In Miami, a city with such a proudly beating Latin heart, a city where just about everyone speaks at least some (and often much more than some) Spanglish — almost as a point of pride — there is something so beautiful, something so decidedly French Riviera to LPM’s splurge-worthy menu.

And what could be more quintessentially French than a triple passion for gourmet cuisine, fine wines, and fine art?

What does ‘LPM’ stand for? Well, officially, it’s La Petite Maison but (as the website references), it could also be about Life’s Perfect Moments or Lovely Precious Memories. All of which the famed restaurant seeks to capture with a thoughtfully curated experience.

Located in Miami’s trendy Brickell neighborhood, LPM is just moments away from Downtown Miami, and not far (at least on a night without crazy traffic) from Miami Beach.

Miami Art Week

The restaurant, which is already known for the art it features on display, collaborated with Pearl Lam Galleries during Miami Art Week, presenting a unique fusion of art and fine dining that jumped in on the fun and excitement surrounding the city as the art world descends upon South Florida in December.

The renowned gallerist and curator Pearl Lam, known for her innovative approach to contemporary art, has championed international artists whose work challenges conventional boundaries.

Her curated gallery also just so happened to be among my very favorites to check out at Art Basel this year… so it was an extra thrill to see how this exclusive pairing of art and cuisine would be crafted to complement both a feast for the eyes and taste buds.

During this special collab with LPM, Pearl Lam highlighted acclaimed artist Michal Korman, whose vibrantly colorful, abstract compositions were featured throughout both the restaurant’s interior and its exteriors as well, beckoning guests inside the elegant space.

The displayed work explored themes of movement, flowers, and nature.

Bon Appetit

Along with the artwork, the restaurant of course served up dishes with an artistic flair. 

Like everyone here, you’ll start off your experience with a waiter coming around with a basket and selections of French bread (because, ya know, you’re in a French restaurant) and a DIY Starter Salad: two tomatoes, a lemon, olive oil, and some salt and pepper are left on each table for you to create your own little masterpiece. 

The restaurant is, after all, a mini portal into the South of France, where they stop and enjoy their food. And that’s the experience that’s being cultivated for you at LPM.

From the menu, the Yellowtail Carpaccio was an immediate favorite and delightfully light and airy. Ratatouille is always a personal favorite of mine and LPM’s was served with large chunks of cubed feta cheese to add a tangy flavor to the eggplant, zucchini, and peppers.

For your main dishes, you’ll do well to order the Grilled Filet Mignon with Sweet Harissa and Chimichurri Sauce and I also ordered a special dish for the night, which was Lobster with Fennel. 

That’s surf and turf LPM style, which is to say exquisite. The filet mignon was simply excellent and easily shared between two, while the lobster was artistically presented on a large platter with a side of fennel adding extra vibrancy to the dish.

 

There’s also a variety of vegetable sides on the menu, including the Broccolini with Chili and Ginger to add a little green to your plate.

Le Dessert Était Délicieux

You may as well say that the dessert’s delicious in French because whatever you order will indeed be merveilleux. I went for the Mousse Au Chocolat Chaud Et Glace À L’Orge, aka warm chocolate mousse with malt ice cream. Atop the mousse sat a little sliver of chocolate with the LPM logo for another sweet, decadent. and delicious little elegant touch.

I’ve also heard that their vanilla cheesecake with berry compote is also a fave. The diners at the table next to mine wanted to order a second serving of it. Perhaps next time! 

I did, however, get a sweet little chocolatey surprise that came with ordering a coffee during Miami Art Week. It was almost… almost… too pretty to eat the truffle with the design that mirrored the artist’s work.

Cheers!

Along with an extensive wine list, befitting of a French restaurant, there are a number of hand-crafted cocktails on the main menu, as well as a special cocktail menu for the holidays. 

I checked out the Madeline 1957 once I saw there was a little coconut to it. This was a cognac-based drink that is similar in taste to an old-fashioned one. It came with a little candied walnut atop the large ice cube.

This special cocktail menu also comes with a special little treat: order one of the drinks and you’ll receive a postcard that you can mail to anyone in the world. Just a fun, unique little touch that adds to the enjoyment.

Locations

Not in Miami or heading there soon? First off, reconsider because Miami is amazing.

But regardless, there are a few other locations around the world — including Vegas (because what hotspot isn’t?), as well as London, Mykonos, Hong Kong, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and more.