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.

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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Full Floor Sky Mansion At One Thousand Museum By Zaha Hadid Architects Sells For $21.9 Million

A 9,200-square-foot sky mansion inside One Thousand Museum by Zaha Hadid Architects just traded for $21.925 million. The residences occupies an entire floor at One Thousand Museum, one of the most ultra-luxury condo towers in Miami, complete with a helipad. The iconic exoskeleton tower, which overlooks Museum Park, was designed by the late starchitect Zaha Hadid.

A 9,200-square-foot sky mansion inside One Thousand Museum by Zaha Hadid Architects just traded for $21.925 million. The residences occupies an entire floor at One Thousand Museum, one of the most ultra-luxury condo towers in Miami, complete with a helipad. The iconic exoskeleton tower, which overlooks Museum Park, was designed by the late starchitect Zaha Hadid.

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty was on both sides of the transaction with Saddy Abaunza Delgado and Valeria Kelly representing the seller and Lianne Graubart repping the buyer. The buyer was referred through ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, with agents Shauna Walters and Nicole Plaxen connecting the team with the client.

The five-bedroom penthouse at 1000 Biscayne Boulevard #5501 spans an entire floor of Hadid’s instantly recognizable exoskeleton tower overlooking Biscayne Bay. Sweeping views across Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline take center stage, framed by heightened ceilings and 10-foot doors that amplify the penthouse’s dramatic sense of scale. Recent upgrades include a fully enclosed second kitchen and integrated Crestron and Lutron systems, along with four parking spaces.

One Thousand Museum was developed by One Thousand Group, led by Louis Birdman and Kevin Venger, with partners Gilberto Bomeny, Gregg Covin and Todd Michael Glaser. The tower officially debuted August 2019 as one of the country’s most anticipated condominiums, with its striking exoskeleton instrumental to becoming the most iconic and identifiable tower in Downtown Miami. Per public record, past and current residents are reported to be David and Victoria Beckham, Ken Griffin, David Grutman, Marc Anthony, Loren Ridinger, and Sela Ann Ward.

One Thousand Museum rises 62-stories and offers 84-units. The tower was the designed by the late Zaha Hadid and was her first residential skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. The unique tower features an exoskeleton which was made from glass fiber reinforced concrete imported from Dubai.

The building’s luxe lifestyle and exclusive amenities are among its most desirable attractions including a private rooftop helipad, making it Miami’s only residential building accessible via its own private airport. One Thousand Museum was also the first residential building in the world to partner with Forbes Travel Guide to create a hospitality-focused experience for residents and their guests on par with the finest hotel in the world.

Additional amenities include a Sky Lounge for dining and private events; an on-premise bank vault; nearby private Beach Club, Museum Beach; access to an escalade house car service, 1KM wellness center featuring state-of-the-art equipment by Techno-Gym, a Spa with relaxation pods and private treatment rooms for spa services and the Aquatic Center featuring an indoor lap-pool at the 61st Floor.

Credit: Zoltan of Lux Hunters Productions / ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

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Faena Unveils First-Ever Penthouse Collection at Faena Residences Miami, Led by $39.5 Million Crown Residence

Faena has unveiled its first-ever penthouse collection at Faena Residences Miami, offering a first look at the most exclusive residences planned for the brand's permanent residential destination along the Miami River. Leading the newly revealed collection is the $39.5 million Crown Residence, a two-story penthouse designed by Faena Design Studio in collaboration with internationally acclaimed Bryan O'Sullivan Studio.

Faena has unveiled its first-ever penthouse collection at Faena Residences Miami, offering a first look at the most exclusive residences planned for the brand's permanent residential destination along the Miami River.

Leading the newly revealed collection is the $39.5 million Crown Residence, a two-story penthouse designed by Faena Design Studio in collaboration with internationally acclaimed Bryan O'Sullivan Studio. The residence will sit at the pinnacle of the twin-tower development and also marks Bryan O'Sullivan Studio's first project in Miami.

The penthouse collection represents a new tier within Faena Residences Miami, extending the brand's approach to hospitality, design and residential living into the development's most exclusive private homes.

Faena Residences Miami is being developed by Fortune International Group, led by Edgardo Defortuna, and KAR Properties, led by Shahab Karmely, at 90 SW 3rd Street along the Miami River.

Designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, the development will comprise 434 condominiums across two 60-story towers. The broader residential interiors are being designed by Faena Design Studio and Bryan O'Sullivan Studio, bringing Faena's distinctive visual identity together with O'Sullivan's approach to luxury hospitality and residential design.

The newly unveiled penthouses will crown a residential collection previously planned with homes ranging from approximately 700 to 3,300 square feet. The $39.5 million Crown Residence now establishes the highest tier of the offering as Faena reveals the pinnacle of the project for the first time.

Beyond the private residences, the development is distinguished by Faena Rose, an approximately 45,000-square-foot cultural, social and wellness environment suspended between the two towers. Located across three dedicated levels from floors 61 through 64 and nearly 700 feet above the Miami River, Faena Rose architecturally connects the towers while serving as a central gathering place for residents.

Faena Rose is designed around year-round cultural and community programming, with spaces for talks, performances, salons, dinners, wellness experiences and intimate gatherings. Its amenity collection includes an infinity-edge pool overlooking the Miami River, restaurant with bar and dining terrace, private dining room, library lounge, screening room, billiards room, creative lounges and private suites, along with The Pistil, a central social venue featuring a bar and dining terrace.

The project's wellness offering extends to the podium-level Tierra Santa Healing House, which will feature a spa and longevity program incorporating hydrothermal experiences, botanical steam rooms infused with South American herbs, horizontal rain shower beds, cold plunge and red-light therapy, heated stone beds and additional wellness spaces.

Residents will also have access to fitness and movement studios, outdoor workout terraces, a padel court, golf simulator and resort-style pools with cabanas and hospitality services throughout the development.

Faena Residences Miami represents an expansion of the brand's presence in South Florida, carrying the art, culture, wellness and hospitality concepts associated with Faena into a large-scale residential development on the Miami River.

The project is also planned as part of the broader Faena District Miami River, establishing a connection between the brand's presence in Miami Beach and its next destination within Miami's urban core.

With the unveiling of its first-ever penthouse collection, Faena is now revealing the highest level of the residential experience planned for the Miami River development. At $39.5 million, the two-story Crown Residence sits at the top of that collection, bringing together Faena Design Studio and Bryan O'Sullivan Studio for the project's signature private residence.

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Prosper Group and Versluys Group Reveal Bugatti Residences Miami In Brickell

Prosper Group, a visionary real estate development firm led by CEO Jay Roberts, in partnership with Versluys Group, the more than a century-old Belgian real estate developer helmed by CEO Bart Versluys, have revealed Bugatti Residences Miami, heralding a significant new chapter for the legendary French marque as it enters the U.S. luxury residential market.

Prosper Group, a visionary real estate development firm led by CEO Jay Roberts, in partnership with Versluys Group, the more than a century-old Belgian real estate developer helmed by CEO Bart Versluys, have revealed Bugatti Residences Miami, heralding a significant new chapter for the legendary French marque as it enters the U.S. luxury residential market.

Located at 75 SW Miami Avenue Road on one of Brickell’s last waterfront parcels, the 60-story tower will feature 183 residences, including four signature penthouses, and more than 300 feet of frontage along the Miami River, offering direct access to Biscayne Bay and Miami’s celebrated boating lifestyle.

Brickell is one of Miami’s most dynamic international neighborhoods, attracting global investment alongside a growing community of executives, entrepreneurs and tastemakers who have chosen to live, work and socialize here. Its cosmopolitan appeal is emphasized by a highly walkable urban core, with acclaimed dining, retail and entertainment just steps away – a complementary environment for Bugatti’s refined point of view.

Since Ettore Bugatti founded the marque in Molsheim, France, in 1909, it has been guided by his defining principle: “If comparable, it is no longer Bugatti.” From hand-assembled hypercars that pioneered an automobile category to an expanding collection of branded lifestyle offerings, that ethos remains evident more than a century later in Bugatti’s unparalleled attention to detail, inimitable craftsmanship, and exclusive savoir-faire.

That foundation shaped the brand’s successful inaugural residential project, Bugatti Residences by BinGhatti in Dubai, and will continue to inform its evolution. Bugatti Residences Miami will take on a new expression, inspired by the city’s tropical setting and distinct cultural character, with the same incomparable standards.

“Miami’s bold architecture, creative spirit and global appeal makes it a compelling setting for our next Bugatti Residences project,” said Wiebke Ståhl, Managing Director of Bugatti International. “Our vision is to consider every aspect, from exquisite design to seamless service and operations, creating a branded residential experience unlike any other.”

At the heart of the project is a partnership that combines European heritage and expertise from Bugatti and Versluys Group with Prosper Group’s forward-looking approach, blending legacy with contemporary edge.

“For more than a century, Versluys Group has built its reputation on craftsmanship, quality and creating residences that stand the test of time," said Bart Versluys, CEO of Versluys Group. "What attracted us to Bugatti was a shared commitment to excellence and an understanding that true luxury extends far beyond aesthetics. By bringing together exceptional development, world-class design and a hospitality-driven operating model, we are creating a residential experience that we believe will set a new benchmark for branded living.”

“Bugatti Residences Miami unites one of luxury’s most respected brands with a city shaping the future of high-end real estate," said Jay Roberts, CEO of Prosper Group. "Miami has become the global epicenter for wealth migration, institutional investment and sophisticated living, with Brickell embodying the prime, waterfront site that is central to Prosper Group’s development strategy. It is a natural home for Bugatti’s branded residential debut in the United States.”

Bugatti has selected Rhodium as the exclusive global residential operating partner to deliver a bespoke lifestyle experience defined by white-glove butler service. With the Monaco Royal Family among its investors, Rhodium is a leading name in the rarefied luxury market, with a portfolio spanning some of the most prestigious branded developments. Together, Bugatti and Rhodium are introducing a new model for branded living, where service and the ownership experience are considered alongside architecture and design from the outset.

Interiors are envisioned by internationally acclaimed design studio Yabu Pushelberg, led by Interior Design Hall of Fame inductees and BoF 500 members George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg. With a celebrated portfolio spanning Aman, EDITION, Four Seasons and Rosewood, the firm will bring its unique approach to Bugatti Residences Miami, translating the marque’s design philosophy throughout the living environment to capture its sense of beauty and exhilaration.

Globally renowned firm Brandon Haw Architecture leads the development’s architectural vision, drawing on Bugatti’s distinctive design DNA and signature hypercar elements, including the iconic C-line for the tower.

Sales are slated to launch in the first half of 2027.

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DFRE™ Begins The Triangle, A $35 Million Workforce Housing Development Designed by ODP Architects in Miami’s Health District

Miami-based development firm DFRE™ has revealed The Triangle, a $35 million mixed-use workforce housing development bringing 112 rental residences to Miami’s Health District, one of the city’s largest employment hubs. Located at 1750 NW 15 Street Road, the eight-story, 121,636-square-foot project is currently under construction and will provide thoughtfully designed, attainable housing within close proximity to the district’s major employers and transit connections.

Miami-based development firm DFRE™ has revealed The Triangle, a $35 million mixed-use workforce housing development bringing 112 rental residences to Miami’s Health District, one of the city’s largest employment hubs. Located at 1750 NW 15 Street Road, the eight-story, 121,636-square-foot project is currently under construction and will provide thoughtfully designed, attainable housing within close proximity to the district’s major employers and transit connections.

The development comes as Miami-Dade County faces a need for approximately 35,000 additional workforce housing units to address the growing gap between housing costs and local incomes, a challenge particularly relevant in the Health District, which supports more than 46,000 jobs across healthcare, institutional and other essential sectors. The Triangle is being developed under Florida’s Live Local Act, with all 112 rental residences income-restricted to households earning up to 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).

“Our responsibility extends far beyond developing real estate,” said Daniel Dias, principal at DFRE. “With The Triangle, we’re turning a site in the heart of the Health District into attainable, well-designed housing for the people who serve this community. It’s about giving Miami’s workforce the opportunity to live closer to where they work while creating a place that strengthens the neighborhood for the long term.”

Designed by ODP Architects—the Miami-based firm behind high-profile developments including Villa Miami—The Triangle brings a luxury-caliber design approach to workforce housing. Its articulated façade of projecting balconies, recessed glazing, vertical screening elements, and warm soffit accents create depth, privacy, and a strong indoor-outdoor connection. Generous glazing and integrated planting bring natural light and greenery directly into the residential experience. These features also provide shade and reduce solar exposure, demonstrating that thoughtful design and affordable housing can go hand in hand.

The development will feature:

  • 112 rental, 450-square-foot studio units with private balconies and club membership included

  • A landscaped 10,000-square-foot pool terrace located on the fifth level, featuring private cabanas, an outdoor television, dedicated gathering spaces, and a fully equipped outdoor grilling area

  • A 3,500-square-foot ground-level fitness center featuring a health food and juice bar, complemented by private fitness studios and dedicated cardio rooms across the second through fourth levels

  • Direct access to green space designed to promote wellness and community connection

  • Additional amenities include dedicated parking, secure bicycle storage, resident club room, in-residence laundry facilities, full-time on-site staff, and a dedicated package room

Ground-floor uses will activate the streetscape, while the project’s walkable location connects residents to Jackson Memorial Hospital, the University of Miami Health System, public transit, neighborhood services and retail throughout the Health District. Local artists will also be incorporated throughout the development, reinforcing Miami’s cultural identity and creating a distinctive sense of place.

The Triangle reflects DFRE’s distinct approach to urban infill: transforming an overlooked, irregular “odd lot” parcel into a transit-oriented community designed around how residents live, work and connect. The triangular site, with a single point of ingress and egress along NW 15th Street Road, presented unique design and construction challenges. Through close collaboration between design and structural teams, DFRE transformed these constraints into opportunities, optimizing the building footprint, circulation, structural systems, and overall site functionality while creating a compelling design.

“Some developers see difficult sites. We see opportunities,” said Laura Weinstein-Berman, principal at DFRE. “The Triangle proves that workforce housing does not mean compromising on design or quality. We’ve approached the architecture, residences and shared spaces with the same level of intention you would expect from a high-end development, because thoughtful design should not be determined by price point. We want to create a place that residents are genuinely proud to call home.”

The Triangle is anticipated to top off in mid-2027, with completion slated for early 2028.

Unlike a traditional build-and-exit development model, DFRE owns, develops, operates and programs its properties, staying invested from acquisition and design through long-term operations. This model gives the firm a direct role in how its properties serve residents and contribute to their neighborhoods long after construction is complete.

The Triangle builds on a development model DFRE has already implemented across Miami. In Little Havana, El Jardín Inn transformed a collection of historic Art Deco buildings near Calle Ocho through adaptive reuse and historic preservation, introducing boutique hospitality, cultural programming and partnerships with local artists and businesses. In Overtown, Peach on 14th reimagined an underutilized urban site through a public-private partnership as a mixed-use neighborhood hub combining affordable work-live residences, commercial and civic uses, public space and an exhibition gallery.

Looking ahead, DFRE plans to expand its South Florida pipeline with additional workforce housing and mixed-use developments grounded in affordability, design, sustainability and long-term neighborhood investment.

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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.

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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The Rider Residences Tops Off Construction In Wynwood

Ciprés, a next-generation real estate development firm, in partnership with veteran South Florida developer Rilea Group, announced the recent topping off of construction for The Rider Residences, a boutique, one-of-a-kind bold interpretation of residential living, rising 12 stories at 94 NE 29th St.

Ciprés, a next-generation real estate development firm, in partnership with veteran South Florida developer Rilea Group, announced the recent topping off of construction for The Rider Residences, a boutique, one-of-a-kind bold interpretation of residential living, rising 12 stories at 94 NE 29th St.

The milestone follows the start of vertical construction in 2025 and marks significant progress toward the project’s anticipated completion in the second half of 2027. Beauchamp Construction serves as the general contractor.

“Construction top off is the moment the last slab is poured and the structure is completed. From here, the façade takes shape and work on the interiors begins,” said Diego Ojeda, Founder of Ciprés and President of Rilea Group. “Reaching this milestone on schedule says a lot about the project and reflects the dedication of Beauchamp Construction, the crews on site and our entire team, along with the support of Banco Inbursa, who backed us from the start. Ciprés conceived The Rider as a piece of contemporary Miami, where architecture, art, fashion and rock ’n’ roll live under one roof. This month, we will start construction on Mohawk at Wynwood on the same block. We are here for the long run.”

Located at the crossroads of Wynwood, Midtown, Edgewater and the Miami Design District, The Rider Residences situates residents at the nexus of acclaimed dining, art, luxury shopping and national retailers.

The building will encompass 152 fully furnished studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, as well as penthouses, with select floorplans featuring dens and half baths, ranging from 386 to 1,612 square feet. Features include Bertazzoni appliances, Italkraft cabinetry, Cosentino Dekton countertops and smart-home technology. Restoration Hardware furnishings will be available in select penthouse and lanai residences. Pricing ranges from $550,000 to $2.4 million.

Architecture by Deforma Studio pairs industrial influences with Miami’s creative energy, while interiors by RADYCA draw on 1970s glamour through rich materials, midcentury references and photography sourced from Morrison Hotel Gallery and Iconic Images Gallery.

Amenities will include a resort-style rooftop pool area, residents lounge, as well as fitness and wellness spaces with cold plunges, infrared saunas and a marble Turkish hammam. The Leopard Room, a soundproofed speakeasy and lounge on the ground floor, separated from the residences by the garage above it, will be available for owners and tenants to reserve for private events. Motorcycle and bicycle rentals and a gated bike room will be available for those on the go. Owners will also have access to a private beach club in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. Approximately 11,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and rooftop food-and-beverage space will complement the residential offerings.

Conceived with flexible ownership in mind, The Rider Residences will allow short-term rentals, with optional white-glove property and rental management through The Rider Living. Buyers may also finance their residences through crypto-backed mortgages from Milo, with closings facilitated by Propy.

Leading South Florida luxury residential brokerage Cervera Real Estate exclusively leads sales and marketing for the development.

“Every element of The Rider has been thoughtfully selected for people who love a bold aesthetic, travel often and seek a home that complements their dynamic lives,” said Alicia Cervera Lamadrid, Managing Partner of Cervera Real Estate. “It’s a distinctly fresh perspective on luxury living, pairing expressive design with effortless sophistication. Set amid Miami’s trending neighborhoods, The Rider stands at the forefront of the city’s evolution.”

The building’s topping out was toasted twice, with a celebration with the construction team, in addition to a soiree that took place on Sept. 9, 2026, at the development’s sales gallery.

Sales have reached the 50 percent mark and continue to see strong interest from European, South American, California and New York buyers. Mexico’s Banco Inbursa, owned by billionaire Carlos Slim, provided a $90 million construction loan in September 2025.

Rilea Group is also developing Mohawk at Wynwood, a 12-story, 300-unit multifamily development with approximately 29,000 square feet of ground-floor retail located at 56 NE 29th St., adjacent to The Rider Residences.

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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.

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

Past PROFILEmiami restaurant coverage:

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The Lincoln Coconut Grove Locks Down $58 Million Construction Loan

The Lincoln Coconut Grove has locked down a $58 million construction loan for the luxury boutique condominium with 48 spacious residences in the heart of Coconut Grove, Florida. The project has begun construction and is scheduled to be completed by Q3 2028. Berkadia arranged the 30-month construction loan, which includes two six-month extension options, and was provided by SME Capital.

The Lincoln Coconut Grove has locked down a $58 million construction loan for the luxury boutique condominium with 48 spacious residences in the heart of Coconut Grove, Florida. The project has begun construction and is scheduled to be completed by Q3 2028. Berkadia, a distinguished leader in the commercial real estate sector, arranged the 30-month construction loan, which includes two six-month extension options, and was provided by SME Capital.

Managing Director Scott Wadler and Vice President Bobby Dockerty of Berkadia Miami, along with Senior Managing Director Mitch Sinberg, Matt Robbins and Brad Williamson, secured the financing on behalf of the development team: LORE Development Group (a joint venture formed by Leste Group and Opportunity Fundo de Investimento Imobiliário) and Element Development.

One Sotheby’s International Realty is the exclusive sales and marketing broker for The Lincoln, which has surpassed the 40% sold milestone.

“The Lincoln speaks directly to the sustained demand we’re seeing from both capital providers and discerning buyers for boutique, design-forward residential product in Coconut Grove,” said Wadler. “Lenders and equity partners continue to gravitate toward experienced sponsorship delivering thoughtfully curated communities in supply-constrained submarkets like the Grove.”

Added Dockerty, “The combination of limited new boutique inventory, strong pre-development interest and Coconut Grove’s enduring appeal as a family-oriented, lifestyle-driven neighborhood created a compelling opportunity for this capitalization.”

Located at 2650 Lincoln Avenue in Coconut Grove, The Lincoln features a collection of one- to four-bedroom residences – including six stunning penthouses with up to 3,633 square feet – with in-suite dens for versatile living, spacious private balconies, expansive walk-in closets, and custom chef-inspired Snaidero kitchens.

Building amenities at The Lincoln include a luxurious mix of spa-inspired wellness areas with sauna, steam room and hot and cold plunges, a state-of-the-art fitness center, golf simulator, co-working lounge and media area, as well as an enclosed private dog park and pet grooming room.

A resort style 40-foot long heated rooftop pool and observation deck features panoramic bay and city skyline views, private cabanas, an outdoor yoga and meditation area, lounge sitting area, and summer kitchens with outdoor grills designed to foster an exclusive sense of community for residents. Additional amenities include assigned and valet parking, 24/7 front desk and night security services, private storage rooms, and an enclosed bicycle area available to all owners.

All residences feature designer kitchens with quartz stone countertops. Miele appliances include a built-in wine refrigerator, 36-inch induction cooktop, wall-mounted oven, microwave and speed oven, and an integrated refrigerator tailored to each residence. Bathrooms offer floor-to-ceiling glass shower panels, resort-inspired vanity designs, premium fixtures, elegant Toto toilets, and marble countertops.

The property is ideally situated in the heart of The Grove with easy access to beautiful parks, marinas, top-rated schools, high-end restaurants, hotels and boutiques, along with nearby Coral Gables, Brickell, Downtown, and the Beaches.

Past PROFILEmiami articles about The Lincoln Coconut Grove:

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