The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, photo
Audio By Carbonatix
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne just pulled off the kind of glow-up Miami loves. After a $100 million top-to-bottom transformation, the iconic beachfront escape has reopened with a brand-new lineup of restaurants and dessert shops this December that will certainly get tourists, Key Biscayne residents, and Miami diners buzzing. Just in time for the holidays, the resort is unveiling six brand-new concepts, including one very well-known local favorite. This means the Ritz is about to become one of the season’s most exciting dining destinations, blending Key Biscayne’s breezy island charm with the polished coastal sophistication that defines the new era of the property.
“We approached this next phase of the resort’s culinary program with a clear vision: to create dining experiences that reflect the spirit of the resort while introducing new layers of flavor, craft, and cultural influence,” says Eric Garcia, director of food and beverage at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. “Every decision, from the cuisines we brought in to the way each venue feels throughout the day, was shaped by how our guests dine now: with intention and an appreciation for both wellness and indulgence.”
Set on 17 acres of oceanfront, the remodeled resort feels brighter, lighter, and more connected to the sea thanks to open-air architecture, tropical gardens, and panoramic Atlantic views everywhere you turn. But it’s the new culinary lineup that has locals circling their calendars. The Ritz did not just update its restaurants. It reimagined the entire experience, debuting six fresh spots that span Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Italian flavors, as well as some healthy flavors, celebrating Miami’s melting pot of cuisines.
Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier photo
Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier (New)
Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier is now bringing its centuries-old Parisian chocolate legacy to the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne as part of the resort’s newly reimagined culinary lineup. Once confectioners to European royalty, the family-owned brand arrives with the same small batch recipes and old-world techniques that have defined its craft for more than 350 years. Guests can expect an elevated sweet experience that blends historic European artistry with the indulgent coastal luxury of the remodeled resort.
This year, make your gift count –
Invest in local news that matters.
Our work is funded by readers like you who make voluntary gifts because they value our work and want to see it continue. Make a contribution today to help us reach our $30,000 goal!
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami rendering
Dune Beach Bar (Formerly Dune Burgers on the Beach)
Steps from the water, Dune Beach Bar, formerly Dune Burgers on the Beach, offers oceanfront seating and cabanas featuring beach-friendly menu options such as ceviche, fresh salads, a selection of tortillas, and its signature Dune Classic burger. Daily menu service runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guests can continue to enjoy cocktails like a Watermelon Mojito, the Key Biscayne Cosmo, and Our Miami Vice until 11 p.m. on weekdays, or take in the energy of the weekend Sunset Lounge gatherings from 3 p.m. until sunset.
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami rendering
Luma (Replacing Lightkeepers)
Luma is the resort’s new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant where Italian coastal flavors meet Key Biscayne’s natural beauty. Named for the idea of light, the space glows from sunrise breakfasts to sunset dinners, with housemade pastas, grilled seafood, prime steaks, and elegant tableside touches that highlight its seaside setting. Guests will find a focused antipasti selection featuring dishes such as whipped ricotta, arancini alla bolognese, and beef carpaccio, along with fresh, housemade pastas, including a decadent ricotta gnocchi with lemon-parmigiano crema and Osetra caviar, and a spicy lobster tagliatelle. Hearty secondi dishes range from duck breast agro dulce to a veal cheek al barolo, while grilled entrées feature Josper-roasted specialties, including a bistecca Fiorentina and branzino oreganata, as well as a vegetable-forward celery root steak. All wood-fired items are finished over natural binchotan and oak coals. Additionally, for dessert, a roaming gelato and granita cart will be available, reminiscent of a seaside piazza.
Luma will also serve coastal wines, classic cocktails, and refined house specialties. Complementing the full bar experience is a selection of spritzes, highballs, and negronis. Luma serves breakfast daily from 7 to 11 a.m., dinner from 5 to 10 p.m., and “La Dolce Vita Brunch” on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. With al fresco seating, family-friendly service, and some of the best views on the property, Luma is already shaping up to be one of Key Biscayne’s most memorable new dining experiences.
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami rendering
Paralía (Replacing Cantina Beach)
Paralía brings the spirit of Greek and Turkish tavernas to the shoreline. Led by executive chef Renato Mekolli, the restaurant draws inspiration from the flavors of the Greek islands and Turkey’s Aegean coast, featuring freshly caught Florida seafood, meze platters, herb-infused salads, and whole fish accented with citrus. The “Paralía Meze Experience” invites diners to begin with a shareable spread of traditional dips, complemented by a selection of hot starters, including scallops served two ways with cauliflower and shrimp saganaki. From vibrant salads and baked specialties to grilled seafood, kebabs, and regional classics, each dish is driven by high-quality ingredients that take center stage. Signature highlights include a playful take on Greek moussaka with a velvety béchamel and a standout short-rib baklava, an inventive sweet-and-savory creation that contrasts rich short rib with pistachio. As the sun sets, Paralía turns into a lively spot for Aegean wines, ouzo, and botanical-infused cocktails. Highlights include the “Fig Leaf Spritz” and the “Naxian Bloom,” as well as nonalcoholic options such as the “Saltwater Cure” and the “Aegean Garden.” Paralía is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with live entertainment on Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m.
Pura Vida Miami photo
Pura Vida Miami (New)
Pura Vida Miami’s lifestyle partnership with the Ritz complements the new offerings with a wellness-focused café that serves fresh, nutrient-rich dishes.
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami photo
Rum Bar (New)
Rum Bar offers an elegant yet relaxed lobby lounge inspired by Key Biscayne’s Caribbean heritage. Nearby, Dune Beach Bar becomes a daytime to nighttime hangout with sea-inspired small plates and beachside cocktails under the palms.
Scoop (Returning)
Scoop offers nostalgic gelato moments for the whole family.
Stefano’s (Returning)
Stefano’s serves wood-fired pizzas poolside.
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami. 455 Grand Bay Dr., Key Biscayne; 305-365-4500; ritzcarlton.com.
