South Florida’s Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings, Spring 2017

While spring is more of an idea than an actual season here in South Florida, it’s still one of the most popular times of the year from restaurants to open their doors. Here are 14 new spots that we’re looking forward to this season.

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No Name Chinese

WHO: Heath Porter, Craig DeWald, and Pablo Zitzmann WHAT: From the duo behind Coral Gables go-to wine bar Uvaggio, comes No Name Chinese. A departure from their original restaurant, it’ll feature Chinese cuisine using traditional techniques and flavors but with a cleaner spin to the dishes, plus plenty of “weirdo” wines, takeout and delivery. WHEN: April WHERE: 7400 SW 57th Street

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: End of March

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: Late March WHERE: Ritz Carlton South Beach, 1669 Collins Avenue, 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: Late March WHERE: 404 Washington Ave Miami Beach

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: Early May WHERE: 1801 West Avenue

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: April WHERE: 180 NE 24 Street, Miami

Sherwoods Bistro & Bar

WHO: The team behind the Annex Wynwood or Acme Lounge 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: May WHERE: 8281 NE 2nd Avenue

Malibu Farm

WHO: Helene Henderson WHAT: A farm-to-table concept setup in the swanky Nobu Hotel, it’ll feature plenty of garden inspired dishes, local fish and wood-fired pizzas. WHEN: April WHERE: 4525 Collins Avenue

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: April WHERE: Downtown Dadeland, Kendall

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: April WHERE: 2612 Sawgrass Mills Circle, Sunrise

Vicky’s House

WHO: Kush Hospitality, the creators of Kush, The Spillover and Lokal WHAT: Located next to Lokal in Coconut Grove, this 12-seat milkshake bar and tasting room promises to feature “everything your sweet tooth is craving.” WHEN: April WHERE: 3190 Commodore Plaza

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: April WHERE: The Diplomat Beach Resort, 3555 South Ocean Dr, Hollywood

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 WHERE: 476 North Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale

Dashi

WHO: Shuji Hiyakawa, River Yacht Club WHAT: Opening up inside River Yacht Club is Dashi, a new Japanese concept helmed by the former chef at Kuro and protege of Masahuru Morimoto, Shuji Hiyakawa. On the menu expect sushi and sashimi, Udon and cooked fish and meat selections, served in a “pristine jewel box setting.” WHEN: March WHERE: 401 SW 3rd Avenue