Miami’s 5 Hottest New Restaurants 2019

With Art Basel just mere weeks away, we’ve created a go-to-guide for the best new spots in Miami to dine and be seen during Art Basel Miami 2019 (December 5th – 8th). From big-named restaurants to local up-and-comers. You’re going to want to check these out.

 

Boia De

In Miami, a neon-lit exclamation point (!) marks the location of Boia De, a funky new restaurant tucked in the corner of a busy shopping center in upper Buena Vista. Opened since June, the hidden gem is sparking excitement amongst foodies with its Brooklyn-cool vibe and modern American fare with a touch of Italian influence. If you find yourself in Miami for Art Basel, Boia De is a must.

The retro-modern eatery breathes new life to the neighborhood with its casual fine-dining pedigree, eclectic décor and premium selection of low-intervention wines. With just 24 seats, it’s a small operation run by culinary duo (and couple) Luci Giangrandi and Alex Meyer; chefs with equally impressive resumes working in some of New York’s most acclaimed kitchens who until recently operated La Pollita, the beloved Mexican taco truck in Design District.

Boia De, located at 5205 Northeast Second Avenue, is open for dinner six nights a week (closed Tuesdays) from 5:30PM to 10:30PM; and Friday to Saturday until 11:30PM. Contact: 305-967-8866.

 

 

Le Jardinier

Le Jardinier, a modern vegetable-driven restaurant rooted in classic French technique and created by a longtime protégé of Chef Joël Robuchon, opened on August 16, 2019. The casually sophisticated concept was created by Culinary Director Alain Verzeroli, who worked with Robuchon for 21 years and currently serves as Executive Chef of the restaurant’s flagship location in New York City. Plants play a prominent role on the menu at Le Jardinier, where local, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs and greens are complemented by wild and sustainable fish, meat and poultry.

Regional Chef Leo Pablo serves as the day-to-day chef at Le Jardinier Miami, bringing over 15 years of experience in some of the region’s top kitchens including Life-House, Stubborn Seed, and J&G Grill by Jean Georges. Located on the first floor of the bi-level plaza (with L’Atelier located upstairs), the restaurant features a lush outdoor dining area.

Le Jardinier located at 151 NE 41st St Suite 135, will be closed on Mondays, open from 6PM to 10PM on Sunday, and Tuesday through Thursday; and 6PM to 11PM Friday and Saturday. Contact: 305-402-9060.

 

 

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

With locations around the world in cities including Paris, Tokyo, and New York, the South Florida outpost of Chef Joël Robuchon’s groundbreaking concept, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, opened on August 28, 2019. The highly-anticipated restaurant offers diners modern French cuisine served at a signature 34-seat dining counter that faces directly into the open kitchen, allowing for a dynamic interaction between the chefs and guests, and convivial fine dining experience.

L’Atelier’s counter seating and menu format meld the interactive sushi counters of Japan and tapas style of service found in Spain, with Robuchon’s modern French cuisine. The menu in Miami features several of L’Atelier’s iconic signature dishes—including the famed pommes purée—alongside new, ever-changing seasonal creations utilizing ingredients sourced from top local and regional purveyors. The format of the menu at L’Atelier allows diners the flexibility to create their own experience by ordering a la carte or one of the various tasting menu options.

L’Atelier located at 151 NE 41st St Suite 235, will serve dinner from 6PM until 10PM Tuesday through Saturday. 

 

 

Sushi By Bou

Tucked away on the second floor of The Villa Casa Casuarina, within Gianni Versace’s former suite, resides Sushi By Bou, an exclusive sushi bar bringing experiential omakase to South Beach. The popular New York City concept is the brainchild of Michael Sinensky and Erika London of Simple Venue which focuses on transforming underutilized spaces within existing hotels into experiential culinary concepts. Guests can choose between a 30 or 60-minute omakase dine in the expanded suite which houses two, four-seat sushi bars with a modern neoclassic style that honors the mansion’s existing architecture and original design.

Diners are encouraged to arrive early, or stay late, for private access to the G-Lounge which boasts a personal bartender serving up a selection of fine Japanese Whiskeys and craft sake cocktails in the pre-dining space complete with emerald couches and a fireplace. The 60-minute omakase experience includes 17 courses for $125 inclusive of tax and gratuity, while the 30-minute option includes 12 courses for $65 exclusive of tax and gratuity. Additionally, the suite is equipped with an ‘instagrammable’ self-service sake vending machine where guests can select their choice of three sakes for $40 or add a sake pairing to the experience at an additional cost.

Sushi By Bou is located at The Villa Casa Casuarina on 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Contact: 305-922-9195.

 

 

Esotico Miami

The much-anticipated tiki-inspired concept by Daniele Dalla Pola (DDP) and Graspa Group Owner Graziano Sbroggio – Esotico Miami – opened this summer. The tropically chic restaurant and bar offers a spectacular cocktail menu reflecting global influences and overflowing with fresh, original, potent concoctions. DDP is a cocktail globetrotter and a connoisseur of tiki culture. As one of the world’s best tropical mixologists, he has traveled extensively, gaining expertise in crafting cocktails inspired by exotic and remote locales, including two of his favorite places: Hawaii and the Caribbean. Esotico Miami’s comprehensive cocktail menu contains an assortment of original creations influenced by tiki-cocktail history.

The offerings include close to 230 rums, signature drinks, limited edition mugs, large-format social cocktails for sharing, and sections dedicated to Negronis, rum flights, gin and tonics, mocktails, and beer. The varied and eclectic menu, dubbed “tropical chow,” tempts the palate with a variety of seafood, meat-centric, and vegetarian options. The sophisticated 3,400 square-foot space in Downtown Miami accommodates 157 people. The colorful décor includes custom-printed wallpaper depicting lush palm trees, muted lighting, and accents inspired by the tropics.

Esotico Miami located at 1600 NE 1 Ave in Downtown Miami, is open Monday-Saturday from 5PM-2AM; Closed Sundays. Cotact: 305-800-TIKI.