Widely adored for its offering of street food and live music, Miami Marketta has just raised the bar with its newest addition – Mona Lisa’s Lair. Opening its doors on Friday March 14, this French-inspired hideaway brings a dash of Parisian sophistication to the venue, offering a unique a la carte dining experience with a side of glamour.
Tucked away behind the stained-glass windows at the entrance of Miami Marketta is where you’ll find Mona Lisa’s Lair – a chic, champagne-style hideaway where Parisian charm meets laid-back Gold Coast vibes. As you step inside, the space immediately transports you to another world, with candlelit settings, plush velvet seating and walls (and floor) adorned with eclectic artwork. It’s an intimate escape that feels worlds apart from the usual Miami Marketta hustle and bustle.
Unlike the rest of Marketta, where long tables converge and food is served takeaway style, Mona Lisa’s Lair offers the venue’s first 18+ space, providing a sophisticated retreat for those seeking a more refined experience. Here, you can indulge in a French-inspired menu, sip champagne and soak in the sounds of French classical music that envelopes you from all directions.
The menu, crafted by chef Tom Kirby – whose culinary journey includes stints at Tamar Valley’s Evenfall Wines, Quamby Estate and Hazelbrae – is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The fondue tart is a creamy, gooey dream, combining three-cheese and white-wine fondue in a crisp tart shell, perfectly paired with garlic roast mushrooms and sourdough croutes. Then there’s the coq au vin blanc, with confit truffled chicken maryland served alongside leek, pork and white-bean cassoulet, but it’s the pork and apple crumble that steals the show – tender pork belly topped with toasted marshmallow, burnt-apple jam, poached rhubarb, macadamia and almond crumble, and a spicy kick of fermented chilli sauce.
Whether you’re after a romantic night out or a special celebration, Mona Lisa’s Lair offers the perfect setting. The first and only 18+ child-free space within Marketta, it’s an elegant escape designed for those who want to indulge.
Mona Lisa’s Lair also doubles as a stunning venue for private events, providing a unique and sophisticated backdrop for any occasion. Open from 5:00 pm Wednesday to Saturday, it’s the ideal spot for a memorable night out, perfectly in sync with Marketta’s vibrant atmosphere. Head to The Directory for reservations.
Exterior image credit: Emily Halloran