While South Florida’s “high season” might be coming to an end as we creep towards those summer months, that doesn’t mean our bustling restaurant scene is quieting down. Here are the nine bars and eateries that everyone is looking forward to this spring.
Donna Mare & Bungalow by the Sea
Key Players: Hersha Hospitality, Chef-Partner Manuel Mattei
Address: 3925 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Both eateries, located within the soon-to-be open Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, are spearheaded by Mattei but will feature very different cuisine. Donna Mare will pay homage to Mattei’s Italian roots with traditional Italian fare and seafood, wood-fired pizzas, meats and house-made pastas. Bungalow by the Sea on the other hand will be an ocean-view venue surrounded by tropical palms and will offer a raw bar complimented by the largest assortment of rosé on the beach.
Projected Opening: May 2018
Mason
Key Players: Brian Nasajon
Address: 3470 North Miami Avenue
Nasajon, best known for his cuisine at popular Wynwood spot Beaker & Gray, will set up shop in the former gigi space for his forthcoming all-day diner, Mason. The restaurant will be a modern take on the classic American diner that promises to have “house-made everything” — from bagels and breads to smoked deli meats and condiments. The menu will roughly feature “75 percent classic diner dishes,” according to Nasajon, like piled-high sandwiches, burgers, salads, while the other parts of the menu will feature less traditional diner fare like oxtail pot pie. There will also be a to-go option where meats and desserts also sold by the pound.
Projected Opening: April 2018
Happy Place Donuts
Key Players: David Grutman, Charissa Davidovici
Address: 507 Espanola Way
The man behind places like mega-clubs LIV and Story, Grutman, is teaming up with the founder of Sugar Factory American Brasserie, Davidovici, to open a 4,000-square-foot doughnut shop that’ll feature doughnuts and pastries including hot Happy Dough Balls that are inspired by Italian street fare, rainbow doughnuts, housemade sweet and savory pop tarts, gelato and ice cream plus a specialty line of mojitos that are made to match each doughnut.
Projected Opening: March 2018
Abi Maria
Key Players: Jorgie Ramos and the Barley Team
Address: 8880 SW 72 Place, Miami
A new bar from the team behind Kendall’s Barley, it’ll be inspired by pre-Castro Havana featuring classic Latin cocktails, frozen drinks like Daiquiris, an oyster program and light bites.
Projected Opening: April 2018
222 Taco
Key Players: Anna Robbins, former co-founder of Coyo Taco
Address: 1624 79th Street Causeway
222 Taco will offer an menu of traditional Mexican fare, along with La Margarita Shop, a full-service bar featuring a selection of Robbins’ signature margaritas. On the menu, guests can expect classic Mexican fare, along with a variety of vegan options plus it will feature a ‘tiendita’ stocked with Mexican novelties, grab-and-go offerings, imported sodas and beers, baked goods, coffee, and paletas.
Projected Opening: Late March 2018
Seawell Fish n’ Oyster and Minnow Bar
Key Players: Julian Garriga
Address: 660 Washington Avenue
Led by executive chef Julian Garriga (previously of Area 31, Macchialina and SUGARCANE), Seawell Fish n’ Oyster will highlight classics that play with finfish, shellfish and non-seafood items. Minnow Bar, will house a clear spirits bar where gin will take center stage through herb-infused cocktails with a modern-style bar area and open terrace. Both will be housed inside the Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach’s, which is going under an extensive renovation.
Projected Opening: Minnow Bar in April 2018, Seawell in June 2018
Novikov
Key Players: Arkadiy Novikov; managing partner, Philippe Moullet
Address: 300 S Biscayne Blvd
This London import – which is a favorite amongst celebs – will open its first U.S. outpost in Downtown Miami this spring. The Asian menu will feature robata grill and wok dishes, along with an extensive dim sum and sushi selection along with a colorful seafood and vegetable market display, where guests are encouraged to handpick their meal’s ingredients.
Projected Opening: April 2018