Miami has so many innovative dining venues for all tastes. The city is a microcosm of so many diverse cultures that one can experience and taste great fusion cuisine. On a recent business trip to Miami I was fortunate to attend a dinner at LA MAR by Chef Gaston Acurio.

The restaurant sits overlooking the downtown Miami skyline and bay. The ambiance is beautiful, but the food is the real star. I am always hesitant to dine at restaurants by noted chefs because it can be a disappointment. In this case I was pleasantly surprised by the tastes, freshness and fusion of distinct cultures brought together in the food.

We were served tuna tartare that had a great fix of Peruvian and Asian flavors like a sesame paste that made it one of the best tunas I have tasted. For the main course we tried a sea bass with multiple flavors and a real Asian flair with cilantro and other herbs. For dessert we were served the dark Peruvian chocolate cake and coconut ice cream. The chocolate dessert was dense and rich while the coconut ice cream was fresh and vibrant.

La Mar has a casual dining ambience with a beautiful outdoor terrace and a fun indoor dining room. If the Miami weather permits, the outdoor dining facing downtown Miami and the bay is stunning!