Big-name openings like Ocean Prime have brought upscale surf-and-turf to Fort Lauderdale, while neighborhood newcomers like Cotoa are making waves with refined Ecuadorian dishes. And yes, even Potbelly has finally landed in South Florida, because sometimes, all you need is a toasted "A Wreck" sandwich (the fan favorite made with turkey breast, hickory-smoked ham, Angus roast beef, and salami) and a pickle spear to feel right at home.
But the biggest buzz isn't just about what's new, it's about what's back. After nearly two years of silence, Strada in the Grove has triumphantly reopened just across the street from its original digs, proving that good pasta never goes out of style. And over in Wynwood, sweet-toothed night owls now have a new late-night fix: Insomnia Cookies has officially opened its doors, slinging warm cookies and cold milk until the early hours. Without further ado, here is every restaurant that opened in Miami and Fort Lauderdale in April 2025, as well as a few we lost — and a fun look at the plethora of spots coming in 2025! Which one are you most excited for?
New barbecue pop-up Captain's BBQ at Casa La Rubia brewery in Wynwood is making some of the best barbecue in Miami, blending Texas smoke with Cuban flavors.
Casa La Rubia photo
Bonchon Miami Beach: 905 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; 305-503-3740; bonchon.com
Captain's BBQ Weekend Pop-Up: 55 NW 25th St., Miami, at Casa La Rubia; larubia.beer/casa
Casa Nané: 1130 SW Second Ave., Brickell; 305-944-9815; casanane.com
Cava Hialeah: 3645 W. 84th St., Hialeah; 645-215-8053; cava.com
Chip City Aventura: 19505 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 2199; Aventura; chipcitycookies.com
Cotoa: 12475 Sixth Ct., North Miami; 786-328-1460; cotoa.rest
Craft Little Havana: 2114 SW Eighth St., Miami; 786-460-8167; craftmiami.us
Double Knot: 2550 NW Second Ave., Miami; 305-564-6899; doubleknotmiami.com
Earl's Kitchen + Bar: 150 NE Eighth St., Ste., F-146, Miami; 645-202-1488; earls.ca
Insomnia Cookies Wynwood: 180 NW 25th St., Ste. 160, Miami; 786-949-6162; insomniacookies.com
Motek Boca Raton: 5377 Town Center Rd., Boca Raton; 561-922-3319; motekcafe.com
Novatore Cucina & Bar: 2700 N. Miami Ave., Miami; 754-286-2081; novatorecucinaebar.com
Ocean Prime: 171 Las Olas Cir., Fort Lauderdale; 954-302-3838; ocean-prime.com
Pinecrest Bakery Coconut Grove: 2720 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami; 305-680-0906; pinecrestbakery.com
Potbelly Davie: 3325 S. University Dr., Ste.122, Davie; 754-296-0165; potbelly.com
Strada in the Grove: 3197 Commodore Plz., Miami; 305-444-1312; stradainthegrove.com
The Empanada's South Miami: 1411 Sunset Dr., Coral Gables; 305-699-0663; theempanadas.com
Le Zoo at Bal Harbour Shops closed in April after nearly a decade, making way for the return of China Grill in 2025.
Le Zoo photo
Closures
Le Zoo: French restaurant Le Zoo closed in April after nearly a decade at Bal Harbour Shops, making way for China Grill's return. Le Zoo, founded by Philadelphia-based mega-restaurateur Stephen Starr, opened in late 2015 in the space once occupied by French restaurant La Goulue. The restaurant quickly became a favorite among locals and visitors for its service, Parisian-inspired ambiance, and menu, which walked the line between old-school French comfort and Miami indulgence, according to New Times' former restaurant critic.Kush Wynwood and Kush by Stephen's: Two beloved Miami eateries, Kush Wynwood and Kush by Stephen's in Hialeah, are closed, but plans are in the works to reopen. Founder Matt Kuscher says, "Stephen's will be joining Abre Camino Collective, the makers of the Amparo Experience, to bring an experience called 'Stephen's: A Love Story,'" Kuscher says. "Not much I can say right now about Stephen's except it's not permanently closed. We're keeping the space and the lease, and for now, it's temporarily closed for the season with this intent." "[Kush] Wynwood is in the middle of construction," he adds. "We plan on reopening in the fall of 2025.”
Villa Azur: Villa Azur closed after 13 years in business, ending its run as a South Beach staple for upscale Mediterranean dining and nightlife. The restaurant's final day of service was Saturday, April 12. "After 13 unforgettable years of enchanting evenings, exquisite cuisine, and lasting memories, Villa Azur Miami Beach will be closing its doors," the restaurant wrote on Instagram. "For over a decade, we have been privileged to be a part of your celebrations, gatherings, and special moments."
Legendary Florence sandwich shop All'Antico Vinaio is opening its first Florida location in Miami Beach at 647 Lincoln Rd. with its viral sandwiches.
All'Antico Vinaio photo
Coming Soon
All'Antico Vinaio The legendary Florence sandwich shop is coming to Lincoln Road in Miami Beach in 2025Amal Fort Lauderdale Amal will open in Fort Lauderdale on Las Olas Boulevard this fall with Lebanese cuisine
The Bazaar by José Andrés The chef's popular Miami restaurant will reopen in South Beach this year
Big Chicken Chicken-centric, fast-casual concept from former Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal
Boustan Montréal's largest shawarma chain will open first U.S. spot in Miami with pitas, bowls, and salads
BondSt Famed South Beach sushi spot from the 2000s is reopening in Miami after closing in 2013
BurgerFi and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza dual concept coming to Miami Worldcenter
Burgers & Shakes Local burger chain will open in late 2025 once Andiamo Pizza moves on Biscayne Boulevard
Buccan Palm Beach's popular modern American bistro will make its Miami debut in Coral Gables in 2025
Cava Plantation The popular Mediterranean chain is opening in South Florida
China Grill Legendary Asian-fusion restaurant that closed in 2012 will reopen at Bal Harbour Shops in the next two years
Chop Steakhouse & Bar Canadian steakhouse will open in Coconut Grove at the former location of the Key Club
Delicias de España Legendary Spanish restaurant and market will open in downtown South Miami in 2025
Donatella Restaurant Opening May 2025 in South Beach with coastal flair, housemade pasta, and bold cocktails
Eataly Aventura Opening Spring 2025
Eataly West Palm Beach Opening Fall 2025
Fooq's The beloved downtown Miami spot that closed three years ago will reopen in Little River in early 2025
Gaia Greek-Mediterranean hotspot will open in Miami's South of Fifth neighborhood in early 2025
H&H Bagels Opening five locations in Miami throughout 2025 and 2026
Hereford Grill Popular Miami steakhouse reopens spring 2025 by the owner of Zucca in Coral Gables
Hills Cafe An employee of the former Beverly Hills Café is bringing back the beloved restaurant
Juvia Miami staple with rooftop views coming to Miami Worldcenter in 2025
La Pecora Bianca trendy Italian spot from NYC is opening in Miami this year with its popular vodka sauce rigatoni
Las' Lap at the Daydrift Hotel The Indian rum bar and restaurant will open in June 2025 in Miami Beach
Melting Pot The fondue chain is opening a second Miami location in 2025 in Coral Gables
Miami Dumpling Shop Contactless dumpling shop coming to Miami Worldcenter
Niño Gordo The Argentinian hotspot is opening in Wynwood this May
Pastis Palm Beach
PopUp Bagels Delray Beach Viral Connecticut bagel shop known for loaded bagels is opening in Delray this summer
PopUp Bagels Brickell and Aventura Viral bagel shop is coming to Aventura and Brickell after opening in Delray
Prince Street Pizza New York square pie pizza shop opening in Miami Beach in 2025
Raising Cane's Opening in Coral Gables along Coral Way
Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ The legendary Southern barbecue spot is opening its first Florida location in Miami
Serafina NYC-based Italian restaurant coming to Miami Worldcenter
Shoma Bazaar Hialeah Doral food hall opening a second location
Solana is set to open in the summer of 2025 at the rooftop of the Standard Residences in Midtown
Stalk & Spade Plant-based, fast-casual restaurant coming to South Florida
Sushi Garage Popular sushi spot will open at the Standard Residences in Midtown in 2025
Sweetwaters New restaurant from Rusty Pelican owners headed for Huizenga Park in Fort Lauderdale
Thomas Keller The master chef is opening a restaurant in Palm Beach in 2025
Voodoo Doughnut The popular West Coast and Midwest dessert shop is opening its first SoFlo location in Miami
