It’s a Miami-specific conundrum: so much water surrounding us, yet so few spots to actually enjoy it. But thankfully, there is Elia on the River, a new spot taking advantage of a stellar waterfront location to maximize that al fresco potential. The spacious restaurant, located on an enviable end of River Landing’s restaurant row—with plenty of convenient and inexpensive parking available— is the latest venture from restaurant veterans Engin Akdemir and Adnan Jafarov, founders of Aden Hospitality Group. The menu showcases a variety of options inspired by Southern Italian culinary traditions, including brick-oven pizzas, homemade pasta, and daily selections from the raw bar.
Walking into the restaurant, one is immediately transported to a coastal getaway with rattan chairs clad in pastel cushions, lush greenery, and a pergola-shade-covered patio offering waterfront views. Designed by the renowned Saladino Design Studios, which have designed Red Rooster, Ball & Chain, and Erba, the indoor dining room of Elia is awash in luxurious imported marbles and a stunning hand-painted mural masterpiece, all while taking in panoramic views of passing yachts and breathtaking sunsets. Inspired by the poignant tale of a man who fell in love with a woman named Elia, who cherished her freedom above all else, the restaurant seamlessly weaves this narrative into every aspect of its design and ambiance with a vibrant color palette of pinks, greens, and reds.
Open for both lunch and dinner, the cuisine at Elia is both light and satisfying, with a variety of dishes that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients. The influence of Southern Italian dishes features Elia’s very own specialty blend of olive oil, which perfectly complements traditional Italian cuisine and highlights many Southern Italian seafood dishes. Additionally, the bar and lounge offers a lively atmosphere with all-day tapas to accompany the array of culinary offerings.
Start off with antipasti like bruschetta and octopus carpaccio or raw bar specialties like the salmon-tuna tartar dressed with sesame and truffle oil. The Elia Caesar is a twist on the classic with crispy chickpeas, radish, and avocado, while the rustic salad presents caramelized pears with grilled artichokes and candied walnuts. There are eight hearty pastas to choose from, such as lobster linguini and pappardelle Bolognese, but we were most taken with the cacio e pepe topped with shaved black truffle. Pizzas run the gamut from classic margherita to truffle “Royale” with pears and truffle. The “Land and Sea” section of the menu offers mains like grilled lamb chops, chicken Milanese, and a porterhouse steak. Meanwhile, those who prefer fish can opt for the whole branzino, a sea bass, or Faroe Island salmon. Desserts like the homemade tiramisu and pistachio bliss showcase the kitchen’s talent for combining Mediterranean flavors with modern sensibilities, achieving a balance of sweetness and complexity.
With meticulously designed interiors and top-notch food, Elia is a natural choice for those who want leisurely meals with a spectacular waterfront setting. And for those who want to arrive by water, there’s even a “dock and dine” option available with plenty of dockage space available. The overall experience is of an elegant space where food lovers can sit back and enjoy a sense of tranquility and indulgence curated by a masterfully designed ambiance. Elia offers an unparalleled dining experience on the river, combining stunning views with a carefully curated menu showcasing a harmonious blend of Southern Italian flavors and locally sourced ingredients.
