Inside INK Entertainment's Newly Opened Miami Design District Italian Hotspot Sofia Design District

From the Canadian-born powerhouse hospitality group behind Miami favorites: Byblos, Amal, & Level 6 Rooftop– INK Entertainment has recently unveiled their widely popular Toronto hotspot, Sofia, in the Miami Design District neighborhood. 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 glamourous indoor dining room and livened outdoor courtyard that extends her oasis far into the neighborhood’s iconic Palm Court.

Helmed by visionary entrepreneurs Charles Khabouth, Danny Soberano, and Ricardo Tabet, INK Entertainment Group holds rank as one of the most avant-garde hospitality groups, controlling a collection of award-winning culinary and entertainment concepts across Canada and South Florida. As part of the hospitality group’s rapid expansion plans throughout the U.S., Sofia joins their existing and widely lauded restaurant ventures, marking their fourth restaurant concept opening in South Florida, which reigns as their newest crown jewel of Miami. Situated in the heart of the city’s central arts, culture, and shopping district, Sofia is Miami’s new, bold, and admirably modish dining destination, whose magnetic charm lures guests to celebrate, savor, and explore within.

“We couldn't be more excited to expand our footprint in South Florida, bringing Sofia to what we feel is one of the most significant areas and desirable culinary destinations in Miami,” says Charles Khabouth, Founder and CEO of INK Entertainment Group. “Full of energy and mischievous curiosity, Sofia Design District is the perfect complement to the Miami Design District neighborhood as Palm Court’s newest signature restaurant.”

Sofia Design District offers a fresh perspective and an honest, refined approach to both new and nostalgic Italian dishes. With a commitment to sourcing only the finest quality ingredients that pay homage to authentic Italian flavors, Sofia’s seasonal offerings highlight the quintessential flavors of Italian fine dining. Curated by Executive Chef Daniel Roy, the menu leads with a selection of antipasti including, Prosciutto, Carpaccio, Polpo (Grilled Octopus), Insalatas, Stracciatella, Fiori di Zucca (Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini), Tonno (Raw Ahi Tuna), and a robust collection of Crudo. Fresh, handmade pasta dishes headline the menu’s main section, with dishes like Cacio e Pepe al Tartufo, Rigatoni alla Vodka, and Ravioli di Ricotta e Noci. ‘Pesce’ mains feature Branzino, Orata (Sea Bream Fish), and Gamberoni (Shrimp), while ‘Carne’ mains highlight Bistecca Alla Fiorentina (Tomahawk), Cotoletta alla Milanese (Breaded Veal), Costata di Manzo (Ribeye), among others.

Sofia’s cocktail program is a refreshing medley of signature drinks with an Italian twist. Expertly crafted cocktails are enhanced by regionally sourced herbs and flavor-focused ingredients, with a notable emphasis on execution and elegant presentation. With names like Nights of Cabiria, Sorrentino, and Amarcord, the cocktails are tributes to Italy’s vast geography and pop culture history. Aside from the delectable cocktail menu, Sofia’s vast wine selection features many vintages and an ample selection of authentic Italian wines rare to the local dining scene. Surrounded by a myriad of visionary concepts and iconic luxury brands, Sofia exists as a lively central hub, within the Miami Design District, for guests to indulge in dinner and drinks followed by late-night revelry and bespoke outings, featuring curated nightly entertainment and live music activations.

Imagined by award-winning design collective Studio Munge, nestled between European jewelers and designer boutiques in the heart of Miami’s Design District, Sofia reigns as the exuberant Princess of Miami. Inspired by the bold aesthetics of Sofia Toronto, Sofia Miami seduces worldly travelers and locals alike with its flamingo pink and amethyst palette, ultra-glamorous design, and exquisite taste.

Livening the terrace imagined as a secret garden, a joyful curation of flamingo pink lacquered pieces, teak furnishings, and soft textiles is a playful design statement hinting at the artful experience ahead. Frilly rose umbrellas boast a fresh silhouette rooted in tradition yet utterly contemporary, while modernized peacock chairs pay homage to Miami’s illustrious Deco past.

When exploring Sofia’s dining room, Miami’s sartorial elite and international jet setters will instantly connect with the venue envisioned as an art dealer’s entertainment den curated with pieces by Marco Grassi and Mr. Brainwash. Sofia houses a unique rotating art collection, which will freshen quarterly throughout the venue, enabling guests the opportunity to purchase all pieces on display. Nine custom handblown Barovier & Toso glass chandeliers, imported from Murano Island as souvenirs brought back from a Venice escapade, illuminate the room with continental sophistication.

While most tables host groups of four and more, a semi-dining private room with hosting capabilities for up to 14 people lives in the back of the dining room, while three additional intimate niches offer a recessed point-of-view for smaller parties. In their center, framed by sleek pink leather upholstered curved walls, portraits of Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, and Audrey Hepburn by Russell Young elevate the room with their iconic glamour and charisma.

Sofia is open seven days a week for dinner service starting at 5pm, with brunch and lunch to launch in the coming weeks. Guests can look forward to a diverse selection of live entertainment, music, and unique activations throughout the week. Nightly programming and special larger-scale weekly events will roll out in the coming months.

Images via Brandon Barre

INK Entertainment Group To Open Trendy Italian Hotspot 'Sofia' In Miami Design District

INK Entertainment, the restaurant group behind Byblos and Amal, are set to open Sofia in Miami Design District this Fall 2022. The highly-adored Toronto transplant will unveil in Miami as part of the hospitality group’s rapid expansion plans throughout the U.S., officially opening its doors in the very heart of the city’s central arts, culture, and shopping district this Fall. Sofia will offer new depths of culinary excellence as Miami’s newest hotspot with tantalizing flavors and bespoke nightly celebrations.

Helmed by visionary entrepreneurs Charles Khabouth, Danny Soberano, and Ricardo Tabet, INK Entertainment Group holds rank as one of the most avant-garde hospitality groups, controlling a collection of award-winning culinary concepts across Canada and South Florida. Joining their existing and widely lauded South Florida restaurant ventures - Byblos Miami, meet Dalia, and Amal - Sofia will extend the ultimate upscale, modern Italian dining and entertainment experience. Complemented by her chic yet playful signature backdrop and enlivened ambiance, Sofia Design District will offer more than a nightly dinner spot, but rather a destination to celebrate, savor, and explore within.

“We couldn't be more excited to expand our footprint in South Florida, bringing Sofia to what we feel is one of the most significant areas and desirable culinary destinations in Miami,” says Charles Khabouth, Founder and CEO of INK Entertainment Group. “Full of energy and mischievous curiosity, Sofia Design District will be the perfect complement to the Miami Design District neighborhood as Palm Court’s newest signature restaurant.”

Sofia Design District will offer a fresh perspective and honest, refined approach to both new and nostalgic Italian dishes. With a commitment to sourcing only the finest quality ingredients that pay homage to authentic Italian flavors, Sofia’s seasonal offerings will highlight the quintessential flavors of Italian fine dining. The menu leads with a selection of antipasti including, Prosciutto, Carpaccio, Grilled Octopus, Citrus Salads, Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini, and a robust collection of Crudo. Fresh, handmade pasta dishes headline the menu’s main section, with dishes like Cacio e Pepe al Tartufo, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, and Ravioli di Ricotta e Noci. ‘Pesce’ mains feature Branzino, Aragosta (butter-poached lobster), and Gamberetti (wild king prawn), while ‘Carne’ mains highlight Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, Wagyu Filets, Breaded Veal, Ribeye, Prime Striploin, among others.

Sofia’s cocktail program is a refreshing medley of signature drinks with an Italian twist. Expertly crafted cocktails are enhanced by regionally sourced herbs and flavor-focused ingredients, with a notable emphasis on execution and elegant presentation. With names like Nights of Cibiria, Sorrentino, and Amarcord, the cocktails are tributes to Italy’s vast geography and pop culture history. Aside from the delectable cocktail menu, Sofia’s vast wine selection features many vintages and an ample selection of true Italian wines rare to the local dining scene.

Surrounded by a myriad of visionary concepts and iconic luxury brands, Sofia will exist as a lively central hub, within the Miami Design District, for guests to indulge in dinner and drinks followed by late-night revelry and bespoke outings. Featuring nightly DJ’s and curated live entertainment and musical performances, guests can look forward to a premier celebratory experience beyond traditional dining while exploring Sofia’s enchanting indoor spaces and livened courtyard’s secret garden retreat.

Imagined by award-winning design collective Studio Munge, Sofia Design District is an exciting fashion-forward addition to chic Palm Court, born out of a love affair between Contemporary Art and Italian cuisine. Inspired by the bold aesthetics of Sofia Toronto, Sofia Miami seduces worldly travelers and locals alike with its flamingo pink and amethyst palette, couture design, Italian glam, and exquisite taste. Thoughtfully curated accents and design details are delicately layered throughout, from the curation of pink lacquered pieces, teak furnishings, and frilly rose umbrellas in Sofia’s charming outdoor terrace, to the lustrous crimson fabrics, mirrored columns, and custom Italian-imported Barovier & Toso glass chandeliers in the main dining area. At first entry, Miami’s sartorial elite and international jet setters will instantly connect with the venue envisioned as an art dealer’s entertainment den curated with pieces by Marco Grassi and Mr. Brainwash. An inspired David Drebin mural encases the bar, fueling the Italian fantasy of vacationing in the Tuscan hills above Florence, while rich marbles in gradient shades of purple, pink, and jade form an expressive herringbone flooring.

While most tables will host groups of four and more, three intimate niches offer a recessed point-of-view for smaller parties. In their center, framed by sleek pink leather upholstered curved walls, portraits of Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, and Audrey Hepburn by Russell Young elevate the room with their iconic glamour and charisma. Sofia also contains a semi-private dining room, with hosting capabilities for up to 14 people. A custom Bubbly chandelier by Rosie Li playfully dances above the table; while on its side, a half-moon glass cellar invites celebratory libation.

Sofia is located at 140 NE 39th street St #133, Miami, FL 33137. Hours of operation will be Monday – Sunday for dinner service starting at 5pm, with brunch and lunch to launch in the coming weeks. Guests can look forward to a diverse selection of live entertainment, music, and unique activations throughout the week. Nightly programming and special larger-scale weekly events will roll out in the coming months.

Level 6 by Amal Rooftop Lounge and Restaurant Opens In Coconut Grove

Influenced by the world’s swankiest rooftop bars from London to Dubai to Brooklyn to Beirut, Level 6 by Amal has opened in Coconut Grove. Level 6 is a spectacular 4,000-square-foot rooftop lounge and restaurant perched on the sixth floor above the critically acclaimed Amal restaurant with epic views of the sailboats dotting Biscayne Bay, canopies of trees lining Bayshore Drive and the world-famous Miami skyline.

The bar concept of INK Entertainment Group, a leading North American lifestyle and entertainment company, Level 6 offers a sophisticated rooftop lounge and restaurant where visitors can enjoy an elevated atmosphere with top level dining and unparalleled views. The vibrant rooftop is reached with a short elevator ride and features a roster of entertainment welcoming guests under textile canopies as a retreat from the Miami bustle.

Level 6 is designed by Studio Munge and the rooftop oasis offers an aesthetically pleasing installation by Ben Medansky featuring a playful gesture and a theatrical feature wall, representative of Miami’s multiculturalism and vibrant arts scene. Composed of three-dimensional glazed ceramic tiles displaying organic and tessellated motifs, the colorful mural is an awe-inspiring and eye-catching art filled backdrop for the most glamorous gatherings.

From a relaxed sundowner in the afternoon or cocktails and tapas into the evening, the warm and welcoming atmosphere, and elevated service at Level 6 offers a beautiful escape in the heart of Coconut Grove. Level 6’s menu offers a modern and urban twist on Spanish cuisine, encouraging the art of connection, with sharing at the heart of the experience. Highlighted dishes include the tuna tartare that is served with avocado and lavosh crackers and garnished with truffle and crème fraiche and the paella de mariscos that is served with Argentinian shrimp, langoustine, clams and garnished with lemon. The beverage menus have been carefully crafted by Level 6’s expert mixologists, featuring a diverse list of vibrant cocktails infused with flavors from local herbs and fruits, and a robust selection of rosé and sparkling options.

“Whether you’re looking for an aperitivo or late-night cocktail, Level 6 is a great destination for a night out in Coconut Grove with friends. With a rotating roster of entertainment, the atmosphere is always on top,” said CEO and Founder of INK Entertainment Group, Charles Khabouth.

Amal, which opened its doors in May, quickly established a new high-water mark for Miami restaurants. With stunning interiors designed by Studio Munge, Amal was inspired by Lebanon's sandy shores and a contemporary Mediterranean aesthetic. Amal easily transitions from daytime celebrations to evening feasts.

Amal and Level 6 are located at 3480 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133.