New Indian Restaurant Maska With Michelin-Starred Executive Chef Opens In Midtown

Rickshaw Hospitality Group has opened the doors to its latest and highly anticipated concept, Maska, in Miami’s Midtown District, with Executive Chef Hemant Mathur—the first Indian chef to earn a Michelin star—leading its culinary program. This marks the first time the group has opened a restaurant in the South Florida area.

Chef Mathur quickly rose to culinary fame in 2004, when he opened Devi in New York City’s Union Square, which later became the country’s first Indian restaurant to be awarded with a Michelin Star. Six years later on the east side of the city, Mathur opened Tulsi, which also earned a Michelin Star rating. His delectable food and impressive accolades caught the attention of Pravin Mascarenhas and Shamsu Lalani, who jointly decided to bring his coveted cuisine down to Florida.

For those unfamiliar with the South Asian cuisine, an integral element that makes Indian food authentic is the inclusion of a tandoor—an Indian clay oven—in the kitchen, which Maska has done. In fact, there is an entire section on the menu called “Maska Marke,” which translates to “From the Tandoor.” Between this and the two other sections—small plates and large plates—standout menu items include Lucknowi Galouti Kebab, Lamb Chops, Octopus Masala, Nalli Nihari and Murg Maska, satisfying the appetites of diners with an array of palettes, as well as both novices and experts of Indian cuisine.

With a sizable dining room, bar area and lounge, the 7,000 square foot indoor/outdoor space is sexy, sophisticated and high-end, boasting Indian-inspired artwork and finishes, including an oversized wall mural and framed images on the walls.

Located at 3252 NW 1st Avenue, Suite 109, the restaurant is open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, please visit the restaurant’s website. All images courtesy of Maska.