"Brickell's Colombian star — Juan Manuel Barrientos turns 18 courses into ritual, from a salpicón welcome to the Chocotherapy finish, a milestone dinner."
About Elcielo
Elcielo overlooks the Miami River at 31 SE 5th Street, where downtown meets Brickell in Miami. It is the US flagship of Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos — known as Juanma — and has held a Michelin star every year since 2022. The format is a single tasting menu pitched as an immersive, multisensory journey through the flavours, rituals and stories of Colombia, equal parts cooking and theatre.
For Miami's other top tasting tables, compare the Korean steakhouse Cote, the two-star L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon and the French-Mediterranean LPM. Elcielo belongs to the city's tasting-menu and fine-dining scene.
The Kitchen
Barrientos's menu unfolds across 18 courses, opening with the Salpicón punch welcome and building to the signature Chocotherapy ritual, where diners are invited to dip their hands into warm chocolate — the playful, sensory set-pieces the kitchen is known for. The cooking draws on Colombian produce and stories, reworked with the technique that earned and has held the star since 2022. Pricing is dynamic by night, running roughly 245 to 289 US dollars a head, with a wine pairing from about 198 dollars and a Champagne pairing from 175.
The Room
The dining room is calm and contemporary, with the Miami River through the windows, and the service is paced for a long, single-sitting tasting menu rather than a quick dinner — every guest moves through the same sequence together. It is occasion dining: a special-night room rather than a drop-in, so booking ahead is essential, and the experience runs long, so plan the evening around it.
Best for an Anniversary
A Michelin star, a single immersive tasting menu and a riverfront room make Elcielo an obvious anniversary dinner or a proposal in Miami. The theatre and the pacing also suit a dinner to impress clients.
Not for
Not for a casual walk-in, a quick bite or a tight budget — Elcielo is a single-sitting, 18-course tasting menu priced for a milestone, not a weeknight.
Frequently Asked
What is Elcielo Miami known for?
It is the one-Michelin-star US flagship of Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos in Brickell, known for an immersive 18-course tasting menu and signature rituals such as the Chocotherapy course. It has held a Michelin star every year since 2022.
Who is the chef at Elcielo?
Juan Manuel Barrientos, known as Juanma, the Colombian chef behind the restaurant and its multisensory journey through Colombian flavours and stories.
What is the Chocotherapy ritual?
A signature set-piece near the end of the menu in which diners dip their hands into warm chocolate — one of the playful, sensory rituals the tasting menu is built around.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is dynamic by night, running roughly 245 to 289 US dollars per person, with a wine pairing from about 198 dollars and a Champagne pairing from 175.
Where is Elcielo Miami located?
At 31 SE 5th Street, overlooking the Miami River where downtown meets Brickell in Miami.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes — it is a single-sitting tasting-menu room and an occasion destination, so booking ahead is essential and the evening runs long.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Elcielo
Book ahead; a single-sitting tasting menu that runs long.
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Practical Information
Address31 SE 5th Street, Brickell, Miami
NeighbourhoodBrickell / Miami River
CuisineColombian tasting menu
Price~$245–$289 pp; pairings extra
Dress CodeSmart
SeatingRiverfront dining room
ReservationEssential
