All Reviews
Casey Alexx
2 months agoWent here for the first time on Valentine’s Day and can say confidently be back again soon! The food was incredible and they had a fantastic wine selection. I recommend this for anyone looking for a date night or a girls’ dinner. You have to get the croquetas with black truffle honey, as well as the burrata.
Mechelle Finch
2 months agoSome friends and I were celebrating a birthday and we decided to try out The Grape Ape. We'll it was the best idea. We of course had a reservation and arrived about 5 minutes prior and they were preparing our table. The restaurant is interesting and the wine selection is large. Lots of choices. We were seated and out server was Dominic. Very pleasant and friendly. He helped us with the choices, which were all great suggestions. We ordered all apps, wine and I ordered white sangria. The sangria was made with what seamed to be canned fruit cocktail. The drink was good but I wasn't a fan of the fruit they used. See pics of what we ordered. The wayermelon ceviche was different and delicious. The wagyu stuffed dumplings were also a great tasty dish. The person with the ape mask on singing was a restaurant stopper. Everyone was enjoying the birthday song
Carlos Parra
5 months agoLet me start by saying that even though we had a reservation, we waited 28 minutes for our table, so as you can imagine, we started off on the wrong foot. Fortunately, Dominic was our server, and I can honestly say he saved the night. He was friendly, fast, and straight to the point. The food was good overall, with the exception of the croquetas, which arrived frozen inside. Everything else was quite enjoyable. We tried the gyozas, plantains with bacon, grilled cheese, and the local burrata, which is a musttry. Just because of Dominic’s excellent service, I’m willing to give them a second chance. And don’t skip dessert the chocolate cake with caramel is something you absolutely have to try.
Gil Rodriguez
5 months ago5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Grape Ape is hands-down one of the best spots in South Miami. I've been here twice, and everything on the menu is straight fire. The flavors, presentation, and vibe all hit just right. On top of that, the wine selection is massive—something for every taste and occasion. The servers are amazing, super attentive, and always on point. This place has instantly become a go-to for great food, great wine, and a great time. Highly recommend!
Marlene Herrera
7 months agoI really wanted to love the Great Ape as I try to support local restaurants whenever I can. Unfortunately, the experience fell short and left me disappointed. While the service was friendly, both the pacing and quality of the food missed the mark. They offer a solid wine selection, but the majority of bottles are priced at $50+ with markups that feel excessive. We ordered a bottle, but it was still chilling when all four appetizers arrived within just five minutes of ordering — leaving us without wine to pair with the food. Croquettes & yuca bravas- Delicious and well-prepared. Tartar with plantains - Overly salty and overwhelmed by lime, which clashed with the plantains. Vaca frita bao - Flavorless, with an odd consistency — it honestly felt like biting into a veggie patty. After the appetizers, we waited nearly 40 minutes for our single steak entrée to share. The restaurant wasn’t full (it was a rainy Saturday), so the delay was confusing. When the steak finally arrived, it was cold and cooked rare instead of the medium we ordered. We could have sent it back, but didn’t want to wait another stretch of time. Our bill — one discounted bottle of wine, four small appetizers, and one steak — came to $160 before tip. I’ve had far better meals in Spain for a fraction of the cost. The concept seems aimed at bringing Spanish lifestyle and cuisine to South Miami, but it felt more like another Wynwood-style, Instagram-friendly spot with NFT ape art on the walls. I appreciate the effort and the friendly staff, but the food lacked consistency, the pacing was off, and the overall experience just didn’t have much soul. Unfortunately, I can’t say I’d return — there’s still plenty of work to be done.
Amanda Magistad
10 months agoWe were excited to try The Grape Ape, especially as fans of Chef Rapicavoli’s other restaurants. The service was friendly and attentive, and the ambiance had a lively energy—though on the louder side. Unfortunately, the food didn’t meet expectations. Of the small plates, the ceviche was overwhelmed by cilantro and lime, masking any delicate flavors of the fish. The gyoza were our least favorite—rubbery in texture and with a filling that tasted like it had been previously frozen. It felt more reheated than freshly made. The burrata was the highlight of the small plates, though it had very little stracciatella inside. The bread it came with, however, was excellent. The steak frites was a letdown. The fries were unsalted and tasted stale, while the steak itself lacked seasoning and depth of flavor. Overall, while the service and vibe were solid, the food missed the mark. We really enjoy Chef Rapicavoli’s other spots, so this was a disappointing experience.
Briana Alvarez
11 months agoI recently celebrated my birthday at the grape ape and I cannot rave enough about the team. They truly did their best in accomodating my large party from the initial reservation, Galiana, was so friendly and helpful in organizing the event. Our hostess was also wonderful in accommodating our group inside since it was pouring rain!! I loved all the staff from the hostess to bartender and our server Sophie was just the best. She recommended an incredible wine based on my preferences - thank you sophie for the best recs! The grape ape has great atmosphere, wine selections, and staff - live music was also a nice touch. For sure will be going again. 💜
Brian Cee
a year agoIf you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, look no further than The Grape Ape. From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed by a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the perfect tone for an exceptional meal. I had the pleasure of indulging in the majority of their menu, and I can confidently say that every single dish was a masterpiece. From beautifully plated appetizers to mouthwatering entrées and decadent desserts, The Grape Ape delivers on every level. The flavors were bold yet balanced, showcasing the chef’s expertise and passion for fine cuisine. Pairing these incredible dishes with their spectacular wine selection took the experience to another level. Their curated list features an impressive range of wines, perfectly complementing the menu and elevating each bite. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a wine lover, or simply someone who appreciates a fantastic restaurant, The Grape Ape is a must-visit. Impeccable service, an inviting atmosphere, and top-tier cuisine make this spot an absolute standout. I can’t wait to return!