Coal-Fired Cuban Cuisine is the Star at Brickell Newcomer Marabu

Brickell City Centre has a swanky new Cuban eatery by chef chef Alberto Cabrera and V&E Restaurant Group called Marabu (701 S Miami Avenue). Debuting on the fourth floor of the mall, it features josper grilled Cuban cuisine and tropical cocktails in an upscale setting.

Cabrera — who helped open popular South Florida eateries like Bread + Butter, Little Bread Cuban Sandwich Co., and The Local Craft Food + Drink — has created a menu featuring large-format meats, rice, vegetables, and seafood dishes. Think Cuban classics like vaca frita, ham croquetas, Cuban sandwiches, and a tabletop Caja China, alongside more modern dishes like charcoal roasted black grouper with piperade, English pea puree, and roasted lemon; or salt cured short rib with aporiado sauce.

The bar program, which offers an extensive menu to-go as well as dine-in cocktails, features drinks like the a rum-based Old Fashioned, passionfruit mojito, and even large format cocktails with enough for 6-8 drinks.

The restaurant itself is inspired by Cuban cities like Camagüey and Pinar del Rio, and features a “Havana-inspired” bar serving as its indoor centerpiece the space alongside a mix of rustic elements and bright colorful accents, with an outdoor pergola reminiscent of “el campo,” to anchor the outdoor dining area.

The restaurant opens next Monday, June 29, and then will open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Happy Hour at the bar takes place Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Takeout menus are also available.