Bistro 8 has officially opened its doors today in the vibrant Little Havana neighborhood. From the creators of the acclaimed Hiden and The Taco Stand, Shōwa Hospitality is once again redefining culinary boundaries with the grand opening of Bistro 8. This exciting new addition to the Miami dining scene brings a bold twist on Mexican flavors under the expert guidance of Chef Pancho Ibáñez, formerly of Pujol, Mexico City’s two-Michelin-starred culinary legend.
Housed in a beautifully designed, modern space, Bistro 8 will exclusively serve dinner, presenting a menu with dishes meant to be shared and savored. Guests can expect a thoughtful combination of ingredients sourced from various Latin American regions, expertly prepared using techniques from Mexican and French culinary traditions. The 1,700-square-foot restaurant will offer an intimate setting with 40 seats in the main dining area and an additional 10 seats at the bar.
Chef Pancho Ibáñez is Shōwa Hospitality’s Director of Culinary Operations and hails from Xalapa, in Veracruz, Mexico. Pancho’s impressive 30-year career has spanned Ambrosía CC and Pujol in Mexico City. Pujol is considered one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the world and was awarded two stars by the prestigious Michelin Guide. The visionary chef has also collaborated on menus for hospitality brands like Iberostar, Aeromexico, Centurion Lounge, Hotel Matilda, ITAB, Nawá, COP, and MarneMX.
The dining concept is “simple pero no sencillo,” which means simple but not easy in Spanish. Latin comfort-food dishes will include Chuletas de Cordero, lamb chops, with mashed potatoes, fermented lemon, chile morita jus, and carrots; Cangrejo, King crab, brioche, and ikura; Ensalada de Butterhead, butterhead lettuce, green beans, green peas, roasted almonds, and Parmigiano; and Pollito en Escabeche, roasted chicken with escabeche.
Complementing the menu is a carefully curated cocktail selection emphasizing agave and grains. The drinks are designed to be bold, clean, and full of character, embodying a playful yet sophisticated flair.
The ambiance of Bistro 8 will reflect a harmonious blend of Mexican vibrancy and French bistro elegance. Designed by Minoru Oyamatsu of Tokyo’s award-winning Oyamatsu Design Studio Inc., known for crafting spaces for Michelin-starred establishments, the décor will integrate warm colors and refined details to create an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. Each design element was selected to highlight the food, ensuring the space feels welcoming without overpowering the dining experience.
Adding to the unique atmosphere, the restaurant’s sound system was built by Kazunori Taguchi of Taguchi Craft in Japan. The speakers, crafted from Arctic birch trees aged between 70 and 160 years, produce sound waves akin to ripples on a still lake, enriching the auditory experience without intruding on conversation.
Bistro 8 will be Shōwa Hospitality’s third restaurant in Miami, joining the buzzy Hiden and The Taco Stand. The hospitality team chose Little Havana as its location because of the neighborhood’s diversity and cultural richness.
Bistro 8 will be open for dinner Wednesday – Monday, from 5:30 – 10:00 PM.
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Bistro 8 is located at 2069 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135.
Website: www.Bistro8Miami.com l Instagram: @bistro8_
About Shōwa Hospitality
Shōwa Hospitality is a San Diego-based hospitality group founded by Julian Hakim and Aram Baloyan. Focusing on developing culinary, hospitality, and cultural concepts throughout the United States and Mexico, Shōwa Hospitality has concepts in San Diego, Dallas, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Each of Shōwa Hospitality’s restaurants, hotels, and bars seeks to constantly present fresh ideas and welcoming environments through exceptional service, design, and a commitment to quality. Shōwa understands that a new opening also represents a new neighborhood and engages local communities by supporting youth organizations, schools, disaster/relief funds, and environmental sustainability efforts on an ongoing basis.
Shōwa Hospitality’s global concepts include Hiden Miami, The Taco Stand, Torien NYC, convoy Music Bar, Himitsu, Showa Ramen, Sushi Tama, Comedor Nishi, and Bistro 8.
For more information, please visit www.ShowaHospitality.com or follow @showahospitality on social media.
