After opening two hotel-based concepts in recent years, White is stepping outside the luxury resort scene to debut Mika, a neighborhood-driven, Mediterranean restaurant set to open at the Plaza in Coral Gables this December.
White has spent decades refining his craft, including nearly ten years cooking in Italy, where he fell in love with the simplicity of coastal cuisine. His time there inspired the dishes that earned acclaim at restaurants like Ai Fiori and Osteria Morini. At Mika, that ethos continues with a menu featuring crudo, handmade pasta, and proteins grilled to perfection.
Mika is inspired by the Italian Riviera in terms of its coastal cuisine and relaxed ambiance.
Screenshot via Instagram/@mikacoralgables
A Welcome Respite From Fine Dining That Aims to Have Guests Visit Mika Regularly and at Leisure
White envisions Mika as a Coral Gables destination for both casual meals and repeat visits.It’s a departure from the fine dining exclusivity he’s often associated with, offering a more accessible experience where guests can enjoy everything from a quick plate of pasta to a leisurely evening in the wine cellar or outdoor lounge.
White’s move to Coral Gables also reflects a broader shift in Miami’s dining scene, where local neighborhoods are becoming culinary destinations in their own right. The Plaza Coral Gables, with its mix of office space, retail, and dining, is fast emerging as a hub for locals, with restaurants like Fogo de Chao, Sanguich de Miami, and CVI.CHE 105.
Mika features a private dining room, wine cellar, and outdoor lounge, offering flexibility for everything from casual dinners to private events. The menu will spotlight Florida’s seafood bounty, prepared simply to let their natural flavors shine. White’s signature handmade pasta — like his beloved fusilli with baby octopus and bone marrow — will also take center stage.
While White is no stranger to Miami, having previously worked in kitchens at the Surf Club's Lido Restaurant and Mirabella at the Fontainebleau, Mika represents a new chapter, one where he’ll split his time between New York and South Florida. Founded in partnership with Alex Pirez, founder of the luxury design-development firm Mocca Group and a restaurant investor, as well as Matt Safchik, a seasoned food and beverage operator from Miami, the chef hopes to create a neighborhood staple that balances sophistication with approachability.
As Coral Gables’ food scene heats up, Mika is shaping up to be one of the year’s most buzzed-about openings.
Mika. 3007 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables; mikacoralgables.com. Opening this December.
