In case you need something else to be excited about heading into the last full week of 2024, two new highly anticipated Miami restaurants are slated to open their doors to the public for the first time this weekend. A third, from one of Miami’s most lauded homegrown chefs, opened last weekend. As we know, ’tis the season to get your reservations in early, since the snowbirds will soon be flocking ashore, snapping up seats at all of Miami’s most coveted restaurants. Let’s break down three new Miami restaurants that are destined to become hotspots this winter.
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1. Carbone Vino
2911 Grand Ave, Suite 194
Opening today, Major Food Group unveils Carbone Vino in Coconut Grove. The newest addition to MFG’s ever-growing Miami portfolio follows a similar format as their other spots, including signature dishes like Caesar Salad alla ZZ, Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka and Veal Parmesan, plus new items created by chef Mario Carbone, like a Shrimp Toast with bruschetta featuring ruby red shrimp, Calabrian chili and sesame. As the name hints, Vino also offers a dynamic beverage program featuring an extensive rotating selection of fine and rare by-the-glass offerings. With a design modeled off the original in New York’s Greenwich Village with art curated by gallerist Vito Schnabel, the restaurant’s vibe is moody and romantic with a main dining room, lounge and a private dining room.
Opening: Friday, December 20
2. MIMI Chinese
1575 Alton Road, Miami Beach
This Saturday, Toronto’s Michelin-recognized hotspot MIMI Chinese officially opens its doors in South Beach—marking the first US venture for Big Hug Hospitality (the team behind Toronto favorites MIMI Chinese, Sunny’s Chinese and Linny’s). Led by David Schwartz (2023 Michelin Guide Toronto’s Young Chef Award recipient) and Executive Chef Braden Chong, MIMI Chinese promises an authentic and creative exploration of regional Chinese cuisine, with the mission to honor, not just elevate, Chinese food culture in North America. Michelin Guide inspectors have rated two of MIMI’s dishes among Toronto’s top seven: MIMI’s Shrimp Toast and Sunnys’ Grilled Chicken Thigh. Expect dim lighting and glossy red banquettes in an intimate space intentionally designed without windows to create a transportive, sensory escape from reality.
Opening: Saturday, December 21
3. Sra. Martinez
2325 Galiano Street, Coral Gables
After months of anticipation, James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein and husband/partner David Martinez have finally reintroduced Sra. Martinez in Coral Gables. The triumphant comeback of the award-winning restaurant first opened by the hospitality power couple in the Miami Design District in 2008, Sra. Martinez features chef Bernstein’s most personal menu yet, blending her repertoire of Spanish flavors and South Florida style with influences from France, the Mediterranean and Old-World culinary traditions. Located at the site of the former Open Stage Club, the new Sra. Martinez also boasts an elevated cocktail program with a vibrant bar and loung and a stage with live from jazz and bossa nova music programmed several nights a week.
Opened: Friday, December 13
