Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt
Unsuspectingly nestled in Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, the largest wellness facility on the East Coast, Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt is a retreat all its own. Opened in December 2022, the elegant eatery is the brainchild of German-bred chef, global culinary consultant and entrepreneur Tristan Brandt. Since its debut, the restaurant has carved a distinct niche for its modern-classic French cuisine with bright, periodic pops of Asian influence.
The entrance to Tambourine Room is tucked off the hotel’s principal bar and American restaurant, The Strand at Carillon Miami. A staff member grants you access to the room via key card and through a light-colored wood door you go. Inside, you’ll find 18 total seats within the contemporary space, with pops of blue and uber-cushiony blue seating amid various layers of soft browns. There is a halo-like, modern light fixture composed of four circles as well as a wall of brick-configured mirrors.
Otherwise, the focal point here is on the seasonally driven tasting menus. Presented Wednesday through Sunday, 10-course expeditions may include a beef tartare tucked under a snug blanket of caviar with kimizu, a whipped crème fraîche and sourdough chips or Hudson Valley duck accompanied by butternut squash.
- The kitchen switches things up approximately every three to four months, so don’t count on a favorite being a menu throughline from season to season. In fact, only one “dish” has been a constant — housemade candied walnuts to help cleanse diners’ palates during one of the multi-bite-filled courses.
- An evening at Tambourine Room is filled with surprises. Count on a couple of whimsical creations from the chef, including an amuse-bouche, perhaps a housemade whiskey sour or a dessert-before-dessert.
- Wine pairings are available for the 10-course experience, spanning the red, white and bubbly spectrums. The elegant glassware and popping gold and silver-hued cutlery only add to the vibe.
- Service at the Miami Beach restaurant includes a hearty explanation of each dish (and wine, if applicable) that extends well beyond details left with diners on the table. A rare find for any restaurant and a testament to the Tambourine Room team’s cohesion, the name of every staff member — from hostess to chef de cuisine — is printed on the back of the menu.
- The majority of tables here are two-seaters, though the space is configurable for larger groups. The restaurant has been known to host private events during some of Miami’s buzziest weeks — e.g., Art Basel — as well.
- While there is no formal dress code at Tambourine Room, opt for smart casual at a minimum. Being such an intimate and sleek spot that visibly hosts romantic date nights and special occasions/birthdays, you’ll want to mesh with the ambiance.
- Reservations are available the first of each month for that month and the following one.
- In the 1950s, a speakeasy called Tambourine Lounge occupied the same space. Its current name pays homage to that bar.
Business casual
Dinner
Private dining
Reservations required 
Valet parking
Vegetarian options
