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A sleek restaurant that first made waves in South Beach in 2019 has just landed on the Miami River — and it’s bigger and sexier than ever before.
Bagatelle has just opened on the Miami River, delivering French Mediterranean flavors with front-row views of the Miami skyline and the constant energy of the waterway. The debut marks a bold evolution for the French hospitality brand and reinforces Miami’s growing presence in the international dining conversation.
“We’re excited to bring Bagatelle’s signature energy to the Miami River, a location that perfectly embodies the brand’s spirit of refined indulgence and celebration,” says Aymeric Clemente, founder of Bagatelle Group.
Photo by Bagatelle I Lea Gil
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The First Bagatelle to Channel a Côte d’Azur Atmosphere
A global name in high-energy French Mediterranean dining, Bagatelle has established a presence in locations ranging from Dubai and Tulum to South Beach over the last fifteen years. With its Miami River opening, created in collaboration with Mandala Group and the Dirty Rabbit Group, the brand enters a fresh chapter in one of the city’s liveliest hospitality zones.
“This new venue introduces a first-of-its-kind concept, where the effortless allure of a beach club meets the elevated experience of a Bagatelle House,” Clemente adds. “It continues our mission of creating vibrant, art-infused spaces where guests can escape into the timeless charm of the French Riviera.” As Bagatelle continues to expand worldwide, the Miami River becomes the perfect backdrop for its next move.
Bagatelle Miami, the group’s South Beach flagship, leans fully into the brand’s classic gastro-tainment roots. Bagatelle Miami River shifts the lens toward something more immersive, blending the intimacy of a Bagatelle House with the breezy escapism of a beach club. The result is a transportive experience designed to evoke the Côte d’Azur of the 1960s and 1970s, where polished villa vibes meet a playful coastal spirit. Expect leisurely lunches that run into champagne-fueled celebrations, all wrapped in Bagatelle’s signature sense of luxury.
Photo by Ruben Pictures
Latin Influences on French Staples
Led by corporate executive chef Rocco Seminara, Bagatelle Miami River honors the Riviera’s flavors through local, seasonal ingredients. Seminara, who trained under Alain Ducasse and Joël Robuchon, crafts each dish with a focus on refinement and conviviality. “At Bagatelle, every dish is a reflection of my dedication to French Mediterranean cuisine, rooted in tradition, but always pushing creative boundaries,” says Seminara. “Guests can expect bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and the kind of culinary flair that makes every meal feel like being transported to the flavors and scents of the French Riviera.”
Executive chef Marco Antonio Estrada Gallardo brings a Miami-forward touch to the riverfront menu, weaving Latin influences into French staples. Seafood and raw bar selections anchor the offerings, complemented by standout plates such as a stuffed potato with seasonal truffle and wild mushrooms, and sautéed vongole in saffron marinara with thyme-grilled focaccia.
Pastry chef Manon Santini, who won “Best Dessert Pizza” at the 2019 Pizza World Cup, leads the restaurant’s sweet side. Expect refined, seasonal creations, such as the delicate “Tropézienne” with Madagascar vanilla and lace crêpes layered with banana cream, amber rum, and dulce de leche.
Photo by Ruben Pictures
Drink Like You’re On The Riviera
The cocktail program takes center stage, pairing Bagatelle classics with new creations made exclusively for this location. French luxury meets Miami waterfront energy with a list designed for sunset spritzing and late-night revelry. Signature cocktails, which are each $20, include the “Marius,” made with Mijenta reposado tequila, falernum liqueur, Fernet Branca, green bell pepper, agave, and habanero, the “Canebiere,” made with Macallan 12, wild cherry, cherry liqueur, and lemon, and the “Tropezien” made with Pegasus vodka, St. Germain, tarragon, pineapple, passion fruit, and lime.
In true Miami fashion, guests can pull up directly to the restaurant’s 192-foot dock. Docking fees are waived for premium charter services, making the journey from boat to table effortless.
French Riviera Sophistication Meets Miami Exuberance
Designed by Miami-based House of Kirschner in collaboration with French designer Sam Baron, Bagatelle Miami River will blend the elegance of the Côte d’Azur with Miami’s vibrant nightlife. Guests move through lush garden paths, a 25-seat bar, intimate dining rooms framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, and waterfront terraces. Artwork by Lynda Deleurence, neon installations, sculptural accents, and soaring ceilings add Riviera drama. The three-level space features cabanas, private event rooms, and a rooftop speakeasy set to open soon, all designed to transition seamlessly from daytime ease to nighttime celebration.
As Bagatelle closes out 2025 with this Miami River expansion, the group looks ahead to major reopenings in New York and Puerto Rico in 2026. With one of Miami’s most coveted waterfront locations as its stage, Bagatelle Miami River arrives ready to help shape the next era of luxury dining in the city.
Bagatelle Miami River. 311 NW South River Dr., Miami; 786-863-5997; bagatelle.com.
