By: Jennifer Agress
With Miami Spice in full swing, the South Florida restaurant scene is jumping. But to make sure the beat doesn’t let up, the Magic City has seven exciting new watering holes to come in 2015 — adding everything from modern Asian and Uruguayan fare, to an American neighborhood joint and an authentic New England seafood house. Best yet, the new restaurants in Miami, 2015, are spread out over the city, from the Grove and downtown to Miami Beach and Brickell.
423 Washington Avenue
Started by Jamie DeRosa, Chef-Owner of the raved-about Tongue & Cheek, Izzy’s Fish & Oyster, also in the idyllic South of Fifth neighborhood, was inspired by Chef DeRosa’s memories of family escapes to the Cape; and all the sunny summer days, balmy nights, toes-in-the-sand dinners and fresh New England seafood that came with it. Named after his daughter, Isabella, and an homage to 2012, when his family road-tripped their way from Miami up the East coast — stopping at every seafood shack along the way — this trendy locale is well-appointed to be SoFi’s first, authentic New England joint. And with its Cape Cod ambiance, comes real, Nor’easter comfort food: like New England clam chowder with salted pork, potato, and house-made oyster crackers; steamers; lobster rolls; and fresh clams. Opening in September 2015.
1200 Collins Avenue
Led by Macchialina’s Michael Pirolo and Jen Chaefsky, BaZi — a modern, whimsical Asian concept — is primed to open at the celebrity-clad Marlin Hotel, which is currently undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation. Given a name that translates to “eight characters” in Chinese, a nod to ancient astrological systems that were once used to forecast life paths, BaZi will serve modern interpretations of traditional fare from Japan, Vietnam, China: like dishes inspired by pad thai, ramen, or fried rice. With a career of top Italian haunts like Macchialina and Scarpetta, Chef Pirolo believes opening an Asian concept is a natural progression, recalling that he often incorporated elements of Asian dining, like an Italian “dim sum” cart, during his time at Macchialina. And like this Alton Road Italian staple, BaZi also plans to be an intimate must-try with neighborhood vibes; serving up exceptional drinks and fare for Marlin Hotel’s celebrated, A-list clientele. Expected to open late Summer 2015.
Ariete
1547 SW 8th Street
Chef Michael Beltran, one of the original members of Michael Schwartz’s Cypress
Room team, is branching out to start his own venture — a new-American-meets-New-World
eatery in Little Havana. Teaming up with high school pal and Sidebar owner, Jason Odio, this anticipated spot will serve up Sunday supper-style sharing plates of snacks, entrées and wood grill favorites like you’ve never had before. Expected to open late 2015.
Glass & Vine
2820 MacFarlane Road
Taking up half of a historic glass house that has sat in Coconut Grove’s Peacock Park for decades, Glass & Vine will be a contemporary American eatery by Giorgio Rapicavoli, the chef behind the ultra-popular Coral Gables haunt, Eating House. Serving modern, “upscale casual” fare, this intimate garden-style eatery — with its enchanting Biscayne Bay views — is poised to be an idyllic place for a relaxed lunch or a glass of wine; perfect for catching up with friends or watching your kids play in the park. Expected to open late 2015.
NaiYaRa
1854 Bay Road
Coming to Sunset Harbour any day now, NaiYaRa — the brainchild of Chef Piyarat “Bee” Arreeratn, of Oishi Thai and Khong River House — will be a trend-setting homage to traditional Thai street food. Inspired by both his favorite childhood meals and recent travels through the Mekong River, everything about NaiYaRa is personal to Chef Bee; from the name, which is the same as his 4-year-old daughter’s, to the elephant logo, a cultural symbol of hard work, long life and honesty. Driven by soul and authenticity, this soon-to-be Thai staple will be decked out in retro Thai culture, handmade materials, and historic artifacts; all with an Asian-meets-Miami Beach ambiance that one could only find in the Magic City. Expected to open late Summer 2015.
4041 Collins Avenue
Perhaps the last part of 2015 will be the Miami’s “age of the Asian restaurant,” as Top Chef star Chef Dale Talde, along with his business partners David Massoni and John Bush, are planning to bring Brooklyn’s hottest Asian-American concept, Talde, to Miami Beach. Primed to set up shop in the charming Thompson Hotel, this hotspot for contemporary fare will be an ode to the chef’s heritage: namely, growing up in America as the son of Filipino immigrants. Already whipping up innovative dishes like Pretzel Pork & Chive Dumplings with tahini mustard and Korean Fried Chicken with spicy kimchee yogurt sauce, the Miami installment of Talde will feature trademark dishes fused with South Florida spices and flavors; a testament to the chef’s enthusiasm for South Beach’s signature energy, culture and cuisine. Expected to open fall 2015.
Quinto La Huella
788 Brickell Plaza
Debuting its flavorful dishes at the 2015 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, the Uruguay-based Quinto La Huella is set to open later this year at East Miami hotel, in the much-anticipated Brickell City Centre. With the original outpost, sister restaurant Parador La Huella, located just outside of Montevideo, and earning a reputation as one of the top 50 restaurants in Latin America, owners Gustavo Barbero, Martin Pittaluga and Guzman Artagaveytia have decided to take it global — choosing Miami as the site of their first international venture. With sweeping views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay, this indoor-outdoor hotel restaurant will house a stone oven hearth, a sushi bar, and delectable menus of Uruguayan beef, chorizo, lamb, langoustines, sides of salmon cooked over red-hot coals, crab croquettes and Tannat wines, made from Uruguay’s signature sweet, slightly acidic grape. Expected to open late 2015.