As a food enthusiast who has traveled far and wide, I must say that the culinary scene in Miami is nothing short of spectacular! From the innovative creations at Cartegena to the biophilic design and sustainable practices at 1 Hotel South Beach, each establishment offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
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The Greek-Mediterranean eatery named Gaia, which has earned fame among jetsetters and famous faces in Dubai, is set to debut in Miami’s South of Fifth district in February 2025. Surrounded by buzzing venues like Carbone, Joe’s Stone Crab, Stubborn Seed, Catch, and Papi Steak, this will be Gaia’s first venture into the United States. Previously, it has established successful restaurants in London, Monte-Carlo, Marbella, and Doha, frequented by stars such as A$AP Rocky, Lebron James, Tom Cruise, Naomi Campbell, Novak Djokovic, Idris and Sabrina Elba, Peggy Gou, and Roger Federer.
As a gamer, I’m excited to share that the visionaries behind Fundamental Hospitality, Evgeny Kuzin (Founder) and Chef Izu Ani (Chief Research Officer), have crafted a groundbreaking concept called Gaia, along with 10 other innovative ideas. These creations are now ready for a global journey, marking a tantalizing east-to-west movement of culinary intellectual property. This shift is not just about food; it’s a cultural exchange that I can’t wait to be a part of!
Following the pandemic, numerous individuals relocated to Dubai, leading to substantial growth in the city. Today, Dubai is a diverse mix of cultures, attracting people from all over the world either as tourists, residents, or business investors. Our restaurant brands and intellectual properties are cultivated in Dubai and subsequently expanded worldwide,” Kuzin explains to The Hollywood Reporter. He highlights that Miami, with its cosmopolitan nature and international audience, shares similar characteristics and demographics as Dubai, boasting a thriving food scene and a strong multicultural influence.
Kuzin notes that a restaurant in Dubai must meet all requirements to thrive in the cut-throat competition,” or alternatively, “According to Kuzin, a restaurant in Dubai needs to fulfill every criteria to survive and excel in the tough market competition.
The Russian entrepreneur started his business adventure in the UAE back in 2010, by introducing internationally renowned nightlife spots like Movida and Sass Cafe to Dubai. In 2016, he introduced Cipriani, a nearly century-old family-run dining establishment that he considers his “most valuable learning experience,” followed by Cipriani Dolci. Today, Dubai hosts every well-known restaurant brand globally. After years of importing, Kuzin eventually decided to establish his own venture.
The spark for Kuzin’s unique restaurant concepts arose when he regularly dined at La Serre, a Downtown Dubai eatery neighboring his upcoming Japanese restaurant. Ani, the executive chef at La Serre, became a frequent lunch companion for Kuzin. As Ani recalled, “We formed a connection as he would always order the same meal.” Upon Ani’s departure, Kuzin phoned him expressing interest in opening a Mediterranean restaurant. They discussed plans over lunch at Cipriani, and Ani enthusiastically joined the project. Together, they embarked on the creation of a novel international dining experience centered around a “culinary adventure.” Ultimately, they decided on Gaia as the name for their restaurant, a tribute to the earth goddess and symbol of life’s origin.
The London-based design studio First Within has fashioned the restaurant’s layout to reflect Greece’s mountainous landscapes, azure seas, and vibrant sunshine. It boasts domed arches and statues reminiscent of ancient Greek art, nestled within limestone walls. Spanning over 9,500 square feet, this establishment resides on the ground floor of the Marea Condo building. Following in the footsteps of Cipriani, the menu remains consistent across all locations, while the architecture and materials mirror one another as well.
The main attraction of our dining room is a vibrant ice display featuring fresh fish and seafood from Greece and the Mediterranean Sea. Each dish can be prepared in six unique ways: raw for purists, grilled over charcoal with a zesty lemon oil drizzle, baked in the traditional Speciota style seasoned with tomatoes, Greek herbs, and potatoes, steamed inside a salt crust infused with sage and orange peel, prepared harissa-style with rosemary, garlic, chili, olive oil, and lemon juice, or pan-fried with a zesty combination of lemon juice, dill, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and almonds.
The intricately arranged sea bream carpaccio, where the whole fish is delicately sliced with head and tail intact, steals the show on Instagram for its artistic flair. Popular alternatives on the menu are the Greek Salad featuring mountain-grown tomatoes, aged feta in a barrel, and house-pickled olives; the orzo pasta dish filled with calamari, prawns, and clams in a rich tomato sauce; and our signature slow-cooked baby goat, prepared in our wood oven and served with Basmati rice.
Ani employed a multi-layered technique to infuse depth into his dishes, incorporating elements from his culture to maintain intrigue and encourage repeat visits.
As a London-raised Nigerian, I’ve proudly carried my African culinary roots with me. My mother always instilled in me the belief that food without flavor is merely existence, not nourishment. Intrigued by the simplicity and authenticity of Greek cuisine, I appreciate its straightforwardness. Yet, I find it can sometimes lack a certain oomph. So, I aim to honor the honesty of Greek cooking while adding an exciting twist, providing a delightful kick to every bite.
The most significant factor, which lies outside our control, is none other than Mother Nature herself. As Ani points out, working across diverse climates and geographical areas influences the choices he makes when cooking in his kitchen.
In a nutshell, Ani explains that when they prepare meals, they have a clear grasp of the ingredients they’re working with. For instance, a Greek salad might seem straightforward as it primarily consists of various components. However, factors like location can influence elements such as cucumbers, which are predominantly water and thus absorb flavors from the soil.
Miami offers an energetic bar area, a members club, and a speakeasy, all providing entertainment. Yet, “the restaurant is primarily a dining establishment.” The emphasis here lies on the essential aspects that diners appreciate: food and service. Kuzin assures that at Gaia, your evening will be more about engaging in meaningful dinner conversations rather than attending a dinner party. As he puts it, when music and noise are overwhelming, what one seeks during dinner is to enjoy companionship with friends or meet new people, not to be engrossed in a noisy atmosphere where you just want to settle the bill and leave.
Over the next five years, The Core Hospitality Group intends to expand its presence by opening approximately 100 venues across regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Among their planned locations for Gaia, a new brand, are Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York City. They are actively searching for a suitable location in Miami Brickell district to set up La Maison Ani, their all-day dining restaurant, as well as Shanghai Me, their Asian cuisine concept.
The Best Miami Fall/Winter Restaurant Openings
Yearly, from autumn to spring, Miami introduces numerous new dining spots. Many of these open either before or during December, capitalizing on the increased city traffic for Miami Art Week. Here are the eateries worth your culinary attention, as well as a few newly built hotels that will enhance your experience.
Sunny’s
Originating from the group responsible for the acclaimed cocktail lounge Jaguar Sun (founded by Will Thompson and chef Carey Hynes), Sunny’s started as a dinner gathering in a brick courtyard, situated in Miami’s Little River district, during the peak of the pandemic. Now, it has returned to its original site but with a permanent establishment offering 220 indoor/outdoor seats. The interior design seamlessly blends Palm Beach Regency and mid-century modern aesthetics, featuring antique chandeliers that sparkle, intricate hand-carved woodwork, and stone floors to anchor the experience. Outside, you’ll discover a bar area, along with a white-clothed dining space encircling the famous banyan tree.
Sunny’s boasts all the essential features of a top-notch Miami steakhouse. It showcases an exquisite raw bar filled with local favorites like Treasure Coast oysters, royal red shrimp, and stone crab from Jay Bruns. The menu also includes Sunny’s signature dishes such as USDA prime hanger steak, American and Australian wagyu dry-aged and grilled over a live oak fire, accompanied by sauces like Périgourdine, potato butter, and a rosé vinegar-infused bone marrow vinaigrette.
Sparrow Italia
Sparrow Italia, located at 255 NW 25th St., Miami, FL 33127, is the latest venture from Noble 33 (known for Toca Madera in L.A.), blending traditional Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. This Miami location complements its sister restaurant in London, although its Los Angeles counterpart closed in 2024 due to a labor union dispute. The menu offers various cuts of domestic and imported meats, such as steak, lamb, veal, seafood options like whole lobster and salt-baked snapper, and poultry dishes like paillard and parm. Don’t forget about the pizza and pasta choices! The dining room features a sunken stage for live entertainment, with performers moving throughout the restaurant playing saxophone sets.
Indulge in a dining experience, then consider lodging at Moxy Miami Wynwood, where Sparrow Italia resides. This hotel is part of the latest hospitality venture in the area, previously devoid of hotels, being the largest centralized project. Situated near the renowned Wynwood Walls, shopping hotspots, art galleries, and eateries, Moxy Miami Wynwood offers 120 rooms designed by iCrave. The vibrant brand caters to those seeking an unconventional, experience-rich stay, offering more than just in-room activities. Upon check-in, you’ll be greeted with a colorful Moxy Welcome Cocktail, a refreshing concoction of Haku Vodka, Yuzu, and Lavender. The lobby invites socializing with new and old friends, featuring board games, foosball, art books, and even local DJ performances while you check-in. Rooms come in five unique configurations, such as the Graffiti Grove King or MIA Playground Double Queen, ranging from 211 to 592 square feet. You can even request a bedtime story by pressing a button on your in-room phone. Rooms starting at $173/night on Tripadvisor and Booking.com.
Mother Wolf Miami
Should a restaurant ever embody Miami’s lavishness perfectly, it would be none other than Mother Wolf, a long-standing favorite in Los Angeles, helmed by two-time James Beard nominee chef Evan Funke and Ten Five Hospitality’s Dan Daley. This culinary gem has traversed the nation and is now gracing Miami’s Design District with its presence. The menu offers Roman-inspired delicacies such as acclaimed crispy short-rib meatballs, spicy Diavola pizza baked in a wood fire, an assortment of twelve homemade pasta dishes, seafood options including grilled diver scallops and whole roasted Mediterranean sea bass with fennel, and meat selections like prime ribeye cap and fried lamb chops. The Martin Brudnizki Design Studio has crafted opulent interiors featuring a fountain wall, a 30-foot bar, gold marble tables, wood paneling, and brass accents. Booths of power offer a view into the open kitchen, while hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers and sconces cast a warm glow over the stunning ambiance.
At the Miami-specific Funke’s Pasta Lab, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at daily pasta production, and they offer unique dishes inspired by Miami, such as spaghetti Ricci di Mare with sea urchin and Fritto Misto di Mare. The Mother Wolf wine collection boasts over 400 labels, primarily focusing on Italy’s Piedmont, Tuscany, and Sardinia. This collection highlights multi-generational family producers, up-and-coming estates, and wineries that prioritize organic and sustainable practices.
Mother Wolf, 3841 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33137
Aviv
Nestled on the ground level of 1 Hotel South Beach lies Aviv (meaning “spring” in Hebrew), a fresh Israeli eatery born from the minds behind Philadelphia’s Zahav and Laser Wolf. Renowned chefs Michael Solomonov, five-time James Beard Award winner, and Steve Cook, three-time James Beard Award winner, are the masterminds behind this venture. Delicacies such as hand-rolled Yemenite-style bread, hummus prepared by Chef Solomonov himself, an array of mezze plates, and kebabs grilled over charcoal in the open kitchen are some of the specialties here. This gastronomic journey showcases traditional cooking techniques that result in heartwarming dishes, while the atmosphere mirrors the energy of both Tel Aviv and Miami. The establishment offers an open kitchen, indoor and outdoor seating options, a bar, and a lounge for pre-dinner drinks or late-night cocktails.
Aviv, 2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
During your mealtime, consider lodging at the 1 Hotel South Beach, where Aviv is situated. This hotel will mark its 10th anniversary in 2025 and is a staple of luxury accommodations on Collins Avenue. Other esteemed hotels such as Rosewood, Aman, and Proper are expected to join the scene in the near future. Interestingly, Miami was the pioneer for this brand in merging biophilic design and sustainable practices with the opulence and service expected from a luxury hotel. Sprawling across an entire city block, 1 Hotel is renowned for its diverse settings, including 425 rooms adorned with driftwood furniture and decor inspired by nature, as well as the newest addition, Tala beachfront restaurant, bar, and lounge, Watr at 1 Rooftop, and full beachside service. [Rooms start from $706 per night on Tripadvisor and Booking.com.]
Cartegena
The Caribbean charm of Chef Juan Manuel “Juanma” Barrientos’ Cartegena, located at SLS South Beach, blends harmoniously with the vibrant energy of Miami following the closure of José Andrés’ Bazaar in 2023. Juanma is renowned for his Elcielo Restaurants in Medellín, Bogotá, Miami, and Washington, D.C., and was the first Colombian restaurant to receive a Michelin star. His new venture, Cartegena, builds on the success of its pop-up at Elcielo SLS South Beach. The menu offers a mix of coastal dishes like corn bunuelos, ropa vieja croquetas, cheese and plantain empanadas, crab arepas, chicharron ceviche, and titote rice, as well as culturally significant fare. For a surprising twist, indulge in inventive creations such as smoked wagyu nigiri, wagyu tartare, lobster roll, and grilled tuna, which artfully combine diverse flavors with Colombian influences.
Cartegena, 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
When you’re enjoying your meal there, consider staying at the SLS South Beach. The Tower and Villa penthouses have recently been redesigned by Lenny Kravitz’s Kravitz Design, taking inspiration from a globe-trotting homeowner’s abode and incorporating a diverse, international style.
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2024-11-20 17:26