New Restaurants to Try This Week: Bartaco, Casa Ya’ax, and Motek

Miami’s latest round of restaurant openings includes the opening of two flagship Miami locations for Bartaco and Motek, the debut of Casa Ya’ax in Wynwood, and José Andrés’ Zaytinya at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach.

Know of any openings that aren’t on our list? Email cafe@miaminewtimes.com.

Bartaco

3112 Commodore Plz., Coconut Grove
786-850-8226
bartaco.comThe New York-based brand has opened a two-story flagship Miami location in Coconut Grove, joining Bartaco Wynwood and Aventura. The menu is inspired by the coastal beach bars of Brazil, Mexico, and Southern California and offers scratch-made tacos with favorites like the signature duck birria, pork belly, and Baja fish. Margaritas are made with fresh-squeezed juices, including their signature green juice option prepared with fresh-squeezed spinach, pineapple, and mango juice. Sunday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight.

Casa Ya’ax

51 NE 24th St., Miami
305-456-9258
casayaax.comWynwood has welcomed this Tulum-inspired restaurant from chef/owner Omar Montero, also the owner of Miami’s La Santa Taqueria. The menu spotlights coastal Mexican cuisine with dishes like pork belly served with white corn, red quinoa, and rock shrimp; tiger shrimp with garlic; and an array of raw bar and grill items, including A5 Wagyu and prime cuts. Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 6 p.m. to midnight, and Thursday through Saturday 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. .

Motek

701 S. Miami Ave., Miami
786-744-5590
motekcafe.comLocal Israeli-Mediterranean chain has welcomed a 10,000-square-foot restaurant at Brickell City Centre. Located on the fourth floor, the restaurant includes a 24-seat bar, an open kitchen, semi-private dining rooms, communal tables for larger parties, a chef’s table, and an open outdoor bakery for to-go items. The kosher-style menu is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and includes the brand’s “Arayes” burger, which won a People’s Choice Award at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival’s Burger Bash two years in a row. Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.