Miami has always been a melting pot of cuisines, and lately, it’s buzzing with fresh culinary openings that blend global flavors into a vibrant, sun-kissed scene. One standout is Motek, a hummus hub born in Miami that skyrocketed to fame. When it opened in New York’s Flatiron District last year, the demand was so intense that it quickly snapped up spots on 57th Street and even ventured across the river to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. But Miami isn’t one to let its native son stray too far—Motek is doubling down on its roots by expanding right here at home. Just recently, it unveiled its sixth restaurant, adding another jewel to its growing family. This isn’t just about claiming more territory; it’s a heartfelt nod to the city’s diverse community that embraced Motek from the start. Imagine stepping into this new Midtown outpost and feeling that instant warmth, like reuniting with an old friend who knows your cracks in corned beef on rye perfectly. The space is expansive, with a patio that’s practically begging for outdoor gatherings under the palm-dotted skies, where you can sip on minty lemonade and watch the world stroll by. Motek’s siblings in Coral Gables, Brickell, and South Beach have long set the standard, but this new spot feels fresher, more alive—a shared heartbeat pulsing with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern vibes that make you feel included in a grand, flavorful celebration. It’s not corporate expansion; it’s Miami showing its love for what started here, reminding us why we fell for this chain: the comforting embrace of Middle Eastern spices wrapped in a tortilla, served with that unbeatable hospitality that makes every meal feel like homecoming.
What really sets Motek’s Midtown gem apart is the menu that’s both nostalgic and innovative, drawing on the traditions that made it a hit while letting Miami’s fresh bounty shine through. Picture yourself at a long communal table, the air thick with the scent of grilling meats and zesty herbs, as waitstaff who feel like neighbors chat about their favorite local spots. Standout dishes include a crisp cabbage salad that’s elevated with a mint-honey vinaigrette that’s sweeter than a beachside nap but with an unexpected tang that dance on your palate. Then there’s the Greek za’atar salad, sprinkled with that signature spice blend that whispers of ancient markets and modern cravings. For heartier bites, the fire-grilled kabobs—tender chunks of lamb or chicken marinated in secrets passed down from Motek’s founders—offer that smoky char that’s pure comfort food. And if you’re treating yourself to a whole grilled branzino, the fish arrives flaked-off-the-bone perfect, its skin crispy like Butterfly’s day-old baguette, served with sides that turn a simple meal into an event. It’s this blend of everyday indulgence and exotic flair that keeps people coming back, turning each visit into a story to share over mimosas at brunch. Beyond the plates, Motek Midtown nurtures that sense of belonging, with events like hummus-making workshops where novices laugh through their first attempts, bonding over shared failures and triumphs. The patio becomes a social hub on weekends, alive with music and mingling, transforming food into the glue that holds Miami’s eclectic crowd together. It’s not just about filling stomachs; it’s about feeding souls, proving how a simple dish can spark connections in a city that’s as much about people as it is about plates.
January brought a wave of excitement with new arrivals that tantalize the senses and challenge what Miami dining can be. Yusuké Tanaka, the maestro behind the Michelin-starred Sushi Yasu Tanaka, stepped into uncharted waters with Yasu Omakase in Wynwood, his debut omakase spot that’s more like a whispered secret than a restaurant. As you settle at the sushi counter crafted from ancient hinoki wood—sourced from trees older than some grandmas—you’re transported to a realm where every bite is a revelation, priced at a ceremonial $250 for a 10-course tasting that feels like a pilgrimage. The experience is intimate, not just about the food but the storytelling: Tanaka drawing on local Florida spoils to craft inventive pieces that marry tradition with tropical whimsy. Imagine a mini sandwich of monkfish liver paired with guava bourbon marmalade, where the creamy richness meets fruity punch in a symphony of flavors that evokes beachside picnics mixed with sophisticated bars. Or the “Florida hand roll,” stone crab nestled in cucumber with a cherry pepper dressing that’s bright and bold, like a sunset jog through Wynwood’s murals. This isn’t rigid sushi snobbery; it’s Tanaka’s playful nod to his adoptive home, blending in ingredients that make you proud to be in Miami. Diners leave with tales of oohs and ahs, the counter becoming a confessional for life stories, where the clink of sake toasts echoes the warmth of newfound friends. It’s expensive, sure, but the memory lingers like a high-roller’s afterglow, turning a meal into an unforgettable chapter in Miami’s culinary book.
Adding to the buzz is Eyal Shani, the Israeli chef whose HaSalon and Malka spots have become legends for their bohemian feasts, now venturing into Southern Italian territory at Bella in South Beach’s Liberty Park Hotel. Picture a serene courtyard that seats 100 under a canopy of stars, with a splashing fountain, terra-cotta floors that tell stories of ancient villas, and foliage so lush it feels like stepping into a secret garden in Rome. The dining room is equally enchanting, adorned with a green onyx bar that’s cool to the touch, handblown glass lamps casting a golden hue over a large antipasto table groaning with temptations. Shani’s cheeky style infuses the menu with his Middle Eastern roots, so you’re not just eating pasta—you’re embarking on an adventure. Handmade pastas twirl with unexpected twists, like adventurous takes on classics such as filet mignon scallopini, where beef meets savory surprises in a velvet sauce. The white polenta pasta arrives creamy and comforting, while his signature fusion shines in tabouli farro served atop sheep’s yogurt, or grouper shawarma that’s smoky and spiced, bridging worlds with every forkful. It’s not fusion for fusion’s sake; it’s Shani celebrating his nomadic spirit through food, making each dish a bridge between Tel Aviv and Tuscany. Bella becomes a gathering place for celebrations, where families linger over espresso, laughing as kids chase pigeons around the fountain. The vibe is festive, like Shani’s other venues, drawing artists, dreamers, and foodies who stay long after dessert, sharing dreams under twinkling lights. It’s a testament to how culinary adventures can bloom in unexpected places, turning a meal into a multisensory journey.
James Taylor, a Cordon Bleu alum whose resume boasts time at Chicago’s stellar Alinea, has landed in Miami with The Joyce, a 45-seat steakhouse that instantly became the talk of the town, attracting celebs like Cindy Crawford, Derek Jeter, and even Future for its opulent allure. The setting is a Prohibition-era speakeasy that’s been lovingly revived, with leather furnishings that cradle you like an old armchair, walnut walls paneled in history, and velvet curtains that drape like whispers of the Roaring Twenties. But it’s the art collection that steals the show—pieces by Picasso, Basquiat, Harukawa, and Prince rivaling museum quality, turning the space into a living gallery where steaks sizzle against iconic canvases. The menu ditches seed oils for excellence, offering off-menu gems like French dip sandwiches dripping with au jus, bone-in Australian wagyu ribeye that’s buttery and beguiling, or tagliolini laced with caviar for pure decadence. Sundays bring a fun shift to “The Palace at The Joyce,” a retro-Chinese themed brunch with kung pao chicken, beef and broccoli, and vegetable lo mein that feels like a playful detour from the norm. It’s not just about the food; it’s the experience, where Taylor’s precision meets Miami’s glam, making every bite a tribute to craftsmanship. Imagine leaning back after a king crab Cantonese that’s sweet, spicy, and sublime, chatting with servers who know the story behind each artwork. The Joyce isn’t aloof; it’s inviting, a spot where regular folks rub shoulders with stars, sharing bites and smiles over cocktails that glow under chandeliers.
Meanwhile, Miami’s culinary renaissance continues with spots that prioritize health and heart. The Rose Cafe and Restaurant, evolved from a simple grab-and-go in Sunny Isles, reopened in October as a chic all-day eatery with no refined oils or processed sugars, embodying clean eating done right. In its pink and pastel Art Deco-inspired room, where Gloria and Emilio Estefan partied opening night, you’ll find dishes that nourish without compromise: a chopped kale and avocado salad topped with cashews and Parmigiano Reggiano, or steamed octopus on hummus that’s elegant yet approachable. Tagliatelle Bolognese offers a lighter twist on comfort, and Dover sole for two feels like a seafood ballet, with grilled langoustines or braised lamb shank with polenta rounding out the menu. Owner Alexandra Milton’s vision turns meals into wellness rituals, where food feels like self-care. At the Michelin-starred Tambourine Room in the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, former Stubborn Seed chef Logan McNeil curates a nightly $195 seven-course tasting with French and Asian notes—think amori hirame in five-spice powder, coconut, and citrus, or foie gras with hazelnut brioche, complemented by lamb with delicate squash and chestnut mushrooms. It’s a refined journey overseen by Tristan Brandt, where each course sparks conversations on flavor frontiers. Finally, after 15 years in Palm Beach, Chef Clay Conley’s Buccan arrives on Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile in April, offering modern American fare like hot dog paninis, sweet corn agnolotti, short rib empanadas, and wood-grilled chicken. Soon, it will share space with his Asian-inspired Imoto and a sandwich shop slinging beef carpaccio and steak bombs. These openings aren’t just restaurants; they’re chapters in Miami’s story, where food brings people together in joyous, flavorful ways.
