Miami continues to be a city that looks ahead and moves forward. Recent months have seen the arrival of Hotel Greystone, The Gabriel South Beach, and Life House Hotels. But there’s still more to come with new hotels, restaurants, and events on the way. It’s an exciting time for the Magic City! Check out the latest things to do — and what’s coming in the months ahead.

 

South Florida’s Brightline express train returned to regular service in early November after the coronavirus pandemic shut down operations for well over a year. For a limited time only, one-way ticket prices will start at $10 for SMART service and $27 for PREMIUM. Passengers who order through Brightline’s app will get their first ride free through November. Trains leave hourly from downtown’s MiamiCentral station starting at 6:48 a.m., with the last train departing at 11:48 p.m. Masks are mandatory at the station and on the train. For more information visit gobrightline.com

Poseidon Ferry, Miami’s long-awaited waterborne commuter service has resumed their hourly trips between Miami and Miami Beach. The ferry’s schedule runs Thursday-Sunday hourly. There are also two anticipated new routes that will be announced in 2022 including Miami/Miami Beach/Coconut Grove and Miami/Bimini/Nassau. For tickets and more information visit poseidonferry.com

 

MIAMI TEMPTATIONS

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) announced the return of Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months, a program that celebrates Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s identity – stitched together by its history, culturally-rich neighborhoods, and the welcoming diversity of its communities. The two-month-long initiative began December 1st and runs through January 31st, offering locals and visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in arts and culture through special experiences and offers. The program also coincides with the kick-off of the eighth annual Art of Black Miami, which honors the Black Diaspora and artists whose work has been a critical driver of the destination’s ongoing creative explosion. For a complete list of special offers available from the GMCVB’s Miami Temptations Program, visit www.MiamiTemptations.com.

 

HOTELS

Life House Hotels has opened their newest “house” in Little Havana and is a “high-born expeditionist’s tropical estate” with a lush rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant. Their guest rooms will take you on a vivid journey with their dark woods, woven natural rugs, and aged brass detailing. At the Life House Hotels, you can also enjoy a rooftop bar, that overlooks the Miami skyline. For reservations and more information, visit lifehousehotels.com

 

The Balfour Hotel, located in a landmark building, celebrated its official opening this summer just steps from the sparkling Atlantic Ocean on the corner of world-famous Ocean Drive and 4th Street in South Beach. The historic property, formerly known as The Lord Balfour Hotel, has 82 guest rooms and suites spread out over two, Art-Deco style buildings connected by an enchanting courtyard. Designed in 1940 by Anton Skislewicz, an important architect behind Miami Beach’s Art Deco history, The Balfour Hotel caters to design-conscious visitors with a unique style that has an undeniably timeless appeal. For reservations and more information, visit thebalfourmiamibeach.com

The Gabriel South Beach is an elegant oceanfront oasis, featuring four interconnecting buildings with 132 guest rooms; 12 signature balcony suites and 14 one-bedroom suites; three restaurants and bars; one ground-level pool; one rooftop, glass-bottom pool; and one rooftop sun deck. Incorporating Miami’s modern aesthetics with Floridian accents, the four-building hotel features a pastel color palette with hues of pinks, blues, and greens as well as vintage wood and checkered marble flooring throughout. For reservations and more information, visit thegabrielsouthbeach.com

Hotel Greystone is situated in the heart of the cultural crossroads that is Miami Beach, the historic and iconic, art deco and revives innovative hospitality on Collins Avenue. Led by the award-winning Salt Hotels in partnership with B Group Capital, the boutique Hotel Greystone opened in September and melds art and design with exceptional personalized service. Located in the historic Collins Park neighborhood, Hotel Greystone fuses intimate spaces, innovative cuisine, and a hyperlocal ethos. The curated atmosphere creates the perfect conditions for people, art, music, and fine dining to transcend the predictable, and manifest the uncommon. For reservations and more information, visit greystonehotel.com

AC Hotel Miami Dadeland is a new, fashion-forward hotel located in the heart of South Miami’s growing cultural hub and is connected directly to the extraordinary shopping destination, Dadeland Mall via a pathway. The 177-room hotel showcases a classic design with a European flair created for the intuitive and purposeful traveler. Guests can enjoy refined rooms, business travel-friendly amenities, elevated cocktail programs, and menu offerings at the lavish onsite lounge, fitness center, and a unique rooftop experience with a pool and bar serving specialty beverages and small bites. For reservations and more information, visit marriott.com

The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, the private, bayfront paradise that has long been recognized as a place for holistic rejuvenation and fun, has completed an extensive architectural renovation of its Spa and an expanded culinary offering, with the launch of Café Standard and Monterrey Bar. All three concepts, designed by Shawn Hausman Design in collaboration with The Standard’s in-house design team, opened this past fall. For reservations and more information, visit standardhotels.com

East, Miami with Swire Properties is a new hotel that is in Brickell Plaza. The property is designed by Arquitectonica, Studio Collective and Clodagh Design, has 352 guestrooms, 8 suites and 89 residence suites. As well as onsite restaurants including Sugar and Quinto La Huella, the 1st-ever outpost of Uruguay’s beachside Parador La Huella. The hotel has also achieved LEED certification, citing resource efficiency by using less water and energy, as well as a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. For reservations and more information, visit easthotels.com

The Confidante Miami Beach, Mid-Beach’s playful oceanfront oasis embodying Miami ‘s retro-glam style opened this fall. Quickly changing the hospitality industry landscape in South Florida as one of the hotels with the largest guest bathrooms and walk-in showers, The Confidante’s premium suite categories will also feature furnished balconies with ocean and city views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and separate living rooms with a queen-size sofa bed, making them ideal accommodations for bachelorette parties and families. For reservations and more information, visit theconfidantehotel.com

Coming in 2022

CitzenM Miami Worldcenter opens this Spring 2022. The new citizen Miami World Center hotel is superbly located in Miami’s newest and most exciting development, the Miami World Center. CitizenM opens this spring with its ‘affordable luxury’ approach to hotel stays – where all the hospitality cliches are gone, and what remains is the very best of its kind. Soon, all 351 app-controlled bedrooms, a rooftop bar and fitness center, and a designer living room will be open for booking. For reservations and more information visit, citizen.com

This Spring, the first-ever CitizenM hotel opens in the Brickell area of Downtown Miami. CitizenM is the originator of ‘affordable luxury’ hotel stays, created with business travelers in mind. They do not skimp on either quality or style but do take away everything unnecessary. Check-in takes just one minute, and instead of a lobby, there’s a signature living room – complete with couches, books, arts, TVs, and space to work. There is also a 24/7 kitchen that feeds hungry arrivals from all time zones, and 8 societyM meeting rooms (for up to 14 participants). The hotel includes 252 smart bedrooms that are fully app or tablet-controlled, XL king-size beds, jetlag-busting showers, and blackout blinds. To top it off, the hotel also has a rooftop that is open exclusively to hotel guests, with a pool, bar, and fitness area. For reservations and more information visit, citizen.com

 

DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

NIU Kitchen X Arson has recently reopened as a combined concept, intersecting the flavors of NIU Kitchen with the charbroiled touch of Arson’s flames. The restaurant has also partnered with the Natural Wine Shop, Wine Medium to cultivate the ultimate experience. For reservations and more information, visit niukitchen.com

Botánico Gin & Cookhouse, Miami’s chic new gin-centric restaurant & bar opened its doors to the public in October. A convivial gathering place where contemporary cuisine and neighborhood gin bar converge, Botánico is the brainchild of Co-owner Ricardo Ordoñez and Chef/Co-owner Gerardo B. De Negri; featuring an inspired, globe-trotting menu and an airy indoor-outdoor setting the restaurant is in the recently redesigned CocoWalk complex in the heart of Coconut Grove. For more inforamtion, visit Botanicomiami.com

Los Felix Miami’s cuisine is inspired by indigenous heritage. With the name Los Félix, they represent the grandmothers who carried the fire of ancestral wisdom, the mothers who preserved ceremony, and the female trailblazers who embodied the fierce and the tender, by way of iconic muse Maria Felix. Los Félix is a multi-sensory celebration that honors truth through the flavor, imagination through natural wine, and atmosphere through vinyl records. For reservations and more information, visit losfelixmiami.com

Zitz Sum is a family-owned eatery that combines unpretentious service with top-notch quality food ‘n drinks in a fun and relaxed setting. Our beverage program highlights our love for sake and shochu; and revolves around a curated selection of natural, biodynamic, and organic easy-drinking wines that uplift your dining experience. For reservations and more information, visit zitsum.com

Chug’s Diner has come to Coconut Grove! What began as an experiment in a fusion of Cuban and American diner culture has evolved into a Coconut Grove institution. Pancakes and pastelitos, meatloaf and masitas, rice and beans, and mac and cheese are awaiting! Chug’s is the morning-noon-or-night eatery by Chef Michael Beltrán that brings the Miami Cuban-American experience to life with food that speaks our language. For reservations and more information, visit chugsdiner.com

Sushi Yasu Tanaka by Masamura is a nigiri-focused sushi concept by celebrated Sushi Chef Yasu Tanaka, formerly of The Den at AZABU. Sushi Yasu Tanaka draws inspiration from Chef Yasu’s passion for sharing the culture and warm hospitality of his home country, Japan. Committed to providing a unique and personal experience for each guest, Chef Yasu uses two types of sushi rice – one made with Akazu and another with Yonezu – made fresh every two hours to ensure the best experience possible. On a recent trip to Japan, Yasu and his wife connected with family to source the highest quality fish vendors, handcrafted dinnerware and decor to make dining at Sushi Yasu Tanaka a truly authentic experience. For reservations and more information, visit miamarket.com/sushi-yasu-tanaka

Paradis Books & Bread is a careful and curated experience of books, bread, and wine. Their bakery program focuses on wholesome, naturally leavened bread and baked goods, available for take-away or scattered throughout their menu. Their wine program is defined by nothing other than the guidelines by which wines are made, consisting of farmer-focused, expressive, vibrant, living wine. And their library is made up of new and used books in and between the subjects of Black Studies, ~Critical Theory~, International Struggle & Solidarity Movements +++. Fiction and poetry books highlighting works from small publishers. For more information, visit pbb.cafe

Kojin is Miami’s best-kept secret (but not for long)! The team at Hachidori Ramen has paired up with East Wind Hospitality, the creators of E&P DMPLNGS, to bring this wonderful collaboration to life. Kojin, also known as Sambō-Kōjin, is the god of the kitchen. Kojin’s motto is simple, “take excellent ingredients and amazing techniques and allow them to shine.” For more information, visit kojinmiami.com

Layla Miami Beach has recently come to Miami Beach, and it is going to be your new favorite Brunch spot! Layla is a casually elegant bar, modern Middle Eastern restaurant, canal-side terrace, and rooftop, inspired by the love story of Layla and Majnun—the Middle Eastern Romeo and Juliet. Their menu is modern Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine that celebrates Layla’s heritage but reflects her desire to break free from tradition. The Rooftop at Layla offers specialty cocktails a selection of mezze and curated deep house rhythms. For more information and reservations, visit kayakmc.com/restaurant/layla

Benh Mi is Miami’s New Miami Vice and Old Vietnamese classic. The Vietnamese-inspired eatery is in the heart of South Beach and features a variety of homemade Banh Mi sandwiches, salads, snacks, and pastries. For reservations, online ordering and more, visit benhmi.com

DOYA is a modern Aegean Meze + Bar restaurant, based in Wynwood. They celebrate the Meze culture from Greece and Turkey while taking inspiration from the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. Doya values seasonality and availability; and is about using the best ingredients possible! For reservations and more information, visit doyarestaurant.com

COTE, the Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated KOREAN STEAKHOUSE™, and vision of proprietor Simon Kim unveiled in Miami’s Design District this Winter. The 5,892-square-foot restaurant emulates its flagship, high-energy New York City-based locale synonymous with marrying the fun and fire of Korean barbeque with the hallmarks of a classic, regal American steakhouse. The result is a unique and convivial atmosphere infusing a fine dining experience with world-class ingredients and service complemented with a show-stopping beverage program. For reservations and more information, visit cotemiami.com

Mr. Omakase has come to Downtown Miami and serves both coursed out and A la carte dishes for all levels of sushi lovers. Mr. Omakase is a great way to experience both formal and informal sushi dining at a great cost. For reservations and more information, visit mromakase.com

Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen is a family-run restaurant in South of Fifth, Miami Beach. Two Fathers (Abba) join forces to combine the melting pot of cultural influences of these two beach cities, creating a casual atmosphere of delicious cuisine. Abbalé offers an exceptional dining experience, incorporating Chef Samuel Gorenstein’s healthier style of cooking with the rich flavors of Israel, Turkey, Greece, and Colombia. For reservations and more information, visit abbatlvkitchen.com

On the heels of proven success with Broken Shaker, 27 and The Exchange, Bar Lab continues to partner with Generator Group with the first Generator collaboration, a second Miami location of Hoja Taqueria which is within Generator Miami at 31st and Collins, debuted September 15, 2021. The partnership will seamlessly present traditional Mexican tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, appealing to guests, locals, and industry alike in a mystical indoor as well as outdoor setting that will act as an extension of the laid-back Generator boutique hotel/hostel vibe. The Bar Lab team was inspired by travels to Oaxaca, artisanal food, and mysticism and sought to bring a piece of that authentic Mexican experience to Miami Beach. With the first location-based in Downtown Miami, Hoja Taqueria Miami Beach features a new bistro-style service, both indoor and outdoor seating, a private dining room, and a full-service bar with an expansive, curated cocktail list. For reservations and more information, visit hojataqueria.com

Translated from the Japanese word “house,” the original Uchi is in a refurbished South Austin bungalow. Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole’s signature non-traditional take on Japanese food has delighted Austin’s diverse dining crowd as well as visitors from across the country and around the world since 2003. Chef Tyson has now expanded to Miami in Wynwood! For reservations and more information, visit uchimiami.com

Orno is located inside the THesis Hotel and will be helmed by James Beard Nominee and Food & Wine’s Best New Chef of 2020, Chef Niven Patel. The restaurant pairs woodfire dishes with the restaurant’s refined, hand-crafted cocktails inspired by literary classics like the Holly Golightly and Master Copperfield inspired by the legendary Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield respectively. The dining room also features a naturally sourced ingredient wall display, including fresh herbs for cocktail and dish garnishes. For reservations and more information, visit ornomiami.com

Dante’s HiFi was inspired by intimate vinyl listening rooms in Japan. The intimate Wynwood bar and listening room rises from the imaginations of five co-founders — Sven Vogtland, Jourdan Binder, Arturo Nuñez, Alan Drummond and DJ Rich Medina — united in the desire to create something unique in Miami nightlife. Open the black door in the courtyard — like any self-respecting speakeasy, there’s no sign out front — and step into a candle-lit world inspired by the listening rooms Vogtland loves in Japan. The evening begins with a “chill and grown-up” vibe with Hence Monk and Demon Fuzz, and picks up the beat around 10 pm when Dante shifts to more of a “club-like” mode with local and visiting DJs. Reservations are highly recommended because Dante’s only sits around 50 and requires a $25 reservation fee that is applied to your drinks and ensures you show up. For reservations find them on exploretock.com/danteshifi

Groot Hospitality has officially debuted three new restaurants inside the former Firestone Garage on Miami Beach. The restaurants include Winker’s Diner, an updated take on a retro diner; Sushi Fly Chicken, a hybrid fried chicken and sushi restaurant with a “hidden” entrance; and the sweet-focused Toothfairy. All three restaurants are located at 1575 Alton Rd. For reservations and more information, visit winkersdiner.comsushiflychicken.com, and toothfairybakery.com

SGWS Wynwood is Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits’ multi-purpose hospitality and education center, located in the heart of Miami’s most eclectic and creative arts and culture district. The state-of-the-art, 17,000 square-foot center offers industry-leading beverage education programming and serves as the home to the Company’s Artisanal Fine Wine & Spirits Division, Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility and Special Events teams, and a Direct Warehouse Store location. The versatile, modern-industrial venue is available as a private event and meeting space, with full-service catering provided exclusively by Constellation Culinary Group. For reservations and more information, visit sgwswynwood.com

Citizens MiamiCentral, formerly known as Central Fare, is open for business. The 26,000-sq-ft, 16-stall food hall operated by hospitality mogul Sam Nazarian’s C3 concept is bound to be a destination for 305ers in search of a variety of dining options. C3’s popular culinary brands including Umami Burger, Sam’s Crispy Chicken, Krispy Rice and Cicci di Carne will occupy 13 of the 16 food vendor kiosks with redesigned spaces under the C3 umbrella will be Sa’MKoto by Chef Morimoto and EllaMia Bakery & Café while Miami favorite, Cindy Lou’s Cookies, which just joined C3’s global distribution network, will also have a new location in Citizens MiamiCentral. Favorites from the original food hall: Rosetta’s Bakery, Patagonia, and Art de Vire will join the C3 family in the new Citizens MiamiCentral. The food hall is located at 101 NW Second Ave., Miami, on the second floor of the Brightline train station. Masks are mandatory at stations and on the train. For more information, visit ctzns.com

Coming Soon in 2022-

Ogawa. Art dealer & restaurateur Alvaro Perez Miranda is getting ready to open the newest addition to his growing portfolio of Japanese restaurants, Ogawa, in January 2022 in the Little River community. Ogawa, which translates to Little River, will be rooted in the exquisite simplicity of authentic and traditional Japanese Omakase. Designed by Alvaro in collaboration with Design Core Studios, Ogawa promises to be Miami’s newest, highly coveted dining experience. The 12-seat intimate restaurant will offer a unique epicurean experience meticulously crafted by Master Chef Masayuki Komatsu, Ogawa will use the finest seasonal ingredients direct from Japan accompanied by Suntory’s finest whiskeys, and for the first time on the east coast, Suntory’s Premium Malts beer. The specialty Suntory menu will be complemented by a boutique sake and wine list curated by Partner/Sommelier Luis Martinez. Ogawa will also house a private Japanese garden designed by Akiko Iwata, which will feature one-of-a-kind Nihonga art pieces by Ryota Unno and a Kakejiku scroll by calligraphy artist Keika Ogawa. Reservations will be available on exploretock.com

Sexy Fish is opening its first U.S. outpost in Brickell this fall. The restaurant plans to serve a Japanese-influenced menu created by chef Bjoern Weissgerber, who helped lead the kitchen at Zuma Miami when it first opened in 2010. The restaurant will feature plenty of its popular dishes from its original location such as duck salad, vegetarian sushi, smoked tuna belly, black cod, King crab, and cheesecake. For updates and more information, visit sexyfishmiami.com

 

EVENTS

NATPE is back in Miami Beach from January 17-20, 2022, at the Fontainebleau Hotel & Resort. The annual global content conference and marketplace will address the transformation and evolution of the industry focusing on new businesses, new markets, and financing. The cost of registration is $1,600 per person; however, Film Florida is offering (with limited availoability) a special $900 rate per person for Film Florida Industry & Association Council Members. For registration for the discounted group rate, email info@filmforidate.org by December 17,2021. For membership opportunities click HERE.

Sobe Wine & Food Festival
The festival turns 21 February 24-27, 2022, and will once again feature internationally renowned talent and leaders of the hospitality industry at uniquely crafted events showcasing world-class wine, spirits, food, and fun. We invite you to turn up the party during our 21st birthday celebration and join us on our mission to EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE. in support of the future leaders of the hospitality industry! For tickets and more information, visit sobewff.org

F1 Miami Grand Prix
Organizers of the Formula 1® Miami Grand Prix have confirmed that their first event will be held on May 6-8, 2022. As with all rounds of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship TM, the action will be split across all three days, with Practice on Friday, Qualifying on Saturday, and the Grand Prix on Sunday, together with a host of other action and entertainment throughout the weekend. For tickets and more information, visit f1miamigp.com