Haute Cuisine: Amara At Paraiso, Azabu And Boulud Sud Open In Miami

Miami is once again back in full swing with a strong lineup of haute dining destinations opening in the Magic City. From Chef Michael Schwartz’s Amara at Paraiso to the Michelin-starred Sushi Azabu brand debuting in Miami, we’ve rounded up some of the highlights of the city’s top openings within the foodie scene.

AMARA AT PARAISO

Photo Credit: Amara at Paraiso

Chef Michael Schwartz will be debuting his first waterfront dining destination this week at the breathtaking Paraiso District developed by The Related Group. With sweeping views of Biscayne Bay in the up-and-coming Edgewater neighborhood, the stunning restaurant is sure to entice Miami’s curious eaters who want a first taste of fine dining in the hip neighborhood—and are also craving more of the James Beard Award-winning chef’s classic cuisine. Always keeping things fresh, Chef Michael Schwartz has chosen this particular spot’s menu to highlight the bold flavors of Latin America utilizing coastal ingredients and promoting clean eating. Guests can expect dishes Empanadas with Short Rib, Banana Leaf Wrapped Cobia, Grilled Beef Short Rib, the signature “Amara Feijoada” spread and so much more.

“The dynamic energy, local ingredients, and natural beauty that define why we live and visit here are what Amara at Paraiso is all about. It couldn’t exist anywhere else,” says Chef Michael Schwartz. “This restaurant is in the unique position to bring it all together. It’s our love letter to Miami and why we are proud to call it home.”

AZABU MIAMI BEACH

Photo Credit: DeepSleep Studio

With much anticipation, Miami will welcome renowned sushi brand AZABU to the charming South of Fifth neighborhood later this month. The Michelin-starred brand hailing from New York is thrilled to open its second U.S. location in Miami, offering authentic Japanese cuisine in an intimate setting. Led by Chef Masatsugu Kubo (Chef Masa), Azabu Miami Beach will house various concepts under one roof including a full-service dining room, hidden sushi counter with Tokyo-trained chefs called The Den and Bar Azabu, a classic-style cocktail bar showcasing sakes and over 40 imported whiskeys. With few sushi locations in Miami comparable to those in New York City, it is a welcome addition to the city’s ever-growing food scene. The highly-acclaimed spot will offer something for everyone—a traditional dining setting in the main dining room, an intimate and personal experience in The Den and inventive cocktails and a cozy bar scene at Bar Azabu.

“Our unique style, presentation, and quality of ingredients will further elevate the culinary scene in Miami Beach. We are beyond excited to showcase our authentic cuisine and experience to locals and visitors, alike,” says Chef Masa.

Boulud Sud

Photo Credit: Instagram: @bouludsudmiami

Chef Daniel Boulud‘s newest dining concept in Miami, Boulud Sud, opened this week in the former space of db Bistro Moderne at the J.W. Marriott in Downtown Miami. This time, the famed chef is bringing forth flavorful Mediterranean cuisine with dishes inspired by the Côte d’Azur, Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Turkey and beyond. In addition to the new and exciting menu, the restaurant itself also underwent a revamp. In place of the former space, Boulud Sud boasts a contemporary, modern decor alluding classic elegance with delicate, natural touches. With soft, minimalist lighting and the addition of Bougainville wrapped around the bar area, the new space is romantically beautiful, perfect for a date night out, or drinks at the bar. Guests can expect to indulge in bold, flavorful cuisine with menu highlights including the Octopus à la Plancha, Arabic Lamb Flatbread, Moroccan Chicken Tangine, decadent spicy hummus and tzatziki spreads and so much more.

“Boulud Sud [is] a celebration of all things sea and sun, both in our menus and the relaxing design,” said Chef Daniel Boulud. “The mezze-style shared plates and colorful culinary influences reflect the warm, coastal climate of the Mediterranean, and after our pop-up experience with this concept, it became clear that the flavors of the Riviera are a perfect fit for the evolving culinary scene in Miami.”