once and split everything. I have zero interest in any restaurant that makes you put your entire order in at once and they made us do this last night. Super frustrating.
(3)Ilissa B.
This place is phenomenal. We were in Miami for a "mini moon" after our wedding and came here for dinner on a Friday night. Yes, the food is expensive, but considering the space, the decor, the quality of the food, and the service, both of us agreed that the pricing was fair. We paid just under what we paid here at a couple other restaurants, and the experience at the Forge was by far our favorite. First off, the property is gorgeous. There are multiple rooms and each is prettier than the previous. Especially exceptional was the private dining room, which was so spectacular. The food was fantastic - we had the salmon sushi and tuna tartare as appetizers and both were incredible, although the tartare was really fantastic. I had the sea bass, which was the best I have ever had, and he had the NY strip, was was also incredible. For dessert we had the special, which was peanut butter wontons with carmelized bananas and grape jelly gelato, and while I wouldn't need to order it again, it was very good and definitely like nothing I have ever tried before. Next time we are in Miami, we will definitely return, and most likely request a table in the library, as it was much more romantic and intimate of a room.
(5)V S.
Iconic. Had to have dinner here with friends for my 50th. We had a lovely table, the food was really good, but this review is for the service. Our waiter pretty much ignored us and told us that we needed to get our appetizers and entrees at the same time. I didn't want to disagree or argue: it was my birthday and I was happy and open to whatever. While at the restaurant, I let things slide like the never refilled water glasses, the basket of bread (ONE for a table of 12!) that was whisked away and never returned, the over-my-shoulder wine pour that concluded with wine on the table and my arm, the table loaded with food, as per the waiter's insistence, and the insulting 20% gratuity tacked onto our tab. (This place is EXPENSIVE, especially the wine, so be prepared.) I didn't argue anything, but I do know my rights. You should, too: taxfoundation.org/blog/i…
(2)Andi T.
I went with a friend for brunch buffet a while back and loved it. The decor was eclectic and tastefully put together- you can tell a great deal of effort was put into it. The atmosphere was pretty laid back for an upscale restaurant- which I enjoyed. The food was tasty & filling. The staff really drove home the decision that I, in fact, loved this restaurant and would be back.
(5)Michael A.
This restaurant is impressive from the moment you drive up to it. Valet service is available for $10. We had reservations for 9:30 Friday night, got there at 9:29 and were immediately seated. Unfortunately where they set us at a table for two was too cramped. I asked to be moved and they found us a new table immediately. Mike was our server, very nice and funny as described by other Yelpers. We ordered a bottle of Champagne and ate from the Miami Spice menu. The food was good, not amazing, but it was a great experience. Saw Lisa Hochstein from Real Housewife of Miami and a few Heat players, didn't approach them, in Miami it's no big deal. The waiter wrote on my dessert Happy Birthday. Overall great experience!!
(4)Ephraim M.
Great and amazng place awesome management and ownerhip I love these people!!
(5)Elena I.
We came here for a a friend's birthday and we were not disappointed. We had the miami spice menu which was not only affordable, but quite delicious. Their wine menu is insane and surprisingly enough, has something for every budget. As usual, for me, what made the night spectacular was the service. Our server Juan was so sweet and knowledgeable. He took his time with us and always had a smile on his face. This iconic miami restaurant is not only delicious, it is also a feast for the eyes. The decor is as eclectic as they come and just breathtaking.
(5)Gabrielle K.
Hadn't been to the Forge in (10) years and was surprised at how lively it still was. Our intention was just to have a drink at the bar but going ended up getting seated and having a great experience. The food was amazing and the service impeccable. Mary was our server. Definitely A+ service. She was very attentive and knew what we wanted/needed before we did. Will go back in a heart beat if she's our server again.
(4)Lyza L.
"Wow," is all I can say. Superlative service, outrageous food, spectacular wine list, lots of wines "on tap." Of course, with a price tag to match. Totally worth it. Also a really cool interior. Perfect for an elegant girls' night out or a romantic date.
(5)Therese D.
I can't tell you how excited I was to check out The Forge. As a Frank Sinatra I was beyond excited to sit in the same room as the legend had before me. When I went , they were offering the "Miami Spice" special which I took advantage of. Had a signature drink as well. Ambiance is very fancy, sophisticated, elegant. I came from a very late plane right away, didn't have much time to freshen up, so felt quite out of place, but service, food, and ambiance were quite lovely. Server was a little snobby, but it wasn't unexpected, this place is the height of sophistication in Miami!
(4)Julianne B.
Really gorgeous place! Ask for a tour, and start with a drink at the bar. There's also free parking in the lot behind the restaurant. My three friends and I went to the Forge on a Tuesday night with 8pm reservations, and ordered off the Miami Spice menu. It was kind of awkward trying to find someone to seat us once we were done waiting at the bar, but it wasn't a big deal. We were seated in a cozy, dimly-lit room in the back. The table featured one big throne-like chair that was claimed by the guest of honor. Would be great for the birthday girl/boy. Had both a glass of champagne and their tarragon lemonade, made with gin. I loved the cocktail and would order it again. They offered us a generous bread basket with lots of good choices. You're presented with regular menus, and have to request the Miami Spice menus. There was absolutely no hint of snobbery when we asked for them and ordered exclusively from them. The appetizers were all great. My friends ordered the oricchiette and salad, and I had the French onion soup with bone marrow and beef carpaccio. Loved mine, and everyone else seemed happy. Two of us ordered the filet mignon entree, and they both came out perfectly medium rare as ordered. A nice cut, and a great sear. Loved it. The other two guests ordered the swordfish and said it was great. Desserts left a bit to be desired. One of us ordered the red velvet cake, and we all agreed that it looked like one of those rectangular weight watchers brand cakes that come wrapped in plastic. Gross. Three of us, myself included, ordered the molten chocolate cake. All three were over cooked--absolutely no molten lava to be found! The coffee ice cream and crunchy chocolate accompaniments were good though. Had no desire to finish the dessert. After drinks, tax, and tip, it was still pricy even with the Miami Spicy menu, but worth it. We'd heard this place is annoying with splitting checks, but we had no issue. One guest ordered something to go for her boyfriend, and had no issue getting that placed separately on her card. The rest they were able to split evenly between the four of us. Unlike other reviewers, we had no issues with the AC. Overall, highly recommend for a special occasion.
(5)Alesandro R.
We were seated in a beautiful, quiet wine cellar away from the noise and hoopla of the main hall. The sommelier is a true scholar and a gentleman. Incredible service. Classical background music. Delicious wine. Best Kale salad I've ever had. Absolutely perfect steak meal. Definitely top-notch fine dining, although I must say if we were seated in the main hall (and not in the quiet private space) I probably would have hated it.
(5)Lina C.
Ten minutes walk from the popular Fontainebleau, this dimly lit restaurant has nice decor and attentive service staff. The focaccia bread here comes out warm, and it's the best I have had. Unfortunately, the rest of the meal was not so impressive. The ceviche was too sour though the plantains were crispy good. The chopped salad had a nice presentation. For the entrees, the steak is tender except the parts that were blacked which gave it an unpleasant salty burnt taste. The truffled grits that come with it is yummy though. The meaty risotto entree was overpowering, and the risotto was mushy. The dessert sorbet was very good. Overall, a pretty restaurant with ok food.
(3)R J.
The new chef has done an amazing job! Shareef Malnik strikes again... Everything was top quality and better even than I remember. Try everything- super steak was super duper. Don't hesitate to try new desserts! Even better than the famous soufflé- still delicious. This place is always the BOMB!!!
(5)Karen P.
A friend from the neighborhood recommended the Forge after recently returning from vacation in South Beach. She described it as good food and one where they kept bringing her glasses of wine. Being a wine-o, I oculdn't ask for a better recommendation! We arrived on time and were promptly seated. My first thought was "cool decor"! The distressed brick walls, interesting lighting and big mirror on one wall - great ambiance! Almost French Provincial meets New York City. I started with the Ceviche special - the waiter highly recommended it. It had large chunks of fish in a tangy citrus marinade. The popcorn on top was an interesting addition but didn't do much for me. I then had the Mushroom risotto off of the menu - delicious. My friend started with the kale salad and then had the fish specail - both were very good. The wine list, particularly by the glass, was extensive but a little expensive. I stuck to prosecco and a nice French Burgundy. A side note: people watching was a lot of fun here - the "nice people" of Miami Beach - look for Ferrari's, Maserati's and other to drive up for valet parking.
(4)David H.
This is probably the most consistent place to get a great French meal with a fun atmosphere.....fresh oysters,,,,foie gras..perfect steak au poivre and airy soufflés.....as well as the best wine list in Miami.....the regulars go Wednesdays...
(5)Inga W.
We had a weekend getaway to Miami so while during the day we were beach bums we wanted to go out to some nice dinners. This place was nice, elegant, good service but the food was not amazing, especially for the price. We started with the stone crab claws for the appetizer and then we both got fish as our entree. The claws were great, the mustard sauce very refreshing and beautifully complemented the claws. I got the fish of the day and my husband got the fish in the bag. The fish were nicely prepared, well executed and presented but the sauces that accompanied them were a not so great pairing for the fish and they were cold, so if you poured it on you basically would have cooled down the whole dish. We preordered a souffle, which was just OK, too sweet, not fluffy enough, we've both had better. The grand total with wine and espressos in the end was almost $250. A bit confusing until we saw how much the crab claws were, $40 each, that's right for just one claw, I'm not sure what the market price for these is but this just seemed a bit high. We probably wouldn't have minded if the waiter let us know. We love good food but we also have high expectations...
(3)Nadeem B.
The steak was billed as "The Best Steak in America", as challenging a statement as I've read in quite a while. However, I have to say they are quite correct. It was, hands down the best steak I have ever had. To make things better, the Apple Pie Sundae was even better, if you can beleive that. Although the prices are steep, it was worth every penny. I cannot reccomend this place highly enough. If you are in Miami and can only eat at one place, this is it.
(5)Martin O.
The Forge re-opened in April 2010 so I was anxious to check out the new menu as well as the Enomatic Wine Dispensers in the bar. As we were waiting for our party to arrive, the W and I sat at the bar. The first thing I noticed were the Enomatic Wine Dispensers that allow you to sample a lineup of 72 different wines. The friendly bartender set us up with a Wine Dispenser card and before I knew, the W was off for her private demo on using the self serve wine dispensers. The self-service Enomatic Dispensers allow you to select 1 oz, 3 oz or 5 oz glasses of wine. There are shelves of wine glasses which make it easy for you easily move to your second or third glass of wine. There is even are a number of Apple iTouches with the Forge Wine Application providing you with a description of the wine. Meanwhile, I chilled at the bar and sampled one of their 8 draft beers. When our party arrived, our hostess found us at the bar and came to seat us. The waiter explained that they could serve us 5 oz wines form the Dispensers or were were free to get up and get our own from the Dispensers with the Wine Card. The W and I started that night with the Cesar Salad and it went well with the very large basket of bread. We followed it with Cheese and Bread for Two and the Porcini Seared Driver Sea Scallops (delicious). I sampled a Lobster Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich from a member of my party (one of the most unusual appetizers I have ever had). For a main course, the 3 Mushroom Risotto (best dish that night), the Bone In Fillet (very tender) and Duck Fries (just okay). For dessert, our party shared a Smores Souffle. After dinner, we migrated to the Library with the stained glass and boxes which is the part of the Old Forge I remember. As we were hanging out the library, we were asked of we wanted a tour of their wine cellar and private dining room. Shortly thereafter, we were walking amidst 300K bottles of wines; an office desk centuries old once owned by Napolean; a gated wine cellar that contains a $160K bottle of wine and a very private dining room that was simply museum like. A very nice dining experience with some great friends! There is valet parking and free street parking since the meters in this section of Miami beach ends at 6pm.
(4)Nish N.
I needed to have one phenomenal dining experience while touring Miami, and The Forge came highly recommended. It's the sort of restaurant where ingredients interact with your senses, and you're challenged to reinterpret food. This can be a disaster in less able hands, but not with Chef Dewey doing his thing. My dining companion and I decided to share a few items, only to both realize that we could order completely different ones the next time without batting a lash. How can one resist a Lobster PB& J sandwich, or a tricked out Burger & Bordeaux, really? The 3 Mushroom Risotto was perhaps our favorite when all was said and eaten, but as I said above, I can easily see another visit to include the "Super Steak" and the Grilled Shrimp Waffle. Our server was attentive and friendly, and the foxy hostess even charged my iPhone for me. To start off the meal, I tried a Hot & Dirty cocktail that kicked me into high gear. The Forge also has an enomatic wine arrangement with something like 80 wines to try. It's yet another way of making the diners part of the experience, and not a bad way to sample some Opus One! Add in all the beautiful women and the men who can afford them and it's easy to understand why The Forge has become a destination worthy of all the accolades. I can now go back to San Francisco knowing that culinary dreams do exist out there, if you go looking for them!
(5)Jeremy K.
Came here for my wifes birthday dinner. Made reservation 1 month in advance. So when we got there, we got the best seats in the house...smack dab in the middle...where we can see everyone! The building it self is so beautiful with its white outer columns. The hostess were beautiful and sexy!!! Everyone who eats there regularly has $$$$ and it was a bit of an older crowd. We started off with the beef tataki, good and tasty but nothing really crazy out there. She had the lobster bisque, which was perfect!!! not too creamy and heavy but smooth and tasty with lobster chunks.....we also had a few raw oyster, which were delicious and naturally sweet. For our main meal, I had the duck...had them extra crisp the skin so when it came out....it was sooooo delicious!!! It was a huge serving too!!! It was a whole 1/2 a duck....I couldn't finish it...but the crispy skin with the light gameiness of the moist meat was yummy. My wife had the Snapper in the bag, which came out piping hot, moist, tender too!!! Our waiter Preston was pretty nice to us, he had lots of good recommendations, answered all our questions and made our dinner special. He even gave us a birthday dessert on the house. Really cool guy. Would come back if in miami again!!!
(5)Tom H.
one of miami's classic!!! expensive!!! but the attention, its history and the food is worth it!!!
(5)Stephanie G.
I went to dinner at the Forge last night with one of my best friends for a belated birthday dinner. Last night was the end of Miami Spice and the restaurant was quite busy, but the service was still excellent. In fact, we were taken aback with the quality of the service. I was also very impressed with their wine list. To start we had the smoked salmon croquettes with a spicy guava sauce and peppered cream. The croquettes were quite good, but not the best I've had. For our entrees we ordered the three mushroom risotto and the oak grilled new york strip steak. The risotto was very good and the highlight of our meal. The steak was mostly fat. Once the fat was cut away there were about three bites left of my half. I think if I hadn't had such high expectations of this place, my review might have been better. I also feel guilty because I chose the venue for our dinner and I think there were probably several better options available. But, knowing that the restaurant's regular menu is quite pricey it makes me think of other steak houses I've been to in Miami where the quality of the meat was just so much better. For dessert we had the turron nougat cheesecake. Although the dessert did taste good, it wasn't out of this world and not what one would except to have at a restaurant the likes of the Forge. They added honey roasted grapes to the dessert along with sauterne jelly, but it was more of a garnish than a significant part of the dish. It didn't seem to "go" with the rest of it. Something tells me the Forge's regular menu is much much better than what they serve for Spice, so I'd give them the benefit of the doubt. But after this introduction, I can honestly say I doubt I'll be going back.
(2)Janet P.
Best chopped salad I've ever had. Beautiful and delicious. But the place is mammoth and eccentrically designed. We were one of two parties in the room so it was a bit weird and uncomfortable. It's an odd spot, but again...that salad. Amazing.
(3)Frankie S.
Again - excellent experience. We got the tour as requested, and learned more the second time around! The wine cellar is a must see experience. I just love the décor and the ambience. My interior design was heavily inspired by this magnificent and diversely decorated restaurant. My fish special was really nice, lovely. The server was super young but extremely knowledgeable. The one turn off I had was the twist in martini. It took three times for someone to get it right. The first time was a slice of lemon on the side, the second was something akin to a twist and the third time, a real bartender must have come in to work and I finally got a proper twist. Hey, can't forget, Miami is STILL Florida.
(5)Joe C.
Young crowd, good atmosphere, great food. If you like martinis be sure to try the bacon stuffed olives
(5)Miami R.
Just came back from another great visit to the Forge. I don't know why I haven't written a review before. Even though the restaurant is an icon, it still deserves being reviewed. Especially since it's so good. The remodel looks fantastic, it's as classy as every. Classy but not dated. When you come a couple of times, they remember your name give you that welcoming returning welcome. If you're new to the Forge, they still welcome you in an inviting way. Joe, the GM, is always on the floor, going from table to table, checking in on the tables, catching up with regulars and creating experiences that make you want to come back. The drinks (which is what my wife is the master of) are fantastic. She gets the cucumber martini every time we come. I get the diet coke. Always a great vintage on the diet coke haha. We almost always get the lobster peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the pomegranate lamb ribs appetizer. This time I had the hangar steak with the tostone and onions ( I don't like tostones, but I love these) My wife had the NY and I brought a guest this time and he had the super steak. He was very satisfied (and he's a pain in the behind a lot of the time) we split some asparagus, short rib hash and duck home fries. The macadamia nut bread they give you is ridiculously good, the butter you can't get enough of. I was sooo close to getting the seabass, but since everyone else got meat, I decided to keep that trend going. Next time, seabass for sure. We had the apple pie sundae. The apple was a little too hard for my liking, but the rest of it was really good. We also got the blueberry fritters. I heard my wife make noises I didn't know she could make. She kept talking about it on the ride home and even when we got home. I strongly suggest you give that one a try. If you feel a little intimidated, come in and sit at the bar. you can snack on items and watch a game or whatever is on the tv's. But, I assure you, you'll come back and you'll sit at a table and enjoy. The wine list is huge, if you haven't already heard, just google it. To wrap it up, The ambiance is top notch The service is high quality The food is world class The vibe is what they write stories about. Go on a date, bring a group of friends, whatever, just go. In case you couldn't tell, this is a positive review on what you should already be trying.
(5)Max S.
Great place that makes you feel special despite the Miami Spice discounted prices. My girlfriend and our friend each ordered from the Miami Spice menu which everything came out wonderful. There was a slight oops with my steak but the waiter Jason recognized it without me even having to say it. With one look he took it back had them cook me a new steak. While waiting for my new steak they made sure I was not left out of enjoying something absolutely delicious while the others ate their food. In my book the staff at the Forge went well above and beyond in this situation. Additionally the food was amazing. From the bread to the appetizers to the main entrees and did not disappoint with dessert. The Parmesan crusted steak I had was better than I could have expected. A tip on something to enhance the taste was given to me which was to add the onions from the French onion soup to the top of the steak. My girlfriend had the panna cotta which had a marmalade that was to die for. I am not a marmalade person but this I couldn't stop eating it even though I was so stuffed. Overall the food and service and environment gave me a reason to write a review which I almost never do. For management that gets ahold of this review my waiter Jason deserves kudos for handling the situation in the most professional way and making sure the restaurants image remained intact.
(5)Blak B.
Ok Ok Ok I was patiently waiting for the return of the Forge and all I can say is WOOOOOWWW in my flavor flav voice. lol. They did a hell of a job with the new look! It went from back in the day 1950's mob steak house feel to new posh elegance! Yepper I will be here more often. I started with a very tasty lobster bisque that toyed with my tummy because it was gone faster than a speeding bullet. Then I ordered the snapper in a bag that I felt was less desirable so I sent it back and ordered scallops that were mouth watering yaaay.. My companion ordered the whole fish entree that was also yepperlicious. But ten thumbs up to the dessert menu because it was freakin awesome! We had the berry cake and *drum rooolllllll* chocolate souffle that melted in your mouth and in your hands! If you get a waiter by the name Alberto you will have a fine dinning experience ;-)
(4)Cristy M.
I have to say I was VERY let down by the forge. I had read all the great reviews on yelp and was so excited to dine but left with such a different experience. Yes, the ambiance, service and decor are all top notch. But all of our food from the fried cauliflower to my husband's short ribs, lacked seasoning and flavor. Maybe the kitchen was having an off night, but for the money I'm not willing to give it another shot - at least not for a while. Nothing was inedible but when you're paying $28 for gnocchi it better be amazing gnocchi! Even the soufflé was disappointing. I wish we would have chosen a different place to celebrate our anniversary.
(2)Taylor E.
The happy hour here is AMAZING!!! If you're looking for a classy, great deal this is it. Vueve champagne for $10 or Belvedere cocktails for $10 (i believe). Not to mention they serve you food while you enjoy your happy hour....for free! So my boyfriend and I came to enjoy happy hour on Valentine's day before our reservation at 8 pm. Upon arrival we let the hostess know we were at the bar and they informed us to come back around 7:45 to check in with them. My boyfriend went to them at 7:45 and they told us they were running behind on reservations. I went up about 8:25 and they told me they were running about 45 minutes behind. So I went back to our bar seats and waited until close to 9 pm. The manager was at the host stand and told me they are sorry but they are still running behind and cannot give an accurate time for when we would be seated. I told him it was now an hour past our reservation time. He said he was sorry, but people showed up 45 minutes late for their reservation earlier in the night. I told him I don't feel that I should have to wait because someone else decided to show up late. His response, "What am I supposed to do? Turn them away??" UM YES! I told him I have worked in the restaurant business many years and that is how it works. Especially on valentines day. I asked him then if he would like to take care of our meal at the bar if he couldn't tell me when we would be sitting to eat dinner. His response, "No i am not going to do that". I asked for a manager higher than him and he told me he was the general manager. I asked for the owner, "The owner is not taking calls right now". I guess to avoid a further argument, he decided to seat us in front of a lot of other people waiting. When he sat me he made a snide remark that it was wrong of me to cut in front of so many other people waiting. I told him that was not my fault and I don't feel that we should be to blame for poor management. After that point we had a great experience. We had an amazing bottle of wine from Veneto, Italy. Our server helped us pair an appetizer. We ordered the mac and cheese, the "famous" steak, and mushroom truffle risotto. The steak was overcooked and not worth it. But the rest of the meal was great. Risotto was to die for!!! and the mac and cheese was amazing!!! Our server was fantastic...I wish I could remember his name. The rest of the atmosphere was gorgeous and we really enjoyed it. I am so taken aback by the lack of professionalism by the general manager...blaming me for being sat over an hour after our reservation time. It's valentine's day...if you don't have a reservation you're not getting sat...so we were stuck there. Not my fault.
(2)Alyson L.
Nothing more than disappointed. I made reservations 2 weeks ago for my husbands birthday which happens to be valentines day. When we arrived to the restaurant, there was a line of approximately 30 couples ahead of us waiting for tables. There was no way to even reach the hostess. We stood outside along with everyone else who couldn't make it inside the restaurant. They poorly scheduled reservations. None the less, we had to call around to see what restaurant was taking walk-ins at 1000pm because there was no way we were going to be seated before midnight. I can't review the food, but it's safe to say the service was nothing more than horrible. We won't be returning. Thankfully Truluck's is always a safe bet and accommodated us on such a busy night.
(1)Carey A.
What is there not to like about this place! The Forge is a perfect representation of a unique blend of both an upbeat & modern ambiance and an extravagant menu of excellent options. We were seated towards the back and I got to sit in the Alice in Wonderland-like over sized chair...YES! This restaurant was unlike anything we have ever dined in before. The decor of the restaurant was absolutely amazing. The menu consisted of a lot different & innovative foods and some classics as well. Also, the music was in between "chill", "house", and "trance"....it was a little psychedelic! With so many interesting options on the menu, we decided to order the following: Lobster & PB sandwich-delectable 5/5 Creekstone Filet Mignon- perfect crust 5/5 Coffee & Eggs-4/5 Oyster Mushrooms-5/5 We also got a complimentary $25 gift card to use towards wine with our reservation. Now we just need one of these in D.C.!
(5)Dinorah a.
Love this restaurant ... Beautiful , trendy elegance.. romantic and fun.. not stuffy.. Food is amazing.. bone in steak.. great coktails.. great service.. I'm a fan..
(5)Sunny J.
Treated like royalty at the step up dinner table. A must in Miami!
(5)Matt M.
Great meal and very pricy. Yes the mushroom risotto is a must try....I don't mind paying for an expensive meal when it is worth it and yes this place is worth. What is with the automatic tip? it was just me and my wife and they automatically put on 20%...we had an expensive bottle of wine and I usually adjust for it. I always add appropraite tip but felt adding 20% was not appropraite. If I had known that I would not have purchased the overpriced wine and gone with a more reaonable choice. Overall a wonderful experience....
(4)David K.
Sorry...this place was a big disappointment. Used the gilt city coupon menu and other than the filet everything was very mediocre. First off, ribs at a fancy joint like this? Come on, I can get ribs anywhere, and these weren't even good. Next I had a Caesar salad, not even authentic, where were the anchovies? It didn't even come with shaved reggiano. Okay, you got me on the filet, one of the best I've ever had, it came with a cooked tomato, no other side. The dessert, shared one each with the wife, the cheesecake and the pumpkin whatever. Have had much much better. Sorry, I'm usually not critical but I have to say besides the filet this meal was very average. If they are trying to introduce people to the restaurant with this discount deal, it's not working, i doubt whether we'll go back. There are much better restaurants for a lot less money. Absolutely positively nothing special.
(2)Andy T.
The food here defiantly is a winner. Modern cuisine with a ecletic menu.. We ordered steaks, lamb, and a salad. Everything was cooked to perfection, along with a dinner supervised by an attentive wait staff. The atmosphere of the restaurant is almost "loungy", and it made me want to order a drink, and relax. Very cool spot, overall. They loose a star for overbooking the restaurant, We had to wait 45 minutes past our reservation, for a table.
(4)Roberto B.
As the Herald touted I was prepared to be "wowed" and as Wine Spectator gave them a 2010 Award for one of the most outstanding restaurant Wine Lists in The World (80 wines by the glass now available) and with a new renovation I felt it was time to revisit The Forge for Miami Spice. Now I've been in Miami for 25 plus years and I used to be an active freelance writer on the Miami Beach scene so I am no stranger to The Forge's ability to throw down a good soiree merely by being in the presence of its old school luster and charm. But the renovation has really taken The Forge up a notch in my book - this place is a gem in the crown jewel collection of what makes Miami Beach a tourist destination. And with the new innovative menu (that is actually not that pricey for the selections and ambience) after a brief return for a Miami Spice dinner, I will be putting this on my list of places to return in future months. My partner started out with a gazpacho soup that looked as delicious as she enthused it was - you would think that in a city with as much Latin influence as Miami we'd have a plethora of restaurants who can turn out a good gazpacho but that's not necessarily the case. It isn't just a matter of "less is more" to bring good game to the soup - you have to have a certain turn of hand to create that lustrous mixture of tomatoes, bread and spices to create a shimmering pool of crimson that is pleasing to both palate and eye. I tucked into the wedge of lettuce with signature Maytag blue cheese dressing - a wedge that was easily a half head of iceberg lettuce and boy was that scrumptious. The breads and butter - divine. Each different piece of bread roll was like a confection from a private bakery (which I imagine The Forge probably has). I have to admit I did have a little trouble navigating the 50 plus page wine list - my eye caught the phrase "French Bordeaux 23" which I thought was a heads up to a super bargain on low end Bordeaux but apparently that was the table of contents telling me to turn to page 23 for the selection of French reds - ok, even I giggled. My partner and I did easily find, however, an Argentine malbec at $28 so we weren't too much off target. Let's just say - this is a really BIG BOOK. If only schoolwork had been so challenging who knows where I'd be today? Main courses: My partner opted for the Filet Mignon; and let's not kid ourselves - The Forge is a steakhouse par excellence, a chance to dive into their Filet on a pre-fixe Spice Menu? Well sure! But I had been here for a Spice Menu two years back and I knew what to expect - it was a beautiful presentation, but that piece of meat qualifies as appetizer in my book - too too small. With this in mind I put some thought into the other choices and opted for the roasted chicken - ah this is a culinary delight! With roasted blue Peruvian potatoes and a scrumptious chicken broth au jus on the side - well let's just say my partner had long ago dispatched with her filet and I had to take half my bird home. Dessert? Partner opted for the light and airy flourless chocolate torte and I went for the cheesecake - both were spot on divine. Couple these great meal with the ambience of being served in what I take it was a mock-up library section of the newly remodeled Forge (replete with some beautiful stained glass that makes you feel you're in a belle epoque dining room in Europe - and our gracious server Ashley (a cross between Kate Winslet and Leighten Meester she was a treat herself and she didn't laugh at my wine gaffe) - it was a night to remember. I'm coming back Mr. Malnick
(5)Janelle F.
The Forge left me so...underwhelmed. Walking in, I thought this place was going to be packed, as it was a Saturday night at around 8 o'clock and there were actually tons of empty tables. I started off with the lobster bisque that was just okay. In fact, I think I've had better lobster bisque at a Steak and Ale! I also tried the lobster PBJ sandwiches that everyone raves about. I thought they were so gross. I took one bite and that was all for me! The only thing that saved this meal was my steak--- it was cooked perfectly and the seasoning was just right. For dessert, I had the marble souffle, that again, left much to be desired. Expensive meals should be worth what you pay for them. I think the Forge is not worth the hype- or the price. NEXT!
(2)Sally K.
Amazing decor, great place, good service - the food is good and plenty of it. Not Michelin level, but really good. A wine cellar to die for.
(4)Bill H.
Our Tour Guide from South Beach Culinary Tours (great tour, see review) recommended this place to us for our last night. It's a fairly ritzy place where she said you never know who you may see there. Enter into a very cool looking main dining room. Each table with more than two chairs has a funky bench or super high back armchairs. Take a look at some photos. Music playing (it may too loud / distracting for some so be warned) constantly. Waiters were attentive at beginning but service tended to dwindle once served. Selection of breads was excellent. Could have made a meal out of that focaccia and toasted raisin crisps alone. We ordered sea bass and mushroom risotto and both were delicious. Risotto was a bit cheesy and very filling, but delicious. Sea bass was cooked perfectly. We were excited about dessert as they have a selection of soufflés. We couldn't decide between grand mariner and pistachio but went with grand mariner. Waiter didn't write it down and came back out to confirm and we told him grand marnier. We were served pistachio instead. It was delicious nonetheless and we didn't bother to say anything. In fact we had trouble spotting our waiter and it wasn't a busy night. Another staff member deliver dessert and settled our bill. Not sure what happened to him. After dinner we asked the hostess if we could look around since we heard there are some cool private rooms and she escorted us to this area. She was very nice and snapped some photos of us as well. Overall a wonderful dining experience.
(4)Vanessa L.
Went to The Forge - for the first time - for Miami Spice a couple of weeks ago and it was superb. Many restaurants participating in Miami Spice don't put much effort in their menu which I find ironic as it's the whole purpose of Miami Spice. Not so for this newly remodeled Miami institution. It was ALL absolutely scrumptious, from beginning to end. And to top it all off the service was excellent. The ambiance is also fantastic - great for a romantic dinner for two or for a group of friends. Already looking forward to returning to The Forge and putting it in my list of go-to restaurants for great food, service and ambiance.
(5)Lisa C.
WOW! So impressive! This place is top notch all the way. Totally my speed (when I go high end). The décor is amazing. The food...top quality and all about impressing. The wine selection is superb and I even got a tour of the wine cellars and WHOA! Blown away. The starter breads are delicious. And the chef sent over these mini ribs and I swear they fell off the bone and were the best I have had in my life. Usually I steer clear of ribs because they are so messy but these just fell off the bone. No mess at all just heavenly rib loving goodness. We shared the gargantuan seafood tower for two. WOW! What a presentation. Multiple layers of plates filled with crab, crabmeat, oysters, shrimp cocktail, grilled calamari, lobster WOW! A seafood tower for total professionals. We also had the lobster peanutbutter and jelly sandwhich appetizer. Sounded totally gross but I went fear factor with it, gave it a shot and WOW! It's a must try. It's totally not what you think. We also ordered steak but got too full on the other food (plus too much wine) so we got the remainder wrapped up to go. I am so LOVING The Forge. It's classy and thanks to the location up on 41st street, it's not filled with golddigger trash trying to hooker their way to a table (like what is too common at Prime 112 and Prime Italia, where hemlines are so high and cleavage so inappropriate I wonder if a police raid is going to happen. This is not to say I don't like Prime, I do very much but the goldiggers that linger at the bar sleazes the place up. The Forge by contrast, is quiet and romantic, very sexy indeed. I'll put it this way... Prime is where you take someone you want to see naked. The Forge is where you take someone you want to see naked and propose to. I'm so curious to try the Sunday Brunch there. I absolutely will return.
(4)Meryl C.
I'll give two stars for the space and the fact the fact that they had a special on @VeuveClicquot at the bar. Otherwise, this experience was disappointing to say the least. We had a 9pm res and they didn't seat us until after 10pm- unapologetically, I might add. The service was nice but ineffectual. The food was good- but not good enough to make up for the bobbles elsewhere. I would recommend only going for a cocktail and saving your money for a place that will actually appreciate you being there.
(2)Jessica E.
Food is great. Service is spectacular. My only advice is to be careful about anything that says market price. My husband and I ordered 2 jumbo stone crab claws (1 each) they were $150 for both. The rest of our bill was $150 so $300 and $150 solely on appetizers! We almost had a heart attack because we had no idea they cost that much, we wish the server would have mentioned it. I know the forge was pricey, but I didn't expect it. I will ask from now on!
(4)Diana D.
The Forge restaurant was amazing! The food Is delicious and the people are very friendly! I got the mushroom risotto, which I highly recommend. Also, I ordered the sweet potato fries, which were fantastic! The portions were bigger than I was expecting so i had to take some leftovers to my hotel. The restaurant is very fancy, and so are the prices. The total amount for my family of 3 was $380.00! Very very pricey, but it was definantly with it. All I have to say is the food was a bit salty for my liking. Definantly is worth it, though.
(4)Reena M.
We came earlier than our reservation and waited at the bar until we were ready to be seated. Everyone who worked there was really nice. The decor is very chic and different; something one of a kind. We are from Houston and there are not many places that can compare to The Forge so to us, we loved it here. We started with drinks at the bar: -a Kiucumber (a drink mix that is so refreshing! it is a combination of vodka with Kiwi, cucumber, basil and lime juice) i score it 5/5 - the wines are available by bottle or by tastings. They have stations set up categorized by type/body and you are able to select the amount you want to try with the corresponding prices. I love this idea because you are able to try some really good ones for an affordable price other than a full 5 ounce price. I had a tempranillo which was in station 4 which was really smooth and prepared my pallet for the dinner. For the meal: 1. Grilled 8oz filet Mignon. $38 rating 4/5. the flavor is all I have to say! 2. Barolo braised short rib $30 rating 5/5. (it is one huge rib with a huge bone sticking up. The meat was so lean and tender. They placed it on top of the polenta and had an onion ring on the bone. I was not even able to finish the whole meal. With just having the main meal we were very satisfied. The portions were great and the food was delicious. There are no complaints! One perk: we were having dinner next to one of the Real Housewives from OC. I know that when I come back to visit, I will be coming here again.
(5)David Y.
This has to be one of the most consistently great restaurants any where. The food was beyond relishes and the service was tops! Can't wait to go back!
(5)daniel v.
If you spent $450 to treat 5 people and the tastiest item on my menu was the fries, and wind up getting Chinese food elsewhere because you're still hungry, then you'd probably be pissed. But much to the Forge's defense, this shee shee foo foo type of establishment is not my cup of tea to begin with. I ordered the sea bass, my family ordered crab leg, filet mignon, NY strip steak and a burger. They all enjoyed their food and although my bass was good, I've had much better for 1/2 the price. I was really disappointed with the 1 crab leg which was the size of a woman's palm at $45. I could have gotten twice that portion at Joe's stone crab. If you plan to go here, keep in mind that 1/2 of your bill is for the ambiance, which resembles old-world charm in Westchester NY. The service was impeccable as it should be for a place of this caliber, and if you want to impress a date who won't step into anything less than a late-model BMW or Mercedes, then this is your place. But if you just care for good food without the high price and ambiance--like I do--then look elsewhere.
(3)Akram b.
Just dined this past Saturday ordered the barbecue hamachi not very impressive as well as the special burrata but again very disappointing. I also ordered the fried ravioli and again this was not impressive . Main course was the steak which was again acceptable but not to par with good steakhouses in miami . I would give it 3 stars just because the service and ambiance is great. I would go there again on reason of these things but for food I would not go back
(3)Andrew S.
The Forge has always been one of our favorites during our annual visit to Miami. It's disapointing to see an old friend slip this much in a year. Good points: 1. The decor is top notch 2. The people watching is great 3. The bread is amazing Bad points: 1. Don't sit an the stage seating, there are two tables that are too well lit. We asked the waiter to reduce the lighting he said it would be, it never occurred. 2. As a starter we ordered the scallops from the "share the tables menu section". It only contained two small scallops......not much to share across a table. 3. My wife ordered a bake potato side. It didn't have any cheddar cheese and was not hot, so it was returned (with the food runner) when her crab cakes arrived. I would have thought that everything would arrive at the same time. To add insult our waiter never came over to ask about the baked potato. 4. My wife also ordered a side of portabella mushrooms......they never came. We finally waved at our waiter and asked about this. He didn't know what happened so we asked him to cancel the mushrooms. 5. As a main my wife ordered the crab cakes. Too much breading and not near enough crab. 6. The service was poor. At the end of the dinner it took over ten minutes for our plates to be cleared. 7. They added a 20% service charge to the bill. I've never seen this with a party of only two people!!!! Needless to say, we won't return during our next visit to Miami.
(1)Amber L.
Back in December (my, how time flies!!!), I was at The Forge for a Yelp event. I'll only be commenting on the design of the place, as I didn't eat a meal. This restaurant has gone through a complete transformation from what it was before. The dining area has been expanded with beautifully designed seating at glass tables in the brighter middle dining room. For more intimate dinners, there's a room in the back with dimmer lighting and different kinds of oversized chairs at smaller tables, making it feel like each group is in its own mini-restaurant. There's a separate room housing a massive bar. It feels almost Alice in Wonderland-ish with pink and purple chandeliers hanging from the ceiling for a modern twist on a classic decor piece. The piece d'resistance for me are the wine-dispenser WALLS surround the bar area. Checked out the prices and there are some very affordable options. An enthusiastic sommelier is available to walk customers through the available choices. Also, I'd be remiss in not mentioning the ladies' restroom/lounge! Mr. Malnik and I had a nice convo about his efforts to make sure the ladies had a gorgeous and comfortable space in which to handle the most urgent matters. Very nice, indeed! I'm looking forward to returning so I can try out some of the menu, as we only sampled a few delicious appetizers.
(4)Jessica A.
The whole time I was there i realized I was one of the only woman there that didnt have botox and fake b**bs. Was a beautiful place inside and I loved the bathroom! But not my crowd of people at all! This place isn't what I think of when I think of Miami at all, seems very LA like.
(2)Edwin M.
It's a shame about this place because the food was really good but everything else was horrible. If you're planning for a quiet evening then don't come here for dinner. It was as loud as a club. We couldn't have a conversation because we couldn't hear each other. There was a point where we didn't talk for at least 10 minutes because people were yelling and dancing by the bar. The final straw was seating us in the worst possible place, right next to the entrance where everyone was bumping into me as they passed by, especially the drunks that were stumbling around. I inhaled my food just so I could hurry and get out of there already. And no, we couldn't just leave because my wife had purchased a non-refundable voucher from TravelZoo for this place for my birthday. We even asked the waiter if it was the normal type of atmosphere for the forge, he says it only happens on Friday nights, so I guess we just picked the wrong night? Either way, first and last time for me.
(1)Reena K.
The grilled skirt steak melted in my mouth, my friend's mushroom risotto was delicious (she still talk about it, 4 months later), and the wine selection is INCREDIBLE (even the whites were well chosen). Easily one of the top 5 restaurants I have been to in the last few years. The decor is gorgeous, their chairs are all different styles, but work together really well. The high ceilings and the perfect lighting makes the place look larger than it already is. This place is one that everyone MUST try when in Miami.
(5)Stella T.
Opulent is the perfect word to describe this restaurant. It is simply gorgeous! Every room is decorated to the max. Every detail is beautiful. The food is over priced, but totally worth it. Everything comes out so beautiful you almost don't want to eat it. While dining here JLO stormed thru the back door past our table. If she dines here, you now they are doing something right in that kitchen.
(5)V. H.
I had been to the forge a few times for dinner prior to its renovations, but when I realized they were now serving brunch, I knew I had to check it out. To start I had the bloody mary ceviche. Soo good and surprisingly, a lot of fish. For entrees, I ordered the french toast and my friend went with the jersey eggs Benedict. The French toast could easily serve three people. Seriously, it was that big! Aside from the size, it was delicious and moist... this coming from a girl that used to think she didn't care much for french toast! My friends jersey eggs Benedict were nothing to write home and neither was the dessert. If you're in the mood for french toast in an upscale setting, this is your place.
(4)Derek F.
Very nice interior and the Service was great
(4)Komal B.
I loved the old Forge and I love the new Forge just as much. I grew up on Miami Beach and the Forge stood for mystery and class and smelled of old money. Now it smells of really good food and wine and new money is everywhere. The design is elegant and inspired and the wine bar at the back is captivating. Went with a party of 3 and I wish I had taken notes so I could tell you what bottle of wine we ordered. It was a luscious full-bodied red. The service was stellar. None of us liked the original red we ordered so they took it back and brought us another. (They did include it on the check but took it off when I brought it to their attention. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that was an honest mistake.) Food: Lamb spare ribs -- delicious and tender. Yellowfin tuna tartare -- a burst of flavor Alaskan king crab legs-- incredibly soft and flavorful Maine lobster -- the best I have had anywhere -- tender and flavorful. Everything was tender, everything was flavorful. I know that's irritating in a review but I'm not a frigging food critic and unfortunately, I didn't write the review as soon as I got home because said bottle of wine had made me too happy to care. Save up some money or better yet go on someone else's dime. You won't regret it. If it's romance you're looking for, ask for one of the cozy highboy-height banquettes at the back. And don't forget to check out the whimsical restrooms!
(5)Jenny C.
So, I decided to celebrate my wedding dinner here, since we had planned a destination wedding. I have to say that the restaurant is gorgeous. But I have to say the food was so so. We both had a steak, I asked for mine to be medium well.. And my husband asked for his well done. My came out well done, and his came out overlooked. The potatoes were delicious, and the broccoli was great to. Don't take your kids, they have nothing to offer them. I did give her some of the Mac.. Since you have to order aside, and she seemed to enjoy that. My daughter loves olives, so I asked the waiter if they had any black olives that I could order on the side. He came out with bacon stuffed olives, great for us, not so great for the kid. Regardless, the server was great and the great music playing in the background made it a nice atmosphere. The food is ok, but for customer service and ambience it's an At.
(3)Ali K.
Fun place for ladies night. Gal pals and I had many, many bottles of Veuve (great deal on Veuve bottles). Service was nice and above SoBe average. Food was yummy. In fact, we were so stuffed by the end of dinner that we could barely breathe! Then again, we were wearing fairly tight dresses to begin with... Which, by the way, appeared to be the preferred attire of most the lady patrons... ;)
(4)Kati E.
romantic night out. definitely recommend for a special occasion. food is delicious. tried the ceviche - scrumptious! the mashed potatoes are beyond this world - orgasmic! the salmon was well season, nothing to brag about.
(5)Brittany R.
So this place has a lot of history. It had A LOT of hype going into it as well. I decided to go for my birthday. We went on a Sunday night and the place was dead. They closed off the entire place, which had most of the appeal to me. The lights were literally off in the other rooms, so you couldn't even tour around to check them out. I was extremely disappointed by this. It was very unwelcoming and the decor is a huge part of the appeal to this place, after all it was just redone. The hostess wasn't the most friendly either. She was annoyed that we didn't want to sit at the first table, when you walk into the place. But apparently we didn't have a choice as they only had the first room open and it was the only table set up for 5 people. The room we sat in was cool but we were just next to the entrance way, and to be honest, it didn't have this amazing feel to it. The food was good but not incredible. The tuna steak dish was very good. The crab cakes were good. However, the New York Strip steak that came was not. It was fatty and chewy. When going to a restaurant like this, the last thing you expect is a bad piece of meat. Just disappointing. Also, realize that if you have never been to this area of town or don't know your way around, be prepared to be forced to valet your car for $10. Yes, they do this, after you go in and get ready to spend at least $50 a head. Very nickel and dime if you ask me, for such a luxury style restaurant.
(3)Robert C.
I have lived on the beach my entire life, and never dared to step foot into this place until last week. I was always told it was too expensive and exclusive for me, so as any naturally intimidated person, I told myself I would avoid this place until I became an oil tycoon or Mr. Monopoly. But nonetheless I was invited by a buddy of mine last week for Miami Spice. He assured me that I did not have to wear cuff-links. I accepted. We sat at the bar, and were greeted by several attentive bartenders. They gave us a long and exhaustive drink menu. I, being the lazy/illiterate person that I am, just told the bartender (His name was Ariel, tip him well) that I was looking for something bitter and tart. He told me not to worry, and made me a drink off the menu. Impressive and tasty. I later found out that all the bartenders were certified mixologists, and that they even had a sommelier on staff. As for the food, being Miami Spice week, we ordered off the 3 course $35 pre-fixed menu. I got the lamb knuckles, peppered duck, and sorbet. The food was mouthwatering good. The knuckles were a little too tangy, but were still fall off the bone good. The duck was made to perfection, nicely seasoned with their special rub. We paired up each course with a personal recommendation from the sommelier. One of the wines was not to my liking (seemed a little old), but the other was on point. Ended the meal with the refreshing sorbet, the perfect cap to a great night. Tips: Go after 9pm and avoid the old money rush. Talk to the bartenders and the sommelier, they are helpful. Make sure to check out the wine bar, very cool. The only knock on this place would be its reputation, and pretentious crowd. Otherwise, service was great. Food was timely and on point. Price was to be expected. In the end, I salute the Forge with a respectful golf clap.
(4)Carolina C.
Went to this restaurant a couple weeks ago with my husband. The place is beautiful! So romantic and perfect for date night! Food and service were excellent.
(5)Marisa Y.
This was the perfect place to catch up with a friend and discuss old times, as well as new. I choose the Forge on a Saturday evening because of a GiltCity voucher I was waiting to use. I did not know what to expect but as soon as I walked through the door, I was amazed. Walking in was like entering some inner sanctum that only the privileged get to visit. The surroundings were awe-inspiring and I openly stared as I was led to the bar, where our seats were set up. The voucher entitled us to glassed from the Ergomatic wine set up only for use by Gilt Members and we also received a tour from the sommelier on each wine and what pairings would work best. We were also entitled to a plate of signature appetizers and while some of the descriptions made me balk, every bite I tried was a foodies dream. The lobster PB and J sandwiches need to be tried to believe and should be. I do believe heaven tastes like the perfectly blended flavors in this sandwich. Try Forge; despite being across the causeway, this part of the beach is quiet in the evening and into the night. Parking is free (after six, the meters are no longer in operation) and ample. Impress a date, meet up with a mate, whatever your fancy, the Forge is sure to please
(4)H. R.
When a "restaurant" (a landmark......a culinary institution) can last this long in one of the fastest changing trendy hot-spot cities......they're doing everything right. From the moment you arrive......"you have arrived." No matter how many times you have been here.....it's always impressive. There's a sense of aristocracy. Driving East on 41st Street (Miami Beach)....just before Collins.....this regal landmark sits awaiting your arrival. Like a Palace with guards.....the Valet awaits. Valet....Doors were opened...we were greeted cordially and escorted to our table. White glove service. Evening started with a bottle of Merlot from the amazing wine list (more like a wine book).... a Caesar Salad (for 2)....and a Raw Platter (which includes oysters, Lobster, Ceviche). Also a favorite and not available everywhere....this seafood extravaganza was accompanied by Caviar. mmmmmm but save room....the chef is detailing your entree. As my wife was deciding between the Chilean Sea Bass and the Ribeye Steak....I had decided..... Coffee crusted Ribeye Steak.....and to this day....it is always what I go back for. Just amazing!!! Sides: Asparagus.....Mashed Potato Funny....Steak lovers from out of town always compare and ask about Prime 112 vs The Forge....which are 2 of the finest restaurants in Miami Beach (my opinion)...but comparing them is trying to decide between a Ferrari and a Rolls Royce. At the end.... as long as the budget allows.....you need both...and budget is required for both the cars I mentioned and the restaurants. Prime is hip....no question....an amazing Steak Institution....and from my review....it is obviously one of my favorite restaurants. The Forge is Regal.....absolutely one of the finest settings for fine cuisine in U.S....the Forge delivers "Royalty"....Formal Elegance....with a menu that delivers to every desire and taste. To impress a client.....that someone special.....or just to experience culinary perfection.......the Forge is a (with only 5 stars available).....a 6-star......and what an amazing job with the last remodel. Btw....it is also a favorite of celebrities.....so don't be surprised or star struck to see some of your favorite actor/entertainers. At the end.....work hard...invest your money wisely.....because The Forge is worth it! 6 Stars!
(5)Winnie C.
Decor was amazing, a lot of history to this place, and they kept the chandelier in the main dining hall. Food is very good. We went for Sunday Brunch $55 per person, they had the all you can eat section with ceviche, heirloom tomato salad, couscous, prociutto with grilled melon, devil eggs, potato pancake, sausage, roast beef, crepes, breadpudding, cheesecake etc..etc... This place did not have the omelette bar but the brunch came with 1 item from their menu. I have tried their eggs benedict, the sauce is one of the best. Service from the waiter is first class, he even told us the whole history of the Forge. Everything was organic, all you can drink mimosa and had a bloody mary bar.
(4)Dayna A.
The Forge is incredibly beautiful. Once you get past the formidable velvet rope crowd, you gain passage into another world. As far as I was told all of the mahogany and stained glass were shipped in from mansions of Europe, but maybe that's just an urban legend. The last time we there, it was a Russel Simmon's Art for Life after-party. The scene was bumping and it felt like were in an old exclusive speak easy. I would love to return for a Southern soul food night--- I've heard fantastic things.
(5)Kate S.
Celebrated my 26th birthday w beau at The Forge. We had such a good time, felt intimate and surreal. Beauty emblazed from ceiling to floor, service to food. Considerably the best wine list I've seen in Miami. Shared the Salmon croquettes with guava sauce. Chose to start with caviar, I enticed beau to try the caviar, a great triumph on my behalf. Ordered the "Coffee and Eggs", a coffee crusted ribeye and goat cheese frittata as my entree. The steak was cooked to my liking. He had the corn raviolli and the "snapper in a bag". Which he said were both good. For dessert. The exquisite marbled chocolate, grand marnier souffle. Prepared perfectly. Wish it was my birthday everyday : )
(5)Rhiannon R.
The food here is absolutely amazing. They did a great job with the renovations. Without a doubt, my favorite place to eat in miami.
(5)T R.
While the restaurant had a beautiful ambience and terrific service, the experience was very dissapointing. We ordered three types of steak which were all inferior in quality and taste. The sides were mediocre and lacking in flavor. Our sides consisted of crispy corn ravioli (which was bland and basically a deep fried piece of batter), the truffled fries which were incredibly salty and somehow tasted stale, the creamed kale, the tuna tartare which was overwhelmed by onions, and the seafood sampler which was a major disappointment. Every dish was substantially lacking in the flavors we were so looking forward to experiencing. The choice of wine was limited and pricey. Most glasses ranged from $25-45/glass. The only redeeming dish of the meal were the green beans. Overall - we were happy to pay the price for a wonderful and delicious dinner. Unfortunately, experience was underwhelming and the chef did not deliver. We will not be returning.
(1)Kate V.
opulant, chic and dramatic are just a few words that come to mind when i describe the forge in miami beach. my designer / architect friends will also appreciate the rich cultural history of this site which now serves as an inspired farm to table restaurant, wine bar and social staple. the forge has been reinvented many times over the past 90 years but what i love about the history is that in the 20's, it started literally as a blacksmith's iron forge. dino phillips designed decorative iron gates and sculptures for miami's wealthy which included the firestones and the vanderbilts. not too shabby as far as clients go... in the 30's, phillips converted the space to a restaurant and casino, attracting starlets, musicians and famous actors. there was another large renovation in the late 60's and yet another just a few years ago. today, the space feels like a sexy, loft speak-easy with signature furniture and lighting accents. the forge continues to attract a-listers and travelers like us alike. while waiting for our table, the enomatic wine system caught my eye. you can sample any number of wines by a tasting size, half or full glass. i learned the enomatic system perfectly seals the wine bottle after every pour, ensuring the freshest taste possible. we could have happily stayed at the bar all night, the bar tenders were quick to serve and there were plenty of seats so we could sit back and relax. when we eventually got to our table, our server ran us through his menu favorites and offered up recommendations from the wine list. he was a stellar salesmen, we pretty much ordered everything he had described... how can you go wrong when you start with a few stone crabs, follow that up with what's known as lobster pb&j sandwiches and finish off your meal with an insanely tender bone-in steak and succulant three mushroom risotto? you can't. the meal was over the top. not that we had an ounce of room left but somehow we managed to take down a s'mores souffle for dessert. this thing even came with a fluffernutter cream on the side and warm chocolate syrup to douse over the top. i'm very, very sorry i don't have a pic of this one. we were too excited and dug right in! put on your fancy duds and strut over to the forge if you find yourself in miami beach~
(4)kelly h.
Decadent decor, attentive service, and great food about sums up the Forge. It was just me on a Sunday so sat at the bar. Both bartenders were attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Here's what i ordered: Two raw oysters (Atlantic & Pacific) Lobster peanut butter & jelly sandwich 8 oz. Filet Steamed Chinese broccoli with almonds and orange sauce Let's just say I finished the entire meal with not a single piece of food remaining. I had actually planned to only taste the lobster pb&j sandwich and bring the rest to my hotel, but it was too savory to put down... By the second bite any portion control I had set was duly over. The only other comment is that I'm not a big fan of F's special mustard sauce that comes with the filet... too sour. I paired my meal with Acacia Pinot Noir. The entire experience was enjoyable. See you next time!
(4)Monika K.
mamas birthday in mia, first time at the Forge, decor amazing and restaurant is beautiful, saw barry gibbs there from beegees that night, mama was excited for that, service great, food, meh! vino list was nice a lil annoying to have to order everything at onceper chefs request that night east vs west oysters, 4 were so small you could barely seem them 4 were huge, chicken wontons in some tamarind broth was the blandest stuff I ever tasted. sister got the super steak with baked potato she said it was good but the 'best steak in america' not so much. mama is a light eater so she ordered chilled lobster and crab salad which was tasty, prob the best of the night which isn't saying much. I had the special of striped sea bass with 4 mussels ramen noodles and mustard greens in a broth. again lackluster in flavor. ordered a grand marnier and chocolate souffle marble, tasted so plain. not exciting one bit. for a bill of $350 for 3 people, I'd expect a much tastier meal, but that didn't happen. maybe we were there on an off night but next time I'm going on someone else's tab.
(2)Rich K.
One of the best dining experiences of my life, based on venue, food, service and ambience. Everything was fantastically fantastic. I was very lucky to attend my sister's day two birthday party at the Forge. My brother-in-law is a very generous guy who paid the tab for the entire party of 14. We were lucky to have our meal in the private wine cellar, with Tim as our server. This guy was fantastic in how he managed to serve a party of 14 effortlessly. And at the same time being able to address all the guests by first name, amazing. This place is a real treat if you're celebrating a special occasion or if you happen to have a couple of Benjamin's burning a hole in your pocket.
(5)Mark S.
I've been going to this restaurant since the early 70's and I must say I was very disappointed with my meal and the service. Super steak super raw sent it back three times and they were never able to get it right. Couldn't hear the waiter do to the horrible music and his didn't speak above a whisper. Spent $1500.00 for diner for 8 ,which I certainly don't have a problem with if it was worth it. My guests who all have been going to this establishment as long as I have and where all disappointed. Get your shit together Shareef the competition is brutal.
(1)Caro P.
My mom and I did the Miami spice here. The staff were exceptional and educated. The FOOD was AWESOME. We started off with the BBQ lamb ribs. Comes with about 5 small pieces . Then for entree we had the filet mignon with the mustard sauce and yucca tostone. Finally, for dessert I had the chocolate and hazelnut cake and my mom had the lemon pan cotta. Oh and I almost forgot the bread and butter they give in the beginning is absolutely amazing! It was truly a 5 star experience.
(5)Lauren C.
I came here for my friend's 30th birthday dinner. We visited Miami for a celebration, and a celebration we got. The food here is superb. The atmosphere is superb. The service is superb. It really is "as good as it gets!" Now let's talk about The Zombie. It's a drink. Doesn't that tell you enough? It's almost like a better, cooler Long Island Iced Tea. It doesn't make you a zombie... but it does make you super drunk. :)
(5)Kristen M.
I love the vibe and atmosphere from this place! The high chairs, gold trimmings, and mirrors make me feel like I am somewhere in between a trendy town and a renaissance castle. The music is loud and we were seated in an area lifted above the floor with lights all around us which I loved because you had a great view of everything. Our waiter accidentaly poured an extra glass of the wine I ordered so he just gave it to me for free which sold the deal. The food was good, I had the filet mignon and I wish I had enough room for their famous desserts... My bf likes a quick service and this is not the place where you order receive your food and leave. You can sit there enjoy your appetizer then order your meal, sit there some more and then dessert.
(4)James S.
Always a home run. Great service. Great food. Great wine. A perfect American steak house.
(5)Carolynn R.
To start off your would never know this place is here, but once you walk threw the doors you feel transported to a amazing historically significant trendy hot spot. The music the food and the servers are all top notch. Make sure you ask about the chandalier and sconces :)
(5)Michael H.
Very rude manager. Wouldnt honor my yelp reservation. Got there about ten minutes before reservation confirmation, yet still had to wait about 40 minutes. Took about 90 mins to get through dinner cycle. Wait staff very slow and only seemed intererested in serving large heavy hitter tables. Food was okay at best.
(1)Anatoli L.
The 4 stars are strictly out of respect - should be 3.5 or even less as the most. Let me explain: Experience - 5 Service - 5 Wine service - 5 Wine Selection - 4 Food - 3 This restaurant has a private cellar downstairs, with overall collection value exceeding $5M - definitely worth a trip ( ask for a tour - if there is no private party, you will be given a tour). Wines are starting from 1822 ( no typo - 1822). This is the experience part. Service is impeccable - nice, friendly and not pushy. Wine service is also excellent - head sommelier, Gino, definitely knows what he is talking about. Wine selection - I would like to see bigger diversity in Cabernet offerings, as well as better representation of Spanish wines. Food - unfortunately, not on par. We got salmon croquets which didn't taste much like anything. Roasted cauliflower was very good. But then two steaks were just mediocre - seasoning and salt were not done correctly, and side dishes of duck fries and mushrooms were too small for the price and server in very awkward square dishes. Dessert was excellent - but it didn't compensate for the shortcomings of the main dishes. Recommended for experience and ambiance, but if you are looking for the great steak - look elsewhere.
(4)Rachel S.
I am kind of torn between my rating here. I wanted to give the Forge 5 stars. I really did. But the while the food was 5 stars all the way, the service was 3 at best. Here's the break down: Wine: We started with the 2007 Cabernet Savignon. It was perfect in color, flavor, and paired well with all of our dishes. Appetizer: "PAN SEARED CRAB CAKE,ROASTED APPLE AND CALABAZA SALAD, WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD AIOLI" Lump blue crab meat pan seared in crispy polenta. Every bite was fabulous. Entree: I had the "BAROLO BRAISED SHORT RIB with PROSCIUTTO BACON, POLENTA, ONION RINGS" Beautifully presented, meat was savory, soft-fall off the bone. Delicious My date had the ""BONE-IN" PRIME 18 OZ FILET MIGNON OAK GRILLED, GRAND MARNIER AU POIVRE SAUCE". He really enjoyed it. For dessert we shared the butterscotch souffle. Very Very yummy. Every dish was 5/5. We were told about this expressively when ordering our appetizers and advised that we must order this at least 35-40 minutes in advance. Here's where the rating declined:We felt rushed during the entire experience. Every time we would get into our conversation the waiter would be there trying to get us to hurry up and order, eat the food on our plates, or let them clear it away. I know that some may consider this attentive but it was closer to pushy in this case. After being prodded twice to order more wine we did. When mine was poured, the waiter (accidentally, I think) spilled it all over the base of the glass, the table, and on my dinner fork. He then disappeared. When we finally got his attention he came by and acted as if it was my fault. I hadn't touched the glass since he'd poured the wine. He came back with a napkin, then left again saying it was the wrong napkin. When he returned he did wipe up the wine and took my dinner fork as well. Then our entrees arrived. I had no fork, so my date tried to grab one for me from another table. Just then the waiter returned, gave me another fork and took away the one my date had just gotten for me with an admonishing expression. Once again we were rushed through our dinner and ended up leaving over most of the food. Our waiter and busboy were hovering to try to take our plates so we finally let them. Overall the food was great, but at prices this high you are also paying for great service. It helps when you have both, and we did not.
(4)Jackie S.
I wonder if sometimes when you do a little too much investigation, read all the rave reviews, salivate over the appetizing menu...are you really just setting yourself up to be disappointed?? Visually, The Forge is beautiful. Rich in its décor it is very unlike any other cut paste Miami steakhouse. The stained glassed windows and crystal chandelier gives it an old school romance kinda vibe. And of course being a self proclaimed devout wino, my absolute favorite is the new wine bar!!!! Genius is the concept to incorporate the new trend of an enomatic wine bar! Oh but the food! Ugghhh, not by any means inedible, just mediocre. Every dish from the Local Tomato Stack to even the bone-in-filet, missed the mark. Nothing special, no little explosions of flavor, nada. Sadly I would have to say, that overall it was more a feast for my eyes then my taste buds.
(3)Samir C.
Been looking forward to go here. I've been in the business for over 13 yrs. Came in and i had to wait for the hostess to get off the phone to get a hi and get seated, very rude. Hostess or server never offered black linen since we were all wearing dark clothes. Btw for those who don't know if you go to a "fine dining restaurant" you should offer that before you are seated. Never saw a manger on the floor which I though was very strange. Food was good but not great. The cheese cake was very dry and tasted old. Lamb ribs were really good. Server didn't even get us thru the menu or the wine list. This is a must when you know they're first time diners. Great ambiance but I'm not impress with this restaurant at all.
(3)Jay P.
I would've given this place a 5 star rating if I were still an Omnivore but I'm not. Great service...Great quality of food and atmosphere especially if you're a celebrity or business-man. It's just not my cup of tea anymore b/c I am now a non drinking Vegan that's allergic to soy, gluten and dairy products.
(4)sean k.
Where do I even start with The Forge? If I ever had to choose a last meal, this would be the place I'd dine at. Best Filet Mignon, hands down, every time I've been there. They even have the most comfortable chairs. The bread basket has the best assortment of bread you'll ever get served to you before any meal, but don't fill up on bread, because you MUST save room for the Lobster Bisque, served with the lobster in the bowl, then the broth poured over it. The shrimp cocktail had shrimp the size of my forearm! And they were delicious! The Bone-In Filet, Perfection. Perfectly cooked, seasoned, sized, and served. Juicy, tender, beautiful DO NOT forget the soufle!
(5)Praneeth W.
This is the perfect place to go for an anniversary dinner or if you want to impress a date. Our server went out of his way to make us feel comfortable, including a tour of the restaurant and giving us a history of the place (tour did not include the famous wine cellars though). The bank security door that was brought from San Francisco to be the door for the wine cellar, the huge chunks of wood flown in from Asia to make the giant wooden furniture, etc.. Food was great, the wine that the server helped us choose, exceptional and the ambiance was amazing: it's a beautiful restaurant. If listening to music with a beat while enjoying a perfectly cooked meal in a romantic setting is what you're looking for, Forge fits the bill. The Forge would definitely be a five star if it wasn't for how expensive it was, so don't let my 4 star rating stop you from choosing this for your special dinner. Note that Glass next door is closed for refurbishing (at least when we were there), so if that is part of your reason to visit Forge, check to make sure the club has reopened. They have an elaborate automatic wine dispensing / sampling system that I did not get to try.
(4)Hildegarde L.
Chef Dewey La Sasso really puts a twist on American Cuisine Went twice for Miami Spice and loved the food, the menu changes and ample amounts of food on plate . Everyone loves the bread basket. The Lobster, Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich toasted brioche with chopped fresh peanuts--Not for me, please dont ruin lobster with that mix! Appetizers- Crispy Corn Ravioli - They are fried and dusted with parmesan cheese and perhaps corn meal, awesome! BBQ Lamb- ample serving for appetizers! great smoky taste, very tender. Tomato Stack: Big slices of tomatoes yellow and red- was good Another night I had the Chicken wings and they were excellent, along with BBQ chicken for entree that was obviously farm raised, juicy and tender, and a huge portion I had the spice rubbed duck - via Miami Spice last and It was very good, and again, ample serving, could not eat it all. The cheddar grits with it were a nice addition. Steak rubbed with coffee was not part of Miami Spice but my friend's choice and was great. Wonderful Panna Cotta for dessert comes with Miami Spice menu as a choice. This is the opulent, glamorous, Forge, the new Forge with new decor, music, scene and reasonable menu done by creative chef. Lots of stars and attraction. I think the waiters need to stop the tourist attraction attitude and stick to the old steakhouse attitude where the service is impecable and you assume that everyone is your repeat customer. Service varies depending on waiter, some of the young, new waiters are annoying and not professional or what is expected from The Forge. The Forge experience is where you want to take your friends from out of town, reservations a must.
(4)Meo M.
i can eat the three-mushroom risotto every day.
(4)Noelle N.
I recently was taken on a first date to the Forge, and I must say, this was a smart move on his end. We walked in and the decor was amazing. I felt as if I was walking into a NYC restaurant. Even the bathrooms were truly unique and stylish. Our server was extremely helpful picking our dishes and drinks. Their cocktails and wine were amazing. My date is somewhat of a snob, and he was impressed, so you know its good. The food was delicious. We started off with the kale salad. To be honest, I actually wasn't that excited to try this dish. But my date asked me to and I did. It was delicious! I cannot suggest it enough. My main course was the mushroom risotto. I wish I could have eaten every bite. I was full, but I certainly tried to eat as much as I could. The only complaint I have would be the fries that are "saturated in duck fat". Stay away from these! They look more like reindeer droppings than anything. All and all - this was the best first date I had been on and though I'd like to give him all the credit for such a great date, it wouldn't be nearly as good without the Forge!
(4)Frank G.
Amazing Place. There is a lot of history here. When you walk in it feels like your dragged into the movie set of Scarface. Its an automatic time warp. You can feel the 80's. The food is outrageous. I recommend: The lobster Bisque. "The Super Steak", Flavor aged for 21 days and seasoned with an herb marinade and slowly grilled over oak wood. Its voted #1 steak in America by wine spectator magazine. I spiced it up a bit and add twin grilled Florida Lobster Tails. It really complimented the steak. They also have a very nice wine collection and wine cellar. I have been here many times and the sommelier has never failed us.
(5)Eve C.
The Forge is a Miami Beach institution, albeit with the prices to match. The exterior of the building looks very ornate, but does not match up to the interior decorations. The inside is a mix of many different murals, as well as a huge ornate mirror along one wall of the main dining room. Either way, there's some cool stuff to look at on the walls as you dine. The Forge is a steakhouse, so of course, that's what I ordered - the filet to be precise. It was absolutely delicious! I also split the wedge salad with a friend - and it was huge & yummy too. We ordered a bottle of Chilean wine that was very good. I know they have a huge wine list, but I didn't pick out the wine, so I didn't peruse it. Also, we started the meal with a lovely amuse-bouche from the chef - it was a calamari salad with an asian twist. It was outstanding. We ended the evening with the chocolate & vanilla bean souffle (which we ordered at the same time as our entrees) - and it was fab! There was absolutely nothing amiss with the food at The Forge that night. However, our waiter was just the slightest bit overbearing. He came around to talk about wine and the menu before we even had the menus in our hands! And then he proceeded to give us a 10-minute diatribe on his choices on the menu - which, of course, were the most expensive things on there. Oh, he also insisted we scoot away from the table as we looked at the menus, for fear of knocking something over. My recommendation - get smaller menus! Overall, it was an excellent meal, and I highly recommend The Forge. I just hope I get a less obnoxious waiter on my next visit!
(4)Emerio Joel M.
The various bread and whipped butter with honey was total seduction of my tongue. Salmon croquettes were awesome and had ideal structure; they were slightly golden brown and a bit moist in the inside, with good dipping sauce. Skirt steak was really good but I have had better, surprisingly, in more modest restaurants. Cheesecake was good but as a dessert freak, it wasn't amazing; However, take note that my standards for desserts are higher than for food, so it may "rock-your-boat". The artsy-luxe decor is visually stimulating and fun. The bathroom surprised me; a pop-art style photo of a crocodile eating a person is employed to posses your attention. I suggest you make reservations in advance, if you want to avoid having dinner at the bar. However, the waiters are attentive and the courses were delivered within an ideal time frame from each other. More than anything, this place is to be seen and to feel "bouge". If you want a decent meal, posses disposable income, and want to feel "bouge" then, The Forge will certainly provide your needs.
(3)Dan B.
I and my fiance ordered meat dishes that came with potatoes. I am diabetic and she watches her figure so we asked to substitute the potatoes with a green vegetable but the chef refused because it "violated the integrity of the dish." We were visibly annoyed but paid $9 for a side of brussels sprouts and asked for our entrees to come out without their potatoes. Get over yourselves. NOT COMING BACK.
(1)Diana N.
Food i give it 3 stars, but it gets bumped to 4 stars because of the service. I was so impressed by everyone here. They were so warm and friendly. VERY attentive. we wandered into the courtyard to take pictures although it was closed. they were nice enough to turn the lights on for us. I felt like royalty...well ok not really but it was pretty awesome. For a Wendesday night, I was surprised at how crowded the place was. Tried the Miami Spice menu (3 course meal fro $35) Appetizer: salmon croquettes were ok...kind of forgettable. the gazpacho was refreshing but very typical entree: had the Burger and Bordeaux: angus sirloin burger topped with boneless short rib. one of the best burgers i've had in awhile. perfect medium, so so juicy and packed full of flavor. the truffled fries with the pomegranate ketchup were ADDICTING. the bordeaux on the side was a nice kicker. never a big risotto fan, but my friend's 3 mushroom risotto was quite tasty. she LOVED it. wine list was pretty extensive with a nice selection. not too pricey. honestly can't remember what i had for dessert...was a bit tipsy by then.
(4)Blaine Z.
Last night I went back for the first time since the renovation.Food is still pretty good , though I did not have steak - and some of the best service in town. I do miss the darkness though - that was one of the best things abou the old place.
(3)Esteban Z.
Went here on Thanksgiving for their special menu. One look at the normal menu and we were asking ourselves if having oysters and steak for Thanksgiving would be bad. We stuck with the plan and had the most delicious non-traditional traditional meal. All the ingredients were the same but the chef's haute twist made it extra awesome. I looked at one of the couches and started imagining unbuttoning my pants (a Thanksgiving tradition in my family) readying myself for a nap. That was the worst part about the meal....having to drive home. The space itself is certainly Miami. Great vibe overall. Can't wait to go back. I also gave thanks that my hearing came back. I've been to quieter concerts.
(4)Todd S.
Georgous place. Beautiful rooms with high ceilings. Service is great. Food was fantastic. Best steak is the the best steak. Better than Peter Lugers or any other steak I have had. Seafood platter was huge, tasty. Chocalte suffle was unbeleieveable. For a person who doesn't eat many desserts, have it. It was my brithday dinner. It surpassed it reputation.
(5)J H.
The Forge has a bone-in fillet that is not offered at any other steakhouse in Miami to my knowledge. They fillet here is excellent especially if you have a girlfriend that only eats fillets and you want to introduce her to something with a bone and more flavor. They also have EXCELLENT escargot at the Forge. The Forge has an excellent ambiance to it, really dark and old-school Miami gangsta.. and a really really cool bar area to chill at before or after dinner. And if you're lucky enough to go on a really really slow night or can prearrange it ask for a tour of the wine cellar. The Forge has a phenomenal collection of antique wines and really really cool cellar that can actually be rented for dinner. Its def worth the time to set up the tour and walk through. I love the forge and if you go on a wednesday you can slide into the club next door for a few drinks afterward - wednesday is one of the best nights there.
(5)Alex G.
The last time I dined at the forge, you were permitted to smoke cigars at the table - that's how long ago it was! The new ambiance is combination of modern deco and hip "old school." While visually impressive, the restaurant is still a conclave of separate rooms, making real "people watching" more difficult than in other SoBe establishments. The four of us sat at a table under a stained glass window, on couches with a huge (7' high) back. We ordered the chilled seafood platter, which was as good as I've had anywhere on The Beach. The steaks we had were perfectly cooked and extremely flavorful. The whole fish was filleted table side; very classy. The food was all delicious, and the place very sexy. Two issues to note: First, the prices are obscene, even for South Beach. I mean ridiculous. Second, the bartenders are clueless and slow. We waited 15 minutes for them to offer us a drink, with a bar less than half full. Other couples walked away, muttering, from being totally ignored by the bartenders. Strange.
(4)Ericstevenc T.
This is a must see if your on Miami beach. My friend got us a tour of the wine room . Steaks were great !
(5)Bill B.
Decided to try out the newly renovated Forge a few days after the re-opening. I was thoroughly impressed and would definitely come back again. Gone is the opulent interior and outrageous furniture for a more modern and updated style. However, the stained glass ceilings and some of the original chandeliers remain the same, but still blend well with the new feel. As soon as we walked in we were warmly greeted and decided to check out the bar first before we sat down for dinner. We didn't try the different wine samplers, but would try it out the next time I come back considering it was reasonably priced. For the appetizer we had the tuna tatare and was one of the best I've had. My meal was the 18oz steak with garlic mashed potatoes. The steak was a little over cooked on the outside, but was pretty decent. My girlfriend had the mushroom risotto and that was delicious. I found myself eating off her plate! They still have a plenty of wines to choose from with many at good prices that won't leave a hole in your wallet. I couldn't believe how friendly the waiters, bartenders and maitre d were, hopefully it continues to stay that way. I would come back in the near future because the prices was very good and the food was superb.
(5)Samantha L.
On a recent trip to Miami I went to Forge and really enjoyed it. We tried the Lobster PBJ as a recommendation and it was interesting but I don't think I'd order it again. We had a great waiter who really knew his stuff and we got smores souffle that was to die for. It's for sure a nice little trendy spot with a great wine selection but also a little pricey be prepared. Also, be sure to check out the bathroom.
(4)Lorna C.
Amazing stone crab, green beans and potatoes. No to the polenta and Brussels sprouts. Yea to banana soufflé. A bit too stuffy and expensive for me to come back to on my own or with friends, but a nice place for a business dinner.
(4)Melissa C.
I honestly don't usually write bad reviews. If the place really sucks then I feel the social responsibility to let others know. The Forge sucked. At least the day I went. First off, the interior is weird. I am not sure what the look is that they are aiming for but it's some strange conglomeration of mirrors, gaudy Versace-esque gold colored accents, and dark wood. Honestly, I'm not an interior designer so I'll just leave it at that. We went with the intention of ordering from the Miami Spice menu then we decided not to because neither one of us wanted to eat prix fixe. We ordered the coffee-crusted steak. It should have been called charcoal-crusted because that is what it tasted like. One would think the steak would be a safe bet. Not this time. The fava beans were strange, too. They were either under-cooked or over-cooked and they were mixed together. My kitchen experience led me to believe that they probably had some left-over fava beans in the pan from another order and they just added more un-cooked beans to the pan then cooked them poorly together. BAD. Also, the "caramelized onions" were little black, crunchy, burned flakes. We tasted several other side dishes which failed to make any impression on me. I'm just going to stop there and say that the only good thing I tasted was the Manhattan I had. You can't bang up Baker's Bourbon Whiskey. Thank the God of Bourbon for that. Thumbs down. Way down.
(2)Nathan L.
Beautiful restaurant, brilliant food, excellent service. The self serve wine bar is very cool- great way to do a wine tasting before dinner. By the time we sat down very tipsy feeling good. Food was creative, clean, and yummy. Very well priced
(5)Anthony D.
Bring money.
(5)Laura F.
Mediocre. overpriced food, overblown cocktails, terrible management. Nothing was as good as it seemed. Our waiter was cool, but everything else was lame. Not worth it.
(1)Robert P.
Wonderful atmosphere with a very attentive wait staff. The steak I had was outstanding, though a bit overpriced. Desserts were average.
(3)Katie R.
the food was tasty, but pretty expensive and it came out too quickly. we had a late dinner reservation, and the waiter said they were trying to close the kitchen... but it really didn't seem like adequate time to cook the food. trippy decor. the soufflé dessert was delicious.
(3)Joris E.
Such a fun place with great service and fun items on the menu for each course. We went here after a recommendation from locals and would definitely go back. This place can get a tad loud, so more fun perhaps for groups, but we did have a couple's dinner and celebrated our birthdays and had a blast. If you have the time and are a wine lover, ask for a tour of the cellar -- you will be blown away.
(4)Joseph C.
I had the pleasure of eating brunch at The Forge this past Sunday thanks to a great deal that I purchased on Gilt City Miami. The voucher included Mimosas, an appetizer, one entree, and one dessert. Ambiance Any time you go to The Forge you can't help but marvel at the craftsmanship and attention to detail in this place. Everything around you just looks so well put together and has a very "expensive" look to it. From the brick wall adorned with a gigantic mirror that overlooks the main dining room, to the random massive high-backed leather chairs scattered about the main floor. I was also very impressed by the private dining room. Just looking at it from the outside is awe-inspiring. It must be great to have a family dinner in that room. I also heard that the wall art and fixtures belong to Shareef Malnik's personal art collection. The Food For starters, the mimosas were as good as it gets. I don't know what type of champagne they use, but hey, a mimosa is a mimosa. For appetizer I had the snapper and mahi mahi "bloody mary" ceviche. It was served with two thin plantain chips. It wasn't the best ceviche I've ever had but it was pretty tasty. For entree I had the eggs benedict and the french toast. The eggs benedict was delicious and the roasted potatoes were awesome. Definitely some of the best I've ever had. The star of the show here by far was the french toast. It was literally bigger than my head, warm, soft, and incredibly delicious. It blows any french toast I've ever even looked at out of the water. It was toasty on the outside and had the consistency of bread pudding on the inside. It was spectacular. It was so good that I asked the waiter to pack up the dessert that was included with my voucher because i couldn't even breathe when I finished my meal. I can't really comment on the dessert because I never got around to trying it. The Service The service here was very spot on and always is. It's very formal and the waiters are always very attentive. If you ever see that gilt city deal again, I would definitely recommend purchasing it. However, I don't know if the regular Sunday brunch here is worth the hefty price tag it comes along with.
(4)Susan L.
Went with 4 girlfriends and had a great time. We were all meat eaters and all got the ribs or duck. I liked the duck better- perfect consistency. The ribs was great comfort food but be warned its very heavy. For appetizers we shared the lobster PB&J, oysters and mahi mahi fritters. The lobster PB&J was worth a try for sure, but didn't blow my mind to be honest given the hype. The oysters were my favorite- very fresh. For dessert we shared the smores souffle, which was yummy. Their cocktails were also great and inventive. The ambiance is beautiful: elegant and fantastistical. Feels like you are in Alice in Wonderland. Make sure to check out the bathroom- interesting design, especially the outer powder room in the ladies bathroom. The only criticism I would have to say is service probably not as good as I would've expected from a restaurant of this caliber.
(4)Pierre K.
I don't have much to say that has not already been said. The Forge is well known and although very STEAP, it is worth going at least once. I have to say that I was spoiled as I ate in the Presidential room so my review is a bit skewed. That room was the most incredible and an experience on its own. I am a food and a bit of a snob when it comes to it, and the food is good, actually really good. The crab legs were out of this world, they were cooked to perfection! We had tons of other appetizers and I cannot remember them all but they were all delicious. I had the steak, which I had to have since it claims to be "The Best in America". Well it is very tender, flavorful and cooked to perfection but by no means is it the Best in America. There are tons of better steaks especially if you have been to NYC or Las Vegas steakhouses. Peter Luger, Strip House, Carne Vino, will take that steak to town. The wine list is phenomenal. It is varied and the prices are actually surprisingly low considering the cost of the food. We ordered bottles in the $120-$150 range and they were really good. We had high end Mendoza bottles from Argentina, St. Emilion and St. Julien from France and they did the trick. No need to go crazy, believe me. Conclusion: It is absolutely worth going to just prepare the wallet or dust-off that old credit card you have been hiding!
(4)R P.
This place has a great atmosphere and the service is impeccable. The wine list is extensive (80 wines available by the glass!) and they have some very unique cocktails. The food was less spectacular. The filet was good but not great--I expected much more from this place. The sauce served with the filet was too overpowering and masked rather than complemented the flavor of the meat. The beans had too much soy, making this side a little less palatable as well. Nonetheless, I would return to the restaurant and give it another shot--it is possible that they just had a bad food night.
(3)Rick H.
What a great night -- wonderful ambiance, great wine, inventive menu, excellent food and service. For the level of restaurant, prices aren't eye-popping -- they are actually lower than we expected. Loved the mushroom risotto, the Lobster Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich (you have to try it) and one friend raved about the duck. Our waiter was fun, funny, attentive and seemed to know every ingredient in every dish.
(5)RA V.
Solid dining experience. The good: the ambiance was great, and the staff was exceptionally friendly. The food was, in general, well prepared and the flavorful. The filets were cooked perfectly. The bad: drink refills had to be requested each time and the glass stayed empty through dessert despite many waiters and the maitre d' walking past several times. I had a difficult time chewing one particular bite of my chocolate souffle - it was a piece of clear plastic about 2 by 10 mm.
(3)Franky A.
If you ever wanted to feel like Tony Montana, this is the place to be for you to be decadent and then some. Actually, this place has been around for ages and was once (probably still is) the spot where the real-life cocaine cowboys hung out. It's THE spot to check out celebs, high rollers, Arab royality, drug lords, hot girls, etc. I'm warning you ahead of time that this place is on the pricey side so don't go and be cheap because you won't have any fun. Wednesday nights are the best nights to go.
(4)John D.
This place is pricey. Apparently even in my father's day it was a spot to be "seen". Which is not my thing, I like to eat. I was very surprised how good the food was. Our meals were perfect. I went for Miami Winter Spice. The service was great, front waiter, back waiter, bus boy, sommelier. Lots of attention. The rooms have million dollar stained glass adourning the wall. Their wine collection is unparalleled.
(4)Kate S.
Watch out for the 20% service charge, on every bill (even if it's 2 people that ordered at the bar), that they say DOESN'T include tip.
(2)M M.
I will never go here again. The service is the worst I have ever had in eating out multiple times a week for 12+years. I tried organizing a private room and the restaurant would never call me back. After waiting weeks and repeated phone calls the man who organizes the private room yelled into the phone, "Well maybe we don't want your business!!" And he hung up on me. I have never been hung up on because I am not rude on the phone. I wanted to complain to the owner, but he would never return my calls either. DEFINITELY GO ANYWHERE ELSE.
(1)David C.
I was never a fan of the old Forge... It was a bit stuffy and full of itself. Well the new one is not stuffy. The food is really top notch, the drinks are well done and the wine selection is serious. The prices are steep... I recommend the hot and spicy martini. I have been there twice since the rebirth... Each time I have had the super steak, which is the best around. For starters, the tuna tartar is fresh and perfectly spiced, the tomato stack was incredible (and I hate tomatoes) and the mushroom risotto was tasty. My super steak was amazing... They make the best steak in Miami, it is huge, comes with 5 different toppers and should be shared. The smores soufflé was amazing. The last time I went, my table had a super weird experience with the waiter who looked like Uncle Fester He basically reprimanded us when my wife was trying to order a bottle of wine... and seemed to be channeling the killer from No Country For Old Men. The manager came over and saved the evening by changing the waiter and assigning the beverage director to our table. He's awesome, and seemed to cheer my wife up after the beat-down she received from the waiter. (yes it was that bad).
(4)David G.
I've been getting down about eating out lately. The quality doesn't seem to be there and the prices seem to have been going up and up. I had never been to the Forge, "pre-abscondment," or before the time the place mysteriously and suddenly closed but I had always wanted to go. I guess I was afraid of the cost. Ha! (considering what I've been paying to go out lately) To my surprise the Forge menu is reasonably priced. They have many, many wines by the glass under $10 and the entrees are in the $30 - $50 range. I had an enormous ribeye, called "coffee and eggs" for $38. That's reasonable because a ribeye half that size, half as good and a little more expensive can be had in many of the steak places in town. In addition, our table had the chopped salad, the short ribs, the hamburger and the chocolate souffle. Oh that souffle. Just get it. They make you order it before you've eaten anything so it's coming, ready or not; very good. I'll have to go back and just get the burger which was pretty good. The short ribs were standard melt in your mouth braised beef ribs. I had the Forge Manhattan which was pretty damn good. The Jim Beam was expertly tempered with port and there was a little slimy cherry on the bottom. It was supposed to be a very elaborate thing called "cherry caviar" but it was very anti-climactic. Our waiter was attentive, maybe a little too aggressive on the sales job but not too annoyingly so. When we were finished our plates sat in front of us a little too long and they did mess up the seat positions when serving. Nothing that detracted too much from the experience, just nit-picking. All in all, a very enjoyable meal. Large portions. Delicious food. This could very well be a place good enough to bring friends.
(4)Omid Z.
The experience at the Forge did not start off well, but ended up being decent. I made a reservation, but it was virtually ignored. My group of 4 had to wait 50 minutes for a table, and that's after I asked the hostess 3 times about the status of the situation. Very disorganized hostess and lack of concern from another employee that was supervising. After we finally were able to sit at a table, our night got better.. the specialty cocktails were great to start (best Pimms cup I've ever had), we ordered duck and pasta off of the miami spice menu and both were very good. Service from the waitress was fair, she was attentive but was pushing me to order things that I didn't want--kind of strange behavior. The ambiance and decor are the best part of this restaurant, fancy & chic, good vibe. I would good back with friends, but a risky place to bring someone who you are trying to impress.
(3)Sheree Y.
first off, the decor is beautiful. i LOVE the chandeliers and the beautiful chairs. it's a bit dark, but i think it's romantic. second, this place has the best starter breads i have ever had. too bad it's all the way in miami! it was a mix combo of breads, which is even more amazing! i think i got full off of trying all the different kinds. haha. anyway, so i ordered the 8 oz filet mignon. it was just right! my gf had the lamb ribs for starters and THAT was good. lastly, if you're cold, they give you shawl. haha. well to the ladies. and omg, the restroom is beautiful! probably the nicest restroom i've seen at a restaurant. i can see ladies spending over 30 mins just touching up. there's a room full of mirrors! hahaha.
(4)Marie M.
The Forge on Miami Beach is a must if you're a local or in town on vacation. The wine list is extensive as also the food. The decor is beautiful so are the people who visit here fun lounge as well, great place!
(4)Theo H.
Their Winter Spice (through 2/12) menu changes every Monday. The carpaccio salad was fresh and perfectly seasoned. I tried my friend's lobster ravioli which was good, but the calamari took the prize for the appetizers. The "hobo" steak was decent. I didn't really like the cut as there was too much fat and gristle, but everyone else enjoyed theirs. For desert, I had a chocolate mouse thingy with pistaccios (I'm clearly not a foodie) which was good and not too rich. The wine list was literally a book and seemed quite thorough. The ambiance is definitely different, but the service was impeccable and the music was young and hip (which gave the whole place a bit of a fun edge). You don't get to stick around for 41 years not knowing who you are and trying to be something you're not... Next time I have to take someone out for a business dinner, Forge is probably where I'll bring them. Thanks Martin for the recommendation. ps. Apparently there is a dance hall next to the entrance (I took a peak) and there is a whole club upstairs. I cannot wait to check them both out!!!
(4)ElGringo S.
Nice place. Good food. Good bar tenders. OK wait staff. (the kind that make you feel uncomfortable) Very pricey. Good for special occasions.
(4)Christina C.
Friends and I visited the Forge for the first time last week while they were offering the Miami Spice menu. A group of us visited on a Wednesday night and were seated right as we walked in. As per that week's menu, I chose the Salmon croquettes, the Risotto for dinner, and the chocolate cake for dessert. Both the salmon croquettes and the risotto were very good, but I felt they left something to be desired. While the chocolate cake was fantabulous, it was sooooo rich that I couldn't eat more than 3 bites. I must say the ambience was spectacular, the service was impeccable, and it was a very enjoyable experience. I think I would defintiely like to go back and visit the restaurant once again to try their regular menu.
(3)Matthew F.
The food was fine, but not significantly better than other Miami fare. The staff was extremely friendly, but we had the misfortune to be seated right behind a party of 25, and everything took FOREVER to come out of the kitchen. Our waiter kept apologizing for the delays.... He must have apologized 5 times over the course of the meal. But when the check came, they had comped us.... 1 cup of decaf coffee. Based on this, I would not go back.
(3)Hesham E.
Try the SUPER STEAK! It is, by far, the best steak I ever had.
(5)Lizzie S.
We ate here Christmas Eve 2008 and had a great time overall. The decor is an amazing roccoco & art deco wonderland. Just really above and beyond. The food is classic steakhouse fare, nothing surprising. Our service was solicitous and kind but not over the top. Couple problems: We got there super early (for Miami, people dine late in this town), and they tried to stick us at a table in a tiny back room. The restaurant was EMPTY! Fail. We asked to be moved. The sommelier helped is with a wine. There were a few choices in our category, this one was the priciest and he said it was worth it, natch. And it was not. Fail. I have been waited on by MANY sommeliers who have steared me toward wine in my price range, and not necessarily the top end of my price range and have been served amazing wine. The brag at the Forge is the size of their wine cellar so there should have been something in our price range full bottle worthy. The wine we were served was not. The food came out so fast we didn't finish our wine before we were done eating 3 courses. Literally, they were clearning one plate as they were serving the next. THREE courses in under and hour. Well under an hour. My kishkas were verbrundt. Faster than effing mcDonald's. WTH? Fail. The food tasted good and as the restaurant filled up the people watching was fun. The Sandman was spinning at the bar, and he was laying down some phat tunes that had my shaking and shimmying. If I were in town again and friends wanted to go, I might go. or i might try to persuade them to eat elsewhere.
(3)Arielle S.
I went here with a few girl friends last night to try the Spice menu, we were really impressed. The decor is beautiful (especially the bathroom!) and everything was very good. Our server was great and they actually promote the Spice menu instead of hiding it or acting like you are super cheap for ordering from it. Between us we tried almost every dish from the spice menu and everything was very tastey without skimping on the portions. The winning dish may have been the mushroom risotto. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a nice evening out. Spice or not I will be back.
(5)Tiffany L.
When I arrived to the Forge I was ecstatic at how nice it looked and how hungry I was. The place was rather dark but probably for the romantic ambiance. It was nice and crowded just as a restaurant should be on a Saturday night. The menus were extremely large and had a wide selection of everything you could imagine. I ordered the filet with creamed corn and the truffle fries. The best part of the meal was the fries for sure. We also had the escargot for an appetizer. My biggest complaint about this establishment was the service. It seemed like the staff was only pretending to care and if you had a complaint theyd just walk away. They hardly came by to check on our drinks or anything. When I was asked how my steak was, after I told the guy that it was rather burnt on the outside he just walked away. The waiter also took the food without asking if we were finished and tossed the bill on the table. If a bill is 400 I'd like a simple thank you before you throw it my way. Way too expensive for the crappy service. Next time do yourself a favor and just go down to Lincoln and eat there. However, the valet people were extremely helpful.
(2)Felicia B.
Excellent special occasion dining local. Great ambiance - be sure to check out all the different rooms. I found the buttery yet crisp and fresh scallops to be delicious. Had the duck on another occasion and liked that as well. The rest of my party was equally satisfied with their dinners. Food was festive and fun. The seafood appetizer was very impressive. Other pluses: Expansive wine list; Great, knowledgeable servers; cool restrooms. All in all a fun place worthy of the prices they charge for the most part.
(4)Alph G.
This place is swank, swank, swank. It's all about very high-quality food in a place with true class. Not "Miami" class mind you - not hot pink, Art Deco, in your face decadence - but understated, high-end, old money class. Of course, it is very expensive. Celebs do actually eat here. The food was understated, delicious. I would definitely come here again for a special occasion.
(4)Tracey V.
Food was horrible. We were a large party and they were clearly in a rush to get us out. The steaks were charred and over cooked. I have had a bone in filet at many steak houses and the one at the Forge was sub par. The duck fat fries were burned and soaked in grease. The duck was overcooked. The tomatoe salad was soaked in a disgusting sauce that over powered the tomatoe. I would never go back or recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Chip S.
Went for Christmas dinner and it was worth every penny! Delicious coffee steak and lobster pbj's! Ashley was our server and she was amazing! Knew the history of the place. Had an awesome personality and we didn't have to wait for any meals! Couldn't have picked a better place! Will do again!
(5)Natalie P.
AMAZING. My boyfriend and I experienced the Forge for the first time in June for our anniversary. The first thing that jumped out at me was how much the decor and ambiance differs from the typical Miami hotspot. It is such a warm, welcoming room and very sophisticated. A far cry from the typical trendy Miami restaurant with overly modern decor, the Forge is simply a work of art. We started off at the bar to have a few pre-dinner cocktails. The bartender was really friendly, and recommended some of her favorites for my very indecisive man. I had the Sante, which was just the right mix of sweet and tangy, and I ended up drinking them all night! He went for the Carioca Passion, which was delicious and a welcome departure from the run-of-the-mill cocktail. We moved into the dining room for dinner, and were brought their bread and butter. Well, we certainly weren't expected the deliciousness that arrived! My favorite was the cinnamon-raisin bread. It was crispy, sweet, and paired amazingly well with the whipped honey butter it was served with. Appetizers. We had the kale salad and the lemon dim sum. The dim sum was pretty decent, but being from Vancouver with its huge Asian population, it wasn't the best I've ever had. The boyfriend, on the other hand, loved it. The kale salad was great! It's really something different that you won't see at many restaurants. It was savory and the currants gave it the sweetness it needed - and of course, pine nuts, which you can practically never go wrong with. Mains. I had the mushroom risotto and he had the spice rubbed duck. Being a vegetarian, I love risotto and eat it whenever possible. I was very pleased that their risotto is not prepared with chicken stock, so I ordered it and promptly devoured it! It was so delicious, and quite possibly the best risotto I have ever had in my life! That's saying a lot coming from this risotto freak! The boyfriend loved the duck, and being a southern boy, he also loved the grits. He liked that the duck was crispy on the outside and really juicy on the inside, according to him, it was "just perfect". Dessert. The Marble Souffle. A perfect marriage of chocolate and gran marnier! My dad used to make souffle when I was a kid, so it has always been a favorite of mine. This was one of the best I've had, the flavors were just right, it was served at the perfect temperature. We gobbled it up pretty quickly! Service. Our server had a few tables, and lo and behold, one of his tables included some douchebag pretending to have money ordering champagne with dinner trying to impress the classless bimbo he was with. Since we didn't buy a bottle of Dom, we were somewhat ignored - until I waved the beverage manager over. I stated my concerns, and the manager was literally appalled, I could tell just by the look on his face. He apologized profusely and said that he would take care of our dessert. Not only did he do that, but he personally served us for the entire rest of our meal, as our original server sheepishly walked past us. The manager was phenomenal, and a definite rarity in Miami. We were totally satisfied with his apology and his offer to comp our dessert, that was, until the bill arrived. When my boyfriend opened it up, he had a shocked look on his face. I immediately thought "uh oh, we spent A LOT" but that was not the look at all. The look of shock was because the manager had literally comped over HALF our bill, bringing our total for cocktails, appetizers, mains, dessert, and after-dinner drinks to under $80. In a restaurant setting, once the customer service damage is done, it's pretty much impossible to regain the trust of the customers and turn them into repeat customers or regulars. However, the manager went way above and beyond our expectations, regained our trust, and instead of me leaving ready to rant about the Forge, I walked out of the restaurant thoroughly impressed and ready to rave about our experience. We will most definitely be going back - my stomach is growling just thinking about the risotto!
(5)Andrew A.
I should be the president of the "Forge Fan Club." The ambiance is Miami Beach classy, the wine list is made to match their extraordinary steak, & the bar will prompt you & your party to find the nearest DD. The restaurant is not cheap & I would definitely classify it in the "special occasion" category but they will cater to you whether it's your birthday or a regular night out (if you're lucky nough to make it your 'regular' spot). We went on Valentine's Day & had a reservation but still sat at the bar waiting to be seated. Expect big food, big flavor & a big bill BUT it's worth every penny. Try the churrasco for a surprising blend of wood fired flavor ;)
(5)Jason R.
What a great place. The atmosphere and people watching were tops, followed up with great food and attentive service. A must try is the Super Steak, advertised as the Best steak in America...how can you not try it. It was amazing, best steak I have ever had, eh not quite but very close. Others in our group enjoyed the Snapper "in a bag" and the Tuna. A dessert must is the Apple Pie Sundae, wow. Service was superb but the wine list, that's where they lost the 5th star for me. Its an extensive list (received Wine Spectators 2nd highest award) but not much in real depth.
(4)Tracy M.
The new and improved restaurant... Beautifully modernized. I simply love the enomatic machines that dispense wine by the ounce for tastings and by the glass when you know you love it! The machines are even hooked up to iTouches were they've also designed an app to allow the consumer to save and email the information on the wines they've enjoyed. Very cute and innovative (although not necessary or a reason to go back). The hubs and I arrived before the rest of our party on a Saturday night. We opted to wait by the bar and order a round of drinks. He had a Stella. I ordered a Carioca Passion - a mixed drink off of their menu. It was superb! The bartender was very nice and attentive. Once the rest of the gang arrived, we were seated at a lovely table. Immediately, a waiter came around and took an order of drinks. The hubs requested a 2nd beer, I was still sipping on my delight. The other couple with us ordered a round of drinks. I recommended my drink for the wife and her hubs ordered a redbull vodka. The boys got there drinks instantly. After about 20 minutes, another waiter came by, introduced himself as our waiter for the evening and recommended a wonderful seafood appetizer for the table. At that point, I advised that I was done with my drink, would like another and also advised that our lady friend hadn't received her drink yet. He apologized and said he'd take care of it. Another 20 minutes later, a beautiful arrangement of seafood (crab legs, oysters, tuna tartare and lobster salad) came out. Still no drinks. Half way through that appetizer, the waiter came back and took our order for entrees. I requested my drink for the second time, and hers for the third. He apologized again and then said he had a better idea. He was suggesting a drink he was sure we'd love even more than the one we'd ordered. I hesitated, asked if he was sure. After all, our friend hadn't even gotten her first taste of the drink. He was so addemant about it, he said he'd change them if we didn't like them. Another 20 minutes........ The unknown drinks come out. Not good at all! It took me another 5 minutes at least of neck-breaking attempts to waive him down. He apologized and immediately removed the drinks from our table. Another 20 minutes........ Our drinks finally come out!!! 5 minutes later comes the rest of our fantastic dinner!!! The highlight of the evening! Amazing cuts of meat and fish were placed on our table. I ordered a typical filet mignon (the steak was perfectly cooked to order, tasted really delicious but I was not crazy about the mustard-based sauce it came with). Both men ordered the 18 ounce bone-in-filet. Huge and absolutely mouth-watering. 5 stars for that dish! Our girlfriend had a salmon dish which she said she thoroughly enjoyed. Honestly, no room for desert! I'd love to give the place 4.5 stars, but the service...Come on! I expected more from this restaurant. My expectations were set much higher than what I got. It's not like the restaurant was slammed wall-to-wall. There were empty tables around us. I need to know that service has improved before going back.
(3)Warren W.
In we go all twelve of us, following the scantilly clad hostess who knows we slimy older guys are watching her every move. We are disgusting. Past the board room with it's 7' foot tall high back chairs fit for royalty and definitely not executives. But I could see a Russian quickly rich oil emprezario sitting at this with gold rimmed wine glasses and a slinky wife tied to the table with a pet tiger off in the corner eating the help. Into the library room we go. Tall ceilings, books of all types and readings from floor to ceiling. Me thinkst quickly that it must cost less to outfit this place with books from several yard sales then to keep up with painting this ornate room. Why take a way from the food? I am on sensory overload and they haven' brought out the bread. Many restaurants required a fixed menu with groups and this is one of them. Because, not only am i here with these horny old bastards, i' m part of about another 30. So the dilemma is.....how do I cop the silly yet super rated lobster and pb& j sandwich i yearn for. My fellow.colleagues yearn for Svetlana the hostess or maybe her name is Lolita or could it be Maria? Who cares I want the lobsta. Waiter arrives to take one's order and I lean close and he has.a look that says oh oh one of those........not me I would like thepb&j lobsta please oh kind sir. You must pay sir I can't put it on the bill. Fine, the total of the bill for the evening I think approached $7000.00 but who cares don't throw me a freaking' bone. So the pb&j with L is delivered. Crunchy peanut butter, Maine lobsta, and what I believe is a caramelized onion that substitutes for jelly. Ingenious..incredulous, delicious and yet am I crazy to share. A growl comes from my throat as my fellow diner eyes it. How is it he asks? Rrrrrrrrr! Buzz off I reply. Next comes my order of crab cake. Light, a very large cake, and perfect lump crab I bet from the Annapolis waters of the Chesepeake. Two would be dinner they are that large. Now arrives a wonderful pasta of rigatoni boiled to perfection and seasoned and assisted by cauliflower, roasted pepper, garlic and pesto.....damn good. My entree is a braised short rib that may have been braised since labor day as it not only fall off the bone but really was mushy. Bone was good. Last came dessert. Just not a dessert guy. A lemony jellowy concoction that left an aftertaste in my mouth of well let me say i wish it weren't there. Tried it again, still there. Washed down with some cab....still there. One last bite to see if i had developed acid reflux...still there. I think it's me. So I leave a twenty dollar bill for my waiter friend who never came back for payment. Get on the very cool black executive bus and settle in for some deep conversation and who pops up but my waiter with a check? Slightly embarrassed amongst the stares from my well lubricated friends I said you should hasten to the table least the water boy grab your doe$$. Seriously, great spot deliciously ......over the top. Very good food! Nice atmosphere that wouldn't fly in Boston. In this concrete jungle known as Miami that really wishes it were NY I say .....to each his or her own.
(5)Heather W.
I have to say, I freakin' love this place. Ask for Table #12-the owner's table (I think it's 12). Best seat in the house. It's one of the things I miss about living back home in Miami. The wine sommelier seems a bit obtuse, but eh, whatever...(I would ask what to look for in a certain wine and he didn't seem to get the question, so I'd explain it more and he'd tell me how to open it up. Okay, dude. I've been to Sonoma plenty of times. I know how to "open it up".) Anyway...the lobster bisque, the presentation, the duck (which I'm not usually a fan of), the desserts, you can't go wrong with anything. Expect to spend some money. Worth it.
(5)Eric P.
The food, decor and service were amazing! I had the duck with sangria sauce and an apple martini. I also had the best wild mushroom risotto ever! Everything was first class. The sommelier even gave us a tour of the wine cellars.
(5)Sarah M.
I had the Ceviche as an app, it came with Yucca chips and it was fantastic! As a main I ordered the Tuna last night, it was AMAZING! I took the Asian veggies out and had the delish sesame crusted fillet medium rare. Great wine- Spectacular! Only negative was our server was too opinionated and not funny. Usually they are great here but this guy was not up to forge standards. I got married here and have been a repeat customer for 6 years!
(4)Alejandra M.
I know that I am kind of late in writing my review for this amazing place, but it was worth the wait. Trust me when I tell you that I had to gather my thoughts in recollecting everything that I experienced at this place. The place is fit for royalty. The decor that I found here at The Forge was just plain amazing and breath taking. Every room here has it's own sense of WOW factor! The bathrooms are wow! Their bar is WOW! and their service is wow! WOW is the only word that comes to mind when describing this place. I will have to say that the price you pay to dine here is worth every penny. I honestly think that this place is not expensive at all for a fancy romantic dinner for two! Make sure you check out their large selection of wines. Here at the forge you also have the option to taste wines by the sip, half glass, or full glass. Just talk to wine connoisseur and he will set you up!
(4)Larry In Miami D.
I'm born and raised in Miami, this is the absolute best Restaurant that i have ever been in, I'm in the biz so " i kno people ". This is 5 Star, first rate business. i don't get here often , only about 3-4 times a year and never ,never a dull moment.
(5)s d.
Everything about this place is perfect. The decor, the ambiance, the service and the food. I ordered the grilled skirt steak and it was amazing, perfectly cooked with some sweet stuff on top. The only negative is the drinks are a bit pricey, $17 range. Other than that i will definitely go back!
(5)Laura G.
I wore my nice shoes for this dinner, and one of those "oh, this o'l thing?" dresses. I was imagining a gastronomical masterpiece prepared to perfection by a master chef. We made reservations for 9pm, but were told to wait, so we waited standing up for an hour, then the hostess suggested we sit at the bar. We cringed and made our way to the "nigh club" section of the restaurant. We couldn't even hear each other. We didn't want drinks either so surprisingly enough we weren't ALLOWED to sit at the bar, another hour went by. We finally compromised with the hostess and she sat us three tables away from the night club. The waiter cringed his nose when he took our order because we asked for the Miami Spice menu. Even if I couldn't hear my own girlfriend because of the absurdly loud music, I'm almost sure I heard him say "cheap asses." My girlfriend ended up ordering Filet Mignon because the miami spice menu was terrible. . The filet was dry and came with a side of ONE baby carrot and ONE broccoli. I ordered a truffled risotto which should have brought shame upon the restaurant They even managed to mess up our friend's lobster bisque. By the time the bill came, we had apparently spent $300. I double checked the bill and as it turned out we had been charged for another table's $150 wine, we didnt even get to try it. I asked for the manager but I was completely ignored and the waiter sent us a revised bill, this time, without the extra wine bottle. For the price, I expected a much better experience.
(2)Carlos P.
OK, so I return to have dinner at the Forge for the third time this summer. Same start as usual, Caesar Salad minus the Beef Tataki. Salad was fine, and then I added some wine. Since I was the only one drinking from my table, I ordered by the glass from their wine stations. Had a couple glasses of a tempranillo, which was pretty good. This time, I went ahead and ordered their 16 oz NY "super steak", cooked medium rare plus. Once again, I found it to be a little heavy with the char. Steak was tender, but chewy (obviously this cut has a little more fat), a little too chewy for my tastes. This cut was a little to fatty for someone who typically sticks with fillet Mignon. Another small complaint was the steak knife given was not quite adequate, more of a jumbo butter knife. I am sure its fine for leaner cuts, but not quite enough for a NY strip. I couldn't keep my plate still while trying to cut and made it really annoying to try to eat. For my side I decided to go with the Duck Fries which were pretty good and a great compliment. So after this, I don't see myself returning anytime soon, three times this summer and yet really to be that impressed. I'd still go Red/Prime 112 first or else Flemings/Meat Market as my backup. Still a good option for drinks and lounging, but for steak, I wouldn't go back anytime soon. BTW, our service has always been great here. Our waiter was extremely patient, especially since one of our guests happened to be an hour late. That wouldn't slide at Prime 112.
(3)RJ S.
Alright, so we live at 38th and Collins and have been waiting for a year to try the Forge food. Our waiter went to Clemson and he was definitely a 5 star waiter. He knew the menu, knew the history of the place, and knew how to entertain us. As for the food, we went with 7 people and were able to have a tour de menu. Some of the food was 5 stars, some of it 4, and some of it 3. We will start with the appetizers... The U-2 shrimp were pretty delicious. Large shrimp and marina. Nothing too special here, just delicious shrimp. We ordered 12 oysters. 6 were "creamier oysters" and 6 were Blue Point oysters. Both oysters were amazing, but the Blue Point were definitely the best. If you are into the saltier oyster, then definitely go for the Blue Point. Tuna Tartar - Very good. The quality of tuna was impressive. The tuna had a very buttery/gel-o type texture that made it melt in your mouth. The "cracker" used to dish out the tuna was good. Perfect consistency and flavor. Beef Tataki - Good. Is beef carpaccio ever great? We are not experts on beef carpaccio, so give it a try. Special appetizer of the night 'Grouper, Snapper, Conch Ceviche' - WOW...the ceviche was marinated with peppers and served with fried plantain chips. The mixture of sweet, spicy, and vinegar flavors were amazing. Definitely the highlight of the appetizers we ordered!!! Entrees: Best Steak in America - Well, my friend ordered this steak 'Pittsburgh Style'...they definitely new how to do a Pittsburgh, almost too well. You could taste the charred grill flecks on it way too much. Bone in Filet - Ridiculously amazing. I've eaten at Prime 112 and Red Steakhouse in Miami and this was definitely the best bone in filet I have had in those areas. We ordered it medium rare and were not disappointed. If you want some meat, ordered this bad boy! Tuna - Good, nothing special 8 oz filet - Perfectly cooked and delicious Coffee and Egg steak - According to my friend who ordered it "the best dish we ordered" If you do not like the taste of coffee, do not order this dish. He ordered it medium-rare and the flavors that came out of their steak were mouth watering. Lamb Chops - My order. I consider myself a connoisseur of lamb chops. These were a 7.5-8/10. I ordered them medium-rare and they cooked them perfectly. However, the sauce was a little thick/sugary and took away from the natural juices of the lamb. I would still highly recommend trying them! Dessert: We tried a few of the souffles...what can I say, they were all amazing! Get a souffle!!!! Drinks: I don't want to write a novel on the drink menu, but they were all delicious. I say get adventurous and try some of their drink concotions. We ordered about 5 or 6 different types and all of them were equally spectacular. Overall verdict: Great service. Food would have been a 5 if we had not ordered a couple of average items. It was there 2nd week open, so maybe they are still working out the kinks and it will soon all be five star food? Either way, give it a try!
(4)Katie T.
We went there halloween night. The service was amazing. The food was great! The dessert was the best, souffle!
(5)kevin e.
Went here with my wife on a trip to south beach. I have to admit I was tired after a day of travel. So I was not in the mood for a big meal. The decor is gorgeous. Really beautiful. The menus ( wine and food ) are really extensive ( and yes expensive ). You should definitely find something you like to drink and eat. Tons of wines by the glass and many cocktails. Since we were not in the mood for two big meals we went with three apps and one meal. Here is what we what got 1. Lobster PB & J. OMG. Unreal. Worth the trip alone. Thai accented creamy delicious and really does taste like a PB & J. Order it. U will never forget it 2. Yellow fin tuna tartare. Very solid. Good not great. 3. Porcini dusted scallops. Very yummy 4. Short ribs. Big plate. Very tasty. A little fatty. But real good Atmosphere was nice. Service excellent. I guess the five star is based on the lobster PB & J and the fact that the menu looked amazing but we were not in to two big meals so I added a star for that. Enjoy !
(5)David R.
I went here for my birthday with friends. We all had the same experience. The food was mediocre and the server was very pretentious and intrusive. I hate to give them a bad review because I really liked the old Forge. However, this is a different place than the old restaurant. I will most likely not be going back.
(1)Ted X.
A go to place for a great experience. Amazing atmosphere and food to go with it. Worth every dollar, every time I go. I would recommend food, but everything has always been great.
(5)Arelys C.
Food was great. Loved the croquette starters. Service was very good as well. The decor is a bit tacky for my taste, felt like I was on the set of Real Housewives of New Jersey...over the top. Wine selection is extensive, but pricey.
(4)Veronica S.
I can't think of another place to have spent our second wedding anniversary. I haven't been back to The Forge since it was remodeled so I'm glad we were finally able to see the good things we've heard about. Inside, it's gorgeous...I almost felt like I was in NYC. The only thing I was disappointed about was that they do not offer a corkage fee. We brought a bottle of wine that we purchased on our honeymoon and couldn't drink it at dinner but the evening was far from a disappointment. My husband is friends with Chef John so we were excited when he chose 2 appetizers to send out to us. The lobster pb&j is to die for! Seriously...it's the best thing to happen to a sandwich in a long time. We also had the short ribs with a pomegranite sauce that was finger licking good. (We didn't lick our fingers at the restaurant but it was tempting!) For dinner my husband had the skirt steak and a loaded baked potato. He's a man that likes to keep things simple but the steak was tender and cooked perfect. I had the grilled salmon with basil mashed potatoes. It was an interesting spin on mashed potatoes so kudos to the chef for coming up with somthing new for a classic side! The chocolate soufle was the perfect end to our meal. It was warm, gooey and chocolatey...everything that a good soufle should be! I can hardly wait to go back with a group of friends!
(4)Brett P.
We were only in town for one night, and decided on The Forge for our dinner choice. I took a bit of a shot in the dark after seeing their Executive Chef of an episode of Beat Bobby Flay. We are not big fans of the typical Miami club scene, so we did have some concerns that the "lounge" aspect of the venue would feature a dark, loud atmosphere dominated with music typically played in stores where you buy overpriced jeans. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find a setting and atmosphere that was comfortably classy. Yes, there were some Miami types that were the "pretty but do not touch" type, but mostly normal people of a fairly broad age range. The decor was unique with seemingly every table setting featuring somewhat obscure (but cool) chairs. Our table was close to a glossy white upright piano surrounded by mirrors and hanging glass bulbs. Cool. The bar area was good sized and drinks maintained the delicate balance of octane and drinkability. The bartender was courteous and attentive without having to warn him that I know Karate. We started with the Diver Sea Scallop Ceviche, which tasted fresh and clean, but could have possibly been complimented with some thinly sliced and toasted pieces of ciabatta. For our entrees, we had the Yellowfin Tuna Wellington, which was very well executed. It was not the least bit dry, as can occur with some Wellingtons. We also elected the Spiced Rubbed Ribeye, and we're somewhat disappointed when our waiter could not elaborate as to what kind of spices are involved in the rub. Ordered medium rare, it was cooked to perfection. The cut was just over an inch, and only about 10% non-edible fat. The dessert was the most memorable dish served, which was a s'mores soufflé. Final prep of the dish was performed at the table, and the complexity of the soufflé was paired perfectly with the simplicity of a Jet-Puffed marshmallow and a dark chocolate sauce. It was as if the simple marshmallow had hit the Powerball and was now living a life of luxury and dating a supermodel right there in Miami. Overall, my high score is reflective of well executed decor, staff, ambience, and cuisine. If you have a one night stop in Miami, I highly recommend The Forge.
(5)Mary M.
Hands Down the most handsome, pleasant hostess EVER. This guy really should be in politics: he could not have been more attentive or personable. To review our table: perfect for our birthday celebration, as it was NOT in the main dining room which seemed very loud, impersonal and only a place to be seen rather than a place to dine. Our server, Neal: Lovely. Smart. Funny. Our sommelier, Gino: Perfect. Kind and intelligent and completely behind our $55.00 wine choice (when prices were 20 times higher for many vintages). Our food: Fair. Beware the wild mushrooms: they most certainly are. Tasted like they'd just been foraged from the forest and put on the plate. Beware the $18 sides: they are barely enough for one. Beware the octopus appetizer: it comes on a soupy bed of pale yellow 'risotto' (really? That's risotto??) that was so watery and tasteless it almost made me feel bad for the octopus. A gazillion dollars, even during Miami Spice week, but fun nonetheless to say we finally went to this piece of Miami Beach history. Special thanks to Gino for the wine cellar tour. THAT was special.
(3)Cherise I.
Stopped by a few days ago and had a wonderful experience. My friend was looking for crab cakes, and Forge was one of the only places we could find nearby that had them. From the moment we were greeted the service was phenomenal. This continued to the host that seated us, the server, and everyone else who stopped by the table. The variety of breads were super tasty. Loved the raisin and cinnamon sugar bread! They also had many much more traditional types. My friend loved the crab cakes and said he will definitely be back. I ordered a very simple salad with balsamic vinaigrette. It was very light and refreshing. And the presentation was different which I enjoyed. Besides the food, the decor was awesome. Loved that most 4 top tables had a chair that was definitely for the head of the table. My friend loved it! definitely a 5 star experience. Highly recommend!
(5)Oodia B.
I had the honor and pleasure to be invited to meet Anwar Zayden from the LegendofAnwar.com for dinner at the forge in Miami beach. I had no expectations, but i knew from the moment i walked in that the night was going to be spectacular. Our Waiter Nathan Gerve showed us 1st class service. I realize this is Anwars Favorite place, so I know they are going to be on their best behavior, but they went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. Even Shareef Malnik came out to take a picture with us. I felt like a king, we had a feast! The Stone Crab Claws were HUGE! After dinner, the general manager gave us a tour of the wine cellar. Wow is all i can say. It was a great night, with great company. And to top everything else off, Catherine Bach came over to say hello.
(5)Kwan L.
Came here with a party of 7 for their Miami Spice menu. It was pretty packed for a Monday night. 1st time dining here & it's definitely impressive. The exterior does a great job hiding the distinctive architecture design within. Miami Spice menu is simple, I started with the French onion soup, next is the grilled swordfish, then followed by molten chocolate cake. The soup needed a touch more salt, but I rather under-salted than over salt. The swordfish portion was less than the other option which is the filet mignon. It was good none the less. Chocolate cake was a nice touch at the end. In addition to our meals, we also ordered the tomahawk steak which we all shared. The steak was definitely a man's steak. 40oz dry aged prime piece of meat. It's suggested for 2 but can feed more. Overall it was a great experience. Will definitely come back & explore the rest of the menu.
(4)Dominique M.
I had a sincerely phenomenal dining experience !!! I have been there many times before but the service, entertainment and food was beyond expectations. From our waiter, Christopher's attention to detail, attentiveness and personality and the live performance it was really amazing! The Salmon Tartar and Filet Mignon to die for! The service at the bar was not as detailed and friendly but I had a Vesper (Signature Drink) at the bar afterwards and it was great too.
(5)Darian E.
I chose the Forge as the location to propose to my girlfriend (now fiance) during our Miami vacation. The food, ambiance, and service were nothing short of exceptional. Food (****1/2) - For dinner we shared a raw Yellowtail Tuna tartare which was rich and mixed in front of us with egg and 5 different sides. It was delicious and refreshing, with a slight asian-vibe that came together perfectly. We followed this with the 16oz Dry Aged Prime NY Strip "Super Steak", the restaurant's signature item, paired with a grand mariner green peppercorn sauce. The steak is among the best we ever had. The sauce, as recommended by our server, paired perfectly and made it spectacular. We finished with a dark chocolate Napoleon cake which was delicious and light and concluded the meal in great fashion. She had a glass of Pinot Grigio and I their blood and sand cocktail which were great in their own right. Ambiance (*****) - The environment in this restaurant is probably what stands out the most to me. Reading the restaurant's history, a number of renovations have been made over the last several years and it shows. A popular site for celebrities in decades past and an inspiration for the scene in Scarface, this place is well fitting of its reputation. The inside is a mix between Alice and Wonderland and an opulent palace, rich with high topped chairs poised like thrones and fancy tables scattered throughout the room. The main dining area is bisected by a triple arch reminiscent of Moorish Spain architecture. In the back is a cozy library filled with books and stained glass, including a few original Tiffany pieces and a Chandelier bought from the Kennedy family's old White House collection. A courtyard was present in the back and a large wine cellar as well (although it was hosting a private event and we did not see it). Most impressive, is that our server and random staff members all knew a great deal about the restaurant's history and the original source of many of its pieces. Service (*****) - Perhaps most impressive of our experience was the service. All of the employees were remarkably friendly, approachable, and seemed happy, nay, honored, to be working there. Christophe was our server that evening and as we toured the restaurtant after the meal he told us much about the place's history, complete with dates and names. It was quite impressive. Given this restaurant's reputation, I chose this as the venue for my engagement proposal and I wasn't disappointed at all. Reservations were easy (albeit I did do this on a Tuesday night), and I called ahead to notify them of the special nature of the dinner the afternoon prior. The manager took note to sit us in one of the nicer tables in the corner, and helped me present the ring in a way my now fiance loved. The entire restaurant applauded and congratulated us throughout the night and the entire experience was excellent. They even treated us to two complementary glasses of champagne, which really capped off the night. Overall, I'd recommend the Forge to anyone who is looking for great food and an amazing ambiance and service. For the special occasion or just a night on the town I recommend it wholeheartedly.
(5)Shawn H.
Ate dinner here. I had the Chilean Sea Bass. It was outstanding. I was with a group of co-workers. A few others had the Rack of Lamb but I think the Sea Bass was the winner. The ambience was very nice. Upscale but not over the top. A house DJ plays music while you eat. Sounded like we were in a club at some points. They even had live entertainment. Throughout the night at various sites throughout the restaurant they would set up a mic stand, shine a spotlight and a singer would sing. It was a great touch. I highly recommend this restaurant. Oh yeah, the drinks were outstanding too!!
(5)Alejandra S.
Great service and great ambience. Food was okay. We had the Filet Mignon however the sides it came with could, mash and asparagus should have some seasoning.
(4)Stephen D.
I really enjoyed eating here, I would come again. I took our friends and my wife for dinner. Our service was impeccable, 3/4ths of the food was outstanding and ambiance was very good. One draw back was my wife's steak was horrid (dry and not very good) but I dont think that is usual. I will give them a chance again! The reason I could not give them 5 stars is the music level. It was very loud. I do not send food back and I don't complain. Sorry my DNA won't allow that! I just think if you want to be dinner theater, you should advertise that. But, I return!
(4)Adam F.
The Forge is as good as it gets when it comes to the complete package. Amazing food, wine, service, decor, music...and the list goes on and on. I brought my fiance' here after proposing on the beach and the night kept getting better! I got the reservation and table I wanted with help from Justin Maas who came through for me and I have absolutely no complaints. When I visit Miami going forward, I'll always be sure to spend an evening here.
(5)Douglas C.
Planned to meet my father and brother for a boys night out at Joe's Stone Crab. When we got there, the restaurant's power was off due to some rather strong storms. The kitchen closed, and were left in the dark literally and figuratively as we did not receive timely updates as to their reopening as the place began to fill. My father suggested we go to The Forge, where he used to eat back in the 80's and 90's. We had an awesome meal and did not miss Joe's one lick. Arrived kind of early on a Thursday night and seated in the over the top wood paneled room with huge crystal chandelier. Simone was our server and she was excellent. Friendly, funny with educated recommendations, she took care of us well the entire night. Food was great too! We started with Jamaican jerk bacon, foie gras on a donut, and scallops. Foie gras was my favorite of the three. Interesting sweet and rich flavors. Bacon fell in the middle and scallops were OK. Then we all opted for steaks. Each one was massive and cooked to perfection. I had a rib eye that was spiced really nicely, and not too fatty. The filet Mignon, one bone-in, one without, were tender and tasty and the mustard dipping sauce served upon request was awesome. Side of uniquely prepared creamed corn shined. Hash browns were unimpressive. Overall an excellent dining experience. Expensive, yes, but worth it.
(4)Leilani D.
I've been here a couple times and all I can say is the experience does not disappoint. - The food is amazing. They have a very extensive menu but from what I've tried the Mushroom Risotto is one of the best I've had, although the Black Grouper, Tuna Tartare, and Filet were all also amazing. I would avoid the Snapper & Grouper Ceviche - I ordered it this last time confusing it with the tartare and was disappointed. Do make sure you get one of the souffles. Both the Grand Marnier and the chocolate are fantastic. Even the bread they serve you at the beginning of your meal is wonderful... - The decor is even more amazing. I never went before the renovation, but I can say that no detail was spared. It's opulent and beautiful. Bonus: if you ask they'll let you tour the private rooms, which while keeping with the same style, are dark and intimate v. the large open dining room. - The service is top notch. Absolutely on point. Never rushed, incredibly helpful, professional, and courteous. Exactly the type of service you would expect to receive in a restaurant of this caliber.
(5)Laura R.
Nice place. Excelent service. Very good food. I recomend the apple pie for desert. The rib eye with Marsalla sauce is very good choice.
(4)Julie G.
Loved this place so much! The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and the food was delicious.The black truffle mac & cheese pot pie is a must try. The "forge" chopped salad was also really interesting and a delicious take on a chopped salad. The steak was amazing, perfectly cooked and flavoured! The chocolate souffle was unreal, one of the best I have ever had. Such a fun atmosphere and decor was so pretty. Not to mention the service was great, the waiter was friendly and helpful and we were seated promptly at our reservation time. They have space for large parties. Will definitely be coming back here.
(5)Adam H.
If you love Prime 112, things just became better! This hands down is the best food in Miami! The attention to detail, and the food was amazing! Great job!
(5)Karla R.
the happy hour on Friday nights is amazing! champagne specials and $6 belvedere cocktails! I did miami spice, the onion soup was incredible, the cheese was aged and delicious. the filet mignon was good, I'm a filet girl and it definitely did not make it onto my list of best filets. hubby got the rib eye which was fantastic. we also got the black truffle Mac and cheese pot pie, it was good. for dessert we got the chocolate lava cake, yum but nothing to write home about. the place is gorgeous and the bathrooms are unbelievable. anyway if you want to go to a beautiful restaurant with miami beach vibe (and by vibe I mean everyone looks rich and makes you feel very very poor) then check it out!
(4)Tiffany T.
Randomly stumbled upon The Forge when looking for a dinner spot close to our hotel in Miami Beach. Luckily, there was no wait for a party of 3 at 9:30PM on Friday. We walked through a few rooms, each with a different theme, to our seats in the back. Since this place is a restaurant and lounge, there was a bar with bumping music and bottle service in the next room over. It was loud but we didn't mind for our girls dinner on Friday night, just keep in mind this might not be the best setting for a quiet romantic date. It took a while for us to get menus and water. We were starving and had to flag down someone to bring our server over. We asked for recommendations and ended up ordering the following items to share: Lobster Risotto - 4.5 stars Foie Gras - 2 stars Chopped Salad - 3.5 stars Brussel Sprouts - 4 stars Porterhouse - 5 stars Smores Souffle - 4 stars The risotto was very tasty and well balanced with chopped snap peas to offset the richness of the dish. Our foie came out grossly UNDERCOOKED. We hesitated to tell the waiter when he asked about the food but eventually gave him our honest feedback. The presentation of the chopped salad that many reviewers posted pictures of was more impressive than the taste. The porterhouse cooked medium rare was the highlight of the dinner for me. The steak was very well seasoned and cooked perfectly. I thought the both sides of the beef were juicy and flavorful. Even after reading the positive reviews, I had doubts about a restaurant/lounge having phenomenal steak, however, I couldn't stop myself from going for 2nd and 3rd servings. Souffle was a sweet and delightful way to end the meal. When the waiter brought our check, we were disappointed that he didn't take off the foie gras (it was inedible raw liver) nor was there any sort of apologetic gesture from the kitchen. The waiter did offer to take us on a tour of the restaurant. Each room had a different theme and was filled with tons of antique collectors decor from the Paris Opera House and beyond. We we're really impressed with all the art and history under one roof. He showed us the private dining rooms and told us about some of the recent celebs that have dined there. We walked around and took plenty of pictures. I do hope the kitchen and management refines it's minor flaws by my next visit. I wasn't a fan of the automatic 20% gratuity tacked on our bill. However, the delicious steak and tour really made our dinner memorable. That, and the upscale decor really earned this place 4 stars.
(4)Kennedy P.
I absolutely love this restaurant! The sweet potato with ginger snap crumbles is delicious. Also me and my mom demolished the east and west coast oysters and you HAVE to try them. We ate the carmelized Brussel sprouts are so good. And our main course was an 8 ounce center cut steak with is to die for. Our dessert was the chocolate soufflé which was the BEST. So I really recommend the waiter named Oscar, he is amazing. And he is so polite and sweet. I love how he calls you madam, it is so formal
(5)B L.
I went with a large group. Tried just about half the menu... Nothing positive stood out except that the place is nice. Giant $35 a piece crab claw was kind of frozen and difficult to eat. Giant $14 shrimp was beautiful, but not as tasty as the smaller, yet still large shrimps that I have tasted elsewhere in my Miami. Burger sliders not particularly great. Kale salad average. Filet mignon steak ok, not magnificent 4/5 Ambiance 4/5 (several rooms, many choices, all nice) Wine list superb - 6/5 plus many wines by the glass. Truffle fries I hate(many may like - im not a truffle lover) Desserts were only fair - and I dont like the way many are served in upright glasses - not easy for eating or sharing. Service was good. Super expensive. Very unlikely to repeat. I like Prime "112 in south beach" or "Bourbon steak in Aventura" better as steakhouses!
(3)Rodney W.
The Forge is not just a regular night out, but a DINING EXPERIENCE!!!! Tonight was a my special date night with my princess and I could not have picked a better restaurant, than the Forge. Although located on a main street, the facade definitely stands out amongst all the other storefronts. Once you enter into the Forge, you feel as though you have been wisked back into a time of elegance. Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Sammy Davis Jr. could still be felt walking around or grabbing a Martini at the bar. Walking into the restaurant, the ambiance, chandeliers, lighting and decor were jaw dropping. I watched my daughters eyes taking it all in and my heart leap with joy. We escorted to our seats, a feature with in itself, a high back, white leather throne. I noticed there were several different types of seats, that one could choose; even ones especially for couples, where you could enjoy your meal sitting right next to each other, for more intimate dinner. Yes, I have already started making future plans for my return. This restaurant could give lessons in customer service. From the moment we entered, we were given the royal treatment. Because it was a slow night, we given out preference of seating. All of the wait staff were attentive and continuously checked on us. BEWARE: The water is $9 per bottle!!! I found that out, after I received the bill, (4) FOUR bottles later. Now to the part you guys really care about, the FOOD!!!! The Cerviche was fresh, but the citrus was a bit overpowering. My steak was perfectly cooked and seasoned. I was tempted to see of I could cut it with a butter knife. The desserts were refreshing, but I didn't feel they were up to the standard of the rest of the meal. I will be back, maybe on a Friday night. Let's all meet up for a glass of wine
(5)Abigail B.
Back for Happy Hour again. I love it all! The food, specialty cocktails, music, ambiance, and most of all Frankie :) He always takes such good care of us! Ask for him when you go (unless I'm there. In that case, he's mine lol)
(5)L S.
The Mother's Day brunch was a bit disappointing. It was bland and unexceptional. The food kept running out and replenishment took forever, causing a line around the buffet area... The unlimited mimosas were pre mixed in a carafe and was mostly OJ. Our waiter took our order and then ignored us for an hour until I asked several other staff to assist us. A 20% tip was automatically added to the bill so I imagine staff was not motivated to provide any service since the tip was in the bag. The Forge has nice ambience but this experience was terrible.
(2)YJ L.
This restaurant is Beauuuutiful!!!! We went to Miami for a bachelorette party and we were supposed to eat at some other steakhouse but being the gilt whore that I am I happened to see a deal for Miami at this restuarant and it was too good to resist. The other girls agreed seeing that everything 3 course meal + 2 glasses of wine was $47 and we changed reservations to here. Honestly I was a little nervous because I didnt want the dinner or ambience to suck since its for a bach party and I was the one who suggested it but right when we entered the restuarant I knew it was gonna be a good night. Being from LA I really didnt think any restuarants in Miami would impress me, but there goes my foot in my mouth, the Forge is gorgeous and is the perfect place for a bachelorette dinner. Its classy, trendy, and plays good music too! The girls loved the looks of the place .. now we just needed to taste the food. OMG from the bread, to the amouse bouche ( yup prob botched the spelling) , to the risotto , steak, salmon, and dessert everything was beyond delicious. the wine machine things were pretty fun too. All in all everyone enjoyed their meal and thanked me for it.. yay!! Go here if you have an event to celebrate or if you just feel like it =D PS their bathroom is ridiculously pretty.. not gonna lie we spent about 20 min in there taking pics. true story!
(5)Lynn E.
This place is a Miami necessity; I find myself coming back every time I visit. Very trendy vibe but not obnoxiously so. Big fan of the focaccia bread and cauliflower appetizer. My sister and I both had the New York dry-aged steak, which was pretty good although not as good as when I first tried it here two years ago. Overcooked for medium-rare. The pistachio souffle more than made up for the mistake steak. Holy delicious!!! :)
(4)Whitney K.
The soft shimmer of a chandelier that once hung in the Paris Opera House greets you as you enter the main dining area. Just inside, a dining library complete with stained glass windows repurposed from Trinity Cathedral in New York City, authentic Tiffany glass and glowing fireplace invite you in. In another room, a white lacquer piano surrounded by blown glass champagne bubbles is offset by custom dining tables made of repurposed wood from Indonesia. A $7.2 million wine cellar beckons to you from the balmy outdoor terrace. History runs deep in the Forge, where you'll find intriguing stories around every corner, from Napoleon's writing desk hiding upstairs to unassuming fixtures from Jackie O's White House decor hanging outside the Boardroom. Each dish, boasting a modernized and artistic twist on classic, haute cuisine, is worthy of this rich history and brings an equally rich palate and range of flavor to every course. The food's presentation is as beautiful as the ambiance and sure to leave a lasting impression. The experience is completed by exquisite service. Our server, Jill, struck a perfect balance between anticipating our every need and convivial conversation that both educated us about the restaurant and delighted our party with subtle humor and good energy. I believe my father's final words were: "I'll be back. This raisin bread, these martinis - and you of course - made the night." Coming from a man who has notoriously high standards of service: this is saying something. The raisin bread WAS pretty good. The experience and service were better.
(5)Sarah S.
I really had high expectations, but there were a few issues. First, we were seated in the front section of the restaurant which is very HOT. There's a hallway that leads from the front door to where we were seated, so I don't think it was because of the proximity of the door. The dining chairs were also extremely uncomfortable, with a firm seat and low back, making it hard to lean back and relax. I ordered the filet mignon butterflied and well done, yet it came out medium rare. The waiter even said it was way underdone. I honestly dislike high end restaurants that make me send my steak back while my husband sits there awkwardly with his food getting cold as mine goes back to be cooked as ordered. Once I received the steak back, it was fantastic along with the grand marnier peppercorn sauce. We also ordered the grand marnier soufflé which was amazing! Honestly, between the heat, the seat discomfort and not having my meal cooked properly, I won't be back. Our servers were great and attentive and that is what made the 3 stars. Oh, and even though dinner for two runs around $200, they don't really enforce any kind of dress code. Very disappointing to see women in flip flops and men in shorts and sandals at a supposed "fancy" restaurant.
(3)Danny S.
The Forge was selected by a friend at random for a 30th birthday celebration. Although skeptical by the external first impression, we were pleasantly surprised upon entering the lavish establishment. Greeted by a pleasant doorman and an even more politely prepared front desk team to receive us, we were truly taken back by this hidden gem! For large groups like ours (10 people with a reservation) we were immediately attended and given instruction on how the seating process goes. During the transition of waiting for the rest of the group to arrive, we were welcomed to the bar area. The ambiance was fantastic, decor leaned towards a "Great Gatsby" profile. Excellent dj with an excellent playlist set the vibe. They did have good drink specials, and free appetizers during happy hour which was a definite plus while you wait. We were seated promptly after our entire group arrived. The quality was exceptional, and portions were slightly above average. The only two cons I can critique: horribly slow service and wait times to receive meals and drinks, which was extremely disappointing when you're in a group expecting good service for the price and caliber of restaurant this place intends to portray. My second con was the inability to split checks and the lack of genuine care and concern of our server to solve our basic needs. Overall I would come back, but to the bar, for drinks and appetizers only due to the superb vibe.
(3)Jacqui R.
Great drinks, extremely creative. However, the steaks, aweful! I tasted more than one type of steak, since there was 6 in my party. Very bland, no flavor what so ever! I had to ask for ketchup! If I was blindfolded I would have thought my filet was a T-bone steak. The service sucked, I had empty drinks on my table, dirty napkins not collected, and had to ask for my server multiple times.... To be honest, I am very disappointed!!... This place is overrated!!! Would NOT recommend to anyone!
(2)Elizabeth R.
SHORTS AND T-SHIRTS OKAY. Granted it was a Sunday night, but when did it become acceptable to dine at the Forge in grubby jeans and a ratty T-shirt? It wasn't just one guy, there were a few "just rolled off the couch" looking patrons. And then, as we were getting ready to leave, a group of five 20-somethings strolled past our table to the bar wearing gym clothes. Seriously. Shorts, sneakers, sweaty and smelly. Whatever. When I saw the Gilt City deal for a 3-course meal at the Forge (Su-Th only) it seemed like a great way to get a jump on Miami Spice. Now I know to give it a miss. Things didn't go well right from the start. The hostess led us to a tiny 2-top next to the door. Only one dining room was open and it was full. Every other couple seemed to be seated at a large table with banquette seating, so I was really nonplussed at being cramped against the wall, and then the hostess pulled out a chair to reveal food scraps that had been left on the seat from a previous patron. Mr. Wonderful was giving me the, "Just deal with it!" look so I brushed off the chair and took the other seat, and thought, "So far, it feels like we're at Denny's." But really it's all about the food, right? Meh. Best dish was corn chowder appetizer, but it was listed on the menu with caviar. No caviar. Dessert was a hazelnut chocolate cake that tasted mostly like the inside of a refrigerator. Worst offender was very tough beef. All around disappointment. I understand that the discount dining opportunities tend to be hit and miss. But the Forge was miss, miss, and miss. It makes me sad that I can't recommend an iconic Miami institution like the Forge, but really, there are far too many alternatives that are so much better close by. We'd visited the bar at the Forge several months earlier and were similarly disappointed. We ordered some snacks that were puny and overpriced. A game was on, but the TVs were miniscule. I wish there were something nice to say about the Forge, but I can't come up with anything. Sorry.
(2)Bridget O.
Came here with my parents. The atmosphere is great and the staff is very friendly. My parents both ordered steaks and I ordered the salmon. The steaks were a little better than average but not as good for the price they were charging. I was not a huge fan of the salmon, probably would not order that next time. On the other hand the sides were great. We got Mac and cheese and it was delicious highly recommend ordering that. The mash potatoes were great too.
(4)Chris S.
Wonderful service, beautifully prepped delicious food and an amazing wine cellar that you'll want to tour.
(5)Erica B.
Typical South Beach. Great ambiance, beautiful decor and good music. Food was extremely overpriced, extremely small and extremely mediocre. We ordered the truffle Mac and cheese and I tasted like Kraft Mac and cheese. Our salad was only enough for two bites. Would never return again.
(3)Jennifer S.
Beautiful restaurant...I mean really beautiful! We held a group dinner for 40 people at the Forge in July and had a great experience...my only complaint is the group space wasn't nearly as nice as the main dining room. The staff was great - attentive and efficient, the food was delicious - the filet was so tender, and the people watching was great too in the main dining room.
(5)Vanessa T.
We celebrated a birthday last year at the Forge. Our only complaint had been that we had ordered too much!! The food was phenomenal and our service was excellent -- it is why I chose to surprise my bf with dinner at our favorite place for his bday. Prior to going, I made sure to call and place several asks including a special table, a bday surprise with our desert and lastly I specified that I would be paying with a Travel zoo. I was assured that all of this would be noted in my reservation. We arrived and were seated in a very nice area with tons of lights around (on a stage). Hardly private but pretty. Our waitor came by and offered wine - my bf asked him to please select a nice red for him. It was only when he came to give us the menus that I had to ask if there was a special one for Travel Zoo. The bewildered waitor said "i wish you had mentioned this earlier - those wines you selected are not included". I was embarrassed. He came back with the menu and took our order and Then i decided to ask him to take a look at the notes in my reservation. I had to ask him to do this!! Isnt this what the hostesses are meant to do? Not just stand pretty and say good evening? So annoyed. We enjoyed our meal (as always) but was really dissapointed that when the cake came, the waitor dropped it off and walked off. He didnt sing, he didnt even say Happy Birthday. It felt awkward. At this point, Im upset and just want to leave. To my surprise, the worst was yet to come. The bill arrives at a total of $81. What was the point of the Travel Zoo? There were several unexplained charges and I noted that the wine that the waitor chose was $21 a glass. We didnt even have the two glasses included in the Travel zoo, you would think he would have altered that -- nope. To add a cherry to the cake and make the occasion worse, they forgot to give us the wine cellar tour that I had been offered during my conversation! Bottom line, meal is great and their steaks are legendary -- just dont go for a special occasion. So dissapointing.
(3)Klime K.
For our first Christmas together with my Australian wife, I wanted to take her to the iconic 'The Forge' which certainly lived up to it's exceptional reputation. In summary, our experience unfolded like this .. We reserved a week in advance and the day before, we received a phone call to confirm the reservation which showed this place is professionally run. On arrival, the hostesses were super friendly and we were immediately greeted and lead to our table (which by the way felt like we had the best seat in the house). The decor is very aristocratic and the ambiance world class. There was a mixture of families, couples and groups of friends. The menu was extensive with variety to suit all. The renowned wine selection is like no other and certainly hard to match anywhere else. Nothing was late, the service was good and there was ample staff on the floor. A delicious assortment of breads were provided while deciding on the menu. For the appetizers we had the Pan Seared Crab Cake and Grilled Roasted Beets, and for the entree we had the Grilled Salmon and Grilled Hanger Steak. While we were full after our meal, my wife couldn't resist sharing a serving of the Chocolate Souffle which we were advised to order early so that it could be prepared in time. Everything was outstanding. Evidently 'The Forge' has positioned itself to be always relevant and timeless.
(5)Leon K.
We expected over the top decor but did not expect brothel decorations. The food also left a great deal to be desired. The chopped kale salad was bland, without substance and did not have enough vinegar which was not offered on the side. The signature dishes, steak, were also diappointments. My strip was stringy though cooked to the correct temperature. My wife ordered the waygu at $20 an ounce requesting pink. It was derlivered rare. Steakhouses should never get the temperature wrong on their specialty. I had just returned from London after 5 weeks and chose the Forge as the place I wanted my first American steak because of its iconic stature. My wife tried to talk me out of it. She couldn't, because I had heard about wonderful changes being made. My wife was right and I was wrong. I was sorely disappointed and wish I had chosen one the numerous steakhouses in the Gables or on the Beach.
(1)Charmie P.
Wonderful restaurant, always impeccable service and outstanding food cooked to perfection. The bread basket is delicious, my favorite is the onion focaccia, for side the polenta with kale is a must and so it the mac & cheese, and the steaks are ridiculous good. The first time I went a few years ago I was with a big group, the sommelier gave us a tour of the wine cellar, the collection is impressive. The decor is classic and elegant, with beautiful chandeliers through out. It is pricey, great for a special occasion.
(5)Boris K.
The forge is a great experience if you are in the Miami area. The decor of the place is beautiful and if you are seated in the main room you can't help but constantly look around. (The big chairs are really cool) They have an impressive wine book with a huge selection of wine and a sommelier on premises. However, the best part of my dinner was my unforgettable waiter Mike Moon. It was because of this man that my dinner was different than any restaurant I have ever been to. Mike was not only the most professional waiter I have ever had but he made my girlfriend and me feel as if he has been our personal chef for over 10 years.(His knowledge of the food and restaurant is remarkable) When we first read our order to him he suggested that we have ordered too much and should make some adjustments. (Not something that you usually hear from a waiter). We went with the beef tartare and the kale salad as our appetizers. I personally really did not enjoy the kale salad, (which I got based on reviews) I found it to be too bitter. Mike was kind enough to replace it with the burrata which was fantastic. We then ordered the porterhouse for two with truffle butter and ginger sauce. We also got the lobster risotto as a side to our steak. The risotto was great but the steak wasn't anything too special (I guess I'm spoiled because I'm used to eating at Peter Lugers in NYC). But however, thanks to Mike we ended up getting the perfect amount of food. If you are looking for an unforgettable dinner experience I would most definitely recommend coming to The Forge. Hopefully you'll get lucky enough to have MIke Moon as your waiter!
(5)Bruce R.
Do not go to the Forge on a Friday night. It is so loud that it is impossible to have a conversation. After repeated requests to turn down the sound in the "library' area the management did so, but the requests had to be repeated several times. The food is not special, but the waiter, Jonathan McCort was. He was attentive, sensitive to our needs and if you do go to the Forge, ask for him. We had good wines that were not overly expensive, but the four of us agreed that we would not return. If you are interested in fine dining, the Forge is not the place. If you like over the top glitzy decor, mediocre food, good service, good bread and a scene, then the Forge is for you. 2.5 stars.
(3)Victoria A.
The service was impeccable! The food left me absolutely speechless! I ordered the Kobe Beef with Foie Gras on top and Truffle Sauce, accompanied by a side of Mac and Cheese Truffle Pot Pie! Oh Yes, it exists! The ambiance of the restaurant is very calm, perfect for a date night. I would recommend this restaurant for the ultimate dining experience! 5/5!
(5)Zabdi C.
I have always heard of the forge but never went there , I decide to go on a date there. We went on a Friday night the bar was very busy ,so we decide to be seated the decor was truly one of the best i have seen. When the waitress came over and introduce herself she was very friendly her name was Jill we looked over the wine list and decide to get some wine by the glass. We were brought our menus and were told the specials everything looked very good but the one that caught my eye was the Tomahawk Steak 40oz WOW!! We placed the order we shared a tomahawk which was cooked perfectly (MED) we have Brussels sprouts and Garlic Mash....I was truly happy , when we were done Jill invited us to get a tour of the restaurant...WOW..I was impressed with all the history she was very informed of the history..I asked a lot of questions because i was interested and she was very patient and answer all of them. My whole dining experience was great....I will return with my Friends and would defiantly get Jill as my waitress. We ended the meal with a s'mores soufflé....very good... I will return soon....The service was 10 Stars!!!!!!!
(5)Zilla K.
The Forge exceeded my expectations! The food was delicious - we had steak & sides, and the chocolate smores soufflé. The decor is a must see. You need to ask your waiter to have a tour after dinner in order to see the private rooms. I must say it's one of the most beautiful restaurants I've been in. I will definitely come back here next time I'm in Miami.
(5)Michelle R.
I'll start out by saying the service was top notch at The Forge, but that's the only aspect of my experience that I can speak highly of. My boyfriend's filet mignon came out medium rare/rare although he ordered it medium well. My lobster thermidor was not very memorable, as I kiiiiinda wish I had it steamed instead. The mac and cheese congealed almost immediately after arriving to the table, not a creamy mac and cheese you usually get at a great steakhouse although it was tasty. Overall, not impressed and wouldn't recommend. Although, it must be mentioned that the interior of the restaurant is quite beautiful - reminded us of the Oak Room in NYC.
(3)C. M.
Finally after all these years, I finally made reservations to this elegant and chic the restaurant is...truly remarkable. We were seated right away (being a Wednesday night) and it was surprisingly slow. The waiter (Renzo) did a great job of briefing the menu and wine list for us. The restaurant has a sommelier to assist in selecting wines. He directed me to an Italian red - Nero since I was the only one drinking wine. Excellent choice! It was smooth but with great flavor and he didn't try pawning off a more expensive wine, like other restaurants. So after minutes of indecision we ultimately went with the NY Strip and mushroom risotto as a side. Good call on that one Renzo. The risotto was f'ing remarkable! The strip was cooked to perfection, very tasty but a pricey given the type of cut. Today I dreamt of that risotto.... The wifey ordered the lobster Thermidor, it was good but I would rather have ordered the surf and turf with the 6 oz filet. For desert - the Blacksmith pie- huge slice, but the custard makes it light and the chocolate is ohhh so fluffy! Ordered it with a side of vanilla ice cream, it was a perfect finish to a great meal. I expected better service but they may have had staff missing bc it was slow. Had to ask several times if they could bring me more water. Usually the fine dining establishments refill your water after each sip, so that was a little disappointing but the overall experience was solid. Can't wait for Miami Spice and see what they will be offering....
(4)Leslie R.
Amazing I loved the food and the service was great!!! I love everything about this restaurant
(5)Sherry S.
Wow! What can I say bad ( nothing ) lol. Everything was amazing. Mike was our server,funny guy and very knowledgeable about the food and decor! Who in fact gave us a exclusive tour around the restaurant to private rooms and wine chateau / wine cellar. Manny step in with the tour and provide wine knowledge. The manager Adam stop by our table just to check if everything was going good. Which was very nice ( good looking young man ).lol also was introduce with amazing mixologist / manager Justin mass. Mr.maas whip up one of his special raspberry drinks so delicious. Great staff .Omg... the food wow! love every bite. I did miami spice. The first course: Caesar salad with fresh real anchovies. Second course : 6 oz filet mignon cook at the right temperature. Last course : warm lava cake,mmmmm so moist .My pallet had a great time. Ugh I can't wait to go back . If you love wine,great food come to the forge. They really accommodate their guest. Thank you .
(5)Yara V.
Great place for dining! The ambiance is a little loud when you walk in. The crowd at the bar was older than myself. It was like 40+, but great 90's music everyone was loving. I don't recommend the tables near the bar cause u probably want be able to hear anything (music is too loud). The food was truly amazing. The lobster risotto to begin with, followed by their filet mignon with black truffle mac n cheese and mexican corn could not have made my night better. It was truly delish! Service was great! Great dessert.
(4)Swatee G.
I was surprised at how big te place is when we walked in.. Loved the decor and the high ceilings.. Had been super excited about the Alice in Wonderland chairs, but they have been smushed into dark corners.. barely noticed them.. not happy about that! The waiter was super snooty.. star off for that.. yeah.. I do not like snooty service, especially since I had heard good things about the place and the fact that I was paying for my food.. not the snootiness! gah! Anyways.. The mushroom risotto.. to die for! I'd come back any day, JUST for that bowl of heavenly goodness! The complimentary bread basket.. yum yum yum! Their butter was sooo good, and the assorted breads were all super soft and yummy! Their Forge chopped salad.. really good..! Loved the olives and the caper berries.. the vinaigrette was BEAUTIFUL and the Gorgonzola went so well with it! The polenta on the side.. pretty yum, nothing extraordinary though.. My friend had been super excited about the lychee drink, and hey - no offense, but if the bartender reads it, the champagne ABSOLUTELY kills the delicate flavor of lychee! sorry, mate! Need to redo it with rum maybe? I got the strawberry shrub cake, which was really yum.. loved the herbs in it.. added some much freshness! All in all, I loved the place (let's forget the fact that we paid an arm and a leg for what we had), but I'd love better service next time! :)
(4)JamesBrownInMiami ..
Amazing $50 a bottle Veuve Happy Hour on Friday Evenings 6-11. The best filet minion in Miami Beach.
(5)Robert D.
Excellent food and servic. Ask for the Library if you want the quiet scene.
(4)Tony L.
Very average food. The scene is good but everything from the salad and apps were average. My friend ordered the scallops and they were way to fishy than they should've been. I ordered the sea bass and it was just ok.
(3)Shenika T.
Lovely restaurant, however I did not dine here. I went for an event. Unfortunately, the event was wack. How do have a networking event at a huge bar with no place to network? Definitely wont return to these events.
(3)Tiberiu K.
Locals should be aware that the food at the forge now is bland and has no flavor. You definitely do not get what you are paying for. What happened to the chef ?.. Beautiful place, good service, very tasteless food. My opinion, don't go here if you want good food.
(1)M.M. K.
This place alsolutely blows off my mind every time I get to go there for a meal. Fantastic food and the atmosphere is one of a kind. Purely unique!
(5)Kathy H.
Attended a private dinner in the Wine Cellar. Interesting history surrounding this building and restaurant. Pan seared scallops were perfectly cooked and filet was medium rare, as ordered. My friend said the crab cake app was excellent. Great decor and atmosphere! Our servers were very polite and knowledgeable.
(4)Jason S.
The service at this restaurant is a 10+ our server was welcoming, friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and well educated on wines. Two managers greeted our table one different occasions to check on the food and service. We ordered the table side Caesar salad - there were so many ingredients on the board he came out with I can't remember them all. Perfection, is the best way to describe the salad, the perfect amount of lettuce to dressing ratio and the flavor was so savory. For the main course I ordered the Peppercorn crusted filet mignon, the presentation was beautiful, the steak itself just average, however. The meat was not as tender as I would have liked it and overall the temperature was more on the medium side then med rare. For dessert we had the souffle, well worth the wait. Warm chocolate syrup poured over a chocolate cake with toasted marshmallows. Mmmh so good! Overall great experience, I just had higher hopes for the food, will go try again.
(3)Jessica B.
Still great after all these years... Love the food, attentiveness of the servers and ambiance.
(5)Claudette C.
Being invited for Miami Spice dinner I was expecting a great dinner because of this restaurants fine reputation. They did not disappoint, everything was great. There was a moment where it became awkward, we ordered a bottle of pinot noir which was recommended by our fine waiter, the problem was that the wine was weak at we were not pleased by the recommendation. After some give and take the Sommelier returned with a better choice of pinot noir wine. The food was great, chop salad to start, filet mignon for main course with mashed potatoes that were amazing! The cheesecake was to die for, very light, a foam creation, no crust. The service was great also, the waiter was awesome and able accommodate my secret request for a separate bill to allow me to pay for the coffees and gratuity, its the least I could do.
(5)Enjoli G.
I wish The Forge was closer to me. I would be in the library everyday. It's a stunning restaurant with a very attentive staff. The menu could be more varied though.
(4)Remington T.
Worst "upscale" dining experience of my life. We did go on Valentine's Day--not really realizing it was Valentine's --which was a huge mistake. Service was stretched, crowd was probably uncharacteristic of this restaurant. Food was solid. It may get a second chance next time I'm in Miami--if I can get over the initial memory.
(2)Irina R.
I really enjoyed the trendy atmosphere of The Forge. My reservation was a late one, 11pm, and the restaurant was visibly slowing down at that point. The ambiance of a partially busy space made it just right. I could hear myself talking. I liked the scallop risotto and the drinks were pretty good too. Weird thing I liked: the bathrooms are awesome! Very trendy.
(5)Elana M.
The Forge has a new chef. Christopher Lee has now brought the food to a serious new level. Last night was by far our best visit. Everything we tasted was outstanding. The menu has changed and you may notice many new dishes and some of your favorites may not be served anymore, but that is OK! I was sad to see the mushroom risotto no longer offered, they now offer a Maine lobster risotto, which I didn't try last night. Even the wedge salad was innovative and different from anything I have ever had. I loved the addition of chopped olives and dried tomatoes. Another stand out was the English Pea Ravioli. I must have used the entire bread basket sopping up the sauce. My husband said his salmon dish was the best he has ever had. The Sweet Potato Gratin with Gingersnap Cookie Crumble was obviously sweet, but at the same time, very savory. The chef used delicious herbs that took away the over the top, dessert like taste. It was so incredibly balanced. I used to love going to The Forge mainly for the ambiance. It is possibly the most beautiful restaurant in Miami. Now I have the whole package. With this new chef, The Forge has it all! And I have to agree with a rant from a fellow yelper. What the hell are people thinking coming to The Forge in shorts on a Saturday night???? Thankfully most know how to dress, but those couples who can't bother putting on some nice clothing should go to Applebee's or stay home.
(5)Coach M.
SuperSTEAK was an A+. The Forge is a classic steakhouse with a larger than life feeling. Seating in a 3-4 person chair / couch with a 15 ft mirror next to our table it is a grand feeling. The service was alert The pre bread assortment was a homemade fresh with 6+ varieties the onion bread was our tables favorite. App : Colossal shrimp - worth each cent ! Large (JUMBO) fresh white shrimpy. SuperSTEAK - Medium plus to my liking, cooked perfectly ! The flavor was exact with no fat to cut away, returned the plate clean. A+ Chilean sea bass in miso- cooked well done , nice , flakey fish with a good crust, quite salty. B+ Sides : Garlic mash potato, fries, brussel spouts, and green beans all sides were small and nothing was special ? C+ The steak was $60 and worth it, sides for $10 plus no flavor.... not worth it, sea bass was $40 and delicious. For a special event or great date this pace is great.
(3)Tina V.
Food was mediocre at best but service was impeccable. Ambiances was elegant and catered to the trendy older folks. Ill give them credit for the decor. 2 stars for the ambiances and the service Filet on the bone (2/5) sent it back because it was cooked medium well and i had ask for medium rare. It was a bland tough piece of meat. Mac and cheese (1/5) it was not good. Drinks were good but overall i would not return.
(2)Mimi B.
I have been to the forge several times and never once left disappointed. Their menus during Miami spice are also very good and a great deal for what you get. I love how this place is decorated.
(5)Becca R.
This place is gorgeous!! The decor is a work of art - literally. Some of the chandeliers are from Napoleon's castle in France. The walls are hand crafted, from Spain, I think. The octopus chandeliers are from Italy. The bathroom is so so European. There's a sitting room which is immaculately lit and the toilets themselves - very European. It's a very chic place. The food = great! We had the pea ravioli, the oysters, and the sashimi for appetizers. The ravioli is made in house, and this dish is phenomenal. The pasta literally melted in my mouth and the peas and mushrooms made it so different and yummie! My boyfriend loved the oysters and sashimi. For the main course, he had the chilean sea bass and I had the kale salad. The kale salad was different - but good! The chilean sea bass - delectable. For dessert, we had the chocolate soufflé which was amazing. Initially, our server was good. However, when he had another table to wait on, he literally forgot about us. We did not like this at all. I cannot remember the server's name but we were very angry. However, Mike came to the rescue! He talked to my boyfriend and I and kept us entertained as we waited for our dessert to be made. This guy is a true gem! His stories and comments are hysterical and he is brutally honest! It was so so nice to have someone to talk to at dinner, and it is because of Mike, and the fantastic food, that we will be coming back to The Forge. Thanks again, Mike!
(4)Pablo M.
If you have money to burn on excellent food and HORRIBLE customer service, come here. The waiters were attentive, though also a bit impatient, and the food really was good. But as good as the food was, it was not anywhere near worth the hassle of having incomprehensive management that literally told a table of 5 people that their system "doesn't allow to split a check 5 ways, but does allow to split it 4 or 6 ways". Also, you can skip on the tip since they already slap on a 20% "service charge". Needless to say, I'm taking my money elsewhere. I'm never going back. The Forge in one word: overrated.
(2)Katie M.
Amazing dining experience a The Forge! We had the scallop ceviche, tuna tartare, pea ravioli, lobster risotto, black truffle mac & cheese, sea bass, the pastrami duck along with dark chocolate napoleon and the key lime tart. The service staff was attentive, the food came out timely and the atmosphere was chic yet comfortable.
(5)Nicole L.
Amazing ambience. Dark, old fashioned luxury and an stellar wine collection. The sommelier Gino gave us a tour of the old cellars and all of its collectables; including the Magnum room. This is definitely a wine lovers dream; they have the modern pouring system where you can choose from a taste to a glass. I went for one of their tastings and the secretive elegant feel of the place left me feeling very magical. If you want old fashioned exceptional service and a killer wine list, this is the place for you!
(4)Juliana G.
My hubby and I headed to The Forge for a romantic dinner at the restaurant where we got engaged and where his dad used to deliver booze during prohibition. Call him Al Capone Jr. :) We had a small bump on the road at the beginning when the brand new hostess gave us a rookie table and refused to move us to a different place. Fortunately, this was very short-lived because the MOD immediately intervened and placed us in the best table in the restaurant. Thank you MOD! As soon as we were seated they brought us bread four-ways which I proceeded to eat while my hubby chose wine (rookie!). Then they brought us the amuse bouche consisting of BBQ lamb chops, which were delicious to me even though my rookie hubby thinks that they were too big to be an amuse bouche. Yes, I know, crazy and a rookie! For real, they were tender with a thin layer of fat that made them juicy and flavorful. While we waited for our appetizers and decided what to order, they brought us a bottle of bubbly from Spain from 2004. We then opted for the chop salad for my hubby and the caesar salad Forge way for me. Both great choices. The Chop Salad is their traditional salad in a beautiful presentation. My hubby likes the old way better where they brought a mountain-full plate, but I still think it was wonderful. My gigantic caesar salad was fresh, crisp, and authentic, just like it used to be when restaurants used to make caesar salad table side. We also ordered the fried cauliflower, which disappeared in just a few seconds because we liked it so much. The batter was light and the cauliflower had the perfect consistency (not too soft or too hard). For our entrees we both ordered the filet mignon, which was very tender and cooked perfectly. They come with a mustard sauce that is so amazing I could have shots of it and be very happy. We both cleaned out our plates. We added a side of duck fat fries which we order every time we go to The Forge. They are amazing! with little pieces of fried duck and the potatoes are smothered in duck fat. A portion is probably 10,000 calories and worth every single one of them. Yummmm :) We have had duck fat fries at several places and even the best don't even come close to these ones. For dessert we (rather, I) had the chocolate bread pudding which was yummy. It was more like a cake drizzled with melted chocolate and a side of fresh strawberries. I ate about half of it until I decided that I wanted to save the rest for my 3:00 a.m. cravings tonight. Besides, I also ordered the mango sorbet and it was melting in front of me. It was very nice but we made it even better by adding a shot of Gray Goose to it :) I think they should make that their dessert choice, it was unbelievable! All in all, the Forge has consistently good food, in a romantic setting, with servers who know what they are doing and how to create a nice dinning experience for their customers.
(4)Nathalya G.
Food is quite good, the decor is very stylish and beautiful. The costumer service is also good.
(4)Evonne L.
Chopped salad= cut up pieces of different veggies wrapped in cucumber slices. Was not a big portion, we tried to share it with 4 girls but I found myself trying to eat all of it since it was really good! Oak grilled super steak, aka "The Best Steak in America" according to Wine Spectator was not true. The steak was good, but wasn't as oaky or as flavorful as I expected. This is one thing I was glad my gfs and I shared because it was $55, and sadly, not worth the hefty pricetag. Coffee and eggs = "COFFEE CRUSTED RIBEYE, GOAT CHEESE FRITTATA" tasted weird. We were feeling adventurous and who doesn't like coffee and goat cheese, but the pairings didn't complement each other and the actual steak was dry. The high point of the night was the souffle, which takes 30 minutes to prepare but was amazing. Definitely big enough for 4 small girls (or one hungry girl) to share. Ambiance of this place was great, especially for a big party since they have big tables to accommodate.
(3)Tito B.
Two visits in and the same conclusion- the ambiance is absolutely unmatched- gorgeous beyond words. The food, however, although good, is really nothing out of this world. I thought maybe it was a fluke when I came the first time, seeing as this is such a highly-rated restaurant, but I had the same impression on the second visit. It's just okay, and when you are paying a lot for the meal, I just expect more than ok.
(2)Michelle W.
Not impressed at all with the food here. I had high expectations based on the reviews, but nothing I ate was worth any money... I was glad I did not wast my own money on food here. The only reason I gave them 2 instead of 1 star is because the service was good and I really like the atmosphere, plus the Alice in Wonderland sized chairs in the private dining areas rock. Anyhow, so here is the skinny on the food (which I only picked at & ended up going home and eating something else) Lobster bisque - not good at all. First of all it was brown and looked totally unappetizing. Second the creme ball that they put in it wouldn't really mix into the the broth. Lastly, it was bitter and I have no clue why. Black & white sesame encrusted tuna - Fail, the tuna was not cooked at all... I'm not sure if they can't tell because the amount of sesame seed they put on it, but there was no seared edging on the tuna. It was maybe only 1-2mm of color. And it was completely cold. The dish itself looked beautiful and it was a complete let down when it was no good to eat. I had desert, but can't remember what it was. At least my wine was good. So, I would only go back here for drinks at the bar. Nice atmosphere & set up with a good wine selection. Save your money & eat else where, totally not worth it here.
(2)Alberto R.
Ultra classy place. The music was too clubby for a place of this quality. Only thing that made it 4 stars out of 5. Food was outstanding.
(4)Meagan M.
The food was fantastic! We went for Miami Spice ($39 for three a coarse dinner) and they also had a few glasses of wine that were $6. That seems to be the way to go since it is usually $100+ per person. I ordered the ravioli as my appetizer. I wasn't expecting them to be fried, but they were still delicious. Others at the table had the Forge Salad and that was great. The filet was very well prepared and seasoned. Some at our table went as far as to say it was "the best steak they had ever had". Finally, the cheesecake was AMAZING. Overall we had a fantastic experience. The ambiance is awesome, waiters were nice/attentive and really know the menu, and the food was delicious. This is a great place to go for a special night out!
(5)Silvia C.
Excellent food, service and ambience. The risotto appetizer was out of this world .
(5)Ed L.
This is a "oh you're fancy huh" kind of steak house in every way. The decor is very elegant and upscale and the food and drinks mirror in complexity. They have great cocktails that are very unique which is a great way to start the night. The bread basket is fantastic with a variety of bread and one of the most delicious Foccacia cheese breads ever. Although they have various cuts of steaks, I think the OAK GRILLED "SUPER STEAK" is a winner. It is proclaimed to be the best steak in America and it is definitely in my top 5. It is grilled nicely with great char on the outside and juicy in the middle. I would have preferred a little more rareness but it was still very good. It comes with an assortment of dipping sauces which makes the experience unique. Great steak but can be pricey for $50 a pop.
(4)Courtney N.
Always an excellent choice. Had the fillet mignon and it was prepared excellent. The server was sharp and attentive with a good attitude. Always a safe bet and great atmosphere.
(4)Donnie M.
Between the DJ, live singers and over the top decor this is one of the coolest restaurants that I have eaten at. Try the happy hour on Friday nighs with $50 bottles of Veuve.
(5)Jorge E.
OK...you want to make an impression for your significant other or for that important out of town business client....THIS is where you bring them! I mean...whats not to LOVE about this place?! The decor "over the top" elegant and beautiful! The food is some of the best in Miami! Some people would argue that they liked "The Forge" better pre-renovation but the "meat and potatoes" of this place are still there and that is their food and service. We are talking Miami Beach here so it can be expensive especially if you try one of the MANY awesome bottles of wine they have! In life they say..."You get what you paid for"! That is NOT true in the restaurant business as their are as many overpriced and just average places as there are underpriced/amazing joints few know about! The Forge is right smack in the middle! Expensive..yes! But worth your time and money.
(5)Stephanie L.
The Forge of the past and the remodeled updated versions are night and day different. What would have been 2 stars a few years ago, was one of the best meals I've had in a long time post-update. I'm not going to comment on the boring meal that once was since it's not something you can (or have to) have anymore. ATMOSPHERE: Dim and quiet, but upscale and modern. Most recently sat in "the library" and loved the feel like it was something out of a Disney ride. It was elegant and inviting, feels like perhaps you are dining in the house of a very wealthy food connoisseur. Each dining room has a different feel though so you can have a completely new experience depending on where you are. SERVICE: Exceptional and impeccable! Our server was very knowledgeable and helped us navigate the large wine list to find the perfect pairings for our meal. FOOD: Inventive, decadent and so flavorful. Had the tuna to start and it was literally as huge bowl of fresh diced tuna big enough to be an entree. It came in sesame oil and some other seasonings I can't place, but they really enhanced the dish and elevated a basic, fresh tuna to extraordinary. For the entree I went with the grilled skirt steak, leek chutney tomato jam, and tostones. All I can say is WOW! The meat was cooked perfectly, and there was a slight sweetness to the tomato jam that was the perfect match to the grilled flavor of the beef. For dessert I had the lemon panna cotta and it was the perfect ending to cleanse the palate. Slightly sweet, slightly tart and absolute creamy deliciousness. Had a wonderful experience and would definitely recommend the Forge for a special occasion, date or dinner with friends.
(5)Josiah G.
This is one of the most interesting and beautiful restaurants I have ever seen. The decor is like no other. It's mad hatter meets old masonry and ironwork. It's simply amazing. The food was just as amazing. We ordered the lamb ribs for an appetizer and it was some of the best lamb I've ever had. I ordered a pesto rigatoni with roasted cauliflower that was so good, I ate the whole bowl in just a couple minutes. What is also great is that, for an experience like this with amazing food and over the top service, the prices were not unreasonable. For what we ate and how we were served, I thought the prices were just right. Anyone stopping in should also take the time to walk around inside the building. The outside bar area is stunning and the iron work inside is original to the very old building. Great place and I can't wait to come back!
(5)Larry K.
We dined at the Forge this evening and had a wonderful experience. Our server Jill was as attentive as can be and the food was impeccable. I highly recommend this restaurant and don't forget to request Jill if you want the experience of a lifetime!!
(5)Robert V.
One of the nicest dining experiences I've had in Miami. Our waitress was patient and helpful. She walked us through the menu and didn't pressure us to order anything. The cocktails were flavorful and strong, as per my request. After our appetizers, she offer to give us a full tour of the restaurant, which we took her up on (and you should too). This restaurant could easily double as a museum. Then the sommelier took us on a tour of their wine room. He showed us bottles dating back to the mid-1800s. Back to the meal: get the chopped salad, mushroom risotto, and soufflé or else you messed up. Can't wait to return.
(5)R N.
I'm not quite a local but consider myself an "adopted" local since Miami is my 2nd home. I'm not a fan of the touristy/overpriced restaurants so was excited when a friend recommended this place. The ambience is very cool - dimly lit & furnished exquisitely. The DJ was playing an amazing 80s mix - we had a table of 10 women ranging in ages & we all had a great time. We sat at a long table where one side was a bench, that unfortunately was too low for most of the women. The chairs on the opposing side were fine. Everything ordered was amazing. I didn't taste many dishes at the opposite end of tr table but I don't think there was one complaint. The truffle sliders, tuna tartare, kale salad, sea scallops and sea bass were all amazing. The desserts rivaled the appetizers and entrees - the soufflé and the jar are not to be missed. The only complaint we had was the service. Our waitress was awful - I'm not sure if she was new, overwhelmed or all of the above, but we had to keep snagging another waiter for help when needed. There appeared to be other good servers but unfortunately we did not get one that evening. Overall, great ambience, amazing food and wine choices.
(4)Scott B.
I made the mistake of taking my wife here for valentines day and experienced the single worst restaurant experience of my entire life. 1) I showed up 15 minutes early and was directed to the bar to wait for our table. Within 30 minutes the bar was overflowing with people all waiting for tables. After 75 minutes of waiting we were finally seated - only after my wife and I argued with the manager and hostess three separate times to be seated. It was clear that these guys overbooked and had no proper system for reserving tables. Despite our complaints we received no apology or offer for comped drinks. 2) After FINALLY getting seated it took nearly 30 minutes for a waiter to take our order. By this point (9:15 vs a 7:30 rez) we were starving and both ordered the prix fixe meal - a shared app, filet and desert. 3) At 9:45pm, nearly an hour after we were seated the waiters brought our steaks (BEFORE the apps. After informing the confused and overworked waiter that we did not receive our app he quickly took the steaks away. 4) At 10:15 (90 min after being seated) we finally receive our appetizer. It was an absolute travesty and not what I would expect of any decent restaurant. It consisted of: 1) a small dish of "ceviche" which was gray and basically inedible accompanied by a soggy plantain chip, 2) two cold soggy pieces of fried goat cheese that appeared to be cooked hours beforehand and 3) a bruschetta of artichokes which was decent but clearly not fresh. 5) By 11pm we still had not received our steaks. At this point there really was no choice - WE WALKED FROM THE MEAL. Never in my life have I walked from a $300+ tab but this level of service was insulting and shocking. I could not even find a manager to speak to. 6) Last but not least - there was a near riot at the valet parking stand. Some folks had been waiting for an hour and arguments were breaking out btw the valet guy and manager in front of customers. I finally just told the valet kid to give me my keys and had to get the car myself. 7) At this point its almost midnight and we still had not eaten a proper meal. Fortunately the Burger King drive through around the corner delivered what the Forge was so incapable of - hot food served with a smile. I will NEVER return to this place.
(1)Abby W.
My better half and I came here the first night of our vacation with a Gilt City voucher in hand. The space is beautiful, quite large and well-decorated in a classic steakhouse way. Comfy chairs. Our server was very personable and suggested that we supplement the salad/entree/dessert courses supplied by the voucher with an appetizer and/or a side dish. We opted for both and got the croquettes plus a side of the lobster mac and cheese. The enomatic thing is really cool, and I was pleased with the wines we got as part of the Gilt City promotion. All was going very well, we were enjoying our wine and the complimentary bread was fantastic, but then came the apps and amuse bouche and things began to fizzle a bit. The salmon croquettes were really pasty and lacking in flavour, super disappointing. The accompanying white fluff had no flavour at all and it was difficult to even figure out what it was supposed to be. The amuse bouche was a barbequed pork rib that was chewy, really fatty, and not that tasty. The sauce tasted too much like Masterpiece BBQ. Salads were enormous but very fresh and well-presented. I wished the cheese on the chopped salad was a stronger bleu, but overall it was delicious. The Forge redeemed itself on the filet, though. HOLY COW. We both opted for the filet entree, one medium and one rare, and they both came as ordered. Like butter in your mouth. The steak was literally perfect in every way. The mac and cheese, not as much. The noodles were majorly undercooked and we both only ate a few bites. For like $16 that is a real bummer. Despite the shortcomings we ended up extremely full by the time dessert rolled around so we hardly touched it. We got one each of a banana and chocolate bread pudding, the banana was by far the winner. I nitpicked a lot but for a place that charges as much as they do, a customer is entitled to nitpick. I would maybe go back with another voucher, and get the risotto instead of the mac since that seems more their specialty, but I probably wouldn't do a full price meal here. Oh, near the end of the meal the server knocked over a wine glass that broke and glass got all over my boyfriend. They cleaned it up quickly and efficiently but did not offer to move us to another table.
(4)Bettina S.
Great restaurant, fun and busy Friday night vibe, and excellent service. The porterhouse I shared was very tasty, and the lobster risotto was delicious. The wagyu ordered by another girl was fantastic and the others raved about their French onion soup. Would definitely go back!
(4)Imee B.
This is my go to special occasion restuarant in Miami Beach. I have dined here a few times and they exceed my expectations every time. This probably the most romantic restaurant in Miami- perfect combination of modern and old world opulence. The service - the valet, host stand, waiter, and sommelier - is always warm and pleasant and very professional. My favorites are the lobster pb&j (weird but tasty combo), mushroom risotto, and Oak Grilled super steak. For two people, you can expect to spend well over $200 but you will not be disappointed! Well worth the $$$$$!
(5)Laura B.
We had a wonderful dinner for my birthday. The service was excellent as well as the decor. Let's talk good-- the super steak is super. The lobster risotto is an appetizer but do much better as a side w main course. The s'mores soufflé was divine. We did not like the mushrooms. There were onions in it and not tasty way too sweet. My hubby loved the Chilean sea bass.
(5)Cathya L.
21st Birthday dinner was to die for. This place is nothing short of amazing, the staff is super attentive and friendly - not snobby like other fancy places in the area. The decor makes your jaw drop - from the chandeliers to the leather couches, to the posh bathroom. I loved the Steak special I ordered, I loved it so much that I have dreamy about it... Yes it is that serious. Also, I have to rave about the fabulous mellow playlist they had going on - everything from Norah Jones to Lauryn Hill and even some babymaking Ginuwine. Yes! This place gave me life. We popped bottles, ate like Kings/Queens, and laughed like no other. I would hands down recommend this place to anyone who is looking for an intimate, fun, photo friendly place. Trust me, once you take a picture of one thing you have to cover it all. I would host a Vogue photoshoot here, its so prettttttty. It is going to be hard to top this birthday dinner.... I might just have to go to Miami for my 22nd Birthday as well.
(5)Chris T.
This restaurant was amazing. The decor was unbelievable, the wine list was impressive, and the food was delicious. I have to say the service was by far the best I have ever had. You won't go wrong eating there.
(5)Deena M.
The Forge was overpriced, overrated! Service was poor and the steak was dry and tasteless! Really felt we were ripped off!
(1)Ahmed A.
I have to admit this was a very glamorous place and it accommodated a mature/older selection of people. So, presentation was great and it was a comfortable atmosphere. With food now me and my friend tried the lobster and the best steak of America. The best steak of America was really good but I don't think it is really the best steak in America. The lobster was really good too. The service was not bad and our waiter was pretty attentive. The only thing was it was an expensive meal so be prepared to spend a little$$$. Overall I had a great time and would try it again if I'm ever in Miami again.
(4)Chris S.
I was a regular here (great steaks, beautiful space, very good service) until I saw a bartender blow his nose on a napkin and then return to making drinks without washing his hands. The manager was indifferent when I mentioned this to him. Probably a fluke, I wouldn't recommend eating there after that experience.
(2)Tara P.
Great decor. Wonderful bread. After that it gets weird. Just everything is strange, not fresh. There are a multitude of servers, but service was unavailable. Oh, the soufflé was excellent. Go for a glass of veuve, pistachio soufflé and sit at the bar.
(1)Briceyda L.
We found this restaurant on Yelp and decided to go to The Forge for my sister's birthday dinner. Our reservation was at 6:30 and though a member of our group was missing, we were escorted to our table. Albert was our waiter and he made sure that we always had wine and water while we waited. During this time, Albert brought us a bread basket with yummy bread and also brought Fernando (the wine genius) to come and recommend some wines. I ended up talking to him for a little while about Peru. An hour later, the last person from our group showed up (He blamed it on Miami traffic). The decor inside is great but our favorite part were the staff and the great music they played. The playlist included Norah Jones, Aaliyah, Ingrid Michelson and a lot more. -For an appetizer, someone ordered a kale salad for the table. Everyone enjoyed it, but I'm not a fan of kale. -The birthday girl ordered the OAK GRILLED "SUPER STEAK" and loved every single bite. It is very huge and she shared it with another person. -I had the grilled salmon and it was amazingly cooked to perfection. -other people with us had the ceviche which was very tasty and -We ordered the asparagus, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, and Brussels sprouts as side dishes. We enjoyed all of them except the asparagus which looked like it had been cut prematurely as they were very tiny. All in all, we had a great time and ended up spending quite a bit, but it was definitely one of the best meals we had while we were in Miami. I'd definitely go back!
(5)Kathryn S.
This place is just absolutely amazing. From the decor to the service, everything about it was great. I decided to try the Forge for the first time since it was on the Miami Spice list. I started the evening arriving a bit early for my reservation so I can check out the place and have a seat at the bar. While I waited for my reservation I took in my surroundings while sipping on some champagne. Everything about this place screams decadence. The decor has no exact style, I felt like it was many styles thrown into one wondrous place. The walls have crown molding which are beautiful. After taking in the place my friend and I were seated at our table. We were seated in the second room on a raised floor that had a bubble design behind us. It was beautiful and wonderful. I was so happy we were seated where we were. At that moment out server, Esteban, came by and took some more of our drink orders and served us bread. Let me just say, the bread is amazing! There are several different types, I personally loved the rolls, and this cinnamon bread that taste like Christmas. To begin with, I got the salmon croquettes which were delicious. I'm not even a fan of seafood and I thought they were great. My friend got the coconut steamed mussels and clams and she did not stop raving about it. Her exact words were "I want to bathe in it." That's how much she loved it. For our entrees I got the three mushroom risotto and it was to die for. I mean, it was just so good. I don't think i've ever devoured a meal as quickly as that. Every single bite was just as great as the last one. My friend got the grilled skirt steak and was also talking about how much she loved it. For dessert we got the two options that were offered. I had the flourless chocolate torte which was just so decadent. It was very rich and just scrumptious. But, it was the cheesecake that was the true dessert winner. It was just amazing. Overall our experience at The Forge was memorable. Everything in the restaurant was wonderful. I especially enjoyed our waiter Esteban who made the experience even better with his wonderful service.
(5)Randy F.
I hate to be a stick in the mud, but The Forge was a disappointment considering all I've heard about it over the years. It was fine, it was okay, but at what ended up to be $175 per person, there are better steakhouses in Miami. It bothers me that a mandatory 20% tip is included in the bill; I understand that this place probably caters to tourists, and those from some lands don't tip. But it promotes ambivalence in the servers, and generally reinforces laziness and bad service as it did for me tonight. Maybe we're not beautiful enough, but I've had better service at Denny's. The waiter was nice but utterly detached, and failed not only on 5 star things like refilling wine glasses, but also on the basics -- bringing the wine list, getting the order right, dropping off the check. The sommelier was snooty and rude, and made his feelings about our choices clear, even though we were spending over $150 per bottle. Yes, it's a nice wine list. The steak was fine. Good. Edible. But not "The Best Steak in America" as they claim. It was a decent cut served with 4 sauces that the waiter didn't identify for us. The seared tuna was tasteless, but I get it. It's a steak house. The tuna tartare, said to be the most popular appetizer, was okay but really not special. The kale salad was good, and big enough to share. The Caesar was also very good. The soufflé was okay. You know, aside from the service, this isn't a BAD restaurant. It's trendy, a little snooty, expensive, and just okay. But for the price and the hype, it was a disappointment.
(2)Kat S.
This place was within walking distance of our hotel so we decided to give it a try. They were participating in Miami Spice so we were definitely going to get bang for our buck by patronizing at a prix fixe price! The food was amazing! I had the salmon it was delicious and my boyfriend ended up ordering off the regular menu since he wanted to try a particular steak they had won awards for. There was a small issue with the steak being over cooked and our server was quick to whisk away the incorrect steak and bring over two gigantic Indonesian shrimp for him to nibble on until his new steak arrived. This review is partly for how good the food way, but it's more of a review for the amazing staff. Our server was phenomenal and one of the chefs came out and actually apologized to my boyfriend for overcooking his steak. Side note: The restroom is amazing...a woman's dream...feminine and chic. Professionalism at it's best! Bravo Forge!
(5)Mike A.
I have been going to the Forge for years and always have loved the place. That said, it's about to take it to another level under chef Chris Lee and master entertainment innovator Shareef Malnik. We had the good fortune to get a sneak peak at what's to come last night and it is special. As you know I judge based on four criteria: food/wine, price, location and ambiance. The food crushes it (I highly recommend the filet mignon and kale salad), the wine cellar and bar is world class, the location is good on S Beach, the prices are reasonable given the quality, and the ambiance is amazing and about to go off the charts when they pull off there next iteration of the Forge in the coming months.
(5)Tenzo A.
Alright, so one of the things I really LOVED about this place was the fun music they were playing. As twenty something year olds who like to have a good dinner before partying the music really sets the vibe. Plus the place was recently remodeled (so I heard) and really really cute. Absolutely loved the service, especially since we were treated with attitudes everywhere else in Miami .. including our hotel restaurants (Fontainebleau) which calls for a whole other review. Anyways, our waiter, wish I remembered his name, was awesome and very accommodating. I ordered the artichoke risotto with shrimp. The shrimp was delicious!!! The risotto itself was a liiiiiiiitle too heavy. a bit more creamer than usual, but it was still great! Now for the my favorite part, the tuna tar tar. OH-MY-GOODNESS. AMAZING. That's all I'm going to say cause I MAY start drooling. lol .. ORDER FOR SURE.
(4)Gabe A.
Who Severs a burnt center cut filet?? This guys do!!! We where in town for a night and we pick this place of all the places in Miami. I was needing a great Steak and this place boasted one of the best steaks in the country. This place is your typical over priced place that we all love to eat at. But if you are going to charge a premium you should provide a premium product. Like I said I was in need of good steak. So I order a center filet medium rare . The steak came out and no one ask me to check the temp. I cut into it and it was more medium but we had been waiting for a while and I was hungry. But when I got to the Half that was burnt I could not eat it. The guy came to take the plate. I express my concern to him and he asked I wanted it to go? really. Yes let me take this dry price of meat home. Maybe I could give it to someone one ther street but I doubt they would eat it. Expressed same concern to waitress. Then the manager came over. Same deal!!! They where all very sorry for my horribly cooked steak. Never offered anything. To make it right. Except I wish you would of told us sooner. Well no one ever asked!!! I was not going to wait 10 min for some one to come over. But what can you expect from a over priced steak house that Automatically charges 20% gratuity no matter what. Sounds like socialism to me. What incentive do they have to deliver a quality product or to give a shit. If you are looking for a cool place with bad customer service and sub par food then this is your place. You have to love dropping 150.00 in dinner then grabbing a 5.00 slice of pizza that was better than anything this place severed.
(1)Shirley W.
Came here during Miami spice, got the chopped salad, mushroom risotto, and chocolate layered cake. My favorite thing about the meal is actually the bread basket, awesome variety with the breads. The chopped salad was good, definitely would recommend. The mushroom risotto came in a big portion, very flavorful. The chocolate layer cake was good but didn't stand out. Overall it was a good meal but not quite what I would expect for a restuarant at this price. Also they have an extensive wine list, there's even 80 wines by glass, a bit on the expensive side but good selection. Overall a good experience, didn't stand out though
(3)Celia E.
I've lived in Miami for nearly 20 years. I used to go to the Forge restaurant alot around 2006 and even had a big birthday party there in 2007. I actually had not been back since then. So I went there last Friday after about 7 years. I didn't really avoid it on purpose it's just that so many hot new restaurants have opened in Miami that I've just been trying all the newer trending places. This is the reason I'm writing this review. My husband and I eat out ar least 4 days a week and there are so many cool new scene type of restaurants that are overpriced with disappointing food and service. I fundamentally won't write anonymous bad reviews online because I think it's smarmy so I won't mention those multitudes of mediocre places on South Beach, the Design District or Wynwood (especially). I wanted to take time out to praise the Forge. I was shocked that after all these years it's still one of the very best places in Miami. The interior design, the food, the service and the atmosphere were truly fantastic. It's pricey but when things are done right, it's ok. And really the prices at Forge are on par with a lot of places that are pretending to be fine dining in Miami but don't have fine dining service. So long story short Forge is still great.
(5)Kevin G.
Went to The Forge for an anniversary with my girlfriend on April 3, 2015. Let's just say it made her forget about what she was mad at me for earlier in the day. The two best qualities of the restaurant had to be the ambiance and the service--there is an extreme amount of detail and attention given to both. We had Mary as our server; she did a great job. Never once had to look around for a server, never had to refill either my champagne or sparkling water, and the meal was perfectly timed. We had the privilege of sitting in a quieter part of the restaurant that resembled a library--it created a very intimate and soft environment, perfect for the occasion. From this area we could still hear the freestyle music playing in the main room, which is a perfect place to sit if dining with friends or a louder crowd. I highly recommend the chocolate/grand marnier soufflé with a scoop of ice cream as dessert. Over all, consider this restaurant a home run that will impress anyone you bring. Just make sure you bring enough money because the bill will add up quickly (well worth it).
(4)Lola P.
Came here for valentine's day and ordered their special menu which included mixed appetizers, and entree of filet mignon with polenta and mixed desserts. The best of part of this restaurant is the restaurant itself, which is gorgeous. We had a beautiful table that felt very intimate. We ordered wine and an additional appetizer of pomegranate glazed ribs. The best part of the meal was the polenta! Creamy and delicious. The ribs were second. As for the rest, not impressed. My filet had a burned after taste with every bite (my boyfriend felt the same exact way). The appetizers were not seasoned well (ceviche, crab bruschetta) thus tasted bland. Maybe it was our mistake by ordering from the "special menu". But, I originally went for a coffee rub ribeye with a goat cheese frittata, which was not on the menu that evening (bummer!). For a better steak given my filet mignon experience there, I'll just stick to Prime 112 or Smith & Wollensky. Maybe, given that the polenta was great, I'll go more towards the Italian route. Overall, we were both unimpressed. If you are curious, the bill was $260.
(3)J N.
So disappointing. Made a reservation for my boyfriend's birthday on Monday night. Food was awful!!! I have absolutely no problem spending money but the quality of the food was salty, over priced and over rated. We started with the fried cauliflower, and the lobster pb and j. How could a lobster pb and j taste bad? They found a way to make it take flavorless. Really bogus. My boyfriend ordered one of their signature steaks (most expensive may I add recommended by the waiter) and I had the chilean seabass. The fish was actually pretty good but the steak was soooooo salty I swear they bathed it in salt. GROSS. For sides we got the trio of mashed potatoes which were ehh and the mac and cheese which could have taste better out of a box. Halfway through dinner the waiter asked us if we wanted to order the soufle, we said yes but were never shower the dessert menu so I don't even know what else was offered. They did make the birthday dessert special and personalized the plate with my boyfriend's name. I will say the only positives were that the hostess, bartender, waiter and water boy were absolutely excellent and attentive. Decor is cool as well. Our waiter gave us a tour of the restaurant after dinner and told us about the history as well which was really great. If you are looking for good food I would pass. Not worth $300 for two people.
(2)Cynthia C.
The space is a wonderful representation of all things Miami: glamorous, sexy & fashion forward. The tables, booths are spaced apart and surprisingly it's a very comfortable scenester environment. Shared eats: -Kumamoto oysters, came w/cocktail sauce, grilled lemons, mustard & relish, sweet & fresh flavor. -Hamachi Tartare, liked the asian flavors & the plantain chips. -Crabcake, bountiful meaty portion w/a perfect sear. -Kale w/Parmesan, I think I would have liked it in combo w/another veg -Filet Mignon, solid, cooked the way I like, rare w/o the blood oozing. Note: DO dig into the complimentary bread, there is an amazing herby cheesy crusty bread, devoured all of it. The 70+ wines by the glass are awesome, we got to swish, swirl & taste six different varieties of wine, over half are priced under $15/glass. What a great way to start the trip: open late, we had a 1230am reservation, good food, wine & company.
(4)Ryan L.
Trying to think of a reason not to give it 5 stars and honestly the only thing I can think of was the dirty bathrooms (which when ur spending good $$ u expect to b clean). Outside of that - everything was 5 stars! Can't wait to return!
(4)Erin M.
Recently went here with a group of 17 girls for a bachelorette party. We reserved the big tasting table. Not only is the restaurant beautiful but the food was amazing! Every single one of the 17 people loved their appetizer, main dish, and dessert. The service was amazing and drinks were amazing. I can't say enough about how much I loved this place and what a great experience we had. Thank you to the forge for making my sisters bachelorette party dinner so wonderful!
(5)Davina S.
Vueve Cliquot Fridays 6-11PM Only $50 bottles! Best happy hour in Miami! The bar is the perfect spot in this classic Miami hotspot!
(5)Shannon M.
Ok we have been to The Forge many times, one of our go to's when we go to town. Well tonight was a far cry from a good experience. I knew it was bad when I ordered a glass of Vueve and the waiter looked at me like I had three heads. Then my husband ordered a Bombay sapphire martini and he didn't know what Bombay was....We were with another couple and our 2 children. Obviously we are cognizant of having 2 9 year old girls so that is why we had 6:30 reservations on a Monday night. Fast forward to dinner arriving, my steak was under done & I sent it back. No one really cared. At one point the server said to my friend sorry for not being attentive, really?? Did he just admit his service was sub par??? So he proceeds to clear the plates and spills ketchup on my daughters phone. At this point I don't even know what to do. He proceeds to clear the table and leaves the ketchup laden napkin on the table. My husband gets up and hands it to another waiter. The check comes and at this point we are mortified. Again another long wait for someone to return. At this point my husband gets up to hand the check to someone to ring us up. In 20!years of marriage I have never seen my husband get up and complain. He did and spoke to whoever was in charge for the night & I use that term loosely. Nothing changed and rest assured we won't be back. The irony is we had reservations for Friday night again & cancelled due to the poor service and food quality. For $800 for 4 adults & 2 girls who basically earlier birds is ridiculous for the service & food quality. We won't be back and if you are contemplating, don't go on your dime. Zero stars if I could rate it. Don't bother wasting your money.
(1)Steve R.
I went to the Forge last night and had an overall great experience. This is old school service with contemporary cuisine. The Forge nailed it like so many restaurants do not. Our server, Michael Moon knows how to read a table. We were there for the exact experience he gave to us. The service was the perfect speed along with professionalism. I was overwhelmed by the iconic wine list and was looking for something just right and that is when Dean, the Sommelier showed up and helped us select a couple of bottles for the evening. ( if you are interested in drinking bottles from the civil war this is the place). Dean took the time to show us the whole restaurant and wine room. They offer an incredible private dining area if your celebrating something special. If your looking to "grab a bite" skip the Forge. If your looking for a dining experience, look no further but make sure you bring your wallet. But hey....if your looking for the best of the best your going to pay for it and the Forge is well worth it. I will be looking forward to creating an excuse for my girlfriend for why we must eat here soon.....Why not celebrate Labor Day!
(5)Michele P.
My husband and I came on a recommendation. We were in Miami for work. Wow. Are we glad we did!! Our food was mostly good, not blow your socks off, but them we had the 3 mushroom risotto!! Holy Mary, mother of Jesus was that AMAZING!! Made this the best place we've been to in Miami!! As a side note...when we got our ticket and there was a 20% service fee. This was in addition to the taxes and we were expected to tip ON TOP OF THAT!! I have only ever seen this with larger parties. There was 2 of us. The waiter said it's applied to ALL tickets. Has anyone ever seen this? I'm kind of angry!
(4)Mary L.
5 stars. Hands down, the best dining experience I had with my fiance in Miami. We came here for a private event. We literally flew in and came straight here. When we arrived, the hostess took us back to the private room that was reserved and we had a few personal waiters for our group who stopped us before we entered the room so we could make our meal selections. We were two courses behind everyone so we had some catching up to do. First let me say that this was incredibly professional of them to do. I was impressed with them from the beginning. We had an amazing dinner of Lobster bisque, crab cakes, filet mignon, and topped it off with panna cotta and green tea. Everything was cooked to perfection - ESPECIALLY the filet mignon. I am still dreaming about it right this second even though I'm no longer in Miami. The panna cotta was also really good so I suggest getting that if you get a chance to. My only regret was that my stomach wasn't big enough and I didn't eat everything on my plate. It was all so delicious! It's certainly worth ruining your workout for! The staff was also incredibly accommodating and so wonderful. It was a private event and they did a very good job at coming in and out at the right times. There was never an awkward moment where they barged in on an intense conversation or anything so I was very impressed by their professionalism. Attached to our private dining room was the wine cellar. After dinner, we all walked around a bit and mingled in the room and we had access to the wine cellar as well which was great! It was honestly such an amazing room. They probably had every single wine you could possibly dream of that was aged to perfection! I mean our meal from start to finish here was just phenomenal. From the staff to the food, and all the little details (switching out our utensils for our upcoming course by bringing them to us on a little tray) - I was just completely blown away. If you have a private event coming up and you're looking for a place to have it - I highly recommend The Forge! I can't speak much to their dining room experience, but I know that for private parties, they really knock it out of the park! I would definitely come back. They have a customer for life.
(5)Blanca R.
I loved the ambiance, the decor, the delicious food and the crowd. I will be back at least once a month. I highly recommend as a great start to a night out of you sit at the bar or if you are just looking for a lounge vibe. It's upscale but they are afraid to play hip-hop, or old school music. This is a must visit!
(5)Andrew S.
Holy. Mother. The lobster and P&J sandwich is, as my mother would say, to die for. I'm talking about the kind of thing you put in your mouth and you never forget. If you like Thai food, you'll love this concoction -- 'Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich' is a misnomer. Think a spicy thai sauce and an onion marmalade slathered on brioche with chunks of lucious, juicy Caribbean lobster in between. Just very, very good. Their burger is also one of the best in Miami. The truffle oiled fries on the side were perfect. The design of the restaurant is fashion forward, certainly Starck inspired. Their salt and pepper grinders were a hit with the fiancee and I, and we bought the same ones at Crate and Barrel yesterday.
(5)Loralee V.
Entering the large upscale restaurant I found a breathtakingly beautiful scene. The opulent space is divided into several intimate rooms that overlap/open into one another. -An elegantly classic decor with contemporary touches. Tall bar stools surround an ever busy trendy large bar area while comfy chairs and cushion bench seating soften the classy dining areas. This glamorous/'scene' type place made it a fun and festive place for a dinner with my three sisters over a 'sister's weekend' get-away. We started with Champagne and cocktails at the bar and they followed us into the dining room. Everything was deliciously fresh and never ending. The best deal for a happy hour EVER is their 50$ bottles of Veuve Clicquot champagne! Our server was very personable and the service was impeccable - nice, friendly and not overbearing. He convinced us to start with the Lobster, Peanut butter and Jelly appetizer which I loved! In between the toasted brioche there was freshly chopped peanuts, onion marmalade and dice chilled lobster. My sisters were not as thrilled as I was and perhaps the combo was a bit of a stretch. Our dinners were all wonderful. My sisters especially loved the Snapper "in a bag" which was perfectly cooked with nice herb seasoning and the Filet Mignon. I had chilled roasted beet salad and some sautéed haricotvert with soy and sweet chili's which were divine! We ended up extremely full by the time dessert rolled around so although phenomenal, we hardly touched it. The bathroom was ridiculously cool! - Sink/counter areas are trés chic and the graphic poster/photos completely covered the stalls giving the illusion of a single seamless wall. -We spent too much time in there taking photographs. All in all, this renovated historic restaurant is an institution one must try at least once while visiting South Beach.
(5)KeithnKate B.
THIS PLACE IS NOT JUST FOR STEAKS! Having been a vegetarian for the last xx years, I have come to appreciate steakhouses as having some of the best and freshest seafood ever! This place nails it. Their seafood dishes are creative and full of taste. They also upped their craft beer selection to compliment their sick wine bar. Super classy, great food, great staff a must if you are in the area.
(4)Ming P.
decor: 4 food : 4 Service : 4 I had an excellent Bday dinner.
(4)Harper S.
I crowdsourced to find out people's favorite restaurants in Miami and several people said The Forge. Always love restaurants on OpenTable especially when it's for a group of nine. I had absolutely no idea how fancy it was until we got there. The website is sort of misleading on that front. Needless to say, we loved this place. It was a bit swankier than I think we all expected but the food was exceptional. I had the troffi pasta with yellow tomatoes, basil and ricotta. Now, you think, that sounds very generic but wow, I've never tasted pasta like this in my life. it was alle dente and just perfection. Every bite was better than the last. The brussel sprouts were great too. Overall great experience, good service, and can't wait to go back and sit in the library room. Only thing was - we were all stunned when the bill came out. It's really not cheap but the food truly was exceptional so it was worth it.
(5)Xasperniak B.
Ambience is wonderful, Fridays are the day with DJ and $10 Veuve in the bar where one can mingle with Miami's finest, according to our host. Gangsters and ballerz regularly eat here, so we have read, and with no shortage of cash to buy only the best--because that is what it is--my dry aged steak was apparently over a month of curing and won wine spectator's "best in America" award. The bone-in filet was the other entree and we shared a 1lb de-shelled Maine lobster as the side. The wine selection is massive, we did a bottle, and the giant glass list is visible behind glass in the walls. Chandeliers dotting the tour of this beautiful, century-old venue MADE our night--one can see why the biggest of names frequent, and frequented the Forge.
(5)Linda M.
I was soo sad..great interior, good looking people, good bar. Atrocious service and food was even worse. Maybe people only go to drink? Sad..as it's a mijami landmark.
(1)Roxy H.
Part of me really wants to give this place 5 stars, we went Christmas eve and they were slammed and it's not really fair. The building is beautiful and historic. It is very opulent. Everything about the inside of the resturant is beautiful and unique. Nothing was over looked. For dinner we ordered some starters: Chicken Dim Sum which came in 3 small bowls with a tamarind broth and some chopped argula. It was good - not a life changer but I was with people who don't enjoy fish so this was for them. I didn't hear any complaints. Lobster, Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich toasted brioche with chopped fresh peanuts. This sounds somewhat questionable but it was by far a super star of the evening food wise. Crospy Corn Ravioli - They are fried and dusted with parmesan cheese. I didn't have one but they did go quick. Stone Crab Claws - These were a special and they were as big as my head. Huge... I was full from one! Yellowfin Tuna Tartare - Good! Fish was fresh Soups/Salads: Wedge Salad: Large portion, typical wedge. Big chuncks of maytag blue cheese Kale Salad: Heard it was good Tomato Stack: Big slices of tomatos, looked really good Lobster bisque: Large chunks of losbter were in the soup. Entrees: I had the spice rubbed duck - It was amazing. The chedder grits with it were a nice addition. Several ordered the filet which they all said left something to the imagination. Nothing spectacular. Seared Tuna was really yummy! For sides we ordered the duck home fries. They were very very good. We also ordered the sauted paradise farms oyster mushrooms - waste of calories. They were tastless and soggy. No thank you! Make sure you order the souffle for dessert. Simply phenomenal. Overall it was a good dining experience - A few hiccups such as drinks taking forever to come, having to ask for an iced tea 4 times before it came and waiting 20 minutes for the waitress to come by so we could pay. It is worth checking out.
(4)Elizabeth B.
Great!
(5)Emmanuel L.
My boyfriend is a huge fan of The Forge, so when Miami Spice arrived we had to jump on the opportunity to dine at this ultra lux restaurant. Despite what seemed like an inadequate prefix menu selection, the food was on par with the ambiance and service. Our 3 courses consisted of shrimp gazpacho, crab potstickers, (2) hanger steaks, and banana bread. Sure, the names on the menu are fancier and fluffed, but this is what it was. Now, we've never tasted said hanger steak, which excuse my ignorance, but the sheer sound of it seemed as if they were sacrificing quality and portion size. It was the only steak offered on their spice menu and we even debated ordering off their dinner menu, but we came here for a deal and so we stuck to it. And did they surprise us! Our steaks were cooked as requested (medium rare) and to perfection. They weren't the least bit dry and were succulently marinated. As for portion size, I had enough for leftovers! Yes, I left the forge with a takeout bag and let me add I sure wasn't the only one. I followed after an older Russian woman wearing an outfit reminiscent of Bjork's famous swan dress. If she can do it! Dining in this opulent restaurant only calls for wine, so take advantage of their vast wine selection. Though please head this warning, if you're a Miami Spicer and your curiosity for fine dining on a budget brings you to The Forge, beware of the increased cost of alcohol as it will get steep. With that said, it was expected and therefore does not reflect on my 4 star rating. The reason I gave this place 4 stars and not 5 is reflective of 2.5 things: 1. The Table. We were sat on a small two top, so small their massive menus obstructed the view between my date and myself. No really, I was talking to my date as if he was Wilson from Home Improvement. We had to ask the waiter to kindly remove them as they were in the way of our romance. Not only was this table small, but it was in the way of all traffic, like an old lady crossing a 6 lane street. Our waiter was kind enough to move our table, but it didn't fix the problem. 2. The Appetizers. I'm not a big shrimp person and NEVER order it at a restaurant. Maybe it's because they are bottom dwelling insects better known as cockroach of the sea. Their prefix menu featured for Spice left me with the only option of ordering the Shrimp Gazpacho. Enough said. Negatifs aside, this place is still a winner. Everything is attention to detail all while maintaining exceptional service. If you're a dining snob, then this is the place for you.
(4)Sebastian D.
Outstading service ! Super Steak was extremley good!
(5)Inna P.
I love The Forge. Love Love Love. Food is great, service is spectacular, and atmosphere is hip and trendy. However, I'm SO sad they took my favorite thing off the menu. It was the burger with lobster marmalade and short ribs...WAH!!! I was so sad when they couldn't even make it for me. I got the regular burger instead and it was great, but nothing compared to that other one. Oh well :( I'm sure I'll still be back though!
(4)Matt G.
We got there early for our reservation and they sat us right away. We were the only people in there so we got great service right from the beginning. We had a nice waiter named Neil who did not rush us and let us enjoy the overall experience. The decor of The Forge is magnificent and historically based. We were given a tour by our waiter which added to the overall fabulous experience at The Forge. We ordered a glass of wine and a tarragon lemonade which was delicious. Then we started with the chopped salad and the cauliflower--both of which were very tasty. My boyfriend ordered the salmon and I got the shrimp and asparagus risotto. The shrimp were huge and tasty and the portion was more than I could eat! When we ordered our dinners, the waiter asked that we put in the order for one of their soufflés. Since we love chocolate, we decided on the s'mores soufflé which came out blazing hot with homemade marshmallow on the side with blazing hot chocolate. The food runner poured the chocolate and marshmallow onto the soufflé and we dug in! While your bill will be well into the $200 range for a couple, you get what you pay for here. Highly recommend the souffle!! Overall a great experience with a lot of historical significance which made this a 4.5!
(4)rosy b.
The bar/happy hour was excellent! The table service was horrible. The food isn't good at all. Definitely only a place to drink and look at the decor. I expected a lot more especially because I was going there for my birthday!
(3)Adam R.
Of the restaurants that I visited in my recent South Florida jaunt, The Forge had a. the most opulent decor (by far), b. the most interesting menu (yay), and c. the most bad words said about it by my grandfather. Maybe he was turned off by the unique setting, but that's about all I could gather... He's weird like that I guess. BUT the food was really good. The quinoa pancake stack was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I had the shrimp and asparagus risotto which was good, but also very much different than the three mushroom risotto. The steak was well-prepared and tasty, which you'd expect from a nice restaurant such as this. The duck home fries were crispy and fatty, like you'd expect, but not quite as luxurious as I've had in the past. Speaking of duck the crispy duck entree was full of flavor and tender. And yeah, the haricot vert was good. So was the chocolate soufflé at the end. So light and decadent. So, don't take old people here. Or kids I guess. But take everybody else, because it's delicious and unique.
(4)Julia B.
I loved this place! Really easy to make a reservation on open table and when we arrived 15 minutes early we were seated immediately. The interior is really beautiful and was recently remodeled. Their wine list is a huge book that's helpfully organized by type of wine and region. The food was delicious, and although I was skeptical at first, I still find myself thinking about the delicious lobster pb&j. Save room for dessert! We had the souffle (we chose the mix flavor) and it was fabulous. Equal parts decadent and light. The only negative was that our waiter was kind of snobby, but he was also prompt so it wasn't that big a deal. I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking to have a nice dinner out in Miami Beach.
(4)Muna T.
We had a strong recommendation from friends to check out the forge. it is a bit of a hike from south beach but could have been worth it if only they could figure out some basics. 1. Place has great ambiance. Even though it is large, it is effectively laid out to feel exclusive. Over the top decor certainly helps with the ambiance. 2. The menu sounds great, great wine selection, but there are issues with executing seafood dishes. We had the seafood tower and found it below expectations. Shrimp was overcooked, ceviches ranged from bland and mushy to extreme lemony. I had the orzo with seared scallops. Clearly the kitchen had no idea searing includes a level of caramelization. I had to send this one back. The good news; they know how to make pasta and risotto. The mushroom risotto was heavy but flavorful. The soufflé was delicious and well-executed. 3. The service started out friendly but quickly turned disastrous. The assumption of our server was that everything is amazing. Our feedback on the ceviches was met with counter feedback that this is what it should taste like. Apparently our server was Peruvian which gave him the knowledge to tell us how wrong we were. When I was struggling with the scallops, the plate was promptly taken away and the very same scallops were cooked to a brown crisp and returned to me, including the half eaten scallop, utterly inedible. The silver lining is the manager finally showed up as we were finishing our entrees and offered to do something about our experience. It was too late for me, I could not go for a third chance on the entree but he comped our desert which was delicious. There is great food to be had in Miami, go somewhere else!
(2)Grace P.
LOVE LOVE LOVE First time here and I fell in love with the place!! It's like walking into a lounge, very chic feel to it. There are different rooms for dining sitting and a closed large party table maybe seats about 20(?) in front of the kitchen. Came here for Miami Spice and also ordered al la carte food. The Lobster, Peanut butter and Jelly appetizer was pretty good... but kind of onion-y and it would've been better if it came out hot/warm rather than chilled lobsters. Snapper "in a bag" was good, you can taste all the herbs and what you smell is that you actually get. Definitely would order that again. The Barolo Braised Short Rib was delicious serving size was pretty huge. You definitely get your money's worth with that plate and the polenta mmmmmmmmm so so so good. Polenta was devoured within minutes. A def must try if you ever visit the Forge. Crispy Corn Ravioli has a nice crunch to it with a hint of salt and pepper on the outside. You get about 4 pieces with each piece being a generous size. It's also light to the stomach not to heavy.
(5)Ruth N.
As good as it gets! Excellent service without being overbearing. Magnificent presentation. Superb meal. For starters, Spouse and I had the Chilled Roasted Beets - a masterpiece, and the Crispy Corn Ravioli - interesting. We shared the Oak Grilled Super Steak - probably the best steak we ever had - lean and tender and flavorful. For dessert we had the Forge's signature Chocolate Souffle and did not regret it. We thought that the beer selection was wonderfully varied and eclectic enough for our taste. Appetizers for two, shared main course, shared dessert, tea and beers totaled around well spent $150.00.
(5)Rebecca A.
Oh wow! What an amazing experience I had here! I was invited for a friend's birthday party and we had a private room. As usual, I was the first person to arrive and so I was escorted to a beautifully appointed and decorated wine cellar. Immediately the waitstaff began to compliment me and offer me anything my little heart desired. It goes without saying that the wine list is very impressive and the chance we had to tour the other cellars was a great touch. So much great wine to drink and so little time! As the room filled with 20 some-odd women, the waitstaff stayed right on point, anticipating our (many) needs and learning our names to give us personal service. I'm as much impressed by their service as I am by their food. A fixed menu was chosen for us by the birthday girl and almost everything I had was divine! I had a braised lamb chop with pomegranate reduction appetizer that was amazing! Perfectly seasoned and cooked, perfectly delicious. For entree I had a snapper and vegetable coulis which was delicate and divine. The only disappointment was my dessert, the Forge cake, which is described as vanilla pudding and chocolate ganache layer cake/pie with a chocolate cookie crumb. The chocolate parts were all good, but the vanilla pudding/custard left a lot to be desired. It was too tough, like the texture of jell-o and not creamy at all. Ruined the whole dessert. However, I did taste my friend's chocolate and banana bread puddings for dessert and they were amazing! So I'm gonna forgive the Forge for my dessert because everything else was just so fantastic.
(5)Vany S.
Our first nice restaurant experience in South Beach... We just moved here and we went to the Forge on our 3rd night... The maitre 'd was very welcoming. Felt like we were entering a dining room in someone's mansion. Everyone was very attentive. We had no idea about the Miami Spice promotion and wow, that was a nice promo. They didn't make it feel like it was a promo because you get the cool food items as your selection. We had corn ravioli and tuna tartare to start with. Three mushroom risotto was cooked and seasoned to perfection. My BF had skirt steak that was awesome. Fo dessert the server recommended a s'more shot....YUM! We also experienced the Enomatic Wine Experience. The sommelier, Fernando was VERY engaging and attentive...he always showed up unexpectedly each time I went to "the cool machine". I think we spent more on the wine card than the whole dinner! We wish the food runner would explain the food when he dropped the food... And the bathroom could be a little bit cleaner. We would def. come back!
(4)Kristiana W.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I loved the ambiance, the decor, the food and the crowd. I will be back at least once a month. This is my new Friday hangout, I highly recommend as a great start to a night out of you sit at the bar or if you are just looking for a lounge vibe. It's upscale but they are afraid to play hip-hop, or old school music. A must visit.
(5)Gordon B.
The first drinks we ordered arrived promptly enough, only one problem: if there was any alcohol in them it was negligible. We ordered two more and requested the alcohol be served separately from the mix. Some difference, we got respectable servings. I ordered the two and one half pound lobster, The lobster served to me was obviously a chicken lobster and could not have been one and a half pounds, When we brought this to the waiters attention he admitted that some lobsters were "a little lighter". Sixty eight dollars for a chicken lobster and meat from only one claw and not much of it at that. These were only two of the multiple annoyances endured by my wife and I on Christmas Day. The desert ( twenty five dollars ) was not what we ordered and we sent it back. The item was still included in the tab at the end of the meal. We complained, the waiter told us in due course, that the manager had "GRACIOUSLY" (that was the waiter's word) agreed to remove it from the account. The account THEN was two hundred and seventy five dollars for the two of us. You tell me, is two stars too much for this tourist trap?
(2)Leslie K.
Ambiance? Elegance? People, the emperor has no clothes! Maybe it is standard Miami atmosphere but no self-respecting legit fine dining establishment in another city would blare crappy music like some terrible bar. The waiter's response to "could you possibly turn it down?" "Huh???" Irony much? Then after repeating myself, "No. And it will get louder." Uh ok? The food was decent -- I had lobster and bisque-- but not worth the price tag. This place is riding its overblown rep.
(2)Aman S.
What a disappointment. The sommelier only knew the 3 most expensive bottles. When I asked him about the 3 wines, he said, "this is a really good pinot, this is a really good cab, and this is a really good merlot..." That was all he had to say; he just wanted to sell us teh most expensive bottles! The food was priced comparable to other steak houses but didn't taste as good. Also they try to up sell you on everything and at every course. I truly felt like they were trying to sell me a used car!! Save your time and money. Go to Prime Italian, 112 or Barton G.
(1)Nathan G.
The Forge always nails it if you are in the mood for meat / beef in Miami. ~ Great wine list. ~ Cool historic old SoBe place that dates back to the Capone days. ~ Great steaks. Fancy pants good, and expensive, but this is SoBe, so it's what you expect & it delivers.
(4)Melanie A.
Amazing! Very unique food and drinks. The decor is amazing and very unique as well. Definitely have the cucumber martini! I can only have cucumber martinis at The Forge. They are not overly strong as most restaurants make them. There must be an added ingredient at The Forge. Definitely get a few things to share and have the chocolate cake for dessert! It's big enough to share with the entire table. Very intimate experience and the private dining room is out of this world however, not the most ideal place to have dinner with friends as everyone is extremely spread out at the table and it is very hard to speak to each other. It is good for a business dinner or something of that nature. For a regular evening in the dining room, it is a great locals choice!
(5)Fauzia I.
Went here for the last night of the Gilt City promotion. I had read the reviews but was not prepared for how big and cavernous the room seemed. Definitely elegant but in a big (everything was huge) way that made me think it would appeal most to rich old people. I did spend some time pondering how the chandelier in the front room stayed up - it looked really heavy. I would be nervous sitting under it ... but I digress. I don't know how they assign tables, but we got what I assume would be a really good seat (clarifications welcome) in the very center back of the front room, right against the dividing wall. Both seats faced forward towards the entrance, side by side on the bench. Which I found slightly disconcerting - it's strange not to sit opposite. Also, it was really really dark. If you have trouble seeing ordinarily, you'll have more here. It could have used a bit more light, at least to see the menu by. I liked the wine concept but MH missed the usual table service. It could have been explained better by the server. I didn't know it was possible just to get tastes - thought it was only by the glass. Other than that, the service was good and friendly. First time I've seen waiters go around and refold napkins while the diners are getting wine, etc. And they clean tables with a small flashlight. It was a set menu with choices. I'll rate the dishes in order. 1) Bread - a nice variety. Hot and fresh. One was sweet. My favorite was the crispy cheese. Served with creamy herb butter at exactly the right temperature - no hard pats here! 2) Amuse-Bouche - a dollop of hummus, some pita triangles also served with black and green olives. Nice but not spectacular. 3) Salad - this is based on my tasting bite. Good but the bottom line - it is salad. very nicely presented. Encircled on the plate by two long, see-through fine slices of cucumber. 4) Wild Mushroom Risotto - one bite and I discovered a new comfort food. Something about this just made me feel warm, cozy and ready for a perfect night's sleep. I could have taken an hour to eat it, very slowly. I should have gotten some to bring home - am kicking myself now for not thinking of it ... I would pay for this recipe ... 5) Filet Mignon - We asked for this medium well and it came looking a bit charred on the outside, which initially made me think it might be overdone but it was very well done inside - just a little pink and very tender. The char was crispy, which I also really enjoyed. I had been looking forward to the 4 mustard sauce b/c I love mustard, but it turned out to be a bit too sweet for us. 6) Dessert - the only choice was Lemon Panna Cotta. As a person who 1) has never had panna cotta before and 2) prefers chocolate it was a bit disappointing. I wish there had been a choice, especially since the Apple Pie was less expensive on the menu. The biscotti was just ok too. I had two bites of each before leaving it. The small scoop of accompanying ice cream was better. Definitely an experience!
(3)Lindsey R.
Beautiful atmosphere, delightful staff, amazing wine selecting, and an unbeatable presentation - the food, drink, and company were absolutely fantastic! If I'm ever in Miami Beach again, I'll be sure to make reservations at The Forge!
(5)Anthony C.
This is one of my best dining experiences in Miami. It has a Great atmosphere. The steak was excellent. After your food you get party all night. They have a live DJ and on Sundays the DJ may be Biz Markie. You will love this experience
(5)karen m.
I've been going to the Forge for years and couldn't wait for it to reopen. I went with a group of friends who are all forge lovers....Our entire party was very disappointed. The service was awful and that was a first. The waiter handed us the wine list which is very extensive and as soon as he gave it to us he stood at the table waiting for our choice instead of giving us the time & space to go through it. I used to love the lobster martini so I ordered the lobster appetizer on brioche and the whole thing just tasted like bread - not very good. we ordered steaks and they just had no flavor at all and were not cooked properly. I've always had great steaks at the "old Forge" and always cooked just right. From beginning to end it was a total disappointment for us all and several of my friends have told me they have gone and had the same experience
(2)Amber W.
Probably my favorite restaurant in Miami. The lobster PB&J app is one of the best appetizers I've ever had in my life. My steak is always cooked to perfection. And if you like dirty martinis and can deal with spice, the hot and dirty martini is my favorite drink on Miami Beach. Their fruity drink concoctions are also yummy as well. The decor is fascinatingly beautiful. The service is incredible. If you want a good steakhouse with a trendy flare, this is absolutely the spot.
(5)Jessica C.
Came here to experience the nightscene and enjoyed the lounge/club/bar experience. It also helped that we were taken care of by one of the 'owner/managers' there. So, if you can bring in 18 females, I doubt you will have trouble getting in...at least we didn't. No cover, VIP, and complimentary champagne! I liked the european-like crowd. Music was good too--started with house/lounge in one room, hip-hop in another. Eventually the night turned into hip-hop. Apparently this is a hotspot in MIami right now. Check it out.
(4)Kevin F.
Went here for Valentine's Day last year and I have to say this place is amazing. Immediately when you walk in you know you are in one of Miami's elite spots. Valet parking service for your entrance in your luxury automobile, we started out at the bar where some good music was playing, the decor was beautiful and screams "money". We were seated in one of the dinner halls, the dim lighting, wine list, and old school waiter to your table approach was great. We were with another couple and well enjoyed our appetizers, dinner, drinks and of course desert. Expect to spend quite a large amount of money ($100+ per head) with everything included.
(5)Sportsbillie S.
Despite all the great reviews that I read before going to this restaurant, my husband and I had a mediocre experience. Maybe my expectations were too high based on all the reviews I read, comments in the media and from friends. Waste of a nice elegant outfit. Hostess was great and ambiance is wonderful. I am not a trained chef but I prepare better meals at home. The lamb ribs were so charred it was pretty much inedible. Spiced duck breast was dry and lacked a quality presentation. Skirt steak (i ordered medium well) was served in small pieces, each piece was a different temperature (medium rare, medium, medium well, well and burnt). Our server needs to be trained on how to attend to customers in a high end restaurant. She inquired if it was our first time, we said yes, and that was the end of her involvement with us, other than taking our order, no conversation, nothing to ensure that we had a great first experience and would come back. We ordered champagne and there were times that my glass just sat empty. I inquired if the entrees came with a side or if we needed to order. I was about to order a few and she told me not to, that they do and the portions are normally huge. My entree came with only skirt steak. So had to order sides after receiving meals, which sat and got cold in the meantime, no apology from our server. Our entree plates sat infront of us for about 30 mins after we were finished eating, during which time our server walked by us numerous of times and said nothing. Eventually i had to put my plate on the very edge of the table so they would take away the undercooked and burnt meat from infront f me. We waited another 30 mins for dessert (which is not made to order) and again our server walked by us a couple times without saying a word to us. It was my husband's birthday. When I made the reservatioin, the hostess took my hubby's name and said they would bring out a candle with dessert. They brought out a candle alright, on the wrong dessert and even wrote his name. So i had to sit and eat a dessert with happy birthday written all over it. Once again, server walks by and says nothing! She didn't even say happy birthday when she brought the dessert, nor wished us a good evening, nor thanked us for coming. At no point during the evening a manager came by the table. Needless to say my hubby was extremely disappointed with the food and service we received. We will not be returning to the Forge or recommending to our friends. Lesson learnt - not all reviews are equal; its dependent on age, color of skin and experience in eating out at other high-end restaurants.
(1)David R.
Big disappointment. Went with a friend who was 23 who didn't have ID (with 4 other 50 year olds). The waiter whisked away his glass without a comment. Very much in the tone of the soup Nazi - "you don't get wine" - but without an explanation. We complained and the manager came over and recited the most insincere explanation. He didn't even ask us for our concern. Aside from that mess, the food was mixed. The chef relies on rich foods - even you can cook a good rich food dinner. There are so many better restaurants in Miami.
(2)Peter B.
Love this place!! Had an amazing steak done the right way. Amazing service as well. These guys run a good show.
(5)sharry g.
The Forge is a Miami Icon, and deservedly so. The food is phenomenal, and it's served in a storied establishment. Here are a few tips... Important Tip Number One: Don't go for the Spice menu. Instead of being a good example of their full menu, you get a lesser meal with second class service. But it is hard to eat for $40 at a restaurant where you'd normally spend $140 and expect the same food and service, although you perhaps should be able to do so. I think the waiter sees his tip cut by 3/4, and loses interest quickly. Important Tip Number Two: Go on a Tues or Thurs evening, early. You'll have the place to yourself, and you'll have the full attention of your server and the sommelier. One or both may even take you on a tour, highlighting the wine cellar, the bar, and the dozens of historical artifacts and priceless pieces of fine art. The place is stacked with Lalique stained glass, Napolean's sconces, and thousands of rare first editions line the walls, ceilings, and shelves. Each piece has a story, and if you catch it just right, you might be lucky enough to hear some of them. The food is pricey, and perfection should be expected. The service staff are lifers, and they've put a ton of work and effort into being deserving of a 20% gratuity of the certainly large bill to come. We had local caught fresh yellowtail snapper, a Miami favorite, and the ribeye. Everything was over the top and superbly prepared and presented, as one might expect. High quality, high price, certainly worthy of both, and certainly not suprising to find only one other location other than in sun-drenched, money-grows-on-coca-plants Miami, and that location is in the sun-drenched, money-sprouts-sprouts-from-oil-wells nation of Dubai.
(5)Lisa E.
I don't understand why an up-scale restaurant has to have televisions in the dining room. No! I do not want to watch sport/CCN/ANYTHING while I am enjoying dinner. The meal was fine, but nothing out of the ordinary. The steaks were jus average, not extraordinary. Bread was removed from the table before the meal was served, which was disappointing. Look elsewhere if you're celebrating a special occasion. If you're on an expense account, then this is OK.
(2)Cherice J.
I am an absolute fan of the Forge. Very exclusive and always celebrity filled, simply because it's an high-end sophisticate establishment. The food is always delicious and the servers are very professional. This place is managed to perfection. On Wednesday's, and Friday through Sunday, you must head to the Forge for the live DJ and dancing crowds after 11pm. Club Glass is adjacent to Forge and many times patrons will go back and forth to experience the great vibe. I love this place!
(5)Sonia K.
What an amazing place. My husband and I were just here over New Year's and had a great dinner. The decor is gorgeous - so many intricate details, and very romantic if you're in one of the side rooms. I had the filet mignon and my husband had the super steak - both were great, as well as the mashed potatoes. The souffle was also delicious. Overall a great experience, but definitely overpriced. Probably not something I would do again, unless I was going with people who hadn't been there. But definitely worth a visit. And we got to sit on a really comfy sofa to eat - what could be better than that =)
(4)Bonnie L.
Was not impressed, the food was not really tasteful.
(3)Vi N.
mixed feelings here. scenario: step into a beautiful restaurant, with stained glass windows, large wine cellars that fill entire walls, dimly lit table with white linens, and 11 of your friends. it's a birthday celebration. everyone is looking forward to a nice dinner, and partying afterwards. it's the forge, it's sunday night. your waiter is in a tux, well, all the waitstaff are mr. belevedere-like. hip hop is blasting through the room. "sweat drip down my balls" is being rapped while you slice into your $50 filet, no sides. what?! the forge is probably a wonderful, elegant restaurant on other days, maybe even earlier on sunday night. but the night i went, late on a "soul kitchen sundays," it was, for lack of a better word, G-H-E-T-T-O. it is hard to enjoy your juicy steak when there are people grinding to hip hop in the room next to you. it's hard to spend $260 (2 ppl) for a dinner and feel good about it when the room is hot like a sauna of gyrating bodies. bottom line: great restaurant, great food, great service. shady clientele on sunday nights, random "charges" on our bill (they brought a sparkler out, for the birthday boy, then charged me $3 for it). see? mixed feelings!
(3)Meesh C.
came here for miami spice week. heard good things, read good reviews, and apparently it's one of gloria estefan's favorite restaurant (according to a cab driver...). the atmosphere is hard to grasp--it's a fancy place with a fancy decor, yet they were blasting club music. they are trying a little too hard with the extremely dim lighting [the waiter busted out a raver l.e.d. light so we could read the menu...that's how dark it is in there]. it's not a great place for large groups--i kept getting bumped by people walking by. this review is for the food on the pre-fixe menu. overpriced for what it was: the "glazed" salmon was not so much glazed as it was smeared with a goopy layer of what tasted exactly like hoisin sauce (the dark sauce you use in pho). the steak was meh, small and bland. the dessert choices were cheesecake and icecream. the cheesecake was a stick of sweet cream cheese--there was no crust. the ice cream was good, but all they had to do was scoop it and put it on a plate. the lady's room is pretty cool--there are birds in there.
(2)M K.
This place is pretty over the top in terms of design. The ceilings are super high and the chairs make you feel like you're Alice in Wonderland. The food matches the over top decor and is first rate. I was a bit surprised though to find the portions so big. Typically when you go to a restaurant if it's really trendy looking then the food sucks or is really good but tiny. Not here. I wish my wife and I just ordered one main dish and split it rather than the two we ordered. Make sure you get the souffle. Who can resist warm gooey cake?
(5)Pia P.
Like a wedding. Or a funeral parlor.
(1)Lindsay S.
ok, so this is a pretty big statement, but i think this is my favorite restaurant ever. the food was so perfect. the chopped salad was delicious. crisp and very tasty. my entree i did the supersteak. perfectly cooked. incredibly full of flavor. and a great sampling of dipping sauces came with it. we also did the mushroom risotto which was amazingggg. for dessert i had the marble souffle. soooooo good. i was so stuffed at that point, but their souffles are a must try. i wish i could remember the wine i had, but the waiter recommended an excellent pinot noir. the service was impeccable. very well informed wait staff. now, for the decor, where do i start? it's almost like being in a museum in that you want to walk through all of the rooms and just gawk. and you should. just take a spin through and take a gander. it's quite impressive. the bathrooms are also super cool. square toilets! next time i am in miami, i will definitely be back. this is a must-see, must-eat when in miami!
(5)Myhogany B.
ended my annual girls getaway at the forge last sunday and let's just say, we'll be back next summer and the summer after that. food was delicious. prixe fixe menue inlcuding was only $35. it was a great option. must have the cucumber martini, $14 but def' worth it. it's a beautiful place with great food. back patio was nice too and made for great photo opps. you must indulge at the forge!
(5)victoria r.
I could have sworn I wrote a review for this excellent spot about a yr. ago! Anyways, it doesn't really get much better then this! One of my favorite places to dine in Miami... definitely in my top 3. Elegant and tasteful. Extensive menu. Kumamoto oyster app. is amazing. MUST try the steak! Dover sole and black &white tuna makes a statement. Prime rib is good and you MUST try the super steak. AMAZING. Unbelievable wine menu!!! They said there is like 300,000 bottles. Also, an amazing souffle. Very rich in flavor. Reservations required. You will easily become addicted.
(5)Cristina S.
I should be the president of the "Forge Fan Club." The ambiance is Miami Beach classy, the wine list is made to match their extraordinary steak, & the bar will prompt you & your party to find the nearest DD. The restaurant is not cheap & I would definitely classify it in the "special occasion" category but they will cater to you whether it's your birthday or a regular night out (if you're lucky...
(5)Dan R.
The space is amazing but it doesn't stack up to the food. We dined with 8 in our party and 5 entrees had to go back because they were cold! The cheese selection with the tomato stack was over powering with tomato and prosciutto. The service was slow and a problem with the bill went unresolved by management. Don't bother!!
(2)Mike C.
I had dinner here with a party of four Saturday night. This was my second time dining here. We had reservations for 7:30 and were seated immediately upon arrival. The decor, ambiance and service are beyond compare. The highlight of the meal was the seafood appetizer consisting of king crab, colossal shrimp and oysters along with small servings of lobster and crab salads and tuna tartar. We specifically asked the waiter how much this would be and he said $30 per person. Take note ~ when the bill arrived it came to about $50 per person as there was an additional charge for the lobster and crab salads and tuna tartar which we hadn't asked for but which our waiter had added anyway. For dinner, we all had either the "super steak" or bone in fillet. Although very good, there are much better steaks elsewhere in Miami/Miami Beach. Or maybe it was an off night for steaks at The Forge. I ordered my "super steak" medium and it was somewhat dry and not the tastiest. All this being said we had an enjoyable meal and nice night nonetheless, perhaps because of the fine Chilean wine. I will go back again but it won't be on a weekly basis. If you've never been, I would recommend it. It's a great experience for which you'll pay handsomely.
(4)Gaby C.
Since cheff LoSasso took over, The Forge has freshen up considerably. The ambience and dècor are excellent and varied, as if you go with a group you may reserve different rooms with particular themes. The service is flawless, in the many times I've been here I've always felt how perfect it is (and that's not an easy thought in Miami and a mostly unthinkable thing in Miami Beach,for the most part). The next step is the wine. Well, wine here is not cheap but the wine list is just one of the best in the Miami area. So finally, let's get to the food. It used to be mostly a steak house, but now the menu has several of Dewey LoSasso creations, keeping some of the old stuff as well. Needless to say, this means the whole menu was revamped and is reflective of a more fusion cuisine still keeping the steakhouse theme. My recommendations: crabcakes, chopped salad, mushroom risotto, short rib, lamb. Desserts are all good. The steaks are ok, but lack the genius of the cheff and these are the same kind of steaks The Forge has offered for decades, so nothing gourmet in this department. Yes, you could have had all these creations and more in LoSasso's own venue until a couple of years ago for 60-70% of the price, but that's not posible now, so if you want to keep having 3 mushroom risotto, you have to put up with MB and The Forge's prices.
(5)Melissa Y.
fantastic food. great dining room. absolutely beautiful. attentive waitstaff - they really push the wine, they refill your glass every time you put it down. kind of expensive and a very scenester vibe at the bar. I swear there were football players hanging out at the bar but this was the weekend before the superbowl so it's entirely possible. also, a good number of "working ladies" accompanying some of the gentlemen at the bar. we shared the lobster bisque and stone crabs to start. both had very fresh seafood and the bisque was very well seasoned. i had the lamb. it was excellent. boyfriend had a steak. also delicious. we split the cuban sweet potato mash. it was very rich but tasty. we split a desert that was way too rich. not sure of the name but it's the pie with the vanilla custard and chocolate bottom.
(5)Danielle B.
Went on a Saturday for a relatively early dinner (7pm) the place had not gotten crowded yet at all....the food was great, the bread basket alone was fantastic and the amuse bouche served (though I can't for the life of me rememeber what it was) was also delicious.....the rest of the meal stood up to the fantastic reputation that proceeeded it...on food alone I would have given the place 5 stars....but the service was a little spacey and the wine list (while impressive) was WAY overpriced....a little off the beaten track but the food is awesome....definitely worth the trip
(4)Sam S.
Awesome time at this venue. We went to the OVUM records party here...mostly house heads for the party, but lucky for us Forge has a very bougeious international crowd, so the sexyness was brought up 10 fold..not to mention the bartenders were quick and HOOOOOT!!! (a rare combo!)
(4)Juhani P.
I went there on Saturday evening for some dancing and partying. And liked what I saw! Forge was very European, in terms of both music and the crowd. I will definitely need to get back for a dinner.
(4)Brian N.
Likely my favorite restaurant in the United States. The best steaks imaginable, and excellent mashed potatoes. The atmosphere is amazing and reminds you of old Miami Beach. If you go for your first time, make sure to ask for a tour of the wine cellar, it will blow your mind!
(5)Lindsay G.
The Forge, as always, remains a good solid restaurant in the Miami Beach wasteland of "trying too hard," too trendy," "bad food, "and "overpriced" locations that litter the rest of the street. We sat in the library and although they were out of my favorite violet liquor the cucumber martini was perfectly light and refreshing. We started with the shrimp cocktail and lobster peanut and jelly. The shrimp were colossal and delicious. The lobster peanut butter and jelly was merely fine but I am not a fan of Pb and a j. My friend ordered her steak well done because she likes inhaling carcinogens but despite this the Forge miscooked her steak twice. The waiter noticed (even though we didn't really) and offered a free blacksmith pie (which is no longer on the menu but is available in the back if you say how much you love it). My husband's normal, medium rare steak was perfect and delicious and my lobster was perfect. Forge remains in my mind a standout amongst several losers on Miami Beach.
(5)Meg D.
We had a great meal. The place is marvelous! The owner took us into the wine cellar and we just toured around with our mouths ajar, drooling allover the musty temp controlled room. The most expensive bottle is 165K, yes thats what I wrote. It was bottled in the 1830's w/ re-corking every twenty years. After that we went to the other rooms. What was a tad annoying is that we would have had to purchase a $100 bottle to sit in the chill out bar room after we spent a small fortune for dinner, not cool. The place has all different rooms with different themes, the dining section is in the typical brasserie fashion, the house room is very cool with white skances lit up like understated disco balls. The music pumping. The bathroom is all in art deco, erte style, all different on the bathroom doors. This place just opened up late last year, go there for an experience you won't forget!
(5)Ginger H.
Before this weekend, I hadn't been to the Forge in eons. The redone digs are spectacular. It's white, it's modern and it's what you'd expect from this Miami Beach institution. Our Forge adventure centered around a friend's birthday soiree, which lead to us dining in the party room. Cocktails were served in the outdoor atrium. It was a quaint setting for the fete. And the hors d'oeuvres were delish. Next, it was off to the party room for the real deal. The space was beautiful. And the staff was beyond accommodating. The breadbaskets were filled with amazing options, like asiago cheese breadsticks and rosemary rolls. The first and second courses were simply divine. The pasta dish with cauliflower was perfection. The main course, however, wasn't as tasty as the previous dishes. Hubby said the filet could have spent a little more time on the fire, and I agree with my vegetarian meal. But, when you have large gatherings like these, it's different than having a individual meal. I'd like to give this spot a second go, in a non-party setting, to give the food a real review. Set menus don't always live up to a restaurant's full range of abilities. But when it comes to charm, this place is packed with it. And history to boot. We ran into the owner on our way out, and he, like his establishment, was just as accommodating. Now that the new Forge has piqued my interests, I can't wait to go back.
(4)Myrtha P.
My family and I went to the Forge because it was my mothers birthday we wanted to make it special for her. I loved it! Everything was perfect. Automatic valet parking so there was no hassle about finding parking. The setting of the restaurant was romantic dim lights wonderful artwork the was just luxury. My little brother age 9 had the lobster ravioli he loved it! My mother and I had the aged steak, Mine was prepared medium rare just how I like it, My mother on the other hand like hers well done. I don't really remember what everyone else had but I know by the end of the night there were no complaints. Every meal was perfection, the waitstaff were very attentive to each persons needs. It was a memorable experience I would go back again. But don't go there unless you're ready to spend a pretty penny, but it was worth it!
(4)Stacey M.
rococo haven wednesday bacchanal great food mc sandman rocks
(4)Pam H.
The two stars represent "Meh. I've experienced better." Unfortunately, I have experienced better at THIS VERY RESTAURANT. It used to be old school, upper class Miami dining at its finest. Now it is a parody of what it used to be. They used to have wait staff who had waited at this very restaurant for 20 years. Wait staff that seemed to have psychic abilities and knew just what to recommend to whom, just when to check in on a table. Now it is trying too hard to be... what? I have no idea. The old Forge was a gift. There are better restaurants out there now. Which is a shame. Because it was something to be treasured and it was "updated" into banality. You want to be treated nicely and served excellent food? Go to Michy's. Yes, it is more trendy but it is also service oriented so that you don't mind paying the price to eat there. You get good food and you get sweet service. RIP old Forge. I miss you.
(2)Rob C.
came here for a dinner talk. (tried lobster bisque, NY strip, salmon, blacksmith pie and creme brulee) high marks for ambiance. nice stained glass. so dark that you have to bust out a pen light to see anything! the vibe is one of wealthy sophistication--people here get decked out. as a steak house, it's fine. not really a foodie destination, but most certainly a nice collection of wines. went back for the new, improved Forge. chef from North 110. menu revamped with new small eats. focus still on the wine collection, but better pricing and now using the cool Enomatic wine dispensing system. also toured the library, and the 2 separate private dining rooms, one very cool space downstairs. ambiance very hip. shared: porcini seared diver sea scallops lobster peanut butter and jelly sandwich -- unusual, but not in a particularly good way oyster po boy mini grilled shrimp waffle three mushroom risotto -- definitely made expertly with a lot of white truffle oil and parmesan steamed local snapper in a bag bone in fillet great marble souffle (chocolate and grand marnier)
(4)