New to the Scene: Fall 2019 Miami
- Miami’s dining scene only continues to grow—not just in size, but in caliber. Here, we present some of the top new restaurants that everyone is talking about.
A Legend Arrives
For years, rumors have been circulating about a Design District opening from legendary chef Joël Robuchon, who held 31 Michelin stars in his lifetime—more than any other chef in history. Although the chef passed away in August 2018, the project has finally come to fruition. Already a cult favorite in NYC’s Meatpacking District, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon serves up the chef’s signature modern French cuisine. Diners can choose from a selection of à la carte items or several multicourse tasting menus. Longtime Robuchon protégé Chef Christophe Bellanca, culinary director for Joël Robuchon USA, will oversee the restaurant. Additionally, Le Jardinier, a chic vegetable-focused eatery created by Robuchon protégé Chef Alain Verzeroli, has opened in the space below L’Atelier. Local produce plays a prominent role on the menu, which is complemented by wild and sustainable fish, meat and poultry. 151 NE 41st St., Miami; latelier-miami.com; lejardinier-miami.com
From Coast to Coast
Italy is known for its refined sophistication and delicious food, and Miami Beach’s family-owned Amare Ristorante hits both of these notes. The SoFi eatery is a collaboration between Gino Iovino, owner of Atlantic City’s award-winning restaurant Girasole, and Franco Ricatti and Chef Cosimo Cassano of Michelin-starred Ristorante Bacco in Puglia, Italy. The chef honors his homeland with dishes such as the pasta di Gragnano; the branzino al sale, a salt-baked Mediterranean sea bass that’s filleted tableside; and the lasagna di mare, with layers of house-made lasagne, fish ragu, mascarpone and tomato sauce. 1 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305.731.6999; amareristorante.com
Nikkei Newbie
Brickell’s new restaurant Osaka is shaking up the local dining scene in a fabulous way. Helmed by chefs Rogger Quispe and Juan Urrutia, the Nikkei restaurant merges Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavors within a traditional-meets-modern ambiance. The eatery marks the 10th location for the Osaka brand, which already operates nine successful restaurants in South America and is listed as one of Latin America’s “50 Best Restaurants.” Be sure to try the famous wasabi ceviche, which pairs the spicy condiment with seafood and leche de tigre. 1300 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami; 305.282.6811; osakanikkei.com
What’s Old Is New Again
Celino South Beach recently underwent a massive $110 million transformation, combining three original art deco buildings to create one oceanfront retreat—the largest hospitality development in Ocean Drive’s history. The hotel now houses two restaurants from INK Entertainment, the company behind hot spot Byblos: The first, Pubblica Italiana, features authentic Italian cuisine; the second, Dalia, offers Mediterranean bites and connects to the horseshoe-shaped cocktail bar. All spaces were artfully created by Toronto-based firm Navigate Design in what the hotel describes as a mix of “Floridita” and Cuban modernism. 640 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.685.2000; thecelinohotel.com
More Michael
Como Metropolitan Miami Beach is one of SoBe’s few under-the-radar gems that lacks the craziness you might expect from the area. The hotel recently introduced its new restaurant Traymore by Michael Schwartz, a partnership with the star chef, who borrows flavors from Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore for his coveted menu. Expect a raw bar with highlights like the royal red shrimp and main dishes such as Korean-style pork tenderloin. Another must-try? The grass-fed beef double cheeseburger—a deliciously gooey take on the American classic. 2445 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305.695.3555; traymoremiamibeach.com
Midtown Garden
South Beach favorite Via Emilia 9 from Nonna Beppa Hospitality Group now has a sister restaurant in Midtown called Via Emilia Garden. Diners can expect the same modern Italian menu—including Via Emilia classics like the tagliatelle panna salsiccia e funghi and the “Basket from Emilia Romagna,” a charcuterie board with meats, cheese, gnocco fritto (fried dough) and marmalades—in a bigger, more upscale atmosphere. We recommend dining alfresco in the garden area, which features a retractable wooden roof designed to beat the South Florida heat and the occasional rain shower. 3500 N. Miami Ave., Miami; 786.359.4990; viaemiliagarden.com
