17 Miami restaurants that opened in January 2026 are Fooq’s, Yasu Tanaka, Lala’s Burgers, Cry Baby, Kitchen + Kocktails, Wayan, and Mary Lou’s.
Charlie’s Ice Cream photo
January did not come to play. What is usually a slow, sleepy month in most cities turned into an absolute sprint for Miami’s food scene, with openings popping up across neighborhoods like confetti after a very good party. We watched legends return in Little River (welcome back, Fooq’s!), institutions level up (Bagel Emporium & Grille has a stunning new location you must-visit in person), and cult favorites expand into new territory (Cry Baby Creamery and Charlie’s Ice Cream, I’m looking at you), all while newcomers raised the bar with serious ambition and beautiful dining rooms, like Casa MX in Coral Gables.
From incredible eight-seat counters like Yasu Omakase in the Design District to smash burger takeovers, romantic date-night imports, and neighborhood staples getting shiny new homes, January felt less like a reset and more like a statement. Blink, and you missed something delicious. So if your group chat couldn’t keep up and your “saved” list on Instagram or TikTok is already out of control, don’t worry. Below, I’ve rounded up all 17 new restaurant openings in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and even up to Dania Beach that made January one of the most fun and crave-worthy months ever.
Longtime Coral Gables deli Bagel Emporium & Grille has relocated to 225 Altara Ave. with a gorgeous new dining room and plenty of seating.
Bagel Emporium & Grille photo
Bagel Emporium & Grille – Coral Gables
After 50 years on South Dixie Highway, Bagel Emporium & Grille has officially reopened in a spacious new home at 225 Altara Ave., bringing its beloved bagels and deli classics to downtown Coral Gables. The new location features a bright, expanded dining room with plenty of seating, making it easier to linger over breakfasts and group lunches. While the space is sleeker and more polished, the heart of the deli and the dishes generations grew up loving remain exactly the same. 225 Altara Ave., Coral Gables; 305-306-0793; bagelshopmiami.com.
For larger plates, the kitchen serves a pollo arabe kebab served with bean hummus and Mexican tzatziki
Casa MX – Coral Gables
Housed inside a converted Coral Gables residence, Casa MX opened January 24, inspired by the flavors, culture, and lived-in warmth of Mexico City. Led by executive chef Kevin Acosta, the menu explores the capital’s diverse culinary influences, from indigenous traditions to global touches, with everything from aguachile and tacos on house-made tortillas to larger, shareable plates. With an agave-forward cocktail program and cozy, thoughtfully designed rooms, Casa MX aims to feel less like a night out and more like being welcomed into someone’s home. 2345 SW 37th Ave., Miami; casamxmiami.com.
The viral “Ice Cream Nachos” at Charlie’s Ice Cream in Hialeah, Miami, Florida
Charlie’s Ice Cream photo
Charlie’s Ice Cream – Westchester
A decade after its first swirl, Charlie’s Ice Cream kicked off the year with big news, announcing its long-awaited expansion in January. The family-run walk-up shop, beloved for its ultra-creamy soft serve and viral creations, revealed plans to open a second location in Westchester after years of fans driving across Miami just for a cone. What started in 2015 as a neighborhood favorite is now officially growing west, cementing Charlie’s as one of Miami’s sweetest success stories. 2475 SW 97th Ave., Miami; instagram.com/charliesicecream.
Legendary Broward burger joint Charm City Burger Company opens long-awaited Boca Raton location on January 21 with its juicy cheeseburgers and creamy shakes.
Charm City Burger Company photo
Charm City Burger Company – Boca Raton
Beloved Broward staple Charm City Burger Company officially opened its long-awaited Boca Raton location on January 21, bringing its flame-grilled burgers and old-school vibes north. The new outpost at 201 NW First Ave. offers a more spacious layout and easier parking while keeping the same juicy patties, house-made beef blends, and classic Charm Sauce fans swear by. After years of anticipation, Boca finally gets a taste of one of South Florida’s most respected burger institutions. 201 NW First Ave., Boca Raton; charmcityburgerco.com.
Miami favorite Chèvre Miami is headed for Coconut Grove with its popular sandwiches and gourmet cheese
Chèvre at Ziggurat Sales Center – Coconut Grove
Cult-favorite sandwich and cheese shop Chèvre Miami has opened a new outpost in Coconut Grove inside the Ziggurat Sales Center, pairing gourmet sandwiches, caviar, and wine with condo browsing. Known for its indulgent creations made with imported meats, French butter, and world-class cheeses, the shop brings its most-loved menu items to 3065 Fuller St. The unexpected combo turns real estate shopping into a snack-worthy experience and marks another step in Chèvre’s fast-growing Miami expansion. 3065 Fuller St., Coconut Grove; chevremiami.com.
Popular Miami ice cream shop Cry Baby Creamery will open two locations in Kendall this year with its creamy flavors and baked cookies.
Cry Baby Creamery, West Kendall
Cry Baby Creamery officially opened its first Kendall location on January 26, bringing its cult-favorite, nostalgia-driven ice cream to West Kendall. The expansion marks a major milestone for the homegrown brand, known for its small-batch scoops, gooey baked goods, and playful Miami-inspired flavors. A second Kendall outpost is set to follow in early to mid-February, giving the neighborhood double the reason to scream for ice cream. 15707 SW 56th St., Miami; crybabycreamery.com.
Tahdig (crispy Persian rice) at Fooq’s
Screenshot via Instagram/@fooqsmiami
Fooq’s – Little River
Fooq’s officially reopened on January 23 in Little River, marking the long-awaited return of one of Miami’s most beloved Persian-French restaurants. After five years away, the cult favorite is back in a sprawling two-story space with a beautifully designed dining room and a new upstairs music lounge called the Lion’s Den. The reopening signals a full-circle moment for owner David Foulquier, reintroducing Fooq’s signature comfort-driven cuisine and creative energy to a new neighborhood. 150 NW 73rd St., Little River; fooqsmiami.com.
The best places to buy fresh seafood in Miami are Captain Jim’s, Garcia’s Seafood, FreshCo, Fresh Florida Fisheries, and Golden Rule Seafood.
Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market photo
FreshCo Fish Market & Grill – Doral
FreshCo Fish Market & Grill has opened in Downtown Doral, bringing Florida Keys-sourced seafood and a full sit-down restaurant to the heart of the neighborhood. The new, expanded location pairs a fresh fish market with a menu of hogfish, conch fritters, ceviche, and classic coastal dishes, giving Doral a taste of the Keys without the drive south. 8455 NW 53rd St., G103. Doral; freshcofish.com.
The crab cake at Kitchen + Kocktails, which we’re surprised isn’t called “Krab Kake.”
Kitchen + Kocktails photo
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley opened in Wynwood on January 17, bringing Southern comfort food and craft cocktails to the heart of the neighborhood. The restaurant pairs a luxe, photo-ready design with a crowd-pleasing menu of shrimp and grits, fried chicken and waffles, and classic sides. With its signature Blue Onyx Bar and playful cocktail program, the new spot adds a bold, indulgent option to Wynwood’s dining scene. 2838 NW Second Ave., Miami; 316-333-5460; kitchenkocktailsusa.com/miami.
The smash burgers at Lala’s are charred to perfection.
Lala’s Burgers and Fries photo
Lala’s Burgers – Kendall
Lala’s Burgers has opened its first standalone location in Kendall, evolving from a beloved Tuesday-only smash burger pop-up inside Apocalypse BBQ into a full-service 70-seat burger joint with an expanded menu. The menu features signature smash burgers like “The Lala” and “The Bacon,” along with new items such as chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, double-fried seasoned fries, and desserts. Complementing the food is a curated craft beer program and a community-focused atmosphere aimed at making Lala’s a go-to neighborhood hangout. 13750 SW 88th St.; Kendall; instagram.com/lalasbrgrs.
Drinks at Mary Lou’s in West Palm Beach
Mary Lou’s Miami – South Beach
Mary Lou’s Miami opened January 29 inside the former Wall at W South Beach, reviving one of the city’s most iconic nightlife rooms with a bold new identity. The cult-favorite concept blends supper club dining, a martini-forward cocktail program, and high-energy nightlife, honoring the space’s legacy while pushing it into a new era. More than a reopening, it’s a symbolic return for a room that helped define Miami after dark, now reimagined for a new generation. 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, at W South Beach; mary-lous.com.
Neoklasik has opened in Coral Gables
Neoklasik
This modern bakery and cafe opened in the Gables this January, specializing in fresh-baked goods, chocolates, pastries, sandwiches, and espresso-based coffee drinks. Apparently, their chocolate chip cookies are a must-have, so we need to try them and report back. 366 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; instagram.com/neoklasikmiami.
Saiko-i Sushi Lounge & Hibachi has opened in Plantation.
Saiko-i Sushi Lounge & Hibachi photo
Saiko-i Sushi Lounge & Hibachi – Plantation
Saiko‑i Sushi Lounge & Hibachi has opened in Plantation, bringing a high-energy, party-forward take on Japanese dining to the neighborhood. With lively hibachi tables, shareable plates, sushi rolls, and splurge-worthy Wagyu, the restaurant leans into celebration mode from the moment guests walk in. It’s designed for birthdays, group dinners, and nights where great food and a good time are equally nonnegotiable. 8160 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation; 754-701-4417; saikoihibachi.com.
Salt & Straw – Aventura
Salt & Straw has officially opened inside Aventura Mall, bringing its cult-favorite, small-batch ice cream to one of South Florida’s busiest shopping destinations. The Portland-born brand is known for its imaginative flavors, seasonal rotations, and playful twists on classic scoops. The new opening gives shoppers a sweet new reason to linger a little longer at the mall. 19505 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, at Aventura Mall; saltandstraw.com.
Wildly popular Miami smash burger spot Skinny Louie is opening in Fort Lauderdale on Las Olas Boulevard soon with its smashburgers, fries, and shakes.
Skinny Louie – Dania Beach
Skinny Louie has officially opened its first Broward location in Dania Beach, debuting January 23 at Dania Pointe. The viral Miami-born smash burger spot brings its crispy-edged burgers, nostalgic shakes, and golden fries to Broward without the I-95 trek. The opening marks another major milestone in Skinny Louie’s rapid South Florida expansion. 139 S. Compass Wy., Dania Beach, at Dania Pointe; skinnylouie.com
Wayan has opened in Wynwood
Wayan – Wynwood
Wayan Miami has opened in Wynwood as a transportive, limited-time residency that brings the romantic spirit of its beloved NYC flagship to Miami. Led by husband-and-wife team Cedric and Ochi Vongerichten, the French-Indonesian menu is built for sharing, from satay and seafood small plates to indulgent dishes like Lobster Noodles and Caramelized Beef Tenderloin. The intimate space blends Manhattan warmth with Miami ease, setting the scene for a lingering, effortlessly romantic date night. 50 NW 24th St., Ste. 101, Miami; wayan-miami.com.
A monaka dish from Yasu Omakase in Miami Design District
Yasu Omakase – Design District
Yasu Omakase opened January 14 in the Miami Design District as an intimate, eight-seat counter led by master sushi chef Yasu Tanaka. The two-hour, 14- to 16-course experience marks a refined evolution from his fast-casual Sushi Yasu Tanaka, inviting diners to slow down and savor each meticulously prepared bite. With a $250 tasting menu, rare fish flown in from Japan, and a centuries-old hinoki counter, Yasu delivers one of Miami’s most elevated omakase experiences. 151 NE 41st St., Ste. 137, Miami. yasu-miami.com.