Mauro D.
Yelp
Strolling down Española Way and leaving behind the buzz and typical tourist traps, there's a hidden corner waiting to be discovered, a place that, despite having been there for quite some time, remains a well-kept secret among locals who appreciate its unmistakable European charm. We're talking about the magnifique French gem: À la Folie Café.
The setting radiates a bohemian Parisian spirit, with vintage posters, antique mirrors on the walls, and both café and bar-style seating. Its unpretentious and cozy decor reflects the welcoming, homey nature of the place, truly the essence of la vie parisienne. The bistro-style terrace, with its wicker chairs and wooden tables, invites both locals and visitors to linger and enjoy a peaceful afternoon, especially while the Miami summer weather allows.
We visited early in the evening to catch their dinner menu, but you could still catch traces of the day's earlier offerings: the rich aroma of café crème, freshly baked croissants au beurre, and perhaps even a warm fruit tarte wafting in the air. Upon arrival, our friendly and charming waiter, welcomed us and led us to a quiet table in the floral side garden. The ambiance felt perfectly balanced: enough city buzz to feel alive, yet secluded enough to relax and watch the world go by.
We began with Juan's recommendations, starting with the Plateau de Fromages -- a beautifully arranged cheese board featuring Roquefort and Camembert, accompanied by raisins, fresh fruit, walnuts, honey, and crisp toast. Paired with a chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, it was the perfect introduction to our French feast.
As a refreshing starter, the Salade Fraîcheur delivered the ideal balance for a humid Miami evening: juicy watermelon, creamy herb goat cheese, sweet grapes, cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, and a balsamic reduction that tied it all together. Light, vibrant, and satisfying.
We followed with a classic Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée, one of the few places in Miami that truly does it justice. The broth was deeply caramelized and aromatic, slow-simmered with sweet onions until velvety. Slices of toasted baguette soaked just enough to remain crisp around the edges sat beneath a generous layer of bubbling Gruyère, nutty, molten, and stretching luxuriously with each spoonful. So rich and comforting, it's worth ordering even in the Miami heat.
All starters were accompanied by warm, freshly baked baguette, golden with a crisp crust and tapered ends, perfect for pairing with the house-made, pale golden butter that spread effortlessly and melted into each bite.
For the main course, we had the Beef Medallions with Roquefort sauce, almonds, and green beans, a nod to classic French bistro fare. The tender medallions were enveloped in a velvety Roquefort sauce, marrying the boldness of blue cheese with delicate cream and a splash of wine. On the side, crisp haricots verts sautéed with toasted almonds added the perfect contrast. Personally, I would have preferred the meat just a touch more on the medium-rare side, but it still delivered a flavorful, authentically French experience.
We also tried the Crêpe Impériale, a rich combination of duck confit and truffle mushroom filling, all wrapped in a buttery, golden crêpe. Decadent and savory!
And of course, no visit would be complete without their version of the quintessential French dessert: Crème Brûlée. Its delicate custard base, infused with real vanilla bean and slow-baked au bain-marie, reached that ideal texture, silky, smooth, and barely set. A gentle crack of the spoon broke through the caramelized sugar top, revealing a creamy interior with just the right touch of sweetness. Sublime.
There's something undeniably relaxed yet refined about À la Folie. Whether you're journaling over a coffee, people-watching with a glass of wine, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this Parisian café captures the timeless charm of a city where every moment feels un peu cinématographique.
So go ahead....à la folie!, fall a little madly in love with it, just like we did.