Photo by Anna Cardenas
Audio By Carbonatix
Tucked behind a modest facade just off Coral Way and 27th Avenue, a tiny new restaurant and wine bar might be one of the coolest restaurant openings of the year. The new restaurant, To Be Determined, is already turning heads just three months into its run. With a name as ambiguous as the dishes are surprising, this new culinary hideaway embraces change as its core identity.
The moment you walk through the door, the concept of the spot hits you. The front bar area is intimate and casual, with just a few tables. But then, you’re guided into a second space: a cozy, low-lit dining room that sets the tone for what feels less like dinner and more like a secret performance.
Chefs Johnny Delgado and Richard Ortega are at the helm, running a seasonal kitchen with a rebellious spirit. The menu changes every two weeks, hence the name, keeping people on their toes.
The scallop crudo was a standout at To Be Determined
Photo by Anna Cardenas
What We Ordered (Go For The Flan and Crudo)
On a recent visit, we tried nearly every item on the intentionally petite menu. The scallop crudo was a standout – delicate, clean, and artfully plated. The ribeye? Perfectly cooked and boldly seasoned. There’s also a great curated wine list to match the ever-shifting menu.
We tried a unique dish with octopus and pork belly, which sounds like an insane combination, but it was so delicious. We also had the lump crab cavatelli, which was a texture bomb in your mouth, and the bread served in a cast iron skillet with a house-made butter was divine.
Oh, and for those taking notes, you can’t miss the flan. It was a great take on flan because it was creamy and smooth, but not too sweet like most flans that you find at Cuban restaurants around Miami. Truly a delight.
We loved the special butter that comes with the bread
Photo by Anna Cardenas
How This Spot Will Evolve is To Be Determined
Of course, like any new restaurant, To Be Determined is still smoothing out a few edges, but that’s also part of its charm. It’s a place that invites you into its process, not just its product. It’s not polished to perfection yet, but it’s real and evolving.
Whether you’re out on a date or grabbing dinner with a fellow foodie, this is a spot for people who want more than just a meal. It’s a place to talk about what you’re tasting and to guess what might come next.
So, buckle up and enjoy the ride. At To Be Determined, nothing stays the same – and that’s exactly the point.
To Be Determined. 240 SW 32nd Ave, Miami; 305-747-3661; tobe-determined.com.