What type of cuisine does COTOA serve?

COTOA serves Ecuadorian cuisine that blends traditional recipes with global cooking techniques, featuring dishes like ceviche, pan de yuca, humita, and cangrejada.

Does COTOA take reservations?

Yes, reservations are required at COTOA and are handled through SevenRooms, since the restaurant has very limited seating.

What are COTOA's hours?

COTOA is closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 9 PM, Friday 5:30 to 9:30 PM, Saturday 1 to 9 PM, and Sunday 1 to 8:30 PM.

Does COTOA have a Michelin star?

COTOA holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction and is recognized as the first Ecuadorian restaurant in the U.S. included in the Michelin Guide.

Who is the chef at COTOA?

COTOA is led by Chef Alejandra Espinoza, who also co-owns the restaurant Somos in Quito, Ecuador.

Where is COTOA located?

COTOA is located at 12475 NE 6th Ct in North Miami, Florida.

Is COTOA wheelchair accessible?

Yes, COTOA has a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating.

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COTOA Restaurant

Make a Reservation

9.0

12475 NE 6th Ct, North Miami, FL 33161, USA

ClosedOpens Fri 12:30 PM$$$$31-50 per person

Michelin-recognized Ecuadorian cuisine from Chef Alejandra Espinoza in North Miami

Fine Dining$$$Bib Gourmand10th place, Best New Restaurants 2025Travelers' Choice

About COTOA Restaurant

COTOA brings the bold flavors of Ecuador to North Miami, blending traditional recipes passed down through Chef Alejandra Espinoza's family with modern techniques. The intimate, small dining room centers on dishes like pan de yuca, ceviche de camarones, cangrejada con patacón, and humita de la abuelita with smoked palo santo butter.

COTOA holds the distinction of being the first Ecuadorian restaurant in the U.S.

included in the Michelin Guide, and has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking. Expect a cozy, understated space where reservations are required given the limited seating, with dinner service Wednesday through Sunday and lunch on weekends.

Dishes often balance sweet, sour, and bitter notes built from Ecuadorian ingredients like tomate de árbol and lupin beans. Whether you're planning a date night or a celebration dinner, this North Miami gem delivers home-style warmth alongside serious culinary craft, drawing both longtime Ecuadorian food fans and first-timers curious about the cuisine.

Highlights

Date Night

Special Occasions

Local Favorite

Signature Pan de Yuca

Signature Humita de la Abuelita

Wheelchair Accessible

Wine List

Accessible Restroom

Dining Essentials

Dress Code

Smart Casual

Typical Visit

1.5-2 hours

Chef

Alejandra Espinoza

Make a Reservation

Verified

9.0

/10

Service

9.0

Ambience

8.0

Food Quality

10.0

Value for Money

7.0

Location

6.0

Score derived from 1,100+ public reviews

Scored on published criteria from real guest data. Ranks are never for sale. How we rank →

Buzzing

DaysWeekend

TimesPeak hours

Relaxed

DaysWeekdays

TimesOff-peak hours

Reservations are required. COTOA is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and lunch on Friday through Sunday. A typical dinner runs $31-50 per person. On-site parking is available.

Closed Opens Fri 12:30 PM

MondayClosed

TuesdayClosed

Wednesday5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Thursday5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Friday12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Saturday1:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Sunday1:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently praising the bold, inventive Ecuadorian flavors and attentive service, though a small number note that the restaurant's limited seating and reservation policies can be inflexible.

Food QualityServiceAtmosphere

The Experience

Cuisine

Peruvian Seafood

Amenities

Wheelchair AccessibleWine ListAccessible RestroomCredit Cards AcceptedBeer SelectionVegan OptionsCozyRomanticFree Wi-FiStreet ParkingReservations RequiredAccessible Parking

Meals

Lunch Dinner

Perfect For

Date Night Special Occasions Local Favorite First-Time Visitor Tourist Must-Visit Group Celebrations

Location

12475 NE 6th Ct, North Miami, FL 33161, USA

Reserve parking nearby Get a ride there

www.cotoa.rest

+1 (786) 328-1460

[email protected]

Social Media

Signature Dishes

Pan de Yuca

$12.00

Cassava cheese bread rolls served with mamey chutney, inspired by the traditional start to an Ecuadorian meal.

Humita de la Abuelita

$12.00

A cornbread loaf with smoked palo santo butter, based on the chef's grandmother's recipe.

Cassava Muchines

$14.00

Crunchy cassava croquettes served with cacao honey.

Cangrejada con Patacón

Blue crab prepared ceviche-style in a rich tomato base, served with cocolón, sweet plantains, and preserved black lemon.

Mahi Mahi Ceviche

Mahi mahi ceviche often served with a passion fruit sauce, frequently cited by guests as a standout.

Tonga de Langostinos Ecuatorianos

Grilled Ecuadorian langostinos served as a tonga-style dish.

Banana Rum Cake

A dessert frequently singled out by guests as a must-try finish to the meal.

What People Love

Food Quality: Guests repeatedly highlight the pan de yuca, mahi mahi ceviche, cangrejada, humita de la abuelita, and banana rum cake as standout dishes bursting with unique flavor combinations.

Service: The servers are frequently described as warm, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, often guiding first-time guests through unfamiliar Ecuadorian dishes.

Atmosphere: Guests describe the small, intimate dining room as cozy and welcoming, ideal for date nights and special celebrations despite its limited size.

Authenticity: Many guests, including those of Ecuadorian descent, note the food captures authentic home-cooked flavors while feeling creative and elevated.

Know Before You Go

Reservations are required and handled through SevenRooms; the dining room is small (around 10-15 tables), so booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
Free parking is available on-site.
Closed Monday and Tuesday; dinner service runs Wednesday through Sunday with lunch added Friday through Sunday.
The restaurant adheres closely to reservation times, so arriving on time is advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

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