Hot Spot Novikov’s Philippe Moullet Shares His Haute Secrets To Miami

Philippe Moullet’s has held a lead role in the hospitality industry for the past 25 years and has been transformative to the international culinary scene, particularly in the Magic City. Considered the “go-to guy” when restaurant brands are looking to internationalize a culinary concept, Philippe has overseen the expansion of renowned brands such as Conran Restaurants, La Petite Maison, The Pragma Group and Miami’s own Zuma. He has an innate knack for introducing restaurant concepts to new cities and pivoting their concepts to work in local markets, which has resulted in Philippe being tapped to open this season’s hottest new restaurant, Novikov Miami. The celebrity-favorite restaurant brand, hailing from Moscow, Russia, debuted only a few months ago and has since remained one of the hottest restaurants in town to snag a reservation at, offering up inventive Japanese and Chinese Dim Sum cuisine with a decadent flair. Since opening its doors to the Magic City, resting at the beautiful waterfront location in downtown Miami, it’s been frequented by celebs like Luis Miguel, Jill Zarin, Luis Fonsi, Nene Leaks, Nicky Jam and more. Thus, Novikov has been crowned as the see-and-be-seen dining destination in Miami. With all of this considered, it’s safe to say that few people know the ins and outs, crown jewels and hidden gems of the city quite like Moullet does. Here, he gives us an inside scoop on his ultimate favorite places in the city. See what makes the list here: 

Where were you born: South of France  

How long in Miami: Two and a half years 

Neighborhood: Coconut Grove 

Occupation: Managing Partner, Novikov; Restaurant Branding, Roll Out & Expansion Specialist 

Favorite restaurant: KYU  

Best sushi: Hiden  

Best Italian: Michael Pirolo’s Macchialina for handmade pasta 

Best new restaurant: NOVIKOV  

Best hidden gem: Mi Rinconcito Mexicano for tacos  

Best healthy eating spot: Plant Miami at the Sacred Space 

Best late-night dining restaurant: Baby Jane for ramen and cocktails  

Best fine dining restaurant: The new Thomas Keller restaurant, The Surf Club Restaurant  

Best waterfront dining: Amara at Paraiso  

Best dessert: The Pain Perdu at La Petite Maison   

Best cocktails: No. 3 Social  

Best happy hour: EDGE Steak & Bar 

Best wine list: The Forge 

Best place for a romantic date: Le Sirenuse

Best nightclub: Rockwell  

Best Sunday brunch: Brunch at The Biltmore Hotel  

Best place for a power business meeting: Cipriani 

Best rooftop (pool/restaurant): Sugar at East  

Best hotel for out of town guests: Mandarin Oriental and Soho Beach House 

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Santa Maria Novella, Brunello Cuccinelli and Bal Harbor Shops  

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Jewelry Exchange Aventura 

Best spa: Faena and Mandarin Oriental 

Favorite charity event: Vizcaya Ball 

Favorite cultural event: Longines Global Champions Tour 

Best steakhouse: Smith & Wollensky in Miami Beach 

Best pizza: Cecconi’s

Best lunch: Kiki on The River 

Best gym/athletic facility: Kennedy Park 

Best weekend getaway/staycation: Vero Beach Costa del Este Hotel 

Describe your city in three words: exciting, lively and sexy  

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Vizcaya  

All-around favorite spot in Miami: Soho Beach House  

Best aspect of Miami: The diversity of this cultural melting pot