Chef Michael White, recognized for six Michelin stars and a James Beard Award, among other prestigious accolades, has opened his first standalone Florida restaurant – MIKA – on Thursday, Dec. 12. Celebrating the bounty of the Mediterranean Riviera, White draws inspiration from the coasts of Italy, France and beyond to unite his signature style of cooking with South Florida’s exceptional seafood and produce in this new dining concept, located in The Plaza Coral Gables.
Envisioned as a staple neighborhood restaurant, guests will experience a fresh iteration of White’s remarkable culinary journey, which is most notably marked by him having earned a coveted two-star Michelin rating as the creator and founding chef New York City’s esteemed Italian establishment Marea. MIKA combines chic sophistication with a relaxed, welcoming ambiance, offering the perfect setting for anything from a casual dinner with friends to a business gathering or a stylish evening out. It is a place where guests are family, invited to enjoy authentic food in a setting that honors the hospitality of home.
Last Wednesday, a slew of celebrities attended a soiree to celebrate MIKA’s grand opening with A-listers in attendance included Derek Jeter and his wife Hannah, NBA player John Wall, DJ Cedric Gervais, of Real Housewives fame Nicole Martin, Mayor Francis Suarez, Mayor Vince Lago, Byredo-Founder Ben Gorham and model Devon Windsor, as well as some of the top names in hospitality, entertainment, and real estate including Dave Grutman, Shareef Malnick, Chris Paciello, Steve Boucher, Colin Cowie, David Martin, and Nitin Motwani.
The menu at MIKA blends delicate crudos, house made pastas, and perfectly grilled proteins, all prepared to showcase the seasonality and quality of each ingredient. Signature dishes, such as langoustine carpaccio, fusilli with octopus and bone marrow, and bistecca alla fiorentina will be featured alongside new creations tailored for Miami’s palate. Complementing the plates are classic cocktails, such as spritz-style libations and craft Italian beers, along with an impressive wine collection housed in a striking 1,700-bottle cellar, featuring Italian, French, and American selections.
Alongside White are owner-partners Alex Pirez and Matt Safchik. Pirez is a prominent partner with two of Miami’s leading hospitality groups – Groot Hospitality and Major Food Group – known for his collaborations at renowned venues like Komodo, Swan, Gecko, and the Goodtime Hotel, and responsible for Major Food Group’s expansion in Miami from New York. Safchik is a seasoned food and beverage operator and former Vice President of Food & Beverage Development for Wynn Resorts. The partnership trio chose Coral Gables because it was an opportunity to serve a truly local audience and contribute to this burgeoning pocket of the local food culture.
“Having both my home and business in Coral Gables, I’ve always dreamed of creating a place the community could call its own,” said Pirez, who was heavily involved in the design. “It’s a privilege to partner with Chef White and bring his legendary coastal-Riviera dishes to this special part of Miami that is near and dear to my heart.”
Central to the dining experience are MIKA’s striking interiors by international award-winning Bishop Design. The design of MIKA draws from timeless Mediterranean traditions. Spanning 8,195 square feet, the space features a palette of nature’s tones elevated by a variety of textural layering. A stylish bar and lounge lead to an intimate 100 seat main dining room. Exceptional natural stones, distressed wood, chukum-inspired walls, and burnished metals create a dynamic interplay in the soft light. Leather and velvet accents invite touch, while arched motifs, dome shapes, and tall coffered ceilings offer a timeless nod to classical architecture. Handcrafted lighting pieces lend a bespoke quality, each with unique artisanal patterns. For private gatherings and special occasions, a spacious 36-seat private dining room with a dedicated outdoor lounge is available.
MIKA is located at 3005 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 248, Coral Gables, and is now accepting reservations. MIKA is open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday. Lunch and additional dinner services will begin in early 2025.
Images via Daniel Zuliani