As much as I love the new, hip, “see and be seen” spots all over our gorgeous city, it’s always nice to have the unknown, hidden, quiet spots under your belt as well.  That’s where Lekoke Wine & Bites on Calle Ocho comes into play.  A quiet unassuming wine bar with fresh homemade tapas is the perfect way to celebrate #WineWednesday or really any day for that matter.

The walls are lined with unique décor and rows and rows of wine.  All price points and varieties can be found here, there’s something to make every wine lover happy as well as making a wine novice a pro. Owners Laura and Ronald were aware that many local Little Havana Miamians are more drawn to beers and hard liquors and wanted to find a way to make them aware of the wonderful wine options that are available in our community.  Lekoke was inspired by Ronald’s nickname, Koko – the ‘Le’ was added to give it a French feel because they wanted to create the allusion that you aren’t on just Calle 8 but somewhere diverse and upscale.  They wanted to be part of the modernization and expansion of the well-known Little Havana area.   

When you go to Lekoke (notice it’s not an IF, because you MUST go) make sure you order the Empanadillas.  These babies are filled with ham, cheese, and chorizo and are wrapped in the fluffiest puffiest pastry I’ve ever had, and served with a tangy chimichurri on the side.  I was absolutely heartbroken when they were gone.  The Caprese Salad is a classic done right and is never one to miss.  

Everywhere I go, I always look for some kind of Miami flare and at Lekoke you can find it in the Kokito Tostone topped with vaca frita that’s been slow roasted for at least six hours.  Perfectly salted and crispy, piled high with vaca frita, a hint of cheese and fresh pico de gallo.  I recommend two orders per table!  I know it’s a tapas bar but Lekoke is going above and beyond with their Seafood Pasta.  Packed with tons of shrimp and scallops and oozing creamy garlic sauce, I was thrilled it arrive in the biggest pan imaginable – it took up almost the entire table, which was fine with me because if I could have had it my way I would have eaten it straight out of the pan.  Don’t forget to save room for the Flan, it is creamy and just as inviting as any you’d find in your Abuela’s kitchen.

Of course the wine was flowing throughout dinner, always a favorite for me!  Lekoke isn’t officially participating in Miami Spice, but they’re doing something better – 3 courses $45, with wine pairings included.  An extra $6 on top of Miami Spice and you get 3 glasses of wine?!  That’s obviously a no brainer.  This quaint little spot is a nice hideaway that I almost hate the idea of telling people about because I would love to keep it to myself, but it’s just not fair to deprive the world of such a wonderful simple night out.  Lekoke Wine and Bites is open Tuesday – Thursday 6-9pm, Friday – Saturday 6-12am, and closed Sunday and Monday.  Follow them on Instagram at: @lekoke1225 to keep updated any their future specials, because I’m sure we can expect great things from Ronald and Laura and Lekoke!

Lekoke Wine & Bites

1225 SW 8th St.

Miami FL

(305) 848-5656