M-Bar

Not too impressed by the quality of the cocktails. We had two, they were very expensive and the first one was tasteless, watered down. We got the waiter's attention and they gave us another now, which was better, but still...not good.

We were there around 6 p.m. and the place was empty; the best thing was the view of the bay from the window, it was great especially when the sky started to get an orange-ish tone..

Well, it was a quick stop (we were waiting to go to Azul for Miami Spice), but for those prices I expect cocktails of much better quality.

Based on this first experience I wouldn't go back on purpose for a drink.

I didn't have anywhere near the same experience as people on here.

Venue -  This isn't a restaurant. At least not if you're sitting inside. The bar is basically open space in the middle of the hotel. Has some nice views but they are behind framed glass.

Food - Sushi was great. A bit overpriced though. But I had no complaints about the quality of the food.

Service - Bad. The waitress came and took our plates and we didn't see her again for about 20 mins. Had to flag another waiter down to pay the bill. Also the valet took forever. Paying $12 for parking and then waiting 12+ minutes in the cold for the valet to get your car is just not acceptable. If you're going to charge a lot per hour  for valet, you should be adequately staffed to make it 100% seamless and without wait.

We came here when I was looking for a place with a great view and WOW! We were NOT disappointed! The view of the Miami skyline from this bar is beautiful. I'd also read here on Yelp about the huge martini list and being that I'm a big martini lover, I was a bit sad that they have since gotten rid of the 250 list and have reduced it down to about 7-8 martinis total. Oh well, the view is worth the visit alone.

That being said, on a gorgeous night, you can sit on the deck, enjoy your cocktail and take in the surroundings and its surprisingly very quiet. My friend and I ordered pork dumplings and two sushi rolls which was unfortunately, not very good. I have to say we were shocked being at a Mandarin Oriental. The pork dumplings were tough and flavorless. And the sushi, The Lobster Roll in particular which I believe was $30, was not appetizing. I love sushi, A LOT, but couldn't finish this roll because the flavor was just off. We also had a tuna roll which was also uneventful. But again, we felt we were paying for a view and that alone will bring me back when I'm in MIA. Dumplings, two rolls and 4 martinis totaled about $165.00. But did I mention the view??

Also, gone is the $30 valet parking because if you eat in the restaurant or bar and they validate your tix, its only $13 to park.

One thing I must point out is the service. At Mandarin Oriental, in the bar, the lobby, the valet...wow! Consistently excellent service. Everyone is helpful and friendly and has an innate desire to please. THAT'S what a great hotel is known for and you certainly experience it here. And did I mention the view??