Wilder Neighborhood Market Set To Open in Midtown Backed By Major Food Group And Grassfed Culture Hospitality

Wilder, a new neighborhood market where ingredient integrity, culinary excellence, and community come together, will open in Midtown Miami at 3250 NE 1st Avenue in fall 2026. Wilder reimagines the neighborhood market by bringing together thoughtfully sourced groceries, a café, and chef-driven prepared foods under one roof, with Major Food Group as a founding investor and strategic advisor and a culinary and beverage program developed by Grassfed Culture, the Michelin-starred team behind Los Félix and Krüs Kitchen

Founded by entrepreneur and Miami local Danielle Axman, Wilder brings thoughtfully sourced groceries, chef-driven prepared foods, a café, and everyday essentials under one roof. Guided by The Wilder Standard — a rigorous sourcing and ingredient framework developed alongside independent experts — every product carried and every meal prepared is evaluated to prioritize ingredient quality, responsible production and labor practices, environmental health, and great taste, setting a higher bar for everyday food. Wilder combines the freshness of a farmers market, the convenience of a grocery store, and the culinary excellence of Michelin-awarded kitchens to create a place where the neighborhood comes to eat well.

“When I became a mother, everything about how I fed my family changed. Suddenly I was reading every label, researching where our food came from, and driving out to meet the farmers myself. I wished there was one place I could shop without having to do all that homework every week. That's why I built Wilder. My goal is to create a market where the standards are real, the food is genuinely delicious, and eating well feels like a pleasure, not a project.” Said Danielle Axman, Founder & CEO of Wilder.

The culinary and beverage program — spanning everything from hot and cold prepared foods and sandwiches to smoothies and coffee — was developed by Grassfed Culture Hospitality, the Michelin-starred Miami-based group behind Los Félix, recognized with both a Michelin Star and Green Star for sustainability, and Krüs Kitchen, also recognized with a Green Star. Grassfed Culture brings the same standards they apply at their restaurants to every element of the culinary and beverage program: high-quality ingredients sourced locally and seasonally, and a beverage offering rooted in their reputation for pioneering Miami’s natural wine scene, featuring organic, natural, and biodynamic wines, craft beer, and non-alcoholic options.

“A healthy family and community have always been our North Star – and we’ve built everything at Grassfed Culture around that belief. When we understood what Wilder was trying to be, it was an easy yes. This is exactly the kind of place we wish existed in every neighborhood – somewhere you can trust the food, know where it came from, and feed your family well without having to think twice. Said Josh Hackler, CEO & Co-Founder, Grassfed Culture.

Alongside staples like grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, and responsibly sourced seafood, Wilder also brings a made-to-order sandwich program built around high-quality and simply prepared ingredients. A rotating selection of salads, vegetables, and protein-forward dishes reflects a consistent focus on balance and freshness, complemented by a café program featuring coffee, breads, fresh juices, smoothies, and other daily offerings designed to support a seamless morning-to-evening experience.

The Wilder Standard guides every decision about Wilder’s offering, from what is sold and served to how it's sourced. The framework prioritizes great-tasting food that meets a higher bar for ingredient integrity, responsible production and labor practices, animal welfare, environmental health, and thoughtful sourcing — including prioritizing direct relationships with regional farmers and producers throughout Florida and the surrounding region. Partners include Paradise Farms, Glaser Organic Farms, and White Oak Pastures, among many others.

The Wilder Standard was developed alongside a multidisciplinary network of independent experts spanning nutrition, food science, epidemiology, regenerative agriculture, environmental health, and food systems. Among them is the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the leading independent research and advocacy organization in food and agriculture, led by Founder and President Ken Cook. As a founding advisor to Wilder, the nonprofit's first partnership with a retailer on health standards, EWG shares Wilder's commitment to improving our food system and public health through smarter, healthier grocery options, and will continue to support Wilder's vision. It's a living framework, built to evolve as science does and serves as Wilder’s ongoing commitment to food that is both delicious and deeply considered.

Designed as a community gathering place, Wilder is a destination to connect, discover, and return often enough to feel like a regular. Spanning nearly 8,000 square feet — including a patio and outdoor pick-up window — Wilder will carry roughly 4,000 carefully selected products across a full grocery assortment, alongside a café and an extensive chef-driven prepared foods program.

Designed by Miami-based Love Lake Studio, Wilder draws inspiration from old-world markets, the English countryside, and vintage Americana. The space embraces Miami's indoor-outdoor lifestyle, abundant natural light, and a mix of vintage furnishings and one-of-a-kind pieces to create an inviting environment that encourages discovery, fosters connection, and makes grocery shopping feel like an experience worth savoring.

Major Food Group, the hospitality group behind some of the most recognized restaurant brands in the world, joins Wilder as a founding investor and strategic advisor. Wilder represents an unprecedented investment for MFG. It is the hospitality group’s first in a business outside its own operations, as well as its first investment into the retail grocery category, underscoring its strong belief in Wilder and the opportunity it represents. MFG will advise on Wilder's long-term growth, providing operational depth, hospitality expertise, and a roadmap for thoughtful expansion as the concept evolves beyond its first location.

“We’ve spent our careers building places people return to — and the neighborhood market is one of the oldest, most enduring versions of that idea. Danielle has brought high standards to the concept and real hospitality to the experience. We don’t put our name behind things lightly, but we believe in this team and in what they’re building with Wilder. Making Wilder our first investment in a grocery retailer was an easy decision.” Said Mario Carbone, Co-Founder of Major Food Group.

Major Food Group (MFG) is a globally celebrated hospitality company that has redefined luxury for the modern era. Founded in 2011 by Mario Carbone, Jeff Zalaznick, and Rich Torrisi, MFG has built a dynamic empire of over fifty restaurants, private clubs, bars, and hotels across fifteen cities worldwide — and growing. The group is behind some of the most iconic brands in dining and hospitality, including CARBONE, CARBONE VINO, The Grill, Dirty French, ZZ’s Club, Chateau ZZ’s, Sadelle’s, Contessa, Parm, and Torrisi. While each concept is distinct, together they exemplify an unmistakably Major blend of storytelling, elegance, and bold creativity — a signature approach that continues to shape the global hospitality landscape.

Grassfed Culture is a Miami-based hospitality group reshaping the way people experience food, culture, and community in urban environments. Through their Michelin-starred concepts — including Los Félix, recognized with both a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star for sustainability, and Krüs Kitchen — Grassfed Culture has built a reputation for culinary excellence rooted in ingredient integrity, seasonality, and a deep commitment to the local ecosystems that make great food possible. Their work is guided by a belief that restaurants and markets can be genuine engines of change — strengthening relationships with local farmers, supporting independent producers, and demonstrating that sustainability and exceptional food are not competing values, but the same one.

PROFILEmiami's Curated Guide to Dining in Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove’s appeal has always extended beyond its waterfront and leafy streets. The neighborhood’s restaurants are part of the way people live here: a terrace breakfast before a walk, a casual lunch between appointments, or a dinner worth making an evening of. As new residential and mixed-use projects join the village, its dining scene offers another lens on the Grove’s evolution, pairing established hospitality names with homegrown concepts.

In this curated guide, PROFILEmiami explores four destinations that capture that range: CARBONE VINO for Italian-American dining and wine, Sadelle’s for breakfast and brunch, Pura Vida Miami for an everyday café stop, and Chèvre x Ziggurat for artisan sandwiches, cheese and wine. Each brings a distinct experience to the neighborhood, with options for both a quick visit and a table worth lingering over.

CARBONE VINO

CARBONE VINO - CARBONE VINO brings Major Food Group’s Italian-American dining to Grand Avenue, with chef Mario Carbone’s familiar signatures and dishes developed for the VINO concept. Bishop Design’s moody interiors give the restaurant the atmosphere for a special evening, while a bar welcoming walk-ins makes it an approachable choice for a spontaneous meal.

The menu pairs Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, Caesar alla ZZ and Veal Parmigiana with Calabrian Calamari, Tortellini Tartufo Nero and Chicken Cacciatore. Wine is central to the experience: a 3,000-bottle cellar spans more than 600 selections, with a changing by-the-glass program that opens the door to fine and rare pours.

Its appeal in the Grove lies in that balance of occasion and familiarity. Guests can settle into a full dinner or enjoy the complete menu at the bar, making the restaurant a useful neighborhood address as well as a destination.

Address: 2911 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, FL 33133.

Best for: Date nights, celebratory dinners, wine enthusiasts and weekend lunch. Dinner is served nightly; lunch runs Friday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

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SADELLE’S COCONUT GROVE

Sadelle’s Coconut Grove - Sadelle’s brings Major Food Group’s take on the New York breakfast and lunch institution to Mary Street. Its bright dining room and generous terrace make it an inviting place to gather, whether the plan is a quick morning meet-up or a leisurely meal with friends.

Bagel towers with smoked fish anchor a menu of chopped salads, triple-decker sandwiches, French toast and the house cheeseburger. Next door, Sadelle’s Cafe adds a separate reason to stop in: a collaboration with Bonberi founder Nicole Berrie featuring Montauk General matcha lattes, artisanal smoothies and frozen yogurt. The café offerings complement the restaurant’s more indulgent classics with options for a lighter break.

The terrace is particularly well suited to the Grove’s outdoor, unhurried rhythm. It is an easy setting for a neighborhood breakfast or a long lunch, while the adjacent café works for coffee and a treat on the go.

Address: 3321 Mary Street, Miami, FL 33133.

Best for: Breakfast, brunch, terrace lunches and afternoon café stops. The dining room serves daily from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; the café opens at 7:30 a.m.

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PURA VIDA MIAMI Coconut Grove

Pura Vida Miami’s Coconut Grove flagship brings the all-day café brand led by Omer and Jennifer Horev to Grand Avenue. Part of their Horev Hospitality portfolio, the concept combines casual service with a polished setting and a menu built around everyday breakfast, lunch and snack routines.

Options range from açaí bowls, smoothies and avocado toast to salads, wraps and substantial bowls, with 100% grass-fed and grass-finished steak among the protein choices. The location also houses Gelato by Pura Vida Miami, adding soft serve with customizable toppings, sauces and drizzles to the visit.

That variety makes it a natural fit for the Grove’s active, walkable lifestyle. It can be a morning coffee stop, a convenient lunch between errands or a place to pause with family over something sweet, giving the flagship a role beyond a single meal.

Address: 3034 Grand Avenue, Studio A, Miami, FL 33133.

Best for: Casual breakfast, quick lunches, post-workout smoothies and afternoon gelato.

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CHÈVRE X ZIGGURAT

Chèvre x Ziggurat brings founder Mario Naar’s Miami cheese, wine and sandwich concept into the Ziggurat Coconut Grove Sales Center on Fuller Street. An affiliate of Think Hospitality, Chèvre has partnered with Allen Morris Co.’s ultra-luxury mixed-use development to combine a gourmet market and café experience with a preview of the project’s residential vision.

Artisan sandwiches, cheeses, charcuterie, caviar and curated wines shape the offering. La Italiana layers mortadella with whipped ricotta and truffled honey, while El Padron pairs Ibérico ham with Manchego. Basque cheesecake provides a sweet finish, and the market’s specialty pantry goods give guests something to take home. Wine and shared boards make this as appealing for a relaxed catch-up as for lunch.

The brand also drew attention with the Golden Glizzy, a $100 collaboration with Golden Goat Caviar and Ficelle Bakery. Rick Ross stopped by to sample the gold-and-caviar-topped hot dog. The creation combined Australian Wagyu with a croissant bun, crème fraîche, mascarpone, a 30-gram tin of caviar and edible gold flakes. Offered around the 2026 Miami Open and Miami Grand Prix, it was a limited-time special; check with Chèvre about any return.

For Coconut Grove, the draw is the meeting of neighborhood hospitality and new development in a setting that invites a casual visit. Fuller Street’s village atmosphere suits sandwiches, wine and conversation, giving diners a reason to explore the sales center beyond real estate.

Address: 3065 Fuller Street, Miami, FL 33133.

Best for: Artisan sandwich lunches, cheese and charcuterie, afternoon wine and casual early-evening gatherings.

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Royale Pizza Napoletana Set To Bring Tokyo-Style Neapolitan Pizza To Miami Beach This October

Come Fall 2026, Miami Beach might soon be pilgrimage-worthy for diehard pizza enthusiasts with the opening of Royale Pizza Napoletana, the first Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza restaurant in South Florida. It will also signal the stateside arrival of none other than iconoclastic Japanese pizzaiolo Chef Bun of the genre-defining Japanese Neapolitan pizza concept, Savoy.

The brainchild of banking entrepreneur and restaurateur Jess Varughese – the innovator behind Miami’s ultra-exclusive and secretive members-only restaurant Haiku – Royale Pizza will deliver the ethereal, fresh, technically-precise and deceptively-complex pies that have made Bun a legend and Savoy an international must-try for foodies, celebs, and jetsetters.

For the culinary intelligentsia, Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza has been “a thing” since exploding in the early 2000s, capturing the hearts and minds of chefs and savvy travelers; so much so that the science-driven, palate-pleasing pies ventured west to Los Angeles, New York City, and even Nashville. Now, with Royale Pizza, this game-changing approach to pizza-making will find its furthermost home, fueled by Bun and an unparalleled A-Team assembled by Varughese.

“Fundamental to the Royale Pizza concept was the team that would be necessary to make it authentic and true to the science and spirit behind Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza,” noted Varughese, who conceived of the Royale concept two years ago after a Haiku member, and Savoy devotee, hipped Varughese to arguably one of the most perfect pizzas in the world.

With Haiku Executive Chef Albert Diaz (former executive chef of Zuma London and Zuma Miami) in tow, Varughese traveled to Japan, and, after an eye-opening, mind-blowing experience at Savoy, the intrepid entrepreneur knew there was a need (and a home) for Tokyo-style pizza in sunny South Florida. Fast forward to spring 2026, and the restaurant space in the heart of Miami Beach (1680 Meridian Avenue) is under construction, the pizza oven is cranking, and the team is preparing.

Joining Bun, Varughese, and Diaz in this endeavor is Chef Dalila Sabatino, a wildly talented young pizzaiola whom Bun called “one of the most talented pizzaiolas I have ever worked with.” In addition to her time with Chef Bun, Sabatino also served under pizzaiola William Joo at L.A.’s Pizzeria Sei, one of the leading talents in the Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza movement. Operations will be led by Oscar Coll, who has spent more than 20 years in hospitality operations, bringing to the team his extensive experience in every restaurant station there is, as well as scalability with a focus on process, training and technology.

Front-of-the-house hospitality veteran Audrey Armada, Royale’s Head of Customer Experience, clocks in close to 15 years’ experience in the industry and is blessed with the know-how for crafting unforgettable moments as Head of Membership Experiences at Haiku, Varughese’s acclaimed, members-only dining concept in Wynwood.

In a polished, fast casual-style setting, Royale will seat 65 throughout its dining room, which includes a large community table at its center. No reservations; walk-ins only with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Takeout and delivery will also be on offer at opening. Ordering takes place at the main counter from a carefully curated menu of antipasti, pizzas (four traditional, three specials), two pastas, and two mains. Guests choose their table and await 30+ hour-fermented, lighter-than-air, crusty deliciousness.

“For something so elemental and seemingly so ‘basic,’ properly executed Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza is exhaustingly difficult to get right,” muses Varughese, who says landing Bun’s partnership in the endeavor was key to creating a version of Neapolitan pizza worthy of the Tokyo greats. “He’s the maestro behind the music. His skill, insights, creativity, and scientific know-how gained from 20+ years of innovation are unparalleled. It’s like having Jack Nicklaus join your foursome or Miles Davis your quartet. He elevates the game.”

So what of the dough, the basis for Royale’s promise of Neapolitan supremacy in The 305?

“The dough is everything,” Varughese points out and can happily expound on its fundamentals, explaining that it took 20 years of experimentation in Tokyo and hundreds of hours in Miami to get it right and was only successful with a combination of selecting the perfect mix of artisan flours, compensating for particle size differences in the flour utilizing the Autolyse technique, altering the softness of water to exactly mimic the beautifully soft water in Japan, dialing in the timing applied to bulk and cold fermentation.

Royale Pizza Napoletana will be located at 1680 Meridian Avenue on Miami Beach right off of Lincoln Road.

Culinary Images via Miami Chef

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Gioia Hospitality Group Set To Open La Sponda on September 19 in Coconut Grove at Vita at Grove Isle

Building on the success of Daniel's Miami, recently named the highest-ranked Florida steakhouse on the World's Best 101 Steak Restaurants list, and Daniel's, A Florida Steakhouse, which has earned Michelin Guide recognition, Gioia Hospitality Group founders Thomas Angelo and Kassidy Angelo will open La Sponda, an elegant waterfront Italian restaurant inspired by their family's heritage, this September at CMC Group’s recently delivered luxury condominium Vita at Grove Isle.

Marking the hospitality group's first Italian concept, La Sponda represents a natural evolution for Gioia Hospitality, whose reputation has been built on exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and thoughtfully designed destinations. More than a restaurant, La Sponda is a deeply personal expression of Thomas Angelo's lifelong connection to Italy, drawing from his family's roots in Puglia and decades spent exploring the country's regional cuisine, artisans, wineries, and traditions.

"I grew up in a family deeply rooted in southern Italy, where some of my favorite memories were made in the kitchen and my travels with my children to Puglia,” said Thomas Angelo, Co-Founder of Gioia Hospitality Group. "Those memories became the foundation for La Sponda, and our hope is that every guest who walks through our doors feels that same sense of warmth, connection, and hospitality."

"This restaurant is incredibly personal to us because it brings together our family's traditions with everything we've learned while building Gioia Hospitality. We can't wait to welcome guests into a place that feels as warm and memorable as the homes and restaurants that inspired it,” said Kassidy Angelo, Co-Founder of Gioia Hospitality Group.

“Grove Isle has long held a special place in Miami, with a history as one of the city’s most celebrated waterfront destinations,” said Ugo Colombo, Founder of CMC Group. “With Vita, our vision has been to honor that legacy while introducing a new expression of luxury and waterfront living. La Sponda is a natural extension of that vision bringing exceptional dining, hospitality and design together to create a destination that enhances the lifestyle at Vita and once again establishes Grove Isle as a place for the broader Miami community to experience and enjoy.”

While Daniel's introduced guests to one of the country's most celebrated steak programs, La Sponda continues Gioia Hospitality's culinary legacy, complementing that steak-driven foundation with handmade pasta, pristine seafood, exceptional wines, and genuine hospitality that come together around the table. Leading the culinary program is Chef Danny Ganem, who has worked alongside Thomas and Kassidy to bring the family's vision to life. Fresh pasta is made in-house daily, alongside an evolving selection of crudo, antipasti, and seafood, with signature specialties inspired by the founders' favorite dishes and family traditions, alongside dishes drawn from different regions across Italy. Highlights include Spaghetti alla Chitarra al Tartufo with Burgundy truffles, cultured butter, and Parmigiano espuma; Paccheri al Campagnolo with Aquanaria Branzino, Datterini Tomatoes, Capers, Olives; Branzino alla Vernaccia with Taggiasca olives, potatoes, tomatoes, and basil; and an Australian L'Grow Ranch Wagyu Bistecca Fiorentina, a Wagyu porterhouse finished with rosemary, Balsamico di Modena, and Gioia olive oil.

Complementing the culinary program, Wine & Beverage Director Daniel Bishop will curate a globally influenced wine collection anchored by Italy’s most celebrated regions and inspired by the Angelo family’s Italian heritage. The list will showcase benchmark reds, including Barolo and Barbaresco from Piemonte, celebrated Tuscan selections, lighter-style Etna reds from Sicily, and wines from Puglia that pay homage to the Angelo family’s roots. Bright, mineral-driven coastal whites of Italy will complement the collection, evoking the seaside regions and destinations of the Amalfi Coast, Taormina, and Cinque Terre. French, Spanish, and California wines will further round out the program, alongside select vintages spanning up to 20 to 25 years. The collection will continue to evolve over time, shaped by seasonality and guest preferences.

Signature cocktails include the refreshing Summer in Amalfi Spritz with Martini & Rossi Prosecco, St-Germain, Italicus Aperitivo, Condesa Gin Clásica, and cucumber; Zio Tony, a tropical riff on the Paper Plane, with Angel’s Envy Daniel’s Cask Bourbon, Sarti Aperitivo, Amaro Nonino Riserva, passion fruit, and lemon; and Garibaldi Fresca, a playful take on the Italian classic with Campari and fluffy pineapple and orange juices.

Over the past several years, Thomas, Kassidy, Danny Ganem, and Daniel Bishop have traveled extensively throughout Italy, immersing themselves in regional culinary traditions while building relationships with producers, winemakers, artisans, and suppliers. Every journey helped shape La Sponda, from discovering family-run wineries and sourcing exceptional ingredients to selecting handcrafted materials and finding inspiration in the timeless hospitality that defines Italy's most beloved destinations.

Designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the restaurant blends timeless European elegance with the relaxed sophistication of Coconut Grove. Nearly every element throughout the space was thoughtfully sourced from Italy, including handcrafted furnishings, imported stone, custom tables, and artisan finishes. Guests are welcomed into an intimate dining room anchored by crisp white tablecloths, hand-painted architectural details, a baby grand piano, and a private dining room tucked away for special occasions. While the restaurant is rooted in Italian craftsmanship, subtle nods to Coconut Grove can be found throughout the interiors, including custom lamps individually hand-painted by a local artist with illustrations inspired by the neighborhood's iconic peacocks and tropical surroundings. With seating for approximately 120 guests, La Sponda was designed to feel both grand and welcoming, bringing together refined luxury and the warmth of an Italian home.

True to Gioia Hospitality Group's philosophy, service will remain at the heart of the La Sponda experience. Led by an experienced front-of-house team, guests can expect warm, attentive hospitality inspired by the traditions of Italy, where every meal is treated as an occasion and every guest is welcomed like family.

La Sponda will initially open for dinner on Wednesday – Sunday. Reservations will be available on Resy.

Images via The Louis Collection

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NOAH Hospitality Group Unveils UKIYO, Bringing Japan's Iconic Conveyor Belt Sushi Culture to Lincoln Road

This fall, NOAH Hospitality Group will open UKIYO at 818 Lincoln Road, featuring a custom-designed kaiten belt, Japan's tradition of circulating sushi on a rotating conveyor. UKIYO reimagines the format through exceptional Japanese craftsmanship and live culinary theatre, bringing Tokyo's tradition to Lincoln Road for the first time.

Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of "ukiyo," or "the floating world," the restaurant transforms movement into the centerpiece of the guest experience. Rather than functioning simply as a method of service, the custom-designed conveyor belt becomes a stage where craftsmanship, architecture and culinary artistry continuously unfold before every guest.

At UKIYO, dining is never static. Every passing plate, every newly introduced creation and every interaction has been choreographed to create an experience that evolves throughout the evening. "For me, hospitality has never been about simply serving food. It's about creating emotion," said NOAH Hospitality Group Founder Philippe Kalifa. "We wanted to build a restaurant people would continue talking about long after they left, not only because of what they ate, but because of how the evening made them feel. Every detail was designed to transform a familiar dining tradition into something immersive, elegant and unforgettable."

That intention carries through to the kitchen. Led by Executive Chef Nono Shigetomi, UKIYO sources premium seafood directly from carefully selected fisheries across Japan. Essential pantry ingredients are imported from Japan, while seasonal South Florida produce provides regional freshness. "Freshness isn't our goal, it's our starting point," Shigetomi said. "Every ingredient is selected with intention because great sushi begins long before the fish reaches the plate."

Guests will discover handcrafted nigiri, sashimi and specialty rolls circulating on the belt, highlighted by the signature Ukiyo roll, a combination of tuna, salmon, hiramasa and Hokkaido scallop topped with soy glazed wagyu and umami crunch. Every fish is sourced from Tokyo's Toyosu and Tsukiji markets. The menu also features fire-charred robata skewers, including cumin-soy glazed wagyu with braised onion and yakitori-glazed chicken, alongside tempura, crudo and carpaccio prepared daily.

Signature dishes include a paitan ramen built on a chicken bone broth simmered until rich and creamy, topped with braised duck, sous vide chicken, pork chashu and pork wonton; a crispy yakisoba fried until golden and finished with a starch-thickened ankake sauce; and seafood fried rice made with takikomi gohan, a seasoned Japanese rice, in place of steamed white rice. The traditional kamameshi is cooked fresh tableside in individual kama pots with dashi, soy, sake, mirin, hijiki, carrot and mushroom, finished with grilled marinated skirt steak and a Jidori egg. A signature House Dumpling Cart will circulate throughout the dining room, featuring an evolving selection of freshly handcrafted dumplings in beef, pork, chicken, shrimp and vegetarian varieties, served pan-fried, steamed or deep-fried.

Throughout dinner service, live culinary performances bring moments of Japanese culture and entertainment into the restaurant, and as new dishes leave the sushi counter, their arrival onto the conveyor belt becomes a choreographed presentation.

That same sense of movement extends into the design of the 7,431-square-foot space. Indoors, Casa Medina Design Studio blended traditional Japanese design with contemporary luxury, pairing Rosso Lepanto stone, emerald-toned marble finished with a leathered surface, a matte, subtly textured treatment that softens the stone's natural sheen, handcrafted millwork, aged brass detailing and warm Japanese-inspired lantern lighting with a flowing water feature that reinforces the "floating world" concept. At the center of the room sits the custom conveyor belt itself, serving as the architectural heartbeat of the space. Outdoors, an immersive dining environment brings architecture, landscape and water together, with layered lighting and natural materials transforming every table into its own intimate setting.

UKIYO was envisioned as the meeting point between the timeless traditions of Japanese hospitality and the vibrant energy of Miami Beach. It respects centuries of Japanese craftsmanship while embracing the city's creativity, nightlife and international spirit, creating an experience that feels both authentically Japanese and unmistakably Miami, not simply a sushi restaurant, but a destination where craftsmanship, movement, culture and entertainment come together as one of the city's most distinctive dining experiences.

UKIYO is set to open mid-October and will serve dinner nightly except Mondays, from 6 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Renderings via CM Design Studio

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Miami's Most Elevated European-Inspired Dining Experiences To Close Out Summer 2026

Miami may be far from the Mediterranean, but some of the city's most transportive dining rooms are bringing the spirit of Europe remarkably close to home. From the polished glamour of Milan and the leisurely elegance of Northern Italy to the culinary precision of Paris and romance of the French countryside, Miami's restaurant scene offers plenty of reasons to skip the transatlantic flight.

Across Brickell and the Miami Design District, a collection of standout restaurants channels the destinations that inspire them through more than just the menu. Historic architecture, lush garden terraces, dramatic interiors, waterfront and skyline views, and distinctly European approaches to dining create experiences that can feel like an escape in their own right.

Whether it's aperitivo overlooking Biscayne Bay at Seia’s rooftop, an evening reminiscent of Lake Como, dinner inside a historic château at Chateau ZZ’s, Milanese classics in the Design District or Michelin-starred French cuisine, these are some of Miami's best European-inspired dining experiences to visit when Europe isn't on the itinerary.

Seia (Brickell)

Location: 830 Brickell Plaza, 54th Floor, Miami, FL 33131

Set high above Brickell, Seia is a contemporary Italian restaurant developed through a partnership between OKO Group and The Bastion Collection, bringing together panoramic views of Miami and Biscayne Bay with a modern interpretation of Italian culinary tradition. Led by Executive Chef Alessandro Morrone, whose Southern Italian roots and training in Naples shape the menu, Seia celebrates seasonality, craftsmanship, and ingredient-driven cooking through house-made pastas, pristine seafood, and timeless regional dishes reimagined with contemporary technique. Signature offerings, such as the Rigatoni al Pomodoro, reflect the restaurant's philosophy of honoring Italian heritage through simplicity and exceptional ingredients. Completing the experience, Seia's expansive 180-degree terrace evokes the relaxed rhythm of an Italian summer, inviting guests to linger over aperitivo, dinner, and sunset above the city skyline.

Chateau ZZ’s (Brickell)

Location: 1500 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33129

Located within a restored 1931 château on Brickell Avenue, Chateau ZZ's is Major Food Group's glamorous dining destination that seamlessly blends old-world sophistication with modern luxury. Formerly known as Petit Douy, Miami's only known château was thoughtfully reimagined in collaboration with acclaimed designer Ken Fulk, preserving its historic architecture while introducing lush gardens, richly layered interiors, and a striking glass-enclosed solarium. Nestled in the heart of Brickell, the estate transports guests to the European countryside through its romantic architecture, manicured grounds, and timeless sense of place. Whether dining beneath the iconic solarium or sipping cocktails in the intimate lounge, Chateau ZZ's captures the elegance and romance of a European escape, no passport required.

Le Specialità (Miami Design District)

Location: 40 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137

Originally established on Via Pietro Calvi in Milan in 1977, Le Specialità brings the spirit of Northern Italy to the Miami Design District through Spicy Hospitality Group's reimagining of the celebrated Milanese institution. Rooted in the philosophy that food, wine, and hospitality are an extension of art and lifestyle, the restaurant carries forward nearly five decades of Italian tradition with house-made pastas, its iconic pizza, seasonal antipasti, and one of Miami's most impressive Italian wine collections. Designed by the acclaimed Rockwell Group, the "radical retro-chic" interiors pair vintage Italian photography, curated artwork, and Milanese-inspired design with Miami's creative energy, creating the feeling of an evening spent wandering through one of Italy's most stylish cities.

L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami (Miami Design District)

Location: 151 NE 41st Street, Suite 235, Miami, Fl 33137

L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami—South Florida's only two-Michelin-starred restaurant by The Bastion Collection—brings the artistry, precision, and elegance of French fine dining to the Miami Design District. Led by Executive Chef James Friedberg, with a pastry program helmed by longtime Joël Robuchon protégé Chef Salvatore Martone, the restaurant carries forward Chef Robuchon's celebrated culinary vision through an ever-evolving seasonal menu rooted in classical French technique and elevated by contemporary creativity. Its signature open kitchen and counter-style dining place guests at the heart of the culinary experience, evoking the energy of a Parisian atelier where every dish is meticulously prepared before their eyes. Whether enjoying refined à la carte selections or an immersive tasting menu, each course reflects the timeless sophistication and culinary excellence that define France's most celebrated dining traditions.

Le Jardinier (Miami Design District)

Location: 151 NE 41st Street, Suite 135, Miami, FL 33137

Located in the Miami Design District, Michelin-starred Le Jardinier by The Bastion Collection offers a contemporary, seasonally driven expression of French dining. Crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli, the restaurant celebrates the rhythm of nature through refined French culinary techniques. Led by Chef de Cuisine Mario Da Silva, the menu centers on sustainable proteins complemented by the finest locally sourced, seasonal vegetables and fruits, drawing inspiration from South Florida's vibrant landscape while remaining rooted in the elegance and precision of French cuisine. Guests can dine within the light-filled dining room or on the lush garden terrace, where verdant greenery and tranquil surroundings evoke the charm of a leisurely afternoon in the French countryside.

Contessa Miami (Miami Design District)

Location: 1111 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137

Inspired by the timeless elegance of Northern Italy's grand villas and lakeside estates, Major Food Group's Contessa Miami brings the glamour of Lake Como to the Miami Design District. Richly layered interiors feature high-gloss teak inspired by classic Italian Riva boats, white marble floors, a sweeping central staircase, and panoramic skyline views that set the stage for an elevated Northern Italian dining experience. The menu celebrates the region through house-made pastas, signature pizzas, pristine seafood, premium meats, and an in-house gelato program, inviting guests to linger from leisurely lunches and aperitivo through elegant dinners. At every hour of the day, Contessa captures the effortless sophistication and romance of an Italian holiday.

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Gioia Hospitality Group Behind Daniel's Steakhouse Signs Lease To Open New Waterfront Concept In Edgewater

Gioia Hospitality Group, the South Florida-based hospitality company co-founded by father-daughter duo Thomas and Kassidy Angelo, has officially signed a lease for a new restaurant concept at Aimco’s ultra-luxury development located at 560 NE 34th Street, Unit 101, Miami, FL 33137.

The forthcoming restaurant marks the next chapter of growth for Gioia Hospitality Group, the team behind Michelin Guide–Recommended Daniel's, A Florida Steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale, Daniel's Miami, recently ranked No. 40 on the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants list for 2026, and D's Sports Bar, named Best Sports Bar in Fort Lauderdale by Fort Lauderdale Magazine.The group's portfolio also includes the soon-to-open La Sponda at Vita at Grove Isle.

Located directly on Biscayne Bay, the new waterfront restaurant is projected to open in late 2027 or early 2028. Spanning approximately 11,500 square feet, including 2,500 square feet of outdoor space, the restaurant will anchor the property's ground-floor and feature a dramatic waterfront setting with an outdoor bar positioned directly on the bay. The restaurant will showcase Daniel’s world-class steak program, pristine seafood and an elevated waterfront dining, bringing Gioia Hospitality Group's signature approach to sourcing, hospitality and guest experience to one of Miami's most exciting luxury residential developments.

The restaurant is being designed by Rockwell Group, the internationally acclaimed architecture and design firm founded by David Rockwell, known for designing some of the world's most celebrated restaurants, hotels, cultural institutions and entertainment destinations.

The lease transaction was brokered by Michael Silverman and Jeff Evans of Comras Company.

“This is an incredibly exciting moment for Gioia Hospitality Group and demonstrates our commitment to the South Florida market,” said Thomas Angelo, Co-Founder of Gioia Hospitality Group. “This special location and extraordinary space gives us the opportunity to create something truly special directly on Biscayne Bay. With the tremendous support of Aimco and their team, and the collaboration on the design with Rockwell Group, we are looking forward to developing a restaurant that reflects the best of Miami waterfront dining while staying true to the standards of hospitality, cuisine, and service that define Gioia. A special thank you to Lee Hodges and Aimco CEO Wes Powell and for believing in us and trusting us with this incredible opportunity.”

"I live in Midtown, so this project is especially meaningful to me," said Kassidy Angelo, Co-Founder of Gioia Hospitality Group. "This location allows us to introduce a whole new audience to the hospitality, quality and guest experience we've built at Daniel's, while making it much more accessible for residents of Midtown, Miami Beach and North Miami. We're excited to become part of this neighborhood and create a waterfront destination the community can enjoy for years to come."

“We are thrilled to welcome Gioia Hospitality Group to our waterfront development in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood,” said Wes Powell, CEO of Aimco. “Thomas, Kassidy, and their team have built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional dining experiences in South Florida, and their vision for this waterfront concept aligns perfectly with the standard of luxury, design, and lifestyle we are creating. We believe this restaurant will become a defining amenity for the property and a destination for the broader Miami community.”

Additional details on the restaurant’s name, culinary direction, and opening timeline will be announced at a later date.

Images via Louis Collection

Sant Ambroeus to Open Second Planned Miami Location at MIRAI Design District, Bringing Milanese Café Culture to Miami’s Design District

MIRAI Design District has signed Sant Ambroeus as a signature hospitality tenant, marking the heritage Italian brand’s second planned Miami location and further reinforcing the project’s position as a design-, hospitality-, and culture-driven destination within the evolving Miami Design District.

Sant Ambroeus will occupy approximately 5,000 square feet at MIRAI Design District, where the concept will include a full-service restaurant, coffee bar, and outdoor dining experience slated to open in 2028. The space will be designed by internationally acclaimed architect and designer Fabrizio Casiraghi, whose work is known for blending timeless European elegance with contemporary sensibility. More than a traditional restaurant outpost, the space is envisioned as an all-day gathering place woven into the daily life of the neighborhood, extending MIRAI’s broader vision of hospitality, design, and community. The addition reflects the continued evolution of the Design District into one of the country’s most globally recognized luxury and cultural destinations, where fashion, art, architecture, hospitality, and daily life increasingly intersect.

Developed by WellDuo, Leviathan Development, Lionheart Capital and The Lane Organization, MIRAI Design District is the first mixed-use development in the United States by internationally acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA). The project marks a significant milestone for the influential Japanese architect, whose work has become synonymous with blending architecture, nature, and cultural experience.

Positioned along Northeast Second Avenue, MIRAI has emerged as part of the next phase of growth at the Miami Design District, emphasizing boutique retail, hospitality, architecture, and pedestrian-oriented experiences over traditional large-scale commercial development. Conceived as a more intimate and design-forward extension of the district, the project aims to create a curated environment where luxury retail, hospitality, and community life coexist more seamlessly.

“At Sant Ambroeus, we’ve always looked for locations that already possess a strong sense of identity, culture, and creative energy,” said Gaetano Guarducci, managing partner of SA Hospitality Group. “MIRAI immediately felt aligned with that philosophy. The architecture, the emphasis on thoughtful design, and the evolving energy of this part of the Design District made it feel like a natural fit for our next chapter in Miami. As Miami continues to evolve into a truly global city, we’re excited to deepen our roots here in a neighborhood that already speaks so

Founded in Milan in 1936, Sant Ambroeus has become internationally recognized for blending Milanese sophistication with contemporary New York energy, cultivating a loyal following across fashion, art, design, and hospitality circles. With locations spanning Milan, New York, Palm Beach, Aspen, Paris, and now expanding further into Miami, the brand has long positioned itself within neighborhoods where culture, creativity, and lifestyle naturally converge. The brand’s arrival at MIRAI further reinforces the project as a curated cultural destination where hospitality, architecture, fashion, and daily life intersect.

“Sant Ambroeus represents exactly the kind of thoughtful, design-conscious hospitality we envisioned for MIRAI,” said Eduardo Pelaez, principal of WellDuo. “The brand has a rare ability to create spaces that feel simultaneously international and deeply personal, rooted in elegance, culture, and everyday experience. Their presence helps define the type of environment we’re building at MIRAI: curated, design-driven, and centered around how people actually want to gather, linger, and experience Miami beautifully.”

MIRAI Design District is designed as a “floating lantern,” with a transparent ground floor, lush central garden, boutique retail spaces, and hospitality-driven public areas intended to create a more intimate and experiential extension of the Design District. The project also includes approximately 41,000 square feet of boutique class A office space tailored toward family offices, and design-oriented businesses seeking highly curated environments.

The addition of Sant Ambroeus marks a significant milestone in MIRAI’s leasing strategy, which has focused on securing tenants aligned with the project’s emphasis on architecture, culture, hospitality, and long-term neighborhood placemaking.

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Two Wine Dinners To Know About In Miami As Bastion Collection's L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Le Jardinier Miami Host Domaine de La Bouche du Roi and Stag's Leap

The Bastion Collection’s sister concepts in Miami Design District, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Le Jardinier Miami, will host two exclusive wine dinners this May, partnering with prestigious producers for a series of chef-driven tasting experiences: a Stag’s Leap wine dinner at Le Jardinier Miami on May 14 and a Versailles Wine Dinner in partnership with Domaine La Bouche du Roi at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon on May 13.

Stag’s Leap wine dinner at Le Jardinier Miami - 5/14

The highlight of the series is an exclusive collaboration between Le Jardinier and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris with a thoughtfully curated, wine-paired tasting menu. The exclusive five-course wine dinner celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris — the historic blind tasting that redefined global perceptions of American wine.

The evening will take place at a communal table alongside the bar, where Chefs James Friedberg and Mario Da Silva will present a curated five-course tasting menu that pairs iconic wines with refined seasonal cuisine, paying homage to Napa Valley’s historic triumph at the Judgment of Paris

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Winemaker Marcus Notaro will serve as guide on an unforgettable journey through the wines that made history, featuring a four-vintage vertical tasting of S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon, including the newly released 2023 vintage grown in the same vineyard that produced the celebrated 1973 vintage, served as balanced pairings alongside a special menu featuring dorade crudo, seared diver scallop, lamb saddle, beef short rib, and Le Jardinier’s signature butterfly dessert.

Date: Thursday, May 14th

Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Reservations: $350 per person

Location: Le Jardinier Miami, 151 NE 41st St, Suite 135, Miami, FL 33137

Versailles Wine Dinner at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon - 5/13

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon will host a one-night-only dinner in partnership with Domaine La Bouche du Roi, featuring a six-course tasting menu paired with wines from the historic terroir of Versailles. The experience brings together refined, seasonal cuisine by Executive Chef James Friedberg with a curated selection of wines that revive one of France’s most storied winemaking regions. The six-course prix-fixe menu brings together exceptional gastronomy and a rare expression of French heritage.

For one evening, guests are invited to experience this story through a six-course tasting menu by Executive Chef James Friedberg, complemented by a curated selection of five wines from the estate. Once served at the royal table of Louis XIV, the vineyards of Île-de-France were among the most celebrated in France - until they vanished in the late 19th century. Today, Domaine La Bouche du Roi revives this lost legacy, crafting wines that reflect the elegance and grandeur of Versailles. Each cuvée is shaped by an extraordinary limestone terroir, resulting in wines defined by freshness, minerality, and refined structure.

The menu will highlight seasonal dishes including Diver Scallop, White Asparagus, Halibut, Crispy Duck Breast, concluding with a Mango Caramel Mille-feuille, with each course designed in harmony with the wines and the creativity of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon.

Date: Wednesday, May 13th

Time: 6 PM - 9:30 PM

Reservations & Menu: $450 per person

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

Images via Bastion Collection

Naftali Group Expands Retail Offerings at JEM Private Residences with ITO•Kaya and SunLife Organics at Miami Worldcenter

JEM Private Residences, the highly anticipated luxury residential tower developed by globally recognized real estate development and investment firm Naftali Group, has announced the addition of ITO•Kaya, a new Japanese dining concept from the team behind ITO, the acclaimed omakase restaurant, along with SunLife Organics, a Malibu-born wellness café, to the building’s retail space. Together, these additions further elevate JEM’s curated lifestyle experience, bringing both wellness-driven offerings and a vibrant dining destination to Miami Worldcenter.

“Miami has evolved into a global destination for dining and lifestyle, and we wanted JEM to reflect that in a way that feels natural,” said Danielle Naftali, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Design at Naftali Group. “We’re curating the right mix by bringing in concepts like ITO•Kaya and SunLife Organics that people can easily enjoy every day.”

ITO•Kaya, a new concept from the team behind ITO, the acclaimed omakase restaurant with locations in New York and Las Vegas, is brought to life by hospitality group VCR Group in partnership with Chefs Masa Ito and Kevin Kim. VCR, led by partners David Rodolitz, Gary Vaynerchuk, Conor Hanlon, and Chef Josh Capon, is known for crafting experience-driven dining that blends culinary excellence with a strong sense of community, including the members-only Flyfish Club in New York City.

At JEM, ITO•Kaya will present a Japanese-inspired menu centered around shareable dishes, alongside nigiri, sashimi, and skewers, complemented by cocktails, sake, and Japanese whiskies. Designed to create a lively, social atmosphere, the restaurant will serve as both a neighborhood destination and an extension of JEM’s residential lifestyle, with service integrated into the building’s amenity deck and private residences. The concept reflects the development’s commitment to a more connected, experience-driven way of living.

"ITO•Kaya is a natural evolution of what we’ve built with ITO, bringing a more social, energetic format to the experience while maintaining the same level of quality and attention to detail,” said David Rodolitz, Founder and CEO of VCR Group. “Its location within the walkable Miami Worldcenter creates a unique opportunity to connect with both residents and the broader Miami community in a meaningful way."

"The menu is designed to be shared, featuring dishes that are bold, balanced, and crafted to enhance the overall dining experience,” said Chef Masa Ito, Michelin-starred Chef and Co-Founder of ITO. “It will offer a setting where guests can engage with the food in different ways, whether for a full dining experience or a more casual, spontaneous visit."

SunLife Organics, the Malibu-born wellness brand dedicated to promoting clean, nutrient-rich living, is known for its organic smoothies, superfood bowls, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Since its founding, the brand has cultivated a loyal following by emphasizing quality, community, and a holistic approach to wellness. The cafe will offer a health-forward, all-day menu for residents and visitors, serving both the amenity pool and surrounding areas, reflecting JEM’s commitment to making wellness a seamless part of everyday living.

“We’re excited to bring SunLife Organics to JEM in Downtown Miami and be part of residents’ everyday experience,” said Khalil Rafati, Founder of SunLife Organics. “Miami has become a true hub for wellness, and our focus on quality ingredients and feel-good offerings fits perfectly within the city’s vibrant, health-conscious lifestyle.”

Located in the heart of Miami Worldcenter, JEM Private Residences is designed as a next-generation luxury development that seamlessly integrates residential living with hospitality, wellness and dining. The project recently reached a major milestone with the completion of its podium level, marking its transition to vertical construction as it continues to take shape in one of Miami’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. Residents will enjoy access to over 30,000 square feet of amenities, including resort-style pools, state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities, and a range of social and entertainment spaces designed to foster connection and community. With the addition of SunLife Organics and ITO•Kaya, JEM continues to build upon its vision of delivering a carefully crafted environment where design, culture and hospitality converge.

The sales gallery is open daily and located in Miami Worldcenter at 110 NE 10th Street.

Renderings via Hayes Davidson

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