Mehzcla, the Latin American-inspired restaurant at The Balfour Hotel, managed by Highgate, is introducing a new daily brunch and dinner menu on June 9, just in time for summer. A play on the Spanish word for “mixture,” Mehzcla unifies the Latin American influences found throughout the hotel with exotic Latin recipes and ingredients in tribute to the property’s Miami Beach heritage. Brunch will be served daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; dinner is from 5-10 p.m. 

Just one block from the beach, The Balfour Hotel is a historic art deco gem in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth area, offering a relaxing, friendly neighborhood oasis just steps from the hustle and bustle of South Beach. The hotel’s open, palm tree-lined courtyard connects its two buildings with an alfresco space for Mehzcla patrons to dine and mingle among lush banana groves, fresh orchids and views of the hotel’s plunge pool through a picturesque glass window. 

For brunch, new menu items include Salmon Benedict ($21), smoked salmon served on an English muffin with hollandaise sauce and chives, and Miami Benedict ($21), a South Florida spin on the classic dish paired with Cuban toast and tangy mojo pork in a cilantro hollandaise sauce. Brunch enthusiasts can also savor classic Chicken and Waffles ($21), crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles and sweet potatoes and drizzled with hot honey, and Mojo Pork Hash ($18), a savory mix of Mehzcla’s mojo pork served with potatoes, onions, peppers and poached eggs. Vegans and vegetarians will love the Cauliflower Power Bowl ($18), made with roasted cauliflower, ancient grains, Tuscan kale and calabaza in green goddess dressing, or Tofu Perico ($14), scrambled tofu with green onions, sweet onions, Roma tomato, crispy fingerlings and guasacaca. 

Additionally, guests at Mehzcla can enjoy a variety of new plates on the dinner menu, including the Que Fancy Fries ($15), a plate of shoestring French fries topped with bowfin caviar, salmon roe and crema and garnished with chives; Jalea Mixta ($18), a combination of Key West shrimp, squid and yuquitas with a criolla and aji-mayo sauce; or Pork Belly ($15), served with sweet plantain fufu, salsa criolla and pickled red onions. The restaurant is also introducing the Caribbean Cobb Salad ($19), made with crisp iceberg lettuce, roasted corn, red peppers, black beans, heirloom baby tomatoes, pickled red onions, maduros and queso fresco with green goddess dressing.

For the main course, guests can indulge in plates such as the Smash Frita Burger ($18), an Angus blend patty on a brioche bun topped with aged cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onions, Awesome Sauce and optional fried egg (a Caballo); Caderas ($15), cilantro-lime chicken thigh pinchos with bitter greens and paprika roasted fingerlings; or Whole Florida Snapper (market price), accompanied by tostones, fresh avocado, tomato, pickled onions and salsa verde. 

“These new menus combine our love of food and our appreciation for Latin American culture and its influence on Miami Beach,” says Regional Director of Food and Beverage Gabriel Rivera. “We’re excited to debut our daily brunch menu to both guests and locals hoping to experience the city’s multicultural food scene. We are proud to offer a culinary destination that is globally influenced in the most authentic way possible.” 

The Balfour Hotel’s nod to Latin America is found throughout Mehzcla’s design. Diners enter the restaurant through a wrap-around terrace with ample outdoor seating overlooking scenic Ocean Drive. The dining room is centered around the historic building’s original marble fireplace, featuring terrazzo flooring and an inviting lobby bar with a classic cocktail program. Serving as the hotel’s social hub, this space celebrates Miami’s diverse cultural scene with its plush rattan furniture, pops of tropical prints and warm hues. 

Mehzcla is located at The Balfour Hotel at 350 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. It is open every day for brunch from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner from 5-10 p.m. For reservations, visit Seven Rooms or call 305.538.1055. For more information, visit thebalfourmiamibeach.com/dining or follow @BalfourHotel on Instagram.