PROFILE Miami's Top 10 Reservations for Valentines Day

Impressing your date with a hard-to-score reservation on Valentine’s Day can be the key to their heart, but with so many Michelin-starred, hidden gem, celebrity chef and jetset-hotspot restaurants across Miami, where should you go? PROFILEmiami has compiled a list of the Top 10 reservations you can score to celebrate this Valentine's Day in Miami with an exquisite culinary journey at some of the city's most romantic and sophisticated dining establishments. PROFILEmiami’s list includes the Michelin-starred L’Atelier, Le Jardinier and The Surf Club Restaurant; newly opened hotspots Casadonna, Chateau ZZ’s and Erba; romantic Miami Beach-classic Casa Tua; Dowtown Miami’s seductive Giselle; and the intimate Omakase experience at Shingo led by Chef Shingo Akikuni, one of the hardest reservations to score in Miami.

Exclusively, PROFILEmiami has 2 seats reserved at Shingo which we are giving away to one lucky PROFILEmiami Instagram follower. All you need to do is head to the Instagram link below, follow @PROFILEmiami, follow @shingo, tag your date and DM us the word “Shingo” for a chance at the lucky seats. The winner will be announced on February 1st (cost of dinner not included).

1. L’Atelier

Address: 151 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137

Celebrate Valentine's Day at L'Atelier in the Design District for a romantic and charming experience. The futuristic interior, coupled with intimate counter seating, sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. Indulge in a culinary journey with decadent offerings like foie gras. The enchanting ambiance and impeccable service make L'Atelier the perfect choice for expressing love on this special day. Craft lasting memories in a sophisticated setting.

2. Chateau ZZ’s

Address: 1500 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33129

Chateau ZZ’s, Major Food Group's inaugural Mexican venture in Miami's historic Petit Douy building, offers a unique dining experience. Designed by Ken Fulk, the ground-level restaurant features indoor/outdoor dining and a diverse menu showcasing Mexican-inspired delicacies. Upstairs, ZZ's Club offers an exclusive space with vaulted ceilings, a wine cellar, and a terrace overlooking a lush greenhouse. With an extensive beverage program curated by Nathan McCarley-O’Neill, Chateau ZZ’s is an ideal choice for special occasions, promising an exceptional culinary and romantic experience.

3. The Surf Club Restaurant

Address: 9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154

Experience a romantic culinary journey at Thomas Keller's Surf Club Restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel. With old-school charm and a nod to '50s and '60s nostalgia, savor the meticulously crafted Classic Caesar salad and the renowned Beef Wellington. As Valentine's Day approaches, enjoy a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere, complemented by an exclusive Valentine's Day menu for an unforgettable dining experience. Elevate your celebration at the Surf Club Restaurant, where culinary excellence and romance intertwine.

4. Avra

Address: 17945 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

Experience refined Greek dining at Avra Estiatorio in the Estates at Acqualina. The meticulously designed Greek-themed dining room with beach and pool views creates a sophisticated ambiance. Enjoy a curated menu featuring classics like Greek Salad and imported delicacies, including Dover sole and branzino. Conclude your meal with baklava and olive oil cake, all in an upscale setting perfect for a memorable dining experience.

5. Casa Tua 

Address: 1700 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Casa Tua, located in a South Beach boutique hotel, exudes sophistication and romance, offering an impeccable setting for intimate dining. The lush outdoor ambiance creates an enchanting atmosphere for an elevated experience. Curated Antipasta selections set a refined tone, featuring dishes like seared octopus and burrata. With notable pasta choices and diverse menu options, including Lamb Chops and Salmon, Casa Tua ensures a delightful, shared culinary encounter, concluding with delectable desserts like the Strawberry Ricotta Cheesecake and iconic Casa Tua Donuts. Head upstairs to the private members club afterwards for a Passionfruit Martini or Skinny Spicy Margarita.

6. Casadonna

Address: 1737 N Bayshore Dr 1st Floor, Miami, FL 33132

Experience refined romance at Casadonna, an exquisite culinary gem in Edgewater that recently opened in the historic Miami Women’s Club. The waterfront hotspot was opened in a first ever partnership between David Grutman's Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality, offering a panoramic view of Biscayne Bay. With a diverse Italian menu, including delights like crispy young artichoke and handcrafted pastas, Casadonna invites patrons to savor an exceptional gastronomic journey along the intracoastal. Indulge in love and sophistication at the Ken Fulk-designed destination.

7. Giselle

Address: 15 NE 11th St, Miami, FL 33132

Experience sophistication at Giselle Miami, an exclusive rooftop venue by E11even. With Asian, Mediterranean, and French flavors, it enriches Miami's dining scene. The refined ambiance, requiring reservations, sets the stage for a memorable date night. Chef Gustavo Zuluaga's curated menu, featuring truffle toast, pork ribs, Chilean sea bass, and a flaming lobster thermidor, guarantees a professional and unforgettable experience. The recent award for the best outdoor dining further highlights the venue's recognition for providing an exceptional atmosphere. Overall, Giselle Miami seems to offer a culinary journey with a touch of sophistication and an award-winning outdoor dining experience.

8. Shingo

Address: 112 Alhambra Cir, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Embark on a culinary journey at Shingo, in Coral Gables' historic La Palma building. Led by Chef Shingo Akikuni, known for a Michelin-starred stint at Wynwood's Hiden, the restaurant offers an exquisite 18-course menu at $180 per person. The sophisticated interior, featuring a luxuriously soft oak counter, enhances the potential three-hour experience. Indulge in traditional Japanese nigiri, seasonal sashimi, and Yakimono dishes, perfectly paired with premium sake. Opt for wine and sake pairings, ensuring a memorable and intimate evening. Mention PROFILEmiami when booking your reservation for a special treat.


9. Erba 

Address: 227 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33133

Experience culinary excellence at Erba in Coral Gables, a sophisticated destination blending local flavors with Caribbean influences. With rich agnolotti and succulent porchetta, Erba offers a diverse menu in a romantic setting featuring plush seating and a grand chandelier, creating a dimly lit ambiance for an intimate dining experience. Reopened after a successful pop-up, Erba is perfect for intimate celebrations, offering a $45 pasta-tasting menu for Valentine's Day. With charming decor and seating for up to 150 guests, Erba ensures a refined and memorable dining experience.

10. Le Jardinier 

Address: 151 NE 41st St Suite 135, Miami, FL 33137

Indulge in a refined Valentine's Day at Le Jardinier, a French gem in the Design District. Inspired by the sophistication of the USS Enterprise, Alain Verzeroli's vegetable-focused creations deliver a harmonious symphony of flavors. From shrimp in parmesan polenta to tender wagyu bavette, each dish showcases culinary artistry. Pierre-Yves Rochon's meticulous design provides an elegant backdrop for a romantic evening.

AVRA Estiatorio Miami Brings a Taste of The Greek Islands to The Estates at Acqualina in Sunny Isles Beach

AVRA Miami, the acclaimed Greek restaurant from NYC, is now open at The Estates at Acqualina™ in Sunny Isles Beach. The debut marks the fifth outpost for the more than two-decade-old brand that opened its first location on Manhattan’s East 48th Street in 2000. Today, it has two more Manhattan locales and another in Beverly Hills. The Miami outpost is a dining experience like no other, with a covered outdoor dining patio overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, AVRA Miami brings the laid back Greek Island vibes and cuisine to Sunny Isles Beach.

A collaboration between restaurateurs Nick Tsoulos, Nick Pashalis, and Marc Packer, Avra isn’t just a place to dine, it’s a destination that transports diners to the whitewashed islands of Greece with its setting and cuisine where incomparably fresh seafood, vegetables and hand-pressed extra-virgin olive oil are the stars.

Avra’s cuisine is inspired by the seaside tavernas dotted all over Greece’s coast and more than 200 islands. The menu offers iterations of fresh fish with familiar favorites such as branzino, red snapper and wild Dover sole as well rarer Mediterranean gems like fagri and lithrini.

Picking your seafood from the ice display that features in-season catch is a signature part of the Avra experience as is deciding how to enjoy it: have it grilled whole over charcoal, deboned and finished with Avra’s signature ladolemono sauce or baked in salt. Or try it raw as a carpaccio or in a ceviche.

Vegetables and cheeses play a big role with salads such as the classic horiatiki with plump tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and creamy feta, and cooked dishes like spinach rice and baked saganaki cheese.

Avra’s most popular menu items include Avra Chips, paper-thin sliced zucchini and eggplant chips; Chilean Seabass Souvlaki; and Halloumi Cheese that’s grilled and drizzled with the brand’s own honey. Avra’s extra virgin olive oil, hand-pressed at a farm in Greece’s Peloponnese, plays a role in nearly every option on the menu.

Executive Chef Jose David Diaz created dishes that are unique to Avra Miami such as a ceviche with chickpeas and seasonal fruit in a leche de tigre sauce, mussels in a tomato garlic broth studded with crumbled feta, grouper en papillote and Dover sole meuniere with Ossetra caviar.

Designed by STA Architectural Group, AVRA Miami spans 12,000 square feet and has a 330-seat main dining room. The airy space is chic yet inviting with its floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, white color tones and brass finishes. Diners will be able to hear the waves crashing while they eat alfresco and savor oceanfront views. The entryway features a bougainvillea intertwined pergola with the backdrop of three salt stone sculptures that evoke the beachfront setting and were designed by the renowned New York-based artist Fernando Mastrangelo.

Other design elements include a 22-seat, 360-degree bar and an expansive seafood display on ice- similar to ones found at traditional Greek markets. This sleek aesthetic was inspired by the Greek village of Nafpaktos, where Avra’s cofounder Nick Tsoulos was born and brought up.

The wine program at Avra is as impressive as the food with a list that includes more than 1,200 varieties and spans the globe. The highlight is Greek wine and top producers in the country who are increasingly getting international acclaim. But the list also pays homage to regions such as Burgundy, Bordeaux, Tuscany and Napa and features rare bottles like Harlan, Petrus, Romanee-Conti and Colgan. Less-discovered areas- Slovenia, Slovakia, Israel and more figure in too.

For those who want to imbibe by the glass or sip on several different selections, Avra has a robust by-the-glass menu with more than 30 choices.

When it comes to spirits, Avra's options span in the hundreds and include 25 varieties- expect everything from bourbons, ryes, vodkas, gins and rums to tequilas and whiskies- the latter of which includes hard-to-find-American whiskies and Shibui Whisky from Japan, aged either 10, 15, 20 or 25 years. Greek spirits are part of the mix with ouzos and mastichas.

Cocktails are creative and a nod to Greece: Helios Heat with Creyente Mezcal, Diplomatico and fresh Spicy Mango; Santorini with Hendrick’s Gin, Crop Cucumber, Basil, Giffard Pamplemousse; and Cyprus Serpent with Maestro Doble Diamante, Combier Orange, Agave Lime.

Avra Miami is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 11 p.m., followed by lunch and brunch to come. It is located at The Estates at Acqualina at 17945 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160.

Images via Avra Miami

The PROFILEmiami Guide To Spring 2023 Outdoor Dining In Miami

With spring kicking into gear in the Magic City and both Miami Music Week and Spring Break coming up, outdoor dining will be some of the most coveted reservations to score with the beautiful spring weather in Miami. When it comes to eating through the city while enjoying sunny skies, we can admit Miami is spoiled for choice. PROFILEmiami put together a roundup of some of Miami’s most essential and hottest restaurants that are also perfect for al fresco dining including the newly opened Miami Design District hotspots Contessa Miami and Sofia, Downtown Miami’s newest seductive dinging experience Giselle on the rooftop of E11EVEN, NYC Greek transplant Avra Estiatorio Miami, brunch institution Sadelle’s Coconut Grove, Wynwood’s newest enchanted rooftop Fabel, Bal Harbour power lunch staple Le Zoo, Mediterranean MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022 Prize Winner Mandolin Aegean Bistro, relaxed Wynwood food truck-style vibes at Oasis Wynwood and health-focused all-day cafe Pura Vida Miami’s Sunset Harbour, Bay Harbor, Miami Design District and South of Fifth hotspot locations. From casual all-day hot spots, to classic weekend brunch institutions and glamorous dining experiences, our list is sure to guide you through enjoying both Miami’s best food and outdoor ambiance.

Sadelle’s Coconut Grove (Coconut Grove)

Location: 3321 Mary St, Miami, FL 33133

Founded by Major Food Group, Sadelle’s is the enduringly popular institution that originated in New York and touched down in the heart of Coconut Grove in 2021 at the coveted intersection of Tigertail and Mary Streets. With ample outdoor space surrounded by rich greenery, the bright and lively Coconut Grove outpost is one of Miami’s best outdoor brunch spots. The concept is a combination of everyone's favorite breakfast-centric haven and power-lunch hotspot, equipped with show-stopping bagel towers, meticulously chopped salads, sliced-to-order salmon, triple-decker sandwiches, and vibrant, refined style of dining the brand is famous for. Sadelle’s is open for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch.

Giselle (Downtown Miami)

Location: E11EVEN Rooftop, 15 NE 11th St, Miami, FL 33132

The team behind world-famous ultraclub, E11EVEN Miami, and premier restaurant management group, The Restaurant People (TRP), joined forces to bring an exciting new world-class culinary experience to Downtown Miami, Giselle. Situated on the rooftop of E11EVEN Miami, in the heart of Downtown’s Arts and Entertainment District, Giselle Miami broke out as a lively addition to the local culinary scene, merging exquisite design, globally inspired taste, elevated cocktail programming, and supreme hospitality-driven service in a warm, sexy and authentic atmosphere. The restaurant features a retractable roof so Giselle can be enjoyed rain or shine. The menu features gold adorned Bluefin Tuna Truffle Cones, a Crispy Whole Snapper, Caviar selections, A5 Wagyu, an incredible Lobster Fra Diavolo, as well as flaming Lobsters and Tomahawks making the entire experience a show you won’t forget.

Sofia (Miami Design District)

Location: 140 NE 39th St. Miami, FL 33137

From INK Entertainment, Sofia in Palm Court of Miami Design District has become one of Miami’s hottest new restaurants for either outdoor or indoor dining for lunch or dinner. Born out of a love affair between Contemporary Art and elevated Italian cuisine, and designed with a pristine level of world-class extravagance by the award-winning Studio Munge, Sofia extends an unparalleled combination of first-class hospitality, a refined approach to modern Italian fare, high-end European glam, and captivating couture design that perfectly captures her vibrant, high-spirited ambiance. Complemented by a chic yet sophisticated signature backdrop, guests can look forward to a premier fine dining experience beyond traditional dining while exploring Sofia’s glamorous indoor dining room and livened outdoor courtyard that extends her oasis far into the neighborhood’s iconic Palm Court. The menu features include a citrus tuna Tonno, lobster arogosta, incredible pastas including a Pesto Gemelli and Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka, and Branzino and Veal Milanese.

Avra Estiatorio Miami (Sunny Isles Beach)

Location: Estates at Acqualina, 17945 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

Transport to the islands of Greece with Avra Miami’s unforgettable views of the Atlantic Ocean and fresh Greek cuisine. Located in Sunny Isles at the newly completed, ultra-exclusive Estates at Acqualina, the restaurant oozes luxury with its waterfront views of the Atlantic Ocean and elegant tones. With fresh fish flown in from the mediterranean daily, indulge in rich flavors like the Chilean Sea Bass Plaki or Avra’s iconic Lobster Pasta with whole maine lobster. The also features a selection of Greek specialities salads, cheeses, tzatziki, spanakopita, octopus carpaccio, lamb chops and filet mignon. Every dish is finished with fruity, full-bodied olive oil, bottled exclusively for the restaurant from olives in Greece that are handpicked from ancient groves and pressed within three hours of harvest. Top the night off with a stroll on the beach while sipping on transformative cocktails like Mykonos Breeze with notes of passion fruit.

Contessa Miami (Miami Design District)

Location: 111 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137

The famed northern Italian-inspired concept, Contessa Miami, is a classic yet thoroughly contemporary dining destination by Major Food Group. Serving as Miami Design District's newest neighborhood cornerstone, Contessa presents an elegantly lush outdoor ambience and offers the finest meats, antipasti, signature pizzas, and an extensive in-house gelato program. Both the first and second floor outdoor terraces encourage guests to stay beyond the confines of its lunch, Aperitivo and dinner as each table is situated at the intersection of all the art, culture and fashion that Miami Design District has to offer. If you're looking for the best spot for people watching over an aperol spritz and spicy lobster capellini, look no further! Contessa Miami is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

Oasis Wynwood (Wynwood)

Address: 2335 N Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33127

Oasis Wynwood is a casual indoor/outdoor hotspot to check-out if you are in the mood for a casual meal in an energetic setting with true Wynwood vibes. Oasis Wynwood offers six restaurants to choose from and an iconic 75’ tall “Tower Bar” made out of shipping containers featuring a mural by Antonio Marest. The restaurants include Mr. Mandolin (Mediterranean), Prince Street Pizza, Los Buenos (taqueria), Alidoro (Italian), Buya Dumplings + Buns (Asian street food), and Chikin (crispy chicken concept). The Oasis also features a selection of retail space, art studios, cafes and an outdoor stage for live performance. Whether you want to enjoy a fast-casual meal, a relaxing drink or just immerse yourself in the Wynwood lifestyle, check-out Oasis Wynwood.

Le Zoo (Bal Harbour)

Address: 9700 Collins Ave. #135, Bal Harbour Shops, Bal Harbour, FL 33154

Bal Harbour is undergoing major changes, but Le Zoo still remains a staple at the iconic ultra-luxe shopping destination. At lunchtime Le Zoo becomes the place to see and be seen. Sitting outdoors under the canopy of the exclusive Bal Harbour Shops, the Stephen Starr French brasserie is not only a staple power lunch hotspot but also a great dinner atmosphere. Le Zoo offers a French Mediterranean menu with an extensive, well curated wine and champagne list. Classic dishes include the Truffle Pizza, Oysters, Tuna Tartare, Filet Mignon Au Poivre and Steak Frites.

Pura Vida (Sunset Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands & Miami Design District)

Location(s): 1940 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (Sunset Harbour), 1001 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154 (Bay Harbor Islands), 3818 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33137 (Miami Design District), 110 Washington Ave #2, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (South of Fifth)

Miami’s lunch and healthy eats hot spot, each and every Pura Vida can be hard to snag a coveted outdoor table for breakfast or during the lunch rush. Pura Vida is South Florida's iconic all-day cafe founded by husband-wife team, Omer and Jennifer Horev which has grown to over 15 locations and counting. For a true Miami outdoor healthy eats experience, make sure to check Pura Vida’s Sunset Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Miami Design District or the original South of Fifth locations. The health-focused eatery provides an extensive menu featuring a range of raw, organic acai bowls, freshly squeezed juices, superfood smoothies, fresh salads, wraps, bowls and more. The bright and airy outdoor patios, lined with the brand’s signature blue umbrellas, coincide with the brand's tropical, breezy aesthetic and exude a sense of casual comfort fit for a leisurely meal at any time of the day. Pura Vida is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between.

Fabel (Wynwood)

Location: 50 NW 23rd St #110, Miami, FL 33127

Fabel Miami, a newly revealed open-air rooftop restaurant and lounge by owner Matthew Rosenberg and his award-winning architecture firm, M-Rad, is now open at Wynwood Jungle, the experiential dining and retail destination transformed by Black Lion’s Robert Rivani. Fabel Miami, located in the heart of Wynwood, offers a unique dining experience that stimulates the five senses. With the warm Miami breeze and unique melodic beats in the background - it’s easy to forget you’re in Miami and not at a beach club in the mediterranean. Their 44oz Allen Bros. Porterhouse with roasted garlic and blue fenugreek adijka and whole Heritage Roasted Chicken with taouk spice and iranian oregano are sure to spice up your night, along with unique drinks like the Tumeric Aguardiente with mezcal and mango puree, or the Italicus Summer with reposado tequila and mediterranean tonic. Enjoy the experience atop the enchanted rooftop as DJ’s spin the night away.

ZZ’s Club (Miami Design District)

Address: 151 NE 41st St., Miami

Located in the heart of the Miami Design District, ZZ’s Club from Major Food Group is a Japanese restaurant and membership club, presided over by Masa Ito and Kevin Kim, two of New York City's most revered and beloved sushi chefs. ZZ’s offers a beautiful outdoor dining garden in Miami Design District’s Paradise Plaza as well as outdoor cigar and cocktail lounge upstairs. ZZ’s Club serves modern Japanese cuisine with an a la carte menu, from raw dishes to cooked plates of premium Japanese Wagyu beef on custom-built charcoal grills. The menu also spotlights a selection of ZZ’s classics, including brioche toast topped with trout roe and truffle honey, tuna carpaccio with foie gras and scallops and Wagyu Katsu Sando with truffles, as well as dishes developed specifically for Miami: Steamed Lobster Dumplings; Stone Crab Sunomono; Chilled Yuzu Asparagus; Line-Caught Crispy Snapper; and Teppan-fried rice. Unfortunately due to the private nature of ZZ’s Club it can be hard to get a reservation but if you find yourself with one it is an invitation you do not want to miss.

Komodo (Brickell)

Location: 801 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131

Komodo Miami is a high-end dining establishment located in Brickell from David Grutman’s Groot Hospitality, and has been a staple on Miami’s outdoor dining scene in 2015. The contemporary style restaurant has floor-to ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the city skyline. The restaurant offers delectable plates inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine. Some of the standout dishes include the Peking duck, Wagyu dumplings, and truffle honey salmon. Komodo Miami also features a lively lounge area with a full bar and DJ booth. The lounge is a popular spot for after-work drinks, late-night dancing, and celebrity sightings. Komodo is a unique and unforgettable dining and nightlife experience you won’t want to miss in Miami’s bustling Brickell neighborhood.

Mandolin Aegean Bistro (Miami Design District)

Address: 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137

Mandolin Aegean Bistro makes you feel like being transported to the tavernas along Aegean coastal towns where the Greek Islands meet the Turkish coast. Founded by husband-and-wife team Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis, Mandolin Aegean Bistro opened in Miami in 2009, bringing traditional Greek and coastal Turkish cuisine to the Miami Design District. The menu offers seasonal ingredients, freshly caught fish of the day as well as vegetarian options. The garden terrace is the place to see-and-be-seen and a perfect spot to spend an afternoon lingering over an expansive Mediterranean meal.

LPM Restaurant & Bar (Brickell)

Address: 1300 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami, FL 33131

One of the most elegant restaurants in Brickell and a hot spot to enjoy the modern upscale Downtown vibes of Miami’s hot Brickell neighborhood. LPM Restaurant & Bar features a relaxed restaurant atmosphere with a Cote d'Azur feel serving French Mediterranean and Niçoise cuisine with Mediterranean produce. The Miami Spice menu offers Ratatouille et Féta, the Petits Farcis Niçois, the Bavette aux Chimichurri, the Coquelet au Citron Confit and the Arrabbiata. The outdoor patio serves as a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of Miami’s financial district for either a power lunch or lavish dinner.

Michael's Genuine® Food & Drink (Miami Design District)

Address: 130 NE 40th St., Miami, FL 33137

James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Michael Schwartz's flagship neighborhood bistro is a vibrant neighborhood restaurant built on fresh seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality. Recently awarded by Michelin a BIB Gourmand, Michael's celebrated its 15th anniversary this year with a full remodel. Guests can sit on the patio and people watch in the trendy Miami Design District while enjoying the breeze and sunshine. Staples on the menu include Oysters, Shaved Butternut Squash, Crispy Duck Confit, Black Truffle Pizza, Wood Roasted Octopus and Slow Roasted & Grilled Short Rib.

Newgard Development Group To Bring Acclaimed NY Restaurant AVRA Estiatorio To LOFTY Brickell

Forward-thinking real estate developer Newgard Development Group has revealed that the acclaimed Greek restaurant AVRA Estiatorio will be opening in LOFTY Brickell, a 44-story waterfront luxury condominium high-rise under development on the Miami River in the heart of Miami’s financial district. A collaboration between co-founders Nick Tsoulos, Nick Pashalis and Marc Packer, AVRA is a destination that transports diners to the whitewashed islands of Greece with its decor and cuisine including incomparably fresh seafood, vegetables and hand-pressed extra-virgin olive oil.

LOFTY is already one of the Miami condo market’s most successfully sold buildings and the most elevated offering in Newgard Development’s flexible ownership concept. AVRA’s flagship New York location opened on East 48th Street in 2000; today the brand has two more Manhattan locales, another in Beverly Hills, and most recently opened a fifth location at The Estates at Acqualina™ in Sunny Isles Beach. LOFTY will be the restaurant’s second South Florida location.

“We were looking to curate the right restaurant partner that is aligned with the elevated lifestyle that defines our LOFTY brand,” said Newgard Development Group CEO Harvey Hernandez. “AVRA offers a wonderfully creative menu and truly unique dining experience that fully complements the vibe we aim to create for our owners and guests.”

With interiors designed by Rockwell Group, AVRA Brickell will occupy more than 10,000 square feet and have a 300-seat main dining room along with elegant outdoor seating overlooking the Miami River. Other design elements will include a spacious bar area, an expansive seafood display on ice similar to those found at traditional Greek markets, and a sleek aesthetic inspired by the Greek village of Nafpaktos, where Avra’s co-founder Nick Tsoulos was born and brought up.

AVRA’s cuisine is inspired by the seaside tavernas dotted all over Greece’s coast and more than 200 islands. The menu offers iterations of fresh fish with familiar favorites such as branzino, red snapper and wild Dover sole, as well as rarer Mediterranean gems like fagri and lithrini. Picking your seafood from the ice display that features in-season catch is a signature part of the AVRA experience.

The wine program is as impressive as the food with a list that includes more than 1,200 varieties and spans the globe. When it comes to spirits, AVRA’s options number in the hundreds and include 25 varieties. Greek spirits are part of the mix with ouzos and mastichas, and the cocktails are creative and a nod to Greece.

Michael Comras, Michael Silverman and Jeff Evans of the Comras Company of Florida facilitated the lease transaction.

“AVRA is a world-class restaurant that aligns nicely with the LOFTY brand and provides further activation along the Miami River,” said Comras. “We are pleased to be associated with this innovative residential project and look forward to curating other exciting lifestyle-brands for Newgard.”

Designed by Arquitectonica, the 362-unit LOFTY features 309 tower residences including studio, one- and two-bedroom units alongside 40,000 square feet of thoughtfully curated amenities, including a private marina, a members-only social club, resort pool deck and fitness center, indoor/outdoor cigar lounge, co-working lounge and meeting rooms.

LOFTY’s 53-unit Penthouse Collection offers spacious two, three and three-bedroom plus den residences that are curated and will be furnished by revered design firm Artefacto. Penthouse prices range from $1.95 million to over $3.5 million.

Located directly across from Brickell City Centre, LOFTY is the next evolution of condo ownership, conceived to bring a 5-star alternative for the owner and traveler that might prefer to stay and own differently – yet does not want to compromise on the services and amenities of a hotel. Each residence will be delivered fully finished and furnished and, with professional management, will permit short-term rentals.

Cervera Real Estate serves as the exclusive sales and marketing partner for LOFTY Brickell. LOFTY Brickell is located at 99 SW Seventh St., Miami, FL 33130.

Images via LOFTY Brickell and AVRA Estiatorio

Avra Estiatorio Coming To The Estates At Acqualina In Sunny Isles Beach

Avra Estiatorio of New York and Beverly Hills has announced that it will be opening a new restaurant overlooking the beach at The Estates at Acqualina in Sunny Isles Beach, one of the most luxurious South Florida waterfront resort and residential complex’s South Florida has ever seen. The opening will mark the 4th Avra restaurant in the US, following Avra Madison and Midtown in New York City and Avra Beverly Hills.

Scheduled to open in late 2021, the 10,000 square-foot Greek estiatorio was designed by the award-winning STA Architectural Group. The airy space has a distinctly sophisticated, yet warm character and features floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings and a glamorous aesthetic. Diners will be able to hear the sounds of the waves crashing while they eat alfresco and savor oceanfront views, and a meal at the restaurant will offer a transportive experience.

The menu at Avra Estiatorio will offer a menu that focuses on Mediterranean-sourced seafood and traditional platter-style entrées made with imported ingredients. Greek specialties includ fresh fish, grilled or baked in salt and a selection of raw seafood over a dozen line-caught fish, beautifully displayed on an ice bar which is sourced directly from the nets of fisherman in Greece and will be flown into Miami daily. The menu will also feature a selection of Greek specialities salads, cheeses, tzatziki, spanakopita, octopus carpaccio, lamb chops and filet mignon. Every dish is finished with fruity, full-bodied olive oil, bottled exclusively for the restaurant from olives in Greece that are handpicked from ancient groves and pressed within three hours of harvest.

Avra will be located inside Villa Acqualina, a Mediterranean-inspired villa that’s the heart of The Estates with its many amenities including a spa, gym, movie theater, ice skating rink, a speakeasy style bar, a bowling alley and more.

The Estates at Acqualina will be home to 248 ultra-luxury residences delivering an exquisite living experience within a private gated community. Each estate in the sky with wide open views of the ocean will be equipped with the finest appliances, imported stone countertops, smart-home technology and 10-foot 6-inch ceilings and many will be delivered furniture ready. The development will feature lobbies created by the late fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld.

Those who purchase at The Estates will also have access to the neighboring Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond Acqualina Resort & Residences. Residents will be able to take advantage of luxurious, personalized services from the resort, including children’s programming, nanny and child care services, pet care, dry cleaning and laundry services, limousine service, ESPA Spa access and additional dining options at three restaurants, Il Mulino New York, Costa Grill and the new Ke-uH Japanese fusion restaurant.

Residences at The Estates at Acqualina are priced from $4.6 to $14 million with penthouses priced up to $35 million. Construction began in early 2018 and will be completed in late 2021 to early 2022.

For more information about The Estates at Acqualina, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below: