Dining al fresco on South Beach is one of the many splendors of a Florida vacation, and few locations compare to the new temple of modern Latin cuisine, De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean, just launched by Chef Douglas Rodriguez at the Hilton Bentley Beach Hotel, which now incorporates the chef’s former De Rodriguez Cuba at the Astor Hotel. Open nightly for “Nuevo Latino” seafood and featuring a 25 foot ceviche and raw bar, guests can sit poolside or in the lovely dining salon facing the sea. De Rodriguez offers a sustainable seafood menu and an ocean-focused Sunday brunch at the 136-seat restaurant that’s all dark woods and serene white curtains at the southern tip of Ocean Drive.

De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean joins the chef’s roster of successful Latin restaurants on South Beach which includes the updated Latin fusion menu at OLA (Of Latin America) at the Sanctuary Hotel. The house signature dish is ceviche, a citrus marinated preparation of raw fish that is transformed in countless ways with innovative additions like watermelon, kumquat, Japanese yuzu and fresh basil. Unlike sashimi, the briny marinade used to flavor the tender fish actually “cooks” it without rendering the flesh firm or leathery as sometimes happens when seafood meets fire. The fish served up at the ceviche bar will change with the tides as will the cooked entrees prepared by Ocean’s nimble kitchen staff.

Ocean’s mixologists expertly prepare minty sweet Mojitos and “Naked Coladas,” rum marinated fresh pineapple paired with natural coconut water and topped with coconut flakes. The result will make you forget the foamy frozen pina colada forever! Starters of just-fried shrimp chicharones, smoked marlin tacos, and arugula salad wrapped in prosciutto pair nicely with the tropical drinks for a perfect poolside cocktail party served with a smile and bathed in the Atlantic Ocean breeze.

De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean
101  Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL