The month also brought us 18 exciting restaurant openings, including (arguably) the most highly anticipated one of all: the reopening of the famed Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show in Fort Lauderdale. In case you missed the big news, after four long years of renovations and restorations, the legendary restaurant reopened on Friday, November 22, fully restored and featuring original artifacts and spaces.
But that wasn't the only highly anticipated opening of November: famed Colombian hot spot Andrés Carne de Res opened its first U.S. location in Miami Beach. Although the restaurant, known for partying and lavish dinners alike, was difficult for New Times contributor Luis Gomez to get into, OpenTable is now accepting reservations.
While there were a bunch of big-time openings, like the opening of Jon & Vinny's limited-time residency at the Rubell Museum, the opening of Pickle Lounge & Restaurant in South Beach, and the opening of new Italian spot Casa Gianna in downtown Miami, there was a much more subtle opening that flew under the radar that may become one of the highlights of the year: the owners of Miami Slice opened Tina in the Gables, an adorable brunch and lunch spot in Coral Gables serving bread-forward dishes, rotisserie, and French toast (our kinda spot, honestly).
And speaking of breakfast and dessert, Coconut Grove's beloved "Pie Guy" Joshua Abril of Fookem's Fabulous key lime pies opened his first storefront in Coconut Grove, family-owned doughnut shop the Hollywood Donut Factory opened three locations in Miami, and a minimalist bakery called Façade opened in Coral Gables.
Unfortunately, November didn't come and go without a few losses to South Florida's restaurant scene: Caja Caliente closed in Coral Gables, beloved late-night taco spot El Taquito closed in Coconut Grove, popular doughnut shop Mojo Donuts closed down all three of its Miami locations, and Fort Lauderdale lost its oldest Chinese spot, Christina Wan's.
Below, without further ado, check out every restaurant and bar that opened and closed in Miami and Fort Lauderdale this past November 2024. Plus, take a look at every restaurant that is to come in 2025.
The famed Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show in Fort Lauderdale has reopened after four years of renovations.
Photo by Robin V. Burr
Openings
Andrés Carne de Res: 455 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; 305-701-1335; andrescarnederes.comBar Bella South Miami: 5829 SW 73rd St., South Miami; 786-238-7288; instagram.com/bellastapas
Birdie Bistro (Formerly Burger Bob's): 2001 Granada Blvd., Coral Gables; 305-567-3100; birdiebistro.co
Carrot Express Sunset Harbour: 1828 Bay Rd., Miami Beach; 305-535-1379; carrotexpress.com
Casa Gianna: 601 NE First Ave., Miami; 305-605-2272; casagianna.com
Façade: 271 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables; instagram.com/facademiami
Fookem's Fabulous: 3606 Grand Ave., Miami; 305-699-2122; fookemsfabulous.com
Foxhole Miami Beach: 1218 14th Ct., Miami Beach; 305-534-3511; foxholebar.com
The Hollywood Donut Factory: Locations in Miami (8870 Bird Rd.), Coral Gables (U.S.-1 and 57th), and Kendall (Inside of El Car Wash) and in Broward (Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale); thehollywooddonutfactory.com
Jon & Vinny's Residency at Rubell Museum: 1100 NW 23rd St., Miami; instagram.com/jonandvinnydelivery
Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show: 3599 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 954-563-3272; maikai.com
Miss Crispy Rice Coral Gables: 808 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables; 239-980-2912; misscrispyrice.com
Motek South Beach:100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; motekcafe.com
Omakai Downtown Miami: 186 SE 12th Ter.; 786-634-4344; omakai.com
Panamericano: 900 S. Miami Ave., Ste. 260, Miami; 305-403-7304; panamericanobar.com
Pickle Lounge & Restaurant: 560 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; 786-216-7230; thepicklemiami.com
Tambo Cocina & Cocktails: 2360 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; instagram.com/tambomiami
Tina in the Gables: 4700 S. Le Jeune Rd.; Coral Gables; tinainthegables.com
Mojo Donuts has closed all of its locations in Miami after being in business for eight years.
Courtesy of DRO Photography / Mojo Donuts
Closings
Christina Wan's: A longtime Fort Lauderdale staple for Chinese food beloved by generations of families has closed its doors after 28 years.El Taquito Coconut Grove: The last dirt-cheap, hole-in-the-wall spot in Coconut Grove has closed after 15 years of late-night tacos on Main Highway. El Taquito opened in 2009, long before the renaissance of the fancy CocoWalk, and was especially popular on "Grove Thursdays," which was known to attract hoards of University of Miami students living nearby in Coral Gables and the Grove. The spot would have a line out of the door of hungry young men and women waiting to get their hands on perfectly cooked and simple al pastor or carnitas tacos to coat their cheap, beer-filled stomachs.
Melting Pot Miami: After 39 years of gouda memories, Miami's last standing Melting Pot restaurant closed its doors in Kendall. A local franchise, Melting Pot Miami, opened in Kendall in 1985 at 11520 Sunset Dr. and was known for offering a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées.
Mojo Donuts: After eight years of serving creative doughnuts, Mojo Donuts closed its Miami locations, breaking patrons' hearts in the 305. On Monday, November 4, Mojo Donuts announced it would close its Miami stores on the evening of Friday, November 15, crushing longtime patrons who have woken up to the news via an Instagram post. The doughnut shop will remain open in Hollywood, Florida, where it is run under a different ownership.
It's been nearly 30 years since China Grill changed Miami's dining scene forever — and the pioneer is coming back.
China Grill photo
Coming Soon
Big Chicken Chicken-centric, fast-casual concept from former Miami Heat center Shaquille O'NealBoustan Montréal's largest shawarma chain will open its first U.S. spot in Miami with pitas, bowls, and salads
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
Carbone Vino Major Food Group will open Carbone Vino, which accepts walk-ins and bar seating, in Coconut Grove
Cava Plantation and Hialeah Gardens 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 The Canadian steakhouse will open in Coconut Grove at the former location of the Key Club
Delicias de España The legendary Spanish restaurant and market will open in downtown South Miami December 2024
Earl's Kitchen & Bar Coming to Miami Worldcenter in 2025
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
Gaby by Call Me Gaby The Miami Beach date night spot is opening a location inside of Aventura Mall
Hills Cafe An employee of the former Beverly Hills Café is bringing back the beloved restaurant
Insomnia Cookies The chain known for its late-night cookies and ice cream sandwiches is headed for Wynwood
Juvia Miami staple with rooftop views coming to Miami Worldcenter in 2025
Maple & Ash The Chicago steakhouse opening at Miami Worldcenter in early 2025
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
Mika Chef Michael White will open Mika at the Plaza Coral Gables in 2025, inspired by the Italian Riviera.
No Man's Land Fort Lauderdale bar and restaurant opening a Miami location
Pastis Palm Beach
Prince Street Pizza Opening in Miami Beach will open in 2025
Ray's NYC-based bar will open in December at Freehand Miami beside Broken Shaker during Miami Art Week
Rosemary's West Village Italian spot known for pasta, garden, and farmhouse feel will open in Wynwood this fall
Serafina NYC-based Italian restaurant coming to Miami Worldcenter
Shiso New restaurant from Raheem Sealey and David Fuentes in partnership with Forward Hospitality Group
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
Sra. Martinez Michelle Bernstein is bringing back the beloved restaurant in early 2025
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
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café Third South Florida location coming to Miami Worldcenter
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
