My first night in Miami over the weekend was spent, blissfully watching the sun set over the city and attempting to catch up with girlfriends over the more-than-conversation level of DJ music at the Standard’s gorgeous outdoor bar. Restaurant ideas for dinner were tossed around and we all settled on Doa, the newest outpost of the restaurant group that also owns Zuma and Coya, both undeniably delicious.

I started with the most beautiful cocktail in all of the land. I forget the name of it now, but the gist of it is tequila and a bunch of rose petals. Basically, perfume. If I wasn’t going to have a romantic weekend, I would drink it.

We opted to skip the mains since we couldn’t agree on what to eat in a hot pot, and ate literally all of the apps instead. Here are the shrimp shumai.They were very large for shumai, also, quite delicious.

Then, there were the shredded duck bao buns with pickles. Is anything in a boa bun ever bad?

All the dumplings!

Not pictured is sushi, hamachi crudo, skewers of meat, and edamame. What is pictured is dulce de leche filled churros with cinnamon ice cream. The churros were a touch underdone, but the concept was basically mouth heaven.

Definitely give Dao a try before a nice night out on the beach. You can taste many options with the numerous small plates and the people watching is just out of this world. They have a cute patio as well, so you can be front and center on the Collins Avenue action. Afterward, be sure to walk across the street for a night cap in the beautiful courtyard bar of the Setai.

Photo courtesy of The Setai.

There, I just planned your date night. You’re welcome.