Pointed Magazine

Ocean Drive is the easternmost street in South Beach, and stems from south of First to 16th Street, running in a north-south direction. While being home to Opium Garden and Nikki Beach, two famous, yet predominantly local night spots, it is a popular Spring Break and tourist area. It is home to several popular restaurants (including the popularized by MTV "Clevelander" and "Mango's.") More importantly, 510 Ocean restaurant which fully delivers on providing South Beach visitors an experience they will never forget.

Most people visiting South Beach looking to eat will walk down the densely populated Ocean drive starting somewhere near Versace’s mansion on 16th street down to 1st. That walk will subject you to a variety of street side restaurants with aggressive hostess’ boasting their great location and people frenzied environments with whopping 50% off discounted meals……Once you have passed your last bargain restaurant you should be standing almost directly in front of the Bentley Hotel and voila you have arrived to cuisine bliss. Step inside for you are about to experience a sensory overload.

First of all, we were received with a warm greeting by the hostess upon arrival. The décor of the restaurant gracefully unravels itself as you walk past the main bar on your left and are taken to your table. In our case we were given a wonderful table in the rear right of the restaurant. The section had more of a VIP section feel than that of a table for dinner.

As we gazed at the glowing amber column in the center of the room, we became pre-occupied with the back-lit bar and candles, marble and light views and then the hand painted portraits of well known celebrities such as Little John, Mick Jagger and Sting. We must admit the overall vibe of 510 Ocean was very true to the South Beach aura you would expect which to us was an extended version of a feel we all love.

We encourage making an effort to try out some, if not most of the signature cocktails, preferrably the Key West Martini at 510’s intimate bar area that lines the wall in the main dining area. They will gladly make any version of cocktail you like if signature is not your thing… it is South Beach after all..

After dinner on the weekend, check out the chiq lounge that 510 turns into at 10:30pm. Outside the patio gives 510's patrons a chance to feel the South Beach night breeze that everyone loves.

The design and quality of the food on the menu was masterly designed by Guily Booth who took the helm at 510 in September. Obviously, she is a chef with true vision for food and a well thought out strategy for delivery and presentation.

For starters we tested the menu’s appetizers starting with a specially made salad consisting of mixed greens, arugula, shrimp and tantalizing citrus vinaigrette. Trust us when we say the salads are amazing.

Next we tested the Gazpacho Ceviche, wow, this was absolutely marvelous loaded with lobster, shrimp, calamari and scallops with just the right amount of lemon juice to accent the meat and just melts in your mouth. Next, we inhaled the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Ahi Tuna Sashimi and Panko-Crusted Goat cheese which seemed to disappear amongst the staff in the 3 minutes I spent washing my hands in the restroom…..lesson here? Don’t run to the bathroom when the appetizers show up.

The entrée’s were truly mouth watering, as they brought out the Filet au Poivre included with horseradish mash, garlic asparagus and brandy peppercorn sauce, I personally didn’t want to share this entree, however, I remember we were there for the review and conceded to allow others to try. And then, there it was, the Blackened Mahi-Mahi with coconut sweet potato puree, pineapple rum pico de gallo that truly won us over. We really couldn’t make up our minds whether the Lava Grilled Atlantic Salmon loaded with Israeli couscous, heirloom tomato infusion and chive oil was best or should we just stay in awe of the Crispy Chicken Madison.

After dinner, why not finish it off with a homemade dessert such as the Key Lime Pie or the Pecan Pie. Both options will leave you asking for more.

Honestly speaking, the entire experience whether it be food, design, service or music reminded us of last time we bought a cd and insanely enough loved every track on the album. We were just blown away as you will be when you frequent this diamond of a restaurant in the heart of South Beach. Be for-warned, dress in your best duds as you may never know who you might be sitting next to in this Mecca of style, taste and first class service.

While we weren’t able to sit in the tropical garden section of the restaurant we did sneak a peak and when available this particular room provides for even more mystique and enjoyable eye candy environment for your dining pleasure. Oh and don’t be surprised if during your evening they mix up the sounds with a insanely eclectic mixture of talent such as one second your listening to Audioslave “like a stone” and next its Al Stewart “Year of the Cat” to Marvin Gaye….to who knows……you might just finish up your desserts to “Quiet Storm” by Mobb Deep.

Bottom Line is….. this place is Attitude, Funk and Hip all wrapped up in one with a menu that will make a direct HIT to your palate and beyond………..but then again its also humble and detailed and if you’re there at the right time the owner/resident DJ Bryan Davis just might jump on the turn-tables and spin some records for you. Definitely, check this place out and tell them Pointed Magazine sent you. You can thank us later.

“Music makers break at 510 Ocean” OK magazine

When someone says, "Miami Beach" what most people see, if you were to close your eyes, at that moment is an image of Ocean Drive. It's how Miami Beach and South Beach are presented all over the world. Ocean Drive is an ABSOLUTE MUST see along with our most recent finding of the incredible 510 Ocean restaurant… nestled in the belly of one of South Beach’s most luxurious Hotels the Bentley Hotel!