This Michelin-recommended Ecuadorian restaurant has finally opened in North Miami
Cotoa, from Ecuadorian chef Alejandra Espinoza, has now opened in its first brick-and-mortar location in North Miami, moving from its original home at The B1oom, a food hall in downtown Miami.
Espinoza is also the chef behind Somos in Quito, which was named one of the best restaurants in Ecuador by World's 50 Best. Espinoza opened Somos in 2019 and soon became known for her ability to elevate Ecuadorian cuisine while still celebrating local traditions.
At Cotoa, which the Michelin Guide recommended and called a standout, she wants to make Ecuadorian food 'part of the everyday vocabulary' in Miami, she said, calling the restaurant 'a love letter to my heritage.'
'Miami has always been an ideal place to open my first restaurant outside of Ecuador,' said Espinoza, who is also a United Nations World Tourism Organization culinary tourism ambassador. 'It's close to home, making it accessible for sourcing ingredients. It's rich in Latin American culture and full of diners eager for something new.'
The restaurant seats 24 at the moment but will be expanding an outdoor terrace to almost double its capacity.
The menu is built on sourcing, she said. Menu highlights include humita de la abuela, a cornbread loaf served with palo santo butter, and purple corn dough empanadas filled with goat ragu and tamarind stew and served with labneh.
You can also order poached Ecuadorian langoustines in a passion fruit sauce with green mango, almonds and black sesame as well as La Tonga, made with langoustines and served over creamy peanut and cocout stew.
There's also Cerdito y Liapingacho, inspired by Andean cuisine, that features smoked pork tenderloain served with potato patties with achiote pickled kohlrabi, mote (grains) and encurtido (pickled vegetables).
Cotoa is in the middle of its soft opening at the moment, requiring reservations and offering limited hours and a limited menu, but will be open fully on May 1.
Cotoa
Where: 12475 Sixth Court, North Miami
Opening: Limited hours now; full opening May 1
Hours: As of May 1, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. and 5:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday Sunday.
Reservations: Resy
More information: www.cotoa.rest
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