A Look Back At Miami’s Most Exciting Restaurant Openings Of 2018

Miami has been lucky enough to have received an influx of hot new eateries in 2018, from intimate omakase dens to globally-renowned brand names, local hot spots from our favorite power players and so much more. Here, we take a look back at some of the greatest openings of the year as we gear up for a slew of newcomers set to open up in the city in 2019.

HABITAT BY JOSÉ MENDÍN 

Photo Credit: Habitat

José Mendín and Food Comma Group kicked the New Year off the right way with the opening of Habitat located at the hip 1 Hotel South Beach offering upscale, authentic Spanish cuisine in a chic setting.

AMARA AT PARAISO

Photo Credit: Amara at Paraiso

The gorgeous waterfront restaurant debuted from chef Michael Schwartz in the highly-anticipated Paraiso District offering inventive tapas, creative libations and unbeatable waterfront views.

BOULUD SUD

Photo Credit: Evan Sung

World-renowned chef Daniel Boulud launched his latest concept in Downtown Miami, Boulud Sud, featuring his award-winning Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, as well as new interior renovations to go with the theme.

AZABU 

Photo Credit: DeepSleep Studios

New York Michelin-starred Azabu debuted in the heart of the South of Fifth neighborhood, bringing authentic omakase and Japanese izakaya cuisine to the city.

PLANTA

Photo Credit: Planta

David Grutman‘s Groot Hospitality brought Toronto-based Planta to Miami, offering the city an upscale and trendy all-vegan dining destination perfect for any occasion.

HIDEN

Offering only eight seats in the back of The Taco Stand, Hiden has easily become one of the hardest reservations to snag in the city with its authentic Japanese omakase from the ultra-talented chef Tadashi Shiraishi.

LA CENTRALE 

Photo Credit: Michael Pisarri

The massive Italian food hall debuted with much anticipation in the gorgeous Brickell City Centre offering guests various dining concepts featuring the best in Italian cuisine and wine.

CHOTTO MATTE 

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

London-based Chotto Matte debuted its signature Nikkei cuisine to Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road in a truly unique setting offering up delicious Peruvian-Japanese fare and expertly-crafted libations.

SERAFINA MIAMI

Photo Credit: Serafina Miami

The beloved Italian restaurant brand opened its first Miami location in the iconic Aventura Mall, transporting its New York-famous pizza pies and pasta to the Magic City.

MALIBU FARM

Photo Credit: Malibu Farm

The West Coast transplant offering farm-to-table, fresh cuisine debuted with a gorgeous oceanfront location at the Nobu Eden Roc/Eden Roc Hotel Miami Beach, adding to the growing list of healthy Miami eateries as well as offering amazing al fresco dining.

NOVIKOV 

Photo Credit: Ivanov Vladislav

Celeb-favorite hot spot Novikov launched in the heart of downtown Miami offering exquisite Mediterranean cuisine with a fresh fish market, as well as mouth-watering sushi, Japanese and Chinese plates.

AQ CHOP HOUSE BY IL MULINO

Photo Credit: AQ Chophouse by Acqualina

The newly-renovated lobby restaurant of the prestigious Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach debuted with a new look and menu curated by Il Mulino, featuring an assortment of Fresh, Italian-inspired plates and cocktails.

THE SURF CLUB RESTAURANT BY THOMAS KELLER

Photo Credit: Deborah Jones

Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller opened his first Florida-based eatery at the historic The Surf Club located in Surfside, Florida offering elevated Continental cuisine with impeccable service and ambiance.

KATSUYA BRICKELL

Photo Credit: sbe

Japanese fan-favorite Katsuya opened its second Miami location at the brand-new SLS LUX Brickell by global hospitality brand sbe, featuring its delicious signature bites like crispy rice, miso black cod and more.

800 DEGREES – WOODFIRED KITCHEN

Photo Credit: 800degrees.com

Miami Heat stars Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem opened 800 Degrees Woodfired Kitchen in Aventura, showcasing decadent California-style comfort food in a familial atmosphere.

SWAN + BAR BEVY

Photo Credit: Groot Hospitality

David Grutman opened yet another dining hotspot later this fall—this time with Pharrell Williams and chef Jean Imbert in a gorgeous setting designed by the famed Ken Fulk. Located in the heart of the Miami Design District, the restaurant + cocktail lounge concept upstairs have continued to draw in Miamians as well as A-listers and celebrities since its grand opening.

MYN-TU 

Photo Credit: Instagram: @myntu.mia

Romain Zago opened his first restaurant concept right next door to his famed Mynt nightclub called Myn-Tu offering delicious Japanese food in a sexy party setting. Pro tio: be sure to try their splurge-worthy Haute Living truffle pasta!