Below is a weekly round up of the latest openings around South Florida. Track all the openings here and find the hottest new openings here.
December 4
DESIGN DISTRICT — Popular decadent cookie shop, Night Owl Cookies (164 NE 41st Street) has debuted in the Design District. This marks the second brick-and-mortar location for the store who serves oversized cookies topped with everything from fruity pebbles to charred marshmallows. The space boasts its signature aesthetic of pink, aqua with hints of gold and sprinkle-filled decor for lots of ‘gram opportunities, and is open until 2 a.m. daily for those looking to satisfy late night cravings.
DORAL — Popular Doral brewery Tripping Animals now boasts a new sandwich shop called Gorilla City Meats & Sandwiches. With sold out stints at Boxelder, Union Beer Store, Lincoln’s Beard, and Phuc Yeah, the eatery, which focuses on roasted and carved-to-order meats, features at least eight hot and cold sandwiches and five platter options. This sandwiches like the P-A-V-O, with roasted turkey, cranberry slaw, and garlic aioli or the District P’1’G, made with roast pork loin, caramelized onions, pepper jack, and garlic aioli. Visitors are also able to order meat platters by weight and sides like potato salad, mac and cheese, and broccoli rabe.
WYNWOOD — Neighborhood hot spot Le Chick has expanded with Le CoqTail (310 NW 24th Street), its new outdoor bar and lounge. The 2,000-square-foot space offers an expansive bar, communal seating, and a retractable roof. A new drink and food menu are offered as well with options like grilled Spanish octopus, Maine lobster rolls, a fried chicken bun, and street corn, alongside a weekday happy hour.
DORAL — The classic combo of French fries and shakes are the star at Holyshakes (7761 NW 107th Avenue, Suite 2-09). This new spot specializes in over-the-top shakes like the Nutella milkshake with a chocolate frosted rim and salted caramel crunchy pearls, topped with a fudge brownie tower, walnuts praline, vanilla ice cream, Nutella drizzle and sea salt flakes; or the Colada shake made with coconut, a vanilla frosted rim and toasted coconut flakes, topped with a passion fruit ice pop, sour passion fruit jelly cubes, vanilla cream, coconut chips and edible flowers. As for the French fries, guest can choose one of the pre-selected combos like the pulled pork fries topped with pulled pork, apple ginger chutney, crispy onions, and cheese, or opt to make their own with a large assortment of toppings.
October 9
DESIGN DISTRICT — Every wanted to sip a cocktail or a late amongst fine crystal? Now is the time with the debut of Baccarat Boutique BBar & Lounge (140 NE 39th Street) in the Design District. The space serves as a retail store slash cafe and bar offering up things like coffee, tea, cappuccino, champagne, wine, cocktails and bites — all served on the space’s signature crystal servingware, of course.
CORAL GABLES — While the Gables isn’t lacking in steakhouses, another newcomer has joined the mix. Called Perry Steakhouse & Grille (4251 Salzedo Street) it has set up shop near Merrick Park. Diners can expect plenty classic steakhouse fare like crab cakes, steak tartare, a variety of steak cuts, and sides like creamed spinach and macaroni and cheese. The restaurant — which has locations throughout the country — also offers up some more unique dishes like fried asparagus topped with jumbo lump crab meat, barbecue octopus, and surf and turf pasta, plus rotating specials like pork chop Fridays and Sunday Supper.
BRICKELL — Meat is the star at new Brickell eatery, Boss Cow (1036 South Miami Avenue). The restaurant features a concise but well-executed out menu of a handful of starters and and mains including beef carpaccio, beef tartare, and steak and frites made with either New York strip of filet mignon, served medium rare only.
WYNWOOD — Late night sandwich go-to, La Sandwicherie (169 NW 23rd Street) has expanded its footprint to Wynwood. The ultra-hip neighborhood location serves up all the restaurant’s favorite dishes sandwiches, alongside new vegan varieties, salads, breakfast items and dessert, plus its famous French vinaigrette.
SOUTH BEACH — Food served in a cone is the idea behind Conos (751 Washington Avenue), The new restaurant features meals served in a plantain cone, like the Poke Me made with salmon and spicy mayo or the Little Havana filled with pork, mojo and black beans. And for those late night revelers, the reysturarnat is open until 5 a.m. making it the perfect post bar stop.
September 25
AVENTURA — Aventura Mall is now home to Flavortown, as Guy Fieri’s counter service restaurant, Chicken Guy (19501 Biscayne Boulevard), has opened in the mall’s Treats Food Hall. The restaurant is a collaboration between Fieri and restauranteur Robert Earl boasting a menu of chicken fingers served in a dizzying array of ways — grilled or fried, in sandwiches, on skewers, or in meal-sized salad bowls — served with 22 different sauces. Guests can complete their light meal with sides like fries, mac ‘n cheese, fried pickles, and coleslaw.
AVENTURA — Popular Sunset Harbour healthy eatery, Delicious Raw (2980 NE 207th Street, Suite 110), is making its way up to Aventura with its most recent expansion. The new outpost serves up its made-to-order meals, superfood bowls, vegetable and fruit juices, smoothies and wellness shots. Think dishes like the Nobl veggie burger, Buddha bowl, the Super-Bowl açai bowl, and lentil meatballs.
DORAL — Continuing its South Florida expansion, Tap 42 (3535 NW 83rd Avenue) has debuted its latest location in CityPlace Doral. Occupying the former Perinola South American Table & Bar space, it boasts seating for 200 people and will serve up its fan-favorite dishes like its calamari tower, baby back ribs, and ice cream cookie super sundae. Its popular specials like Wine Wednesdays, and Bottomless Brunch on Saturday and Sunday, will also be found at the new location.
August 28
WYNWOOD — Part bagel spot, part speakeasy, Wynwood newcomer The Bagel Club (2400 North Miami Avenue) has officially opened its doors. Connected to popular poke outpost Ono Poke — and co-owned by the same team — it boasts a daytime menu filled with bagels, a variety of unique spreads and toppings, and La Colombe coffee drinks, while during the nighttime it will turn into a lounge.
CORAL GABLES — A cozy new Argentine outpost is now open in Coral Gables. Called El Porteño (271 Miracle Mile), it serves a rather extensive menu of classic fare from Argentina like grilled skirt steak with chimichurri and empanadas, plus more modern dishes like mix and match pasta entrees, porcini dusted scallops, and seafood risotto. Like any good Argentine spot, it also boasts an extensive selection of Malbecs and other vintages from the area.
THE ROADS — A comfort food meets healthy-ish new breakfast and lunch spot Honey Uninhibited (1777 SW 3rd Avenue), owned by former Florida Gator football player Carlos Dunlap. This counter-service style eatery serves up eight different styles of eggs benedict, waffles, pancakes, and even vegan scrambles for lunch, while lunch consists of a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and salads. And yes, honey is the topping of choice at the eatery — but not the only option.
August 20
SOUTH MIAMI — Today chef Adrianne Calvo debuts Cracked by Chef Adrianne, marking her second standalone restaurant. Located in the former No Name Chinese space (7400 SW 57th Court) the menu features items like truffle fries, brussel sprout salad, a burrata bar, Instagram-worthy sandwiches, and even a weekend brunch menu. This marks the transition of Calvo’s three restaurants out of the neighboring Yumbrella Food Hall, but guests will be able to find desserts from her milk bar pop-up concept, The Beverly, wrapped into the South Miami Cracked menu.
MIMO — Laying claim to Miami-Dade county’s longest-running liquor license, The Anderson (709 NE 79th Street) has been wearing many different hats since its opened in 1947 and found itself born again with new ownership earlier this year. With new owners, comes new food options including the El Toro, the bar’s new taco truck, which pays homage to the Anderson’s original name and presents guests with a full range fiesta serving up eight different kinds of tacos, including vegan and vegetarian options, salsas, Mexican corn sides, churros, and boozy cold paletas.
CORAL GABLES — Coyo Taco (126 Giralda Avenue) continues its ever-growing expansion with its latest outpost in Coral Gables. The new location on Giralda Plaza features Coyo’s popular recipes including tacos, burritos, tortillas, aguas frescas, and more. Plus, like its original Wynwood location, this outpost features a “speakeasy” with live DJ’s nightly and an expansive selection of more than 50 tequilas and mezcals.
August 7
WYNWOOD — Gainesville import Mora Pizza (3201 NW 7th Ave Circle) has set up shop in forever hip Wynwood. Proudly boating its 100 percent vegan menu, it serves NY-style pizza by the slice. The surprisingly creative and diverse menu offers more options that most pizza parlors in the South Florida area like a chicken and waffles pizza made with vegan waffles, fried vegan chicken, jelly, and a maple syrup drizzle, or the GuapaMole made with a guacamole base and topped with pico de gallo and mini vegan quesadilla bites.
BUENA VISTA — Another Greek-inspired spot has arrived in the Buena Vista neighborhood. Aptly named EGM eat greek miami (3252 NE 1st Avenue, Suite 107) it is housed in the same space as neighborhood mainstay Buena Vista Deli. (Bonus: guests can order from both menus.) Expect rather traditional Greek fare like gyro platters, Greek salads, meze boards, and weekend brunch, a full bar, and even a neon sign to snap for the ‘gram.
CORAL GABLES — No gluten, no problem, at Dora’s Bakery & Bistro (4702 South LeJeune Road). The Coral Gables newcomer offers everyone’s favorite foods — from pizza, to burgers, to the Miami favorite croquetas — without any gluten. The counter service spot also boasts a huge array of desserts like brownies, cinnamon rolls, cake pops, chocolate covered alfajores, and more.
DOWNTOWN MIAMI — More Indian options are arriving in the Magic City, this time courtesy of Swagat Indian Kitchen (900 Biscayne Boulevard, Unit 101 B). Located right by the American Airlines Arena, the two-floor restaurant boasts an eatery on the first floor and a soon-to-be-open lounge on the second. Guests can expect to a variety of Indian fare like samosas, pani puri, tandoori chicken, a wide array of curries, and even some dishes with Chinese flavors.
July 24
WYNWOOD — Because apparently Wynwood doesn’t have enough people taking photos as is, Suite Habana Cafe (2609 North Miami Avenue) has come to fill that void. Serving up Cuban coffee and small bites like empanadas, croquetas, and sweet items. The space is modeled after a paladar — aka a small restaurant that can be found inside someone’s private home in Cuba — complete with a welcome mat at its entrance, to the plush furniture seating found inside this coffee shop, Cuban tiles, and even its own piece of the Wynwood Walls with a mural of Cuban queen, Celia Cruz outside its front door.
ALL OVER — Chef Sunny Oh of Sushi Garage has debuted El Chino Taco, a “virtual” restaurant on Postmates and Uber Eats. El Chino Taco offers Asian-inspired tacos that pays homage to Sunny’s Korean roots and Miami’s Latin influence like spicy Korean tacos, tempura shrimp tacos, and short rib fried rice chimichanga.
SOUTH BEACH — NYC eatery Regina’s Grocery (418 Meridian Avenue) has flown south, opening a spot inside the Meridian Hotel. Originating in the Lower East Side of New York, Regina’s Grocery is the brainchild of Roman Grandinetti and his mother Regina who made a name for themselves creating a variety of Italian style subs like topped with everything from prosciutto to mortadella. And to be South Beach friendly, each sub can be made into a salad as well.
UPPER EAST SIDE — After a brief hiatus, Wabi Sabi by Shuji (851 NE 79th Street) has reopened at its original location. Chef Shuji Hiyakawa’s four different types of donburi bowls are back on the menu, each made seafood, vegetables, rice, greens and sauces with a picturesque presentation. Guests can dine on their bowls at the restaurant’s 10-seat counter or take them to go. A BYOB - Bring Your Own Bowl - special of $1 off each bowl is available to guests for takeout.
July 17
SOUTH MIAMI — Pizza and Puerto Rican cuisine aren’t exactly known for sharing space on the same menu, but South Miami newcomer Planet 57 (5701 Sunset Drive, Suite 102) is looking to change that. The restaurant serves a somewhat head scratching array of offerings ranging from the classic mofongo, to a variety of pizza topped with everything from pepperoni to chicharrons, along with items like chicken wings, macaroni and cheese balls, and an assortment of pastas. The restaurant is the brainchild of a family that, according to its website, owns 12 pizza restaurants in Puerto Rico and wanted to bring their eatery to Miami, but with a “twist.”
AVENTURA — That big splashy waterpark that just debuted inside the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa (19999 W Country Club Drive) has two new eateries to dine on while enjoying the water. First up is the Surf House, a casual dining, grill and “vacation bar” serving items like tacos, burgers, oysters, ceviche, tropical cocktails, and lots of cold beer. The other eatery is called Freestyle, which offers more of a grab-and-go option with food options like salads, fruit bowls, sandwiches, pizza, and a variety of gelato.
AVENTURA — Domaine Souviou (5760 Sunset Drive), a wine and olive oil producer located in Provençe, has taken up residence in South Miami in the form of a boutique. The wine bar serves up more than 30 wines along with several tasting menus for those who want to stick around and drink for a while. To soak up the vino, guests can dine on French fare like Provençal style tarts, ratatouille, crusted baked camembert, duck foie gras and more. The space also boasts a boutique selling the wine and oils by the bottle.
July 8
BRICKELL — After years of waiting, the Shake Shack (901 South Miami Avenue, Suite 109) in Brickell has finally opened its doors. Expect the brand’s popular burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, crispy crinkle cut fries, along with Miami-specific frozen custards like the Rainbow Connection made with vanilla custard, strawberry purée, a Salty Donut glazed donut and rainbow sprinkles, and beers from Wynwood Brewing Co.
SOUTH BEACH — The Lincoln Eatery (723 Lincoln Lane) has added its latest addition to its lineup, a kosher smokehouse called Smoke’d. On the menu are items like smoked brisket, pitmaster sausage, bacon burger, chicken wings, cornbread and coleslaw. And to add some authenticy, the stall itself used reclaimed wood from houses up to 100-years old to evoke the look and feel of a traditional smokehouse.
COCONUT GROVE — Il Giardino at Mr. C Coconut Grove (2988 McFarlane Road)has officially opened its doors. Housed inside the new Coconut Grove hotel, it serves classic Italian dishes like burrata with heirloom tomato salad, tuna carpaccio, and tiramisu, along with a daily happy hour, in a European style garden.
June 27
SOUTH BEACH — The Lincoln Eatery has debuted its very appropriately named bar, Cocktails (723 Lincoln Lane) that’s “inspired by South Beach’s lifestyle.” While vodka sodas and loud music don’t seem to be on the menu, the beach-style bar serves up tropical drinks like The Morning After made with corn flakes-infused rum, pineapple and coconut and the Mangopolitan with a blend of vodka, cointreau, mango and lemon. Cocktails also boasts a happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to closing on weekends, with $3 beers $2 off cocktails.
MIDTOWN — Via Emilia Garden (3500 North Miami Avenue), an offshoot of South Beach’s Via Emilia, has opened in Midtown. It shares the same Italian-centric menu and specials as its sister location, but boasts more extras like an upscale atmosphere, open kitchen, expanded market, a butcher area where guests can choose their preferred cut of meat, and a pasta making station with its expert “Sfoglina” (or pasta maker) on hand.
LITTLE HAITI — The Citadel food hall has a new healthy addition to its lineup called Palma Juice Co (8300 NE 2nd Avenue). Helmed by Darren Laszlo, the original chef behind the now defunct juice chain JugoFresh, it serves Miami-inspired juices and smoothies like the Leche de Tigre made with tiger nuts, dates, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup, Himalayan salt; made-to-order açaí bowls; smoothies, like the Antioxidant Beso, and wellness shots, like Throat Candy. Plus, keeping the environment in mind, all products will be bottled in glass and served in reusable or biodegradable serving ware.
June 11
WYNWOOD — The team behind the Design District’s popular Peruvian hybrid, Itamae, has debuted its latest eatery B-Side by Itamae (143 NW 23rd Street) inside 1-800-LUCKY. Taking over the former Myumi Sushi space at the Asian themed food hall, B-Side serves Peruvian-Japanese cuisine called like the Kikanbo sushi roll filled with kani salad, “numbing” spice, scallion and cilantro topped with torched scallop and “devil level” miso and the 33 ⅓ roll prepared with mackerel tempura and avocado stacked with hamachi tartare and tograrashi.
DOWNTOWN MIAMI — Longstanding wine bar Bunbury has relocated from its location in Wynwood to Downtown’s Arts & Entertainment District at Square Station (1420 NE Miami Place). The new Bunbury introduces a new eatery called Fonda Café by Bunbury, offering up breakfast and dinner. Plus the wine bar now has a fully stocked liquor bar offering a mix of classic old-fashioned cocktails and more unique concoctions.
SOUTH BEACH — For those looking for a new spot to snap a selfie while sipping on some coffee, head to Instagram friendly Blanche’s (1020 Collins Avenue). The quirky sidewalk cafe features rose accents, neon signage and pale pink walls, plus “femme forward” all-day dining options like nutella waffles, avocado toast eggs benedict, and açaí bowls, because apparently females like avocado and nutella.... and pink.
SOUTH BEACH — After a three-year, $620 million renovation, the Miami Beach Convention Center is introducing some (tolerable) cuisine into the mix with the debut of Centerplate (1901 Convention Center Drive). The restaurant promises to “stay away” from traditional convention fare with offerings like ostrich to bison by executive director and longstanding restaurateur Steve Haas.
May 30
LITTLE HAVANA — An Ernest Hemingway inspired Cuban eatery has debuted in Little Havana. Called Sala’o Cuban Bar and Pescaderia (1642 SW 8th Street), it serves up seafood-centric menu by Jorge Mas, who was most recently at NIU Kitchen, alongside classic Cuban cocktails. Think dishes like duroc pork chops with Maduro chimichurri; Arroz verde with prawns, green sofrito, and toasted coconut; and squid stew.
SOUTH MIAMI — If you see a massive line forming on the side of US1, don’t be alarmed — those people are just waiting for doughnuts. Popular doughnut outpost The Salty Donut (6022 South Dixie Highway) has debuted its second location. The menu is similar to the Wynwood location including favorites such as traditional glazed, brown butter and salt, maple bacon and guava and cheese, along with location specific chef’s specials and a expanded coffee program.
COCONUT GROVE — Chefs Phillip Bryant and Veronica Valdivia have teamed up with Ark Hospitality (Ariete, Chug’s, The ScapeGoat, and Taurus Beer & Whisk(e)y House) to bring Maryland Pit barbecue to Coconut Grove with Johnnie’s Pit Beef & BBQ (3540 Main Highway) featuring specialty sandwiches, pit barbecue baskets, and variety of barbecue-friendly sides. But, there’s a catch — Johnnie’s is only open on Sundays and closes when the food runs out, so get there early as doors open at noon.
SOUTH BEACH — For those mourning the closing of The Dutch, The Restaurant at W South Beach (RWSB) is here to fill that void. Helmed by executive chef Josh Gripper and executive sous chef Mario Alegre, the new eatery features a “Roots American” menu, influenced by their respective upbringings—Gripper’s American South and Alegre’s Puerto Rican heritage. Dishes like lobster rolls, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, and smoked pork chops, fill the menu, along with new brunch offerings and tropical-inspired beverages.
DOWNTOWN MIAMI — La Estación American Brasserie ( 600 NW 1st Avenue) by the Juvia Group has set up shop inside Virgin MiamiCentral adjacent to the newly opened Central Fare offering diners and busy travelers a full-service bistro, soon-to-open grab and go and Dulce counters. The American-influenced cuisine offers items like cheeseburger sliders, baby back ribs, seafood pasta, cobb salad, steak frites, along with a selection of sushi.
April 24
DESIGN DISTRICT — St. Roch Market has a new eatery, and this time it’s Caribbean inspired. Called Kali’s Island Spice (140 NE 39th Street, 2nd Floor), it’s a Carribbean menu with a Latin twist, inspired by the spices & dishes he grew up eating in Jamaica. Think Jamaican beef patties, conch salad, braised oxtail, spicy jerk chicken with roti and more.
BRICKELL — A new gelato-coffee-cafe-juice shop hybrid has debuted in Brickell. Stefano Versace Gelato Bistro (1300 Brickell Bay Drive, Unit #CU2) , which already has 30 outposts throughout the U.S., it serves up a little bit of everything from healthy bites, pressed juices, pastries, an array of coffee styles, gelato, and even beer and wine for happy hour.
SOUTH MIAMI — Build-your-own pizza spot, Urban Bricks (6144 S Dixie Highway), has officially opened its doors. It offers a variety of create your own dishes like pizza, paninis, and salads, plus chicken wings, desserts, and drinks. And for those who don’t want to decide it offers plenty of pre-made suggestions.
WYNWOOD — Leal Bistro + Art (2700 N Miami Avenue) has officially taken over the space that used to house Jimmy’z Kitchen Wynwood. The quaint cafe serves up bistro fare with Latin touches like slow roasted pork arepas, corvina ceviche with passion fruit, smoked duck breast with wasabi mashed potatoes and Caracas soft chocolate Mousse.
April 17
COCONUT GROVE — Ariete’s Michael Beltran has officially opened the doors to his Cuban-diner style eatery, Chug’s (3444 Main Highway). It serves up Cuban-inspired breakfast, lunch, dinner and to-go bites daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.. In true Beltran fashion it has a array of fritas and other sandwiches like Medianoche and Minuta, alongside lighter dishes like sweet potato salad, and inventive pastelitos courtesy of Pastelito Papi.
MIDTOWN MIAMI — Counter service, Indian style cuisine has finally arrived to Miami courtesy of CHO:TU (3252 NE First Avenue). Considered neighboring Maska’s more casual counterpart, it features a menu of Indian street food like lamb bhuna, vegan pani puri, and lentil curry, with seating for 42 people both indoor and outdoor.
LITTLE HAVANA — Cafe La Trova’s 80s themed backbar is now open for business. Open on the Fridays and Saturday evenings, the cocktail menu at 80s 305 Bar (971 SW 8th Street) features 12 cocktails — think Cosmos, Hurricanes, Mint Juleps — all priced at $12. Each drink bears the name of the bartender or mixologist that made the drink famous. Local beers, wines and champagnes can also be found on the menu.
DOWNTOWN MIAMI — Downtown Miami has a new breakfast focused restaurant. A spin off of The Butcher Shop Beer Garden and Grill, The Egg Spot (228 SE 1st Street) counter service dining while serving The Butcher Shop’s most popular brunch dishes, as well as a range of new breakfast options like breakfast sandwiches, power bowls, even bratwurst and burgers, plus Illy coffee bar, squeezed and cold pressed juices in addition to a selection of wine and beer options.
March 15
LITTLE HAVANA — While Calle Ocho isn’t exactly lacking in the taqueria department, it seems always welcome to newcomers. The latest to come to the area is El Santo (1620 SW 8th Street), a self-described “kitschy” Mexican restaurant dedicated to one of lucha libre’s most famous luchadores and folk heroes named Santo. The straightforward menu features items like carne asada and al pastor tacos along with guac and quesadillas. A bar is slated to open in the back in the following months.
SOUTH BEACH — The Italian-inspired market Mercato (1701 Purdy Avenue) has expended to Sunset Harbour. The restaurant, which got its start in the Design District in 2013, will offer a similar menu to its mainland counterpart but will offer outdoor seating and the inside communal table will serve as a “bread and breakfast vibe” where visitors and locals alike can interact.
BRICKELL — El Tucan (1111 SW 1st Avenue) is back in Brickell starting tonight. The “reimagined” restaurant will still feature elements of its cabaret past with “surprise” entertainment, including aerialists, singers and dancers performing during dinner. The menu got a revamp as well and now features a variety of Asian-influenced dishes like spicy hamachi tacos, Wagyu sliders, pork belly bao buns, chicken wing lollipops and Chilean sea bass satay.
BRICKELL — Ever dream to drink in a fancy watch shop? Well now those dreams can come to life thanks to new watering hole Bar Journe, located inside of F.P.Journe (270 Biscayne Blvd Way). At the bar guests can sip on a selection of rare and vintage spirits like Suntory Japanese Whiskey from the 1980s, Bacardi Rum from the 1940s, and Moskovskaya Vodka from the 1970s, all while nibbling on jamón Ibérico and Petrossian caviar, of course. For those who want to take their libations up another level, individual and corporate memberships are also available, offering additional benefits and selections with the option to acquire a locker where one can store and access their bottles.