Spring brings warmer temperatures, fresh beginnings, and lots of new Miami restaurants.
The Gang Miami {3500 North Miami Avenue, Wynwood; 305.570.9430}
At less than three months old, this urban gastropub has already proved itself to be one of Midtown Miami’s newest hot spots. While the food is decidedly Asian (a blend of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine staples with a modern “Bangkokian” twist), the inside of The Gang feels more like a hipster Brooklynite’s loft: an open space with distressed wooden floorboards, unfinished ceilings with exposed piping, and brick walls displaying random knickknacks that beg to be posted on Instagram. It’s a welcomed addition to the neighborhood, further blurring the line between Wynwood and Midtown.
Hannya {1063 Brickell Plaza, Brickell; 305.808.5833}
With a slew of new restaurants opening in Brickell, it’s hard to stand out from the pack. But Hannya manages to do just that, offering quality sushi and Japanese cuisine in a quaint and cozy spot just two blocks from bustling Mary Brickell Village. It is a concept by Larry Chi of Sunset Place’s Akashi, which was one of the first sushi bars in the area when it opened in 1993, and remains a local favorite to this day. A must-try: the Alex #2 Roll. It’s hard to resist this tasty blend of shrimp tempura, crab salad, masago, and cream cheese topped with avocado, spicy mayo, and eel sauce.
Lique {3957 Northeast 163rd street, North Miami; 305.705.2425}
From the experts at Trust Hospitality Group (the people who brought us Meat Market), comes Lique, an unmatched restaurant and lounge overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway in North Miami Beach. This trendy space offers a cool industrial-meets-nautical vibe with chic décor and an expansive patio complete with 1,000 feet of docking space. An eclectic seafood-heavy menu consists of shared appetizers; a robata grill offering King Crab Legs; various crudo and carpaccio bites; a raw bar with Stone Crab Claws, and much more. And if the food alone isn’t enough to entice you, Lique’s lounge features a 40-foot ice bar and a number of craft spirits.
Quality Meats {1501 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.340.3333}
Manhattan’s award-winning Quality Meats has a tropical place to call its second home, now open in a historic Art Deco hotel in Miami Beach. Partner and Executive Chef Craig Koketsu has concocted a meat-focused menu featuring variations of only the highest quality cuts of beef, all cured, aged, and smoked on site. Guests can expect a few new menu options along with tried-and-true New York classics (think Broccoli and Cheese Bites, Parmesan Waffle Fries, and Corn Crème Brûlée). Father-and-son team Alan and Michael Stillman of Fourth Wall Restaurants partnered with design firm AvroKO to design the two-story space and outdoor patio, combining both the ambience of a traditional family-run butcher shop with the trendy flair of Miami Beach.
Brasserie Azur {3252 Northeast First Avenue, Miami; 786.800.9993}
The masterminds behind renowned Villa Azur (Jean Philippe Bernard, Michael Martin, and Bhanu Choudhrie) will come together this fall to unveil a new Mediterranean dining concept called Brasserie Azur. Set in the former Mercadito Midtown space, Brasserie Azur will face the world dressed from top to bottom in fresh, romantic décor courtesy of Designer François Frossard. Exposed brick, rustic wood accents, low-hanging light bulbs, and floor-to- ceiling windows create an alluring space in which to enjoy lunch and dinner from a true French chef, as well as traditional afternoon tea or a beverage at the expansive bar.
Piripi {Village of Merrick Park, 320 san lorenzo Avenue, coral gables; 305.448.2423}
Spanish slang for “happy” or “tipsy,” Piripi is the first Miami outpost for renowned Basque Chef Najat Kaanache, who combines her culinary experience with the rustic flavors and fragrant spices from the Spanish countryside. As the newest addition to the Village of Merrick Park, Piripi’s sleek, contemporary atmosphere showcases an impressive attention to detail, from the glowing handblown glass chandelier that hangs in the bar area to Chef Kaanache’s handmade tableware. The menu is a convivial journey across Spain, offering an assortment of “Piripikoteos” (snacks), “Pure Blood,” and “Oh Que So” (Spanish meats and cheeses, respectively), as well as sumptuous main dishes that focus on fresh seafood. Be sure to try one of Piripi’s five signature Spanish gin and tonics or seven signature cocktails—or one of each. Get ready to get piripi.
SOHO Bay {520 West Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.618.2788}
Although new to Miami, SOHO Bay is no stranger to the restaurant biz. In fact, this modern eatery is already an established success in Brazil, with 15 years of experience and eight locations across the country. Located on the more subdued West Avenue in Miami Beach, SOHO Bay serves up authentic Japanese cuisine while offering stunning views of the bay through floor-to- ceiling glass windows. A sleek sushi bar offers guests a more interactive dining experience, while the lovely patio provides a breezy starlit setting. Executive Chef Ricardo Sauri, formerly of Nobu fame, has devised a tempting sushi and sashimi-focused menu, complemented by a sizable list of fine sakes and innovative cocktails.