Semilla French & American Bistro Celebrates 12th Anniversary in Miami Beach

Semilla, the beloved French & American Bistro located on 1330 Alton Road in Miami Beach, is celebrating its twelfth anniversary this year. The local hotspot will mark the occasion with new offerings and seasonal menu items. 

In 2013, Parisian native Frederic Joulin, who has a history of helming the kitchen for French President Jacques Chirac and the three-star Michelin restaurant Guy Savoy in Paris, opened Semilla in Miami Beach and began serving a bistro-inspired menu. The restaurant’s name, the Spanish word for “seed,” was chosen by Joulin to represent his signature cuisine—a simple style of cooking that uses traditional techniques and basic ingredients to prepare dishes that change with the seasons to maintain freshness and keep customers motivated. 

“These changes also reflect the booming of Miami’s culinary landscape,” says Joulin, who operates the restaurant with his wife, Letitia Joulin. “Year after year, we have evolved with the city in terms of its international community and the new flavors to which we are constantly introduced. In addition to our regular local clientele, we welcome guests from all over the world.” 

Semilla’s main offerings, notes Joulin, are staples of his native French cuisine, prepared at the restaurant’s central open kitchen by his brother-in-law, sous chef Florian Perraudin. These include Escargot Persilles in bone marrow; Homemade Foie Gras Terrine with black pepper and fig jam; and a Gruyère-laden onion soup, along with Classic Steak New York Au Poivre, accompanied by French fries and peppercorn sauce; and Mussels Mariniere bathed in white wine sauce with shallots, onions, and parsley. Amongst the shareable desserts are the luscious Chocolate Mousse and the Profiteroles, served with vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate sauce. 

As for American-inspired fare, the restaurant serves dishes such as French Wagyu Cheeseburger with Swiss cheese and tartar sauce; a main course of Half-Roasted Organic Chicken bathed in sauce “à la diable;” and Arborio Risotto, mixed with crab and asparagus. An offering of Mediterranean Grilled Octopus is also on the menu, topped here with butter beans, chorizo ragout, and smoked paprika.

One of the most popular destinations for happy hour in Miami Beach, Semilla’s beverage program features wine, cocktails, and champagne. On Wednesdays, guests flock to the restaurant for its special promotion of $1 oysters. 

Semilla is known among locals for its artsy European decor and high-spirited atmosphere. The 70-seat restaurant is gently lit by rattan pendant lighting, decked with booths under wall mirrors, vintage art, and black and white posters. There’s a wine cellar where more than a hundred French and American varietals are stored, and an open kitchen surrounded by a centerpiece wraparound bar where Joulin can be found daily, greeting guests and overseeing the operations. The business, he notes, means a lot to him and his family, who have been Miami residents for the past 20 years. 

“Since the beginning, we have aimed at building customer loyalty. Our guests enjoy the high quality and consistency of Semilla, and they feel like a “regular” here. Running a restaurant in Miami Beach for all this time would not be possible without the great support we receive from our clientele, and that is something that we cherish and truly appreciate.