From Fusion to Farm-to-Table: Miami’s New Restaurants Redefine Summer Dining
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Where should I eat now? A common query posed by Digest Miami, readers, friends, and family. And while the pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way the food business appears today, many new eateries have persisted. Over the past few months, Miami has welcomed a bevy of restaurant groups ready to make a splash in the Magic City. Here are our top 17 from July.
The New Schnitzel House
Gramps Wynwood's mastermind Adam Gersten has opened a new restaurant in Shorecrest called the New Schnitzel House, which pays homage to the original Schnitzel Haus. House-made pretzels with beer cheese and chicken schnitzel are among the menu items at this German-Miami fusion restaurant, which also has cocktails created by the talented Sara Ypsilanti. Paula Lemme combined Miami glitz and German Bauhaus minimalism in the 2,200 square foot space, which also features not one but two bars.
1085 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138
(305) 675-4287
Branja
Branja, the first U.S. restaurant by award-winning Israeli chef and winner of MasterChef Israel Tom Aviv, opened in Miami's Upper Buena Vista complex. It has an industrial, retro vibe and serves food that reflects Aviv's Israeli heritage. Fishwarma, a dish made with a spicy fish mix that resembles shawarma, and Krouv (cabbage), which resembles slow-cooked short rib, are two examples of the restaurant's creative interpretations of traditional dishes. For a taste of old Miami, reserve a spot at the Chef's Table, which seats 12 and is crafted from the historic bar that once graced the Florida Room of the Delano Hotel and was designed by Lenny Kravitz.
5010 NE 2nd Ave Unit 201, Miami, FL 33137
(786) 765-5555
Tablé by Antonio Bachour
Table by Bachour is an all-day modern French brasserie opened by Antonio Bachour, the celebrated pastry chef behind the Bachour cafes in South Florida. Will Crandall is in charge of the cuisine, where specialties like steak frites, fried artichokes, and the simple but exquisite caviar and chips can be found on the breakfast, lunch, supper, and weekend brunch menus. The interior and exterior were created by Jorge Gonzalez and Vertical Design Studio, respectively, and feature a plethora of wine and champagne, custom artwork, and comfortable seating options.
180 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137
(786) 842-0551
Maty's
Maty's, Val Chang's first solo initiative, is a restaurant in Miami's Midtown that serves Peruvian food with a modern twist. Black grouper ceviche with torrejitas de choclo, lamb seco stew with cilantro and squash, and wagyu oxtail saltado stir fry with habanero, cherry tomato, and red onion are just some of the items that will be available at Chang's grandmother's restaurant, which will be opening soon and is named after her. Maty's has space for up to 150 diners inside and out, and their vast beverage menu is sure to please.
3255 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Pastis Miami
Pastis, the famed Parisian brasserie that played a role in the resurgence of Manhattan's Meatpacking District, has opened a second location in Miami's Wynwood district. This Parisian-style restaurant, brought to us by James Beard Award-winning chefs Keith McNally and Stephen Starr, has a famous clientele and a pleasant environment similar to the NYC original, with the addition of an outside garden and courtyard. French onion soup and steak frites await you, along with a raw bar and a great collection of French wines. Cocktails with a Mediterranean twist are the perfect ending to a delicious meal.
380 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127
(305) 686-3050
Giselle Miami
E11even, the city's most popular 24-hour "ultra club," has expanded to include an Asian, Mediterranean, and French fusion rooftop restaurant and lounge. Truffle toast, pig ribs, Chilean sea bass, filet mignon, and a flaming lobster thermidor are just some of the luxurious items on the menu at this Miami restaurant with a rooftop patio overlooking Downtown. If you still can't make up your mind, we offer a tasting menu with six courses.
15 NE 11th St, Miami, FL 33132
(305) 358-9848
News Cafe
Reopening in its former South Beach site after closing during the pandemic, the News Cafe is now managed by Vida & Estilo Restaurant Group with Goldman Properties as a developer partner. Henry Hane, the restaurant's executive chef, has designed a Mediterranean-American menu that has updated versions of New Cafe standards like Tony's tomato soup and tuna melt in addition to more exotic items like pina colada pancakes and a red wine demi burger. The interior still features images of '90s icons like Versace and Goldman, while the exterior features the same green awning and namesake newsstand.
800 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
(786) 644-6061
Julia & Henry's
The seven-story, 26-stall Julia & Henry's Food Hall has opened in the heart of Downtown Miami. Location: a classic structure from 1936. There's a vast variety of restaurants to choose from, from Michelin-starred Japanese to James Beard Award–winning fried chicken by Michelle Bernstein. The building, which bears the names of Miami's pioneers, houses a wine bar, craft beer market, speakeasy bar, play area for kids, and, soon, a rooftop terrace with views of the city.
200 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131
The Henry
Sam Fox, a restaurateur who has been nominated eleven times for a James Beard Award, has opened the first Florida outpost of the Henry, an all-day American restaurant and bar, in Miami's Brickell City Centre. Short-rib potstickers, pretzels with cheese sauce, spicy tuna rice, and lobster and truffle spaghetti are just some of the delicacies on the menu at Orlando Arroyo's helm. There is seating for 260 people in a chic setting, a lively bar with an extensive drink menu, and a ventanita' that opens at 7 in the morning and serves coffee and pastries.
701 S Miami Ave Ste 131-B, Miami, FL 33131
(786) 471-0070
Zeru Miami
In Brickell, Florida, you can now dine at Zeru, a popular Basque restaurant from Mexico City. Specialties include roasted seasonal whole fish and Socarrat dishes made with slightly caramelized rice from the paella pan mixed with king crab and Japanese Kobe striploin, both of which are inspired by the seaside city of San Sebastian. The inside eating area at Zeru Miami is modern, with natural materials and a white and blue color scheme; it opens up to a terrace in the lush Miami outdoors.
1395 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
(786) 809-1395
SHINGO
Shingo Akikuni, a Michelin-starred chef who previously worked at Wynwood's Hiden, has opened his own restaurant in the historic La Palma building in Coral Gables. Traditional Japanese nigiri, seasonal sashimi, and Yakimono dishes are just a few of the 18 courses offered at this 14-seat omakase restaurant. Wine and sake pairings can be added on for $95, with the omakase costing $180 per person (before tax and tip).
112 Alhambra Cir, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Quinto
Quinto, a restaurant specializing in South American cuisine, has stunning views of the skyline in Downtown Miami. Open-fire food, welcoming service, and a unique blend of rustic charm and informal comfort have made Quinto at the EAST Miami Hotel in Brickell a local favorite. Brunch de Barrio, Quinto's updated twist on traditional street food, will make its premiere on Sunday, July 16.
The Latin American "barrios" are the focus of Brunch de Barrio. A stroll with loved ones across uncharted territory in search of local specialties. The goal of this gourmet adventure is to create unforgettable experiences with food and wine.
788 Brickell Plaza Miami, FL 33131 at East Miami
Koko by Bakan
The newest restaurant from Grupo Bakan, KoKo by Bakan, has opened in Coconut Grove. Nixtamal is used to make fresh tortillas every day, and the restaurant's wood-burning grill and rotisserie are featured, along with more than 400 different types of mezcal and tequila to enjoy with your meal. The 6,000 square foot area is decorated with natural fabric light fixtures from different regions of Mexico, as well as paintings and colorful folk art sculptures.
2856 Tigertail Ave, Miami, FL 33133
(305) 349-3909
