Having trouble keeping up with all the new establishments popping up? Here are some noteworthy restaurants opening around Miami this December.
For 70 years, Knaus Berry Farm has been Miami’s beloved farm stand. Generations have visited for fresh produce, delicious milkshakes, and, of course, its famous cinnamon rolls. Last spring, Knaus announced it would be moving from its home. Now, under new management, it will finally reopen as of Monday, December 22, at its new location in the Redland. Knaus will offer the milkshakes, cakes, and cinnamon rolls everyone loves using the original recipes — but with some consumer-friendly upgrades like more parking, a shaded queue area, and customer bathrooms. Knaus will now accept credit cards and is open on Sundays.
An Oceanside Stunner in Fort Lauderdale
Del Mar Fort Lauderdale is a massive, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that recently opened in the former Dune by Laurent Tourondel space at the Auberfe Beach Residences. This 17,000-square-foot space includes indoor and outdoor dining and a beachfront bar. The menu includes a host of dishes inspired by coastal cities in Greece, Italy, Spain, and France, including snapper, an oven-roasted seafood dish, and lobster spaghetti. Del Mar really shines during brunch when diners can take full advantage of its spectacular views of the Atlantic while dining on lobster Benedicts and mushroom fritattas.
Think of this tiny Miami Shores spot as the antithesis of giant chains: Meli offers Greek frozen yogurt in only two flavors: sugar-free plain and berry. Once you’ve made your choice between the two, you can dress your dessert with any number of toppings: think fruit, granola, nuts, and candies. This is the perfect spot for days when you’ve been scrolling Amazon for hours just looking for a pencil.
A sample of the fare at Bagatelle Miami River. Bagatelle
From the French Riviera to the Miami River
Bagatelle Miami River combines the two personalities of the famed French spots — beach club and house music — under one roof. The space offers both riverside dining al fresco, fueled by music and champagne, and the intimacy of a private villa, with salon-style lounges and a 25-seat bar. Look for seafood, raw bar offerings, and a stuffed potato with seasonal truffles and wild mushrooms. There’s also yacht parking, so you and your oligarch friends can arrive in style.
An Iconic LA Restaurant Comes to Miami
Los Angeles’s Boulevard Hospitality Group brings Hollywood’s iconic Yamishiro to Miami. This 9,0000-square-foot rooftop restaurant, located on the ninth floor of the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences, offers classic Japanese dishes with a modern Miami twist: Japanese fried chicken in a spicy gonchuijang buffalo sauce, Wagyu tomahawk, and Chilean seabass are some of the offerings.
Miami’s First Sake Brewery Finds a New Home
Miami’s own sake brewery has a new home. Shōjō‘s Dojo has moved to 14 Giralda Avenue (inside of Threefold Cafe), serving sake and beer. Owners Haidar Hachem and Marilyn “Mari” Orozco are on hand to guide you through tastings and generally share good vibes. This tiny speakeasy is a shining example that Miami still holds space for mom-and-pop proprietors. Shōjō‘s Dojo is open Thursdays through Sundays.
A Coffee Pop-Up Finds a Permanent Home
What started as a pop-up during Art Basel has come full circle one year later with the opening of Sunshine Coffee at the Esme Hotel in South Beach. This cheerful little shop offers coffee, smoothies, breakfast tacos, toasts, and a pancake cake that’s basically a fluffy, tall slice of the breakfast treat. Make your morning whimsical with one of the shop’s drinks, like the Banana Baby (espresso and banana oat milk) or the Cinnamon Toast Crunch, made with cereal-infused oat milk.
An octopus dish from Rò Steakhouse. Rò Steakhouse
A Steakhouse Direct from Mexico
Mexico’s ViCa Hospitality Group has tapped former Prime 112 executive chef Marcelo Palacios for Rò Steakhouse. This Coral Gables house of beef offers prime cuts and wagyu, paired with indulgent Latin American-inspired dishes, like branzino chicharron and brie cheese ranchero.
Fast Casual Burgers From One of Miami’s Best Chefs
When a chef who owns a Michelin-starred restaurant (Ariete) starts slinging burgers, you know they’re going to be good. Michael Beltran has opened Chuggie’s, a fast-casual, grab-and-go restaurant that offers no glam, no frills, no seats even: just a simple menu of nostalgia food done right — cheeseburgers, fritas, fried chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and fries. There’s even the “Happiest of Meals” for kids, so move over “clown,” your Miami days are numbered.
MediterrAgean Fare in Coconut Grove
Rivera Dining Group (Mila, Casa Neos, Claurie) has opened Coconut restaurant Ava MediterrAegean. Start with octopus, hummus, marinated olives, or an array of Greek spreads before you choose your catch of the day from the display of fresh seafood.
A Beloved BBQ Pop-Up Gets a Home
Chef Raheem Sealey started making barbecue in 2020 from a pop-up site. Sealey’s barbecue quickly became a sensation, selling out every day. The chef, who still heads up Shiso in Wynwood, now makes some of Miami’s finest barbecue at Drinking Pig’s new Coconut Grove home. Expect ribs, smoked brisket, sausages, turkey, and more — all with a touch of Caribbean soul. Be warned, however: Drinking Pig’s barbecue can sell out, so plan on getting there early for the best selection.
An Intimate Drinking Den in Coconut Grove
Ariete Hospitality Group and Mae’s Group have collaborated on Mae’s Room, an intimate Coconut Grove lounge designed as a gorgeous artist’s living room. Bartender Tom Lasher-Walker creates a menu of timeless classic libations. Enjoy a martini while sinking into the lush furnishings as the day melts away.