Miami, known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches, has always been a culinary hotspot. This year, the city’s dining scene is buzzing with excitement as several new restaurants open their doors, offering an array of diverse and delectable cuisines. From iconic Italian traditions to tropical beachfront venues, classic French delights to Japanese-Peruvian fusion, and even a nostalgic pop-up “Golden Girls” experience, Miami’s culinary landscape has never looked more enticing. Let’s delve deeper into these exciting new additions:
Hottest New Miami Restaurants:
- Rao’s
- Casadonna
- Tala Beach
- Bouchon Bistro
- Mirabella
- Toku
- Chotto Matte
- The Amalfi Llama
- The Golden Girls Kitchen
- The Roystone
Rao’s: Nestled in the St. Moritz Tower at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Rao’s is set to make its mark on South Beach with its legendary southern Neapolitan cooking and home-style family ambiance. This iconic Italian eatery, beloved for its Harlem menu, will begin accepting reservations on October 25th, making it an exclusive destination for those yearning for an authentic Italian culinary experience.
Casadonna – a first-of-its-kind partnership between Groot Hospitality and TaoGroup Hospitality – has officially opened in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood alongside Biscayne Bay. The destination, which totals 20,000 square feet across indoor, outdoor and bar seating, features a sophisticated, storied atmosphere and an expansive, inventive menu designed around coastal Italian cuisine. Accommodating up to 366 patrons, Casadonna’s Riviera-style Italian cooking takes center stage as the gentle teal of Biscayne Bay–and Miami Beach’s iconic skyline–shimmers in the backdrop.
Tala Beach: Once known as 1 Beach Club, Tala Beach has undergone a stunning transformation into a 50,000-square-foot outdoor oasis. This Mediterranean-inspired paradise focuses on shared plates, finely crafted cocktails, and curated entertainment. After an extensive redesign and rebranding, Tala will open its doors in October 2023. This unique concept offers guests the opportunity to bask in the tropical ambiance with sprawling daybeds, a lively outdoor bar, and a new menu featuring thoughtfully crafted cocktails. Tala also boasts a VIP lounge for those seeking an over-the-top experience, all set beneath swaying palms and ample umbrella shading.
Bouchon Bistro: Miami welcomes renowned chef Thomas Keller, famous for Michelin-starred restaurants like the French Laundry and Per Se. His latest venture, Bouchon Bistro in Coral Gables, joins his one-starred Surf Club Restaurant in Surfside. Collaborating with chef de cuisine Thomas Castellon, the restaurant offers traditional French dishes, including the iconic steak frites and a diverse raw bar. Housed in the historic La Palma building, once home to the Cla-Reina Hotel, Bouchon Bistro presents a combination of rich history and delectable flavors.
Mirabella: Fontainebleau Miami Beach, the iconic luxury resort nestled on 20 oceanfront acres, has partnered with Michelin-starred Chef Michael White to introduce authentic coastal Italian cuisine with the debut of Mirabella. Opening on October 24, 2023, this restaurant is the latest addition to Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s world-class dining portfolio. Located at the base of the Sorrento Tower, Mirabella is characterized by its glamorous David Collins Studio design, artfully blending Chef White’s passion for fresh coastal Italian flavors with traditional dishes, paying homage to Italy’s culinary heritage. Chef White himself describes Mirabella as “a celebration of Italian cuisine and a reflection of my own culinary journey.” The restaurant aims to transport guests to the captivating coastal regions of Italy, offering a unique and vibrant culinary experience.
Toku: A fan-favorite from Long Island, Toku has made its way to Aventura, offering modern Asian fare inspired by traditional Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese flavors. The expansive menu caters to a wide variety of palates, with unique craft cocktails and sakes enhancing the dining experience. The 190-seat covered outdoor patio, complete with plush seating and spacious tables, provides the perfect ambiance for savoring Toku’s delightful offerings.
Hells Kitchen Miami: Located a block from the water in Downtown’s Met Square complex, the two-story restaurant will have ample space for diners to indulge in all of the restaurant’s iconic menu items, spearheaded by one of the most talented chefs. The 16,736 square foot space includes a ground-floor patio and second-floor dining terrace, as well as a beautiful interior dining room. The interior design is set to emulate the hit television show’s set, with an open kitchen and contemporary bar, where diners can watch the iconic red and blue teams from their seat. The bar serves a selection of both classic and signature cocktails; from a traditional Negroni and Old Fashioned to the innovative Smoke on the Water, served in a smoke-filled lantern, or the Notes from Gordon, complete with a personalized message from Chef Ramsay himself.
Chotto Matte: This Japanese and Peruvian hot spot, situated just off Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, has recently revealed its newly revamped space, adorned with stunning artwork by acclaimed artist Lefty Out There. Chotto Matte presents a fusion of two distinct yet complementary cuisines in an exciting and vibrant atmosphere.
The Amalfi Llama: Step into The Amalfi Llama and be greeted by warm, modern farmhouse interiors. With organic design elements featuring art crafted from Peruvian llama tassels, soaring wine displays, outdoor patios anchored by cozy fire pits, and two lively bars, this restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The menu features live-fire creations, wood-fired pizzas, comforting pastas, and coastal Italian favorites, all paired with an enticing cocktail menu offering negroni variations, ‘Refreshers,’ and an extensive wine list.
The Golden Girls Kitchen: Beginning November 10th, fans of the beloved TV show “The Golden Girls” can enjoy the ultimate themed dining experience in Miami’s popular Wynwood neighborhood. This fully immersive pop-up restaurant takes guests back to the 1980s, transporting them into the world of their favorite golden gals. Tickets for this nostalgic culinary journey will be available to the public starting October 17th.
The Roystone Downtown Miami: Exuding taste and sophistication, The Roystone beckons guests to relish its unique ambiance. It’s a space where you can fully indulge in your desires, creating memorable experiences. Here, there’s no pretense or need to impress; it’s all about embracing the authenticity of life’s simple pleasures.
Miami’s ever-evolving culinary landscape has much to offer, and these new restaurants are pushing the boundaries of flavor and dining experiences. Whether you crave the time-tested Italian classics, Asian fusion, traditional French delights, or a dose of nostalgia, Miami’s hottest new restaurants are ready to cater to your every culinary whim. Embark on a gastronomic journey and savor the unique flavors and experiences brought to you by these exciting additions to the city’s vibrant food scene.
