COTOA Restaurant

We had an absolutely delicious experience at Cotoa and will definitely be returning. Every dish we tried was fantastic, but the dark chocolate lava cake truly stole the show. It was hands down the best dessert I’ve ever had. The langostinos were absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection, and we also loved the croquettes and queso empanadas. The wine was also excellent and paired beautifully with my meal. There was a couple seated next to us who seemed displeased with their steak and ended up leaving, but honestly, the steak looked beautifully cooked to us, which made the situation a bit surprising. The restaurant and kitchen are small, so a wait is to be expected, but it’s well worth it for the quality and experience. Lastly, Emilio, our waiter, provided great service and had excellent recommendations that really elevated our meal. Overall, Cotoa delivered an outstanding experience from start to finish, and we can’t wait to come back.

An authentic Ecuadorian experience with modern flair. Everything we tried was outstanding and full of flavor and beautifully presented. The ceviche manabita manicero is an absolute must. Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. We also ordered the prawns and the crab and everything was a 10/10. Damaris, our server, was amazing. She was attentive and checked in multiple times to ensure we had everything we needed, making the entire experience even better with her great recommendations. We even received a complimentary dessert a banana ice cream palate cleanser which was such a thoughtful and delicious touch. Reservations are a must. Dogs are welcome, but only in the outdoor patio. Highly recommend Cotoa for authentic cuisine, exceptional service, and a memorable dining experience. We will definitely be back soon!

Cotoa is an absolute gem! From the very first bite, you can taste the passion and authenticity behind their Ecuadorian-style dishes. The croquettes and empanadas were perfectly crisp on the outside and incredibly flavorful inside—true comfort food elevated to a gourmet level. The seafood fusion plate was a standout, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that show off the chef’s creativity and skill. And the pan de yuca? Completely unforgettable—soft, warm, and the kind of taste that stays with you long after you leave. Everything here feels organic, clean, and carefully prepared. The quality matches the price, and honestly, it’s worth every penny. I can’t wait to go back! Cotoa is a must-visit for anyone who loves bold, top-tier Ecuadorian cuisine.

We visited COTOA on a trip to Miami from out of state. We didn’t have a reservation but the staff was so accommodating. We had the empanadas, crudo salsero, tortellinis and langostinos. All incredible a great homage to Ecuadorian cuisine. Damaris was incredibly kind, and helpful. She was very attentive and made various recommendations. She was very knowledgeable about the cuisine and menu. We are so grateful to have had a chance to visit COTOA, it made our trip extra special.

Cotoa truly lives up to its Michelin Guide 2025 recognition. The Pan de Yuca balls are a super VIP starter, perfectly chewy and cheesy, pairing beautifully with the sweet mamey chutney. The Crudo Salsero with wahoo is very creative. The passion fruit sauce and cilantro oil are bright and refreshing, and the black sesame seeds cleverly mimic passion fruit seeds, visually stunning and fun that you can actually eat them. For the main course, the hanger steak is seasoned just right and very tender. The papa chaucha is super crunchy, while the cucumber and smoked chimichurri sauce help balance the entire plate. Service is top-notch. Every staff member is incredibly kind, attentive, and detail-oriented, really elevating the fine dining experience. The only downside is that due to the open kitchen, there’s a noticeable smoky, oily smell that lingers on your hair and clothes after dining. Still, the food and service make Cotoa a standout destination in Miami.

An ode to Ecuadorian cuisine. I recommend the ceviches, the hanger steak, the humita (corn bread) and the banana rum cake (a top 5 dessert in Miami). Get a reservation a few weeks out or set some OpenTable notifications for your best shot at a last minute meal.

This was my second time dining at COTOA, and what a difference a full kitchen makes. I first visited back when they were in the shared space downtown and didn’t have the best experience—the humita was quite dry and the meal overall didn’t fully showcase their potential. This time, however, everything was perfect. The food was absolutely delicious—beautifully executed, full of flavor, and elevated with that signature Ecuadorian twist that’s such a welcome addition to Miami’s dining scene. The ambiance is warm and cozy, and the music is set at just the right volume to enhance the atmosphere without overpowering it. Service was exceptional as well. Dámaris was wonderful and made the experience feel genuinely cared for. I’m so glad I gave COTOA another chance, and I’m thrilled to see them shining in their own space. I’ll certainly be returning. — @the_travel_fork

Cotoa Restaurant This has been a culinary experience unlike any other. An exquisite and thoughtfully crafted menu—simple yet beautifully selected. The kind of food that captivates you, delights your palate, and leaves you enamored for life. I genuinely recommend this place if you are seeking a peaceful setting, exceptional quality, and customer service that is both highly professional and truly attentive. ALISON WAS EXTRAORDINARY PROFESSIONAL WITH US. Thanks so much

I don’t know where to begin. The food at Cotoa is hands down one of the best meals I’ve had all year. The way the chef balances flavors with such an innovative approach is inspiring. This place is a gem, and I only hope everyone gets to experience it. She’s putting Ecuadorian food on the map in the best way possible. Some of my favorites were the pan de yuca, sweet bread, ceviche, the crab dish, the prawn, and the chocolate dessert. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!

G S

My dad was born in Ecuador, and so were my mom’s parents, so we recently made the drive down from West Palm to visit Cotoa. We were super excited to try it as it’s not every day an Ecuadorian restaurant is recognized by Michelin. It ended up being one of the most fun and delicious dinners we’ve had in a long time. The restaurant feels intimate and laid-back enough to be comfortable, yet still elevated in all the right ways. Ecuador was present in the ingredients, the flavors, and the overall essence of the space. I loved it so much that I’ve already made reservations in the new year to bring my parents — I can’t wait for them to experience it.

Dayron Hernandez

I went to Cotoa today and honestly didn’t know what to expect since it was my first time having Ecuadorian food — but wow, this ended up being one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. Every single dish we ordered was incredible. The flavors were bold but balanced, beautifully presented, and you could tell a lot of thought and care went into each plate. Nothing felt repetitive or heavy; everything just worked. Even dishes I wouldn’t normally gravitate toward completely surprised me in the best way. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the service was attentive without being overbearing, and the pricing felt more than fair for the quality and creativity of the food. It’s one of those places where you leave already thinking about what you want to order next time. If you’ve never tried Ecuadorian cuisine, this is the perfect introduction — and even if you have, Cotoa absolutely sets the bar high. I’ll definitely be back. I’m still thinking about the pan de yuca and hanger steak

Jackie Shtemberg

We had such a good experience at Cotoa, the service was top notch, the ambience was cozy and quaint. The food was excellent, everything was so delicious and felt like it was cooked with elevated authenticity behind it. This restaurant deserves all the hype it’s getting. My server was really helpful to review all the items for my gluten and dairy sensitivity and they were able to make some substitutions to accommodate which was really nice.

Gabriela Manjarrés

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 20/10 — hands down! As an Ecuadorian, I can confidently say that COTOA is an absolute gem. From the customer service to the food, everything was outstanding. I visited with my husband (he’s American and enjoys Ecuadorian food), but Cotoa made him completely fall in love with it. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed like family. Our server, ALDO, was incredible — attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind. He recommended the best dishes from the start and went above and beyond helping me choose options that worked for me since I have a gluten intolerance. We decided to order all the appetizers (because they all looked amazing 😄), and for our main dishes we had the snapper and the cangrejada — absolutely delicious, authentic, and perfectly prepared. To make the night even more special, it was my birthday and Aldo surprised me with a dessert, which truly meant so much 🎉. I was left speechless. The service, the music, the atmosphere, and the food — everything was spectacular. If you’re in Florida and haven’t been to Cotoa yet, trust me: your taste buds are missing out on one of the best restaurants in the state. Highly recommend! 🇪🇨✨🍽️

Estella Santiago

Cotoa is an absolute gem! From the very first bite, you can taste the passion and authenticity behind their Ecuadorian-style dishes. The croquettes and empanadas were perfectly crisp on the outside and incredibly flavorful inside—true comfort food elevated to a gourmet level. The seafood fusion plate was a standout, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that show off the chef’s creativity and skill. And the pan de yuca? Completely unforgettable—soft, warm, and the kind of taste that stays with you long after you leave. Everything here feels organic, clean, and carefully prepared. The quality matches the price, and honestly, it’s worth every penny. I can’t wait to go back! Cotoa is a must-visit for anyone who loves bold, top-tier Ecuadorian cuisine.

Sophia Restrepo

We had an absolutely delicious experience at Cotoa and will definitely be returning. Every dish we tried was fantastic, but the dark chocolate lava cake truly stole the show. It was hands down the best dessert I’ve ever had. The langostinos were absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection, and we also loved the croquettes and queso empanadas. The wine was also excellent and paired beautifully with my meal. There was a couple seated next to us who seemed displeased with their steak and ended up leaving, but honestly, the steak looked beautifully cooked to us, which made the situation a bit surprising. The restaurant and kitchen are small, so a wait is to be expected, but it’s well worth it for the quality and experience. Lastly, Emilio, our waiter, provided great service and had excellent recommendations that really elevated our meal. Overall, Cotoa delivered an outstanding experience from start to finish, and we can’t wait to come back.

Heidy Duarte

An authentic Ecuadorian experience with modern flair. Everything we tried was outstanding and full of flavor and beautifully presented. The ceviche manabita manicero is an absolute must. Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. We also ordered the prawns and the crab and everything was a 10/10. Damaris, our server, was amazing. She was attentive and checked in multiple times to ensure we had everything we needed, making the entire experience even better with her great recommendations. We even received a complimentary dessert a banana ice cream palate cleanser which was such a thoughtful and delicious touch. Reservations are a must. Dogs are welcome, but only in the outdoor patio. Highly recommend Cotoa for authentic cuisine, exceptional service, and a memorable dining experience. We will definitely be back soon!

Doris Romero

We visited COTOA on a trip to Miami from out of state. We didn’t have a reservation but the staff was so accommodating. We had the empanadas, crudo salsero, tortellinis and langostinos. All incredible a great homage to Ecuadorian cuisine. Damaris was incredibly kind, and helpful. She was very attentive and made various recommendations. She was very knowledgeable about the cuisine and menu. We are so grateful to have had a chance to visit COTOA, it made our trip extra special.

J J

Cotoa truly lives up to its Michelin Guide 2025 recognition. The Pan de Yuca balls are a super VIP starter, perfectly chewy and cheesy, pairing beautifully with the sweet mamey chutney. The Crudo Salsero with wahoo is very creative. The passion fruit sauce and cilantro oil are bright and refreshing, and the black sesame seeds cleverly mimic passion fruit seeds, visually stunning and fun that you can actually eat them. For the main course, the hanger steak is seasoned just right and very tender. The papa chaucha is super crunchy, while the cucumber and smoked chimichurri sauce help balance the entire plate. Service is top-notch. Every staff member is incredibly kind, attentive, and detail-oriented, really elevating the fine dining experience. The only downside is that due to the open kitchen, there’s a noticeable smoky, oily smell that lingers on your hair and clothes after dining. Still, the food and service make Cotoa a standout destination in Miami.

Walter Lopez

I’ve read many reviews and I’m in disbelief how ANYONE can give this place anything under 5 stars. From the service to the food and the cozy ECUADORIAN atmosphere. Chef Alejandra and Aldo made us feel at home, went in with a party of 5 and tried over half of the menu and everything is on point. It’s sad to see some Ecuadorians expecting Ecuadorian portions, yea this ain’t it. This is Gourmet Ecuadorian Food, Ecuadorian gastronomy and practices with Premium ingredients. Everything was literally amazing, Chef Alejandra is gonna be sick of seeing me there so often. My highlights, the humita with that Smoked butter, the canelazo was amazing even tho it should be served warm or with the option of having it warm at least, the cuy dumplings to die for and it was my first time trying cuy, the crab with cocolon and tostones and the iapingacho with pork. Everything was amazing but these were some of my favorites. I’ll be back whenever they have reservations available.

Kamil Gil

I don’t know where to begin. The food at Cotoa is hands down one of the best meals I’ve had all year. The way the chef balances flavors with such an innovative approach is inspiring. This place is a gem, and I only hope everyone gets to experience it. She’s putting Ecuadorian food on the map in the best way possible. Some of my favorites were the pan de yuca, sweet bread, ceviche, the crab dish, the prawn, and the chocolate dessert. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!

Cristina Casanova

My family went there tonight. The service by Emilio was excellent. Very attentive. The taste of the empanadas & cheese croquettes were delicious. The entree of langostinos was incredible. From the little pieces of sweet plantains, to the bed of coconut rice, with a tamarind sauce was extraordinary. It’s very good

Erica Durgin

My friend and I visited Cotoa for dinner while we were in town for Art Basel and were both delighted by the experience from start to finish. The staff were incredibly kind, especially our waiter Emilio who made us feel like family -- but oh my gosh the FOOD! Every dish is plated beautifully, like artwork itself, and the flavors and freshness show the care that is put into every bite. We tried the Pan de Yuca (simple but outstanding - we almost ordered a second round but wanted to save room for dessert), Crudo Salsero, Mahi Mahi, and Tortellinis with Chicken which blew our minds. For dessert we tried the Chocopop and Banana Rum Cake which were both delicious and came with unique ice cream flavors unlike anything we had had before. The only shame is that I don't live closer to visit more often!

Lesley Tai Cao

This was my second time dining at COTOA, and what a difference a full kitchen makes. I first visited back when they were in the shared space downtown and didn’t have the best experience—the humita was quite dry and the meal overall didn’t fully showcase their potential. This time, however, everything was perfect. The food was absolutely delicious—beautifully executed, full of flavor, and elevated with that signature Ecuadorian twist that’s such a welcome addition to Miami’s dining scene. The ambiance is warm and cozy, and the music is set at just the right volume to enhance the atmosphere without overpowering it. Service was exceptional as well. Dámaris was wonderful and made the experience feel genuinely cared for. I’m so glad I gave COTOA another chance, and I’m thrilled to see them shining in their own space. I’ll certainly be returning. — @the_travel_fork

Y V

Cotoa Restaurant This has been a culinary experience unlike any other. An exquisite and thoughtfully crafted menu—simple yet beautifully selected. The kind of food that captivates you, delights your palate, and leaves you enamored for life. I genuinely recommend this place if you are seeking a peaceful setting, exceptional quality, and customer service that is both highly professional and truly attentive. ALISON WAS EXTRAORDINARY PROFESSIONAL WITH US. Thanks so much

Jose Francisco Cabrera

Wow just WOW loved it so before we get to the food let me tell you. You need a reservation, the food quality and the fact that everything is made to order helps them maintain their small restaurant running like a well oiled machine. First we had some bubbles and a limonada de menta. We order the seco de chivo empanadas that come with aji that was delicious. Crispy and juicy inside. Next pan de yuca with mermelada de membrillo these 2 paired perfectly together. It felts right out of the oven in Ecuador. The we had the crudo salsero a beautiful dish with an explosion of flavors, the fish with passion fruit sauce is amazing!! Your mouth will keep asking for more great flavors. Then for mains we had tortellini seco de pollo it had some crunchy cheese that gave it a great crunchy twist. We also Ordered the tonga de langostinos a dish that felt came just from Manabi it was absolutely delicious. The langostines were perfectly cooked it came with a tamarind sauce a delicious coconut rice and sal prieta. We had no room for dessert but will def be back. ❤️ kudos to everyone for makings us feel welcomed. We are big fans of their sister restaurant Somos in Ecuador 🇪🇨 keep up the great job at showcasing how amazing 🤩 Ecuadorian food is 👏 Ps they have colada morada

Mariel Camargo

Such an amazing dining experience that we had at COTOA! The service was amazing as our waiter explained every dish we got, consistently checked on us, and answered any questions we had. We started with pan de yuca. Let me tell you, the gooey-ness of the cheese on the inside paired with the crunchy hardshell on the outside and with the sweet mamey sauce was an immaculate combination and textures in my mouth. Second, which was also probably my favorite dish, was the crudo salsero, which consists of Wahoo fish with sweet and spicy passion fruit sauce, black sesame seeds, and cilantro oil with a side of plantains to enjoy with. The tangy passion fruit sauce made this experience a 10/10 in itself. The main dish, tonga de langostinos, was also very good, but they only had one langostino left, so they substituted the rest with tuna. Kind of sad, but it was still good! Definitely recommend going on the earlier end so you can get the full menu access, as we were also going to get the humitas de abuela, but they were also out of that by the time we were there (7:30 pm). To end on a sweet note, the banana rum cake was so delicious!! I loved the combo of it with the banana gelato and the dark chocolate nibs, a must! They also have a more casual restaurant, Cotoita, in Brickell that you should check out!

David Silva

From start to finish, our experience was absolutely amazing! Our server, Damaris, was outstanding, attentive, warm, and professional the entire time. The food was extraordinary, the kind that brings you back to your roots but with a refined, sophisticated twist that truly stands out. Chef Alejandra personally came by to check on us, and her passion for what she does shows in every dish. She was kind, attentive, and clearly takes great pride in her craft. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience where flavor, service, and atmosphere all come together perfectly.

Dominique Espinoza

I am Ecuadorian and my husband is a chef, so I’m naturally a tough critic. That said, the food here is absolutely impeccable—I nearly shed a tear with the first bite. It’s incredibly hard to find Ecuadorian food outside of New York, so having a place like this in Miami is a treasure. Every single dish we tried was outstanding, with flavors that were rich, authentic, and beautifully executed. We started with the seco de chivo empanadas, and wow—they tasted just like my mom’s seco de chivo, which says a lot because hers has always been my gold standard. The pan de yuca was perfectly done and blew me away. Both the mahi mahi maní ceviche and shrimp ceviche were fresh, vibrant, and absolutely worth ordering if you love ceviche. For entrées, I had the cangrejada and my husband the yapingacho—both were spectacular, layered with complex flavors and cooked to perfection. We ended with the chocopop dessert, and I didn’t want it to be over. Overall: a flawless 10/10 on the food. Unfortunately, the service did not match the quality of the kitchen. Despite having a reservation, we waited 20 minutes to be seated. Our server forgot key items several times, including side dishes like cocolón and patacones, silverware, and even my lemonade, which only arrived toward the end of the meal after multiple reminders. There was also confusion with our order—the yapingacho arrived before we confirmed it, and although we enjoyed it, it wasn’t what we had initially decided. Overall, the service felt inattentive and unprofessional, which was disappointing. That said, the food here is so extraordinary that I cannot bring myself to deduct any points. Ecuadorian restaurants are rare, and the cuisine at this one is truly special. I highly recommend it and will absolutely return whenever I’m in Miami.

This place has always popped up in my insta fyp. So my friends and I decided to try it. Plenty of parking so thats not an issue. The menu was not overwhelming. For appetizers we had the cornbread, cheese empenada and the goat. I was a fan of the corn bread but not so much with the empenadas. For mains, I had the hanger steak with potatoes. The potatoes were amazing. Crispy on the outside and soft inside. The steak was done to my liking. For desert, the banana bread with ice cream was the perfect ending to a great meal. For anyone who wanted to try an Ecuadorian place, I would recommend it. It was my first one.

Kay Bee

This place has always popped up in my insta fyp. So my friends and I decided to try it. Plenty of parking so thats not an issue. The menu was not overwhelming. For appetizers we had the cornbread, cheese empenada and the goat. I was a fan of the corn bread but not so much with the empenadas. For mains, I had the hanger steak with potatoes. The potatoes were amazing. Crispy on the outside and soft inside. The steak was done to my liking. For desert, the banana bread with ice cream was the perfect ending to a great meal. For anyone who wanted to try an Ecuadorian place, I would recommend it. It was my first one.