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South Beach Staple Villa Azur to Close After 13 Years

Villa Azur to close after 13 years, ending its run as a South Beach staple for upscale Mediterranean dining and nightlife.
Image: South Beach restaurant Villa Azur will close on Saturday, April 12, after 13 years in Miami Beach serving Mediterranean cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
South Beach restaurant Villa Azur will close on Saturday, April 12, after 13 years in Miami Beach serving Mediterranean cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Villa Azur photo
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Villa Azur, a cornerstone of the South Beach dining scene known for blending Mediterranean cuisine with high-end nightlife, announced on Wednesday, April 9, that it will close its doors after 13 years of operation.

The announcement came via Instagram, where the restaurant's team expressed gratitude to guests who had made the "clubstaurant" a destination for dining and nightlife celebrations since 2012. The restaurant's final day of service will be 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 caption states. The statement continues, "For over a decade, we have been privileged to be a part of your celebrations, gatherings, and special moments. We have strived to create an atmosphere of elegance, warmth, and culinary excellence, and we are immensely grateful for the unwavering support you have shown us. We want to express our sincere appreciation to our loyal patrons for choosing Villa Azur as your destination for fine dining and memorable experiences."

The Miami Community Responds

The closure announcement prompted an outpouring of support and memories from guests on social media. "Villa Azur was the restaurant lounge scene pioneer here in Miami. Such great times here!" wrote a longtime fan.

Another customer wrote, "I have so much love and affection for Villa Azur and its team!" Many commenters pointed out that the restaurant had been a venue for meaningful personal celebrations and events throughout its years of operating.

"Thank you, Villa Azur team, for all those years of fun and for being a part of our life! This was home for my Russian and international events for more than eight years!" wrote another longtime customer.
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Villa Azur's outdoor patio, which hosted countless celebrations.
Villa Azur photo

French Riviera Flair

Located at 309 23rd St. in South Beach, Villa Azur aimed to bring the Côte d'Azur to Miami with its sleek, European-influenced style with wood plank floors, chandeliers, and fireplaces alongside a seemingly always filled DJ booth. French doors opened to an opulent landscaped courtyard patio that became a popular spot to grab a table.

The restaurant boasted a Mediterranean-focused menu and a full raw bar with oysters, clams, langoustines, lobster, and, of course, plenty of caviar. Beyond food, the establishment became known for its on-site wine market, Cave D'Azur.

The restaurant invited guests on Instagram to attend a "last dance and final celebration" on April 11 and 12 before permanently closing. The team indicated they plan to move on to "new adventures" but did not specify plans for future ventures or reasons for the closure in the announcement.

Villa Azur. 309 23rd St., Miami Beach; 305-763-8688; villaazurmiamibeach.com.