'Temporary' Summer Closures Could Spell Disaster for Miami Dining

Every summer, Miami restaurants know the drill: the heat index soars, tourists vanish, and locals retreat to air-conditioned hideouts. The "slow season" creeps in, and the industry braces for impact. But this year? It's a tidal wave. We had so many closures in July alone that we were able to fill an entire article full of them.  Across the city, beloved spots are "pressing pause," "reimagining," or "taking a break" — all euphemisms that sometimes mean, "We'll be back in the fall," and sometimes mean, "Don't hold your breath."

Just one day ago, on August 11, Gordon Ramsay's Lucky Cat, the hyped, Asian-inspired spot in South of Fifth that debuted with fireworks in early 2024, quietly went dark for the season. In an August 4 Instagram post, the team called it "a moment to breathe" and "a moment to reset," while teasing "a future to be reimagined." The farewell thanked guests, partners, and staff for "an incredible first chapter," but offered no reopening date. Translation: Maybe it's a pit stop, or maybe it's the last lap.

In South Florida dining, seasonal closures aren't new — sometimes they're a smart strategy to save on labor and costs until high season returns. But just as often, they're the opening act of a slow, silent goodbye. Forever. And this summer, the curtain seems to be dropping on more stages than ever. Here's where the scoreboard stands right now.

They Will Reopen (Probably)

Byblos: Byblos, the Mediterranean restaurant on Collins Avenue, closed earlier this summer citing ongoing renovations at the Royal Palm Hotel that made operations difficult. A representative said the restaurant would use the time to refresh its space ahead of its ten-year anniversary, with plans to reopen before the end of 2025.

La Mar: La Mar, the Peruvian restaurant by Gastón Acurio, closed its long-running location at the Mandarin Oriental in June after more than a decade of service. With the hotel shuttering for renovations until 2030, the restaurant was forced to find a new home. Plans are in motion for a relocation to 1451 South Miami Ave. in Brickell, with an expected opening in late 2025.

Gibson Room: On Coral Way, the Gibson Room has paused dinner service for what it calls "quick renovations," but it's far from sitting still. The bar is hosting a series of Summer Sessions pop-ups, with special menus from chef Michael Beltran and the usual late-night Chug Burger still available at the bar. No date has been set for the return of full dinner service, but the restaurant has made it clear it isn’t going anywhere.

Taking a Break or "Pausing," but Until When?

Torno Subito: Torno Subito, the Italian restaurant from Massimo Bottura that opened atop downtown's Julia & Henry's in August 2024, announced it would be going on a seasonal break. In a post, the restaurant said it was "taking a little break" but teased a return. Given the scale of the build-out and Bottura’s name on the marquee, this one feels more like a delay than a goodbye. Still, no return date has been shared.

Sereia: Sereia, the Portuguese restaurant in Coconut Grove from chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, announced it was "pressing pause to rest, recharge, and dream up new flavors." That was back in May. No timeline has been offered since. The restaurant had only recently opened and brought with it a Michelin-pedigreed chef, which gives it a shot at coming back—if the timing and conditions line up.

Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay: On August 11, Gordon Ramsay's Lucky Cat, the hyped, Asian-inspired spot in South of Fifth that debuted with fireworks in early 2024, says it needs "a moment to breathe" and "a moment to reset," while teasing "a future to be reimagined." The farewell thanked guests, partners, and staff for "an incredible first chapter," but offered no reopening date.

Future Uncertain

Maty's: The Midtown restaurant from recent James Beard Award winner Valerie Chang, hasn't operated under its own name since April. Chang posted a farewell message confirming she was stepping away from the restaurant, and the space went dark after hosting a short-term residency from her family's Itamae concept. That setup, with Itamae AO’s 10-seat omakase counter tucked inside Maty’s, made the next closure inevitable.

Itamae AO: On July 29, chef-owner Nando Chang confirmed that Itamae AO served its last dinner on August 2, citing the physical tie to Maty's as the main reason for the shutdown. The Peruvian Nikkei restaurant opened in May 2024 and quickly became one of Miami's most sought-after reservations, earning a Michelin star in April 2025 and a James Beard Award for Best Chef: South just weeks later. Chang has said the concept isn’t gone for good — he's looking for a new home in Miami or beyond and has a series of out-of-town pop-ups planned for the fall.

Shōjō's Dojo: Shōjō's Dojo, Miami's craft beer, fine sake brewery, and taproom, has closed in the Bird Road Arts District, located in Miami's Westchester. However, they say they're reopening in a new location... maybe.

Was a Pause...Until It Wasn't

Ensenada: the coastal Mexican restaurant at the Vagabond Hotel in MiMo, is no longer returning. After less than eight months in business, the team confirmed on August 1 that it was "officially closed — forever," ending speculation after a July post had framed the shutdown as a summer hiatus. Led by chef Luis Herrera with Bryce David and the Mandolin Aegean Bistro team, the restaurant earned a Best Mexican Restaurant nod in New Times’ Best of Miami issue just weeks before shutting its doors.

Nevertheless, in Miami, a summer closure can mean anything, from strategic time off to a soft goodbye...forever. Some restaurants reappear stronger than ever. Others fade into memory, with their last Instagram post still insisting, "See you soon."

So, when your favorite spot says it's closed for the season, believe them. Just maybe check back in with New Times this fall to see if they ever come back.