"The exterior of the restaurant boasts a stunning view of Brickell Key and the cityscape, making it a picturesque spot right by the water. If you plan to sit outside, it's best to choose a warm evening, as the breeze from the water can get quite chilly. Inside, the décor features a modern style with clean lines, which complements the Japanese-inspired cuisine.
On my recent visit with my boyfriend’s family, we began with several appetizers: Steamed Edamame with Hawaiian sea salt—though it sounds fancy, it was similar to what you'd find at any Japanese restaurant, the Lotus Chicken Wraps, which were delicious and much better than the version from PF Chang’s, Te Corvina Ceviche, which wasn't to my taste but was enjoyed by others, and a selection of Dim Sum with chicken, vegetable, and beef (the beef was my favorite).
For my main course, I ordered the Korean-Style Kobe Skirt Steak in spicy brown sauce, which has quickly become my favorite dish here. However, I was disappointed that it arrived without any sides—just the steak on a plate. The brown sauce was tasty but not spicy at all, so I asked for a hot sauce, which they brought out to me—a delightful spicy condiment! If you enjoy spicy food, you must try their hot sauce; it’s fantastic!
On previous visits, I’ve also enjoyed the Chicken Pad Thai, which is quite good and notably light on oil (I can only imagine how delicious the hot sauce would be on this dish!). Additionally, I tried the Crispy Tamarind Chicken, which was tasty but very small. While it came with some mashed potatoes and string beans, it wasn’t filling, leaving me wanting more afterward, so it’s not something I would order again.
Overall, I like this restaurant, but I wouldn’t say I love it. The menu lacks inspiration and uniqueness; while the food is good, it's not exceptional. There’s no particular dish that I crave or feel I can't find elsewhere. Essentially, Café Sambal serves decent Japanese food, but it doesn't elevate the cuisine or offer any signature dishes that stand out. I find the restaurant to be overpriced for the average food it serves, and there are many other Japanese restaurants with reasonably priced menus offering similar options. The beautiful view is perhaps the most appealing aspect of Café Sambal—the food doesn’t quite measure up. While I would eat here again, it's not a place I'm eager to revisit. For more of my reviews, visit [hidden link]."
