"Dear friends, as the tides shift and the heat of summer settles in, we at Sereia are pressing pause to rest, recharge, and dream up new flavors for the season ahead. Our final dinner service before the break will be on Saturday, May 31. This quiet stretch of time allows us to reconnect with everything that inspires us — the sea, the seasons, and the soulful ingredients that define our tables. Thank you for your warmth and presence at Sereia and your continued support. You are part of the magic that makes this space what it is. We look forward to welcoming you back soon, with new stories to tell and flavors to share. With love and gratitude, the Sereia team."
Fans took to the comments to express their support of the restaurant, some writing, "Congrats to all that made Sereia such a good representation of Portugal's food and drink. Will be back for more," and "We had such a great dinner. Can't wait for what's next."
Sereia in Coconut Grove is one of the six new restaurants added to the 2025 Florida Michelin Guide
Photo by Ruben Cabrera
Chef Miguel Massens on What's Next — And What May Have Happened
Although recently added to the 2025 Michelin Guide, the restaurant often felt like a secret, where foodies in the know truly embraced its elevated takes on classic Portuguese-inspired dishes. The restaurant was even named New Times' Best Restaurant (Coconut Grove) in 2024. However, behind the hopeful farewell was a more pragmatic truth. In a text to New Times, chef Miguel Massens, who has helmed the kitchen since its opening, shed light on the decision:"In such a saturated restaurant market, it was difficult to get the Miami crowd on board with the more refined version of Portuguese cuisine that Sereia was offering," he wrote. "Being at the tail end of the Grove also hurt our chances a bit in a community that has such heavy foot traffic in the center part of town."
Sereia's location (near Taurus, but slightly off the beaten path) may have lent it a calm, coastal spirit, but also placed it just far enough from the buzz of Main Highway and CocoWalk to make its presence easy to miss.
A Potential New Restaurant in Its Space. More Relaxed, Less Expensive?
According to Massens, ownership is now exploring a rebrand."Ownership is looking at opportunities to rebrand Sereia as a more relaxed, casual version, as we believe Portuguese food deserves to be represented more in America," he shared. "I personally will look into the opportunity to relaunch my passion project, Antilia." Antilia is Chef Massen's personal project that marries the flavors of his Cuban heritage with Iberian flavors. Its return could be a welcome second act in a city that still hungers for soulful, story-rich cooking.
Sereia's final service will be Saturday, May 31 — a bittersweet night that promises to be filled with gratitude, wine, and saudade. Therefore, if you've been meaning to go, now's the time. Raise a glass, order the scallop crudo, and soak in one last evening at Sereia.
Sereia. 3540 Main Hwy., Miami; 305-967-8152. Closing May 31.
