Elia, a vibrant culinary sanctuary, along the picturesque Miami River at River Landing Shops & Residences is now open! Offering an exquisite blend of coastal Italian traditions and Miami’s tropical charm, Elia promises to be a unique dining destination. Designed by the renowned Saladino Design Studios, Elia is a testament to the enduring power of love and memory, beautifully encapsulated within a unique dining experience.
Inspired by the poignant tale of a man who fell in love with a woman named Elia, who cherished her freedom above all else, the restaurant seamlessly weaves this narrative into every aspect of its design and ambiance. Guests stepping into Elia will be enveloped in an atmosphere where memories breathe life into vibrant hues of pinks, greens, and reds, evoking the spirited essence of coastal living.
“We embarked on this project with the idea of creating a culinary destination where both locals and visitors could feel welcome and enjoy the best of what Miami has to offer,” said owner, Engin Akdemir. “There is nothing like it in the neighborhood, and we want to be the place where people come to hang out and celebrate all their big and small moments.”
“We were inspired by the Italian coats to bring a beautiful story and feeling to life through meticulously selected materials, colors, accents, and decor. The outcome is an elegant space where guests can sit back and enjoy a sense of tranquility and indulgence curated by a masterfully designed ambiance,” said Sean Saladino, Principal of Saladino Design Studios.
“We’re happy to welcome Elia to River Landing,” said Andrew Hellinger, Co-Principal of Urban-X Group. “As a premier Italian restaurant, it will enhance our dynamic dining scene, providing an authentic taste of Southern Italian cuisine. We can’t wait for River Landing’s visitors, residents and office workers to enjoy the rich flavors and inviting ambiance that Elia is bringing to our riverfront.”
Food
Elia offers an unparalleled dining experience on the river, combining stunning views with a carefully curated menu showcasing a harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can look forward to enjoying their meals surrounded by
luxurious imported marbles and a stunning hand-painted mural masterpiece, all while taking in panoramic views of passing yachts and breathtaking sunsets.
The menu at Elia is designed to transport guests to the coastal regions of Italy, featuring a variety of dishes that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients. From snacks like bruschetta and eggplant caponata to hearty pastas such as lobster linguini and pappardelle Bolognese. Antipasti options include charcuterie boards and lamb meatballs, while salads feature fresh, unique ingredients. Finish with desserts like passion fruit panna cotta and red velvet cake.
Design
Saladino Design Studios, celebrated for their storytelling prowess through architecture, have outdone themselves with Elia. Every piece of furniture and lighting has been custom-designed in-house to create a cohesive and enchanting environment. The space features a meticulously crafted main bar, designed to echo the allure of Elia’s armoire, and flooring adorned with terrazzo and marble tiles reminiscent of Italy’s vibrant coastline. The full indoor dining area, which includes a dedicated lounge, can fit 160 guests.
The outdoor terrace, which can accommodate 100 guests, invites everyone to bask in the sun’s warmth and nature’s beauty, further enhancing the coastal Italian charm infused throughout the venue. Elia’s design is a perfect blend of Mediterranean elegance and tropical charm, creating a vibrant and enchanting atmosphere for all guests.
Location
Elia consists of 3,557 square feet in River Landing’s 25,500-square-foot restaurant row along its Riverwalk overlooking the Miami River. Since opening in 2020, River Landing has become a sought-after destination for both locals and tourists seeking a blend of entertainment, waterfront views and outdoor relaxation. Developed by Urban-X partners Coralee Penabad and Andrew Hellinger, this expansive 2.2-million-square-foot mixed-use complex has fostered a sense of community along the riverfront, offering diverse dining options, shopping and opportunities to connect with nature. Currently, over 4 million people visit River Landing annually.
The development is located steps away from the Health District, with a daytime population of more than 50,000. Located between downtown Miami and Miami International Airport, River Landing is helping to meet the demand for quality dining, discount retail, banking, and lifestyle services. It is one of the few retail, office, and residential developments that is accessible by boat in Miami.
Elia is located at River Landing, 1440 NW N River Drive. For reservations and more information, please visit eliaontheriver.com or contact (305)904-4045.
About Elia: Elia is a coastal Italian-inspired restaurant located along the Miami River at River Landing Shops. Designed by Saladino Design Studios, Elia offers a unique dining experience that combines Mediterranean elegance with tropical charm, creating a vibrant and enchanting atmosphere for all guests.
