Longtime waterfront spot La Mar by Gastón Acurio will relocate to 1451 S. Miami Ave. in Brickell in late 2025. In order to make this grand step, the restaurant will temporarily close over the summer and well into the fall. Although the new location will only be a mile from the restaurant's current location, the move is monumental for the restaurant, which has been synonymous with the small island of Brickell Key since its opening in 2014.
Just over ten years ago, La Mar opened at the Mandarin Oriental in Brickell Key to rave reviews and has been well-received ever since. On its tenth anniversary in 2023, New Times spoke with its executive chef, Diego Oka, to discuss the restaurant's longevity and celebrate its honor of landing New Times' Best Peruvian Restaurant 2023.
For frequent diners concerned over the restaurant's fate, the closure was not one made solely on behalf of the restaurant — a major hotel redevelopment is in the works.
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami has been a fixture on Brickell Key for 25 years.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami photo
Mandarin Oriental to Close and Be Reconstructed Beginning June 2025
Just a week ago, the Mandarin Oriental announced it would close the Mandarin Oriental, Miami on Brickell Key on May 31, 2025, to "make way for a new chapter" involving a total demolition and reconstruction.The build is expected to be completed in 2030 as an entirely new Mandarin Oriental, Miami property and the Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami.
In a statement provided to New Times, Flavia Daudan-Caponi, general manager of the property, says, "For 25 years, Mandarin Oriental, Miami has been a beloved part of this vibrant city. We are deeply grateful to our guests, colleagues, and the Miami community for their loyalty and support. As we close this chapter, we look forward to celebrating our legacy and welcoming everyone to experience a haven of craftsmanship and culture for one last time."
La Mar by Gastón Acurio was founded by chef Acurio in Lima in 2005 alongside chef Diego Oka, who was part of the original Lima team.
La Mar by Gastón Acurio photo
An Elevated La Mar Is Coming: Updated Ambiance and Menu
Thankfully, for fans of the restaurant's Michelin-recognized Peruvian-Nikkei cuisine, waiting for the restaurant's return will hardly take as long.Construction is already underway at the new South Miami Avenue location, where guests can expect a more modern dining space with architecture and interiors by internationally renowned studio DesignAgency. "While our new home will have the same feel and soul as the original, we're excited to introduce a more modern take on our vision, where every dish, drink, and design element is elevated to the next iteration of La Mar," explains Acurio.
Guests can also expect updated menus and experiences — but its staples will most likely remain. "It has been an incredible ten-plus years at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, and now we are embracing the opportunity to refresh our look and further finesse the La Mar experience," adds Acurio.
Founded by chef Acurio in Lima in 2005 alongside chef Oka (who was part of the original Lima team), La Mar has since expanded throughout South America and globally in markets, including San Francisco, Miami, Doha, Dubai, and most recently, Bellevue, Washington. It will open in Madrid this year.
Therefore, despite this major change, the future of the restaurant chain's Miami location seems bright — only the mandatory trip across the Brickell Key bridge will no longer be necessary.
La Mar by Gastón Acurio. 500 Brickell Key Dr., Miami; 305-913-8358; mandarinoriental.com.
