Casa Tua... I have no words to describe exactly how beautiful this restaurant really is. There is nothing else like it in the States. A friend who first introduced me to Casa Tua years ago once compared it to Nice, that sparking jewel on the French Riviera. Equipped with a gorgeous menu, art, warm weather and a picturesque atmosphere, I can see how it could compare.

I imagine that this is exactly what it would feel like if I opted to stay in a charming bed and breakfast outside of Paris. The open kitchen is inviting and the communal table can hold 20 of my closest friends. I tried not to distract the Pastry Chef but he must have sensed that I am eating my way through this PARISIENNE experience and grabbed me a spoon so I could do a little taste testing.

Casa Tua is an intimate hotel, restaurant and private club. I once saw one of my all time favorite movies, Casablanca in the theater up these stairs.

The corner bar is like a chic PARISIENNE parlor.

The dining room is littered with books and family pictures and very much feels like you are dining at a friends house and not an actual restaurant.

The walls are filled with gorgeous art work.

The modest villa is hidden behind these velvet grass walls on James Street. You can drive by and never notice it at all and that’s what I love most. The next time you’re in town, make a reservation and say hello to the Pastry Chef. He makes a delicious Vanilla Pana Cotta with fresh raspberries.

Casa Tua, 1700 James Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139