South Florida’s Most Anticipated Openings, Winter 2017

It’s that time of year again. No, we’re not talking about the holiday — it’s restaurant opening season in South Florida. Over the next four months, more than 30 eateries will be opening their doors around the area and here’s your guide for what to get excited about throughout Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Employees Only

WHO: Bill Gilroy, Granville Adams and Danilo Bozovic WHAT: Famed New York City Cocktail Bar Employees Only -- widely credited with the revival of prohibition era cocktails -- is slated to open in the historic Coral House at Washington Park Hotel complete with its signature chicken noodle soup. WHERE: 1050 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 WHEN: December 2016

Soul Tavern

WHO: Jason Gordon WHAT: Miami’s first “vegetarian gastropub” it’ll feature a veggie-filled menu with healthy spins on comfort food, plus beers, and 25 different types of cold-pressed juices. WHEN: January 2017 WHERE: 1801 West Avenue

TATEL Miami

WHO: Manuel Campos, Abel Mtutes, Pau Gasol, Enrique Iglesias, Rafael Nadal WHAT: Madrid clubstaurant, Tatel, is coming to Miami Beach, and is bringing a mix of traditional Spanish cuisine along with modern variations of the classics. WHEN: December 2016 WHERE: Ritz Carlton South Beach, 1669 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

Poeti

WHO: Laurent Tourondel WHAT: A casual, Italian eatery from Tourondel, it'll feature seasonal pastas, selections of rotating charcuterie and antipasti, and brick-oven pizzas WHEN: Winter 2017 WHERE: The Betsy South Beach, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach

Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill

WHO: Bruce and Eric Bromberg WHAT: Bringing their popular Blue Ribbon concept to Miami (they already have outposts in NYC, Las Vegas and Los Angeles) it'll feature all-day sushi inside the new Plymouth Hotel. WHEN: December 2016 WHERE: Plymouth Hotel, 336 21st Street, Miami Beach

Lobster Bar Sea Grille

WHO: Pano Karatassos & Niko Karatassos WHAT: The second South Florida location from the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group it is described as a high-end version of their Fort Lauderdale outpost. WHEN: February 2017 WHERE: 404 Washington Ave Miami Beach

Hank and Harry’s Deli

WHO: Buzzy Sklar WHAT: Lincoln Road is finally getting a proper New York style deli. Expect Jewish deli classics to fill the menu like “Mile-High” corn and roast beef and pastrami sandwiches, bagels and ‘schmears’, knishes and black and white cookies. Plus, NY-staples like meatball subs and hot dogs. WHEN: February 2017 WHERE: 1691 Michigan Avenue, Miami Beach

Molto Pizza + Booze

WHO: Nick Racanelli and family WHAT: After opening 40+ restaurants throughout NY and Connecticut, Racanelli has set his sights on Miami for his latest venture. Taking over the former Haven space it'll feature pizzas, small plates a big bar and plenty of cocktails. WHEN: End of January WHERE: 1237 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

South Pointe Tavern

WHO: Martin Cabrera WHAT: A laid-back, informal tavern in the South of Fifth neighborhood, it promises to serve the largest selection of whiskeys and tequilas in Miami Beach along with a variety of bites. WHEN: December 2016 WHERE: 40 South Pointe Drive, 109, Miami Beach

Lolo’s Surf Cantina

WHO: Chef Richard Ampudia, Plan Do See WHAT: A Baja-inspired eatery named after Ampudia’s grandmother, Lolo, it’ll feature Mexican cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, plus grab-and-go options. WHEN: January 2017 WHERE: Stanton South Beach, 161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach

The Arketekt by Aficionados

WHO: Richard Paredes, Owner of Aficionados Brickell Wine / Spirits Boutique and Speakeasy Bar WHAT: The group behind Aficionados Brickell Wine / Spirits Boutique and Speakeasy Bar are opening their first restaurant, The Arketekt By Aficionados right next door. On the menu expect modern American cuisine with South American touches. WHEN: January 2017 WHERE: 1200 Brickell Bay Drive, Suite 107, Miami

Kiki on the River

WHO: Former Opium Group honcho Roman Jones, former Philippe Chow Managing Partner Aris Nanos and executive chef Steve Rhee, who helped open Milos WHAT: A Greek spot featuring a moderately priced menu offering a bit more on an "approachable option" on the Miami River WHERE: 450 Northwest South River Drive, Miami WHEN: Late December 2016

La Petite Maison

WHO: Restaurateur Arjun Waney, Bob Ramchand and chef Patron Raphael Duntoye WHAT: The French concept, which was founded in the late 80s and a favorite of Waney’s when visiting his summer home near Nice, comes to Miami, marking its third location and first in the U.S. The menu features a cross section of French-Mediterranean cuisine with Italian influences. WHEN: Late-December 2016/Early-January 2017 WHERE: 1300 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami

Big Easy Winebar & Grill by Ernie Els

WHO: South Africa’s golf icon turned winemaker Ernie Els and Grove Bay Hospitality Group WHAT: A “casual yet sophisticated grill room” serving South African comfort food, which pulls influences from Dutch and Indian cultures, amongst others. WHEN: December 2016 WHERE: Brickell City Centre, 701 South Miami Avenue, Miami

American Harvest

WHO: Grove Bay Hospitality Group WHAT: A “farm fresh,” fast-casual eatery offering modern interpretations of comfort food eats. WHEN: December 2016 WHERE: Brickell City Centre, 701 South Miami Avenue, Miami

La Muse Cafe

WHO: Gallerist Dmitry Prut, Dirk DeSouza WHAT: Modeled after European coffee shops and bistros, channelizing the “whimsy of Alice In Wonderland,” La Muse will feature morning coffee service and breakfast, dishes that “seesaw between spa cuisine and decadence,” happy hour, dinner service, and acclaimed small vineyard champagnes and rosés, and reds from around the world. WHERE: Avant Gallery (inside the EPIC Hotel) 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way WHEN: February 2017

Cake Thai

WHO: Phuket Thongsodchaveondee aka "Cake" and his mother May Mazza, Javier Ramirez, and Leo Monterrey WHAT: The cult-favorite in North Miami is making a big move to Wynwood. Expect all the classic dishes that made the restaurant a sensation, plus seating for 30 and a bathroom — unlike its current location. WHEN: Winter 2017 WHERE: 180 NW 29th Street, Wynwood

Bunnie Cakes Studio by Bunnie Cakes

WHO: Mariana Cortez WHAT: Bunnie Cakes is increasing the size of their kitchen and adding a second location, becoming the city’s first-ever cupcake and cake-decorating event venue. WHEN: January 2017 WHERE: 180 NE 24 Street, Miami

Cafe 305

WHO: Colleen Adams, Empowered Youth founder, chef Ronnie Vincent and community kids. WHAT: Empowered Youth, the organization behind the popular VIBE305 food truck unveils its Culinary Center & Cafe in Wynwood. The space will offer a permanent place to train young men to work and run a business, as well as a venue to showcase art and music. The menu will feature New American cuisine like salads, sandwiches, and entrees ranging from burgers and crab cakes. WHEN: January 1 WHERE: 20 NE 29th Street

Sherwoods Bistro & Bar

WHO: The team behind Morgan’s Restaurant WHAT: Evoking a New Orleans style feel, this eatery and bar will showcase food by Barclay Graebner of Wynwood’s Morgan’s Restaurant plus a rotating roster of local pianists and singers. WHEN: “Early” 2017 WHERE: 8281 NE 2nd Avenue

OTL

WHO: Dave Grutman, Matt Kliegman, Carlos Quirarte, and Melia Marden WHAT: A fast-casual eatery from the man behind party meccas like LIV and the crew behind the popular NYC eatery, The Smile Cafe. The 7,000-square-foot space will serve a menu of coffee, baked goods, snacks and sandwiches plus programming like yoga classes and pop-ups. WHEN: December 2016 WHERE: 160 NE 40th Street, Miami Design District

Estefan Kitchen

WHO: Emilio and Gloria Estefan WHAT: High-end Cuban cuisine from the king and queen of Miami that will "feature traditional, family recipes" with a healthy twist. WHEN: December2016 or January 2017 WHERE: 140 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Design District

Artisan Beach House at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour

WHO: Paula DaSilva WHAT: Marking DaSilva’s return to the Miami culinary scene since 1500 Degrees, it’ll feature “soulful rustic cuisine,” that DaSilva is known for. WHEN: January 2017 WHERE: 10295 Collins Avenue, Miami

Ghee Indian Kitchen

WHO: Niven and Shivani Patel WHAT: Courtesy of a Michael's Genuine alum, this restaurant will feature Indian-inspired cuisine showcasing produce from the couple’s own two-acre Homestead farm like colocasia leaves, purple potato, along with housemade sodas. WHEN: February 2017 WHERE: Downtown Dadeland, Kendall

PokéBao

WHO: Daniel Bouza, formerly of Nobu Lana’i and, most recently, with Makoto. WHAT: Inspired by a tiny surf shack in Lana’i, chef Bouza will use his expertise in both Hawaiian and Asian cuisines to offer guests an authentic and creative take on bao buns and poké bowls. WHEN: December 2016 WHERE: 153 Giralda Avenue; Coral Gables

Son Cubano

WHO: Kevin and Diana Gouchee, chef Benjamin Tellez WHAT: Serving a menu of Cuban cuisine with an Asian influence — by a former Makoto chef — this eatery will be housed a block off Miracle Mile featuring a bar, restaurant and lounge Son Cubano features an open dining room with expansive bar compete with live music and an outdoor cigar terrace. WHEN: Early January 2016 WHERE: 2530 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables

Brimstone Woodfire Grill

WHO: Jeff Anders, JR Anders and Anders Anderson, Andy Fox WHAT: This modern American restaurant known for its steaks, seafood and small bites, heads to Doral. WHEN: January 2017 WHERE: 3450 NW 83rd Avenue, Suite 145, Doral

Point Royal

WHO: Geoffrey Zakarian WHAT: A “Coastal American restaurant” and bar by Geoffrey Zakarian at the Diplomat Beach Resort, featuring a seafood-heavy menu and plenty of fresh-juice based cocktails. WHEN: January 2017 WHERE: The Diplomat Beach Resort, 3555 South Ocean Dr, Hollywood

Monkitail

WHO: Michael Schulson WHAT: Schulson's modern Japanese fare heads to Hollywood, with a contemporary take on the classic izakaya, featuring sharable small plates and sushi as well as an array of specialty cocktails and saké. WHEN: March 2017 WHERE: The Diplomat Beach Resort, 3555 South Ocean Dr, Hollywood

Mojito Bar & Plates by Douglas Rodriguez

WHO: Henry Leace and Douglas Rodriguez WHAT: Henry Leace, is bringing his Mojito Bar concept to Fort Lauderdale offering up the same drinks as its Bayside location with a menu created by Rodriguez himself. WHEN: Opening Late February – Early March 2017 WHERE: 2612 Sawgrass Mills Circle, Sunrise

Good Spirits

WHO: Paul Flanigan (yes, like that Flanigan) and his restaurant group Old School Hospitality. WHAT: Good Spirits will offer American culinary classics alongside sushi in a 60s, Mad Men-style setting. WHEN: March 2017 WHERE: 476 North Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale

Other openings of note: The second location of Pubbelly Sushi in Brickell City Centre, Mignonette debuts its second outpost in North Miami, My Ceviche’s sixth location in Midtown, Dr. Smood heads to Aventura Mall, Sunset Harbour and Brickell City Centre, and DIRT opens its second location in Aventura.

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