Splashy Tulum Import Gitano Sets Up Shop on South Beach

High-end “clean” Mexican food has come to Miami, courtesy of new restaurant Gitano (3500 Collins Avenue). The eatery, which began in hip Mexican vacation destination Tulum and expanded to New York City last year, is a longtime favorite of celebrities and socialites.

The menu at Gitano, created by consulting chef-at-large, Mads Refslund, co-founder of Noma and former executive chef of ACME, is reflective of its Tulum roots. Guests can expect dishes like grilled avocado with ponzu, fish in banana leaf, and young coconut salad. It’s popular drinks like the Jungle Fever made with mezcal, cilantro, chili, and lime, also make its way to the menu in Miami.

The multi-level space boasts a main dining room, bar, and lounge, outdoor dining and cocktail terraces and three-story tall glass atrium that can hold 110 for dinner and 40 for cocktails. The rooftop garden features ocean views, a tented lounge, teepees, outdoor showers. Plenty of the design features that make it an Instagram favorite in other locations made it to Miami as well like the wooden banquets, tropical plants, textured plaster walls, vintage light fixtures, pink neon Gitano sign, and large disco ball installation.

Gitano/Official Press Photo

Hopefully the Miami location will have better luck than its New York City counterpart. Despite lines wrapped the blocks for days after its debut, it was shut down twice by the department of health, received less than stellar reviews, and underwent a major revamp this year (including a name refresh) after its first season in New York City.

Gitano’s restaurant, bar and terraces are open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight and 2 a.m. on the weekends. The rooftop garden is open daily from 4 to 11 p.m.