Miamians hungry for a taste of the Big Apple can now satisfy their cravings locally. New York’s most popular restaurateurs are bringing their famous eateries as well as new concepts to the city. The list of tasty transplants runs the gamut, from exact re-creations to spin-offs tailored for Miami diners.
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill
The Bromberg brothers have finally brought their talents to Miami, and by talents we mean Blue Ribbon's signature fried chicken. More than 20 restaurants later—across New York, Las Vegas and London—Bruce and Eric's Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill has a home inside South Beach's Plymouth Hotel. In addition to the mouthwatering bird, the Japanese restaurant doles out incredibly fresh seafood options, from sushi to sashimi to grilled fish. The Kanpachi Usuzukuri, a delicate starter of thinly sliced amberjack, is the perfect way to ease into a meal at here. Follow it up with any of the daily specials, a few pieces of the toro sashimi (it's the creamiest tuna you'll ever eat) and the signature Blue Ribbon roll. Still in the mood for something meaty? The oxtail fried rice with daikon, shiitake and bone marrow is a satisfying ending.
Photograph: Steve Hill
Luke’s Lobster
Florida-lobster lovers, prepare to be smitten with a new crustacean: the Maine lobster. Luke’s, New York’s longtime purveyor of Maine-style rolls, presents its sustainable seafood to Miami at its 22nd shack in the country. Its first Florida location stays faithful to its predecessors and serves all three traditional rolls: lobster, crab and shrimp. The seafood sits chilled atop a buttered New England–style bun, with a sprinkle of Luke’s secret seasoning. The Miami restaurant will also offer diners the usual chowders and signature slaw.
Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/German M.
Lolo’s Surf Cantina
Richard Ampudia, whose résumé includes a stint as partner and consultant at New York’s popular Mexican restaurant/underground bar La Esquina, is officially entering the Miami market. The dishes at Lolo’s Surf Cantina harken back to the traditional flavors of his native Mexico City but are made with ingredients and using preparations that are healthier than what diners will be used to. The kale salad, vegetarian tacos stuffed with oyster mushrooms (smoked to resemble the taste of bacon) and a michelada are just three of the menu items we couldn’t do without. This summer, he introduces a beach picnic service, where clients can call ahead and pick up a complete meal (with serveware!) on their way to the sand.
Photograph: Deep Sleep Studio
OTL
The team behind the Smile in Manhattan’s Noho joins forces with nightclub owner and restaurateur David Grutman (LIV, Komodo) and real-estate developer Craig Robins to open OTL in the Miami Design District (which Robins pioneered). The trifecta of talent is wholly represented in the brightly colored, casual restaurant. It has an art display, an upstairs area used for cultural programming and a menu filled with light fare like soups and sandwiches on Zak the Baker bread.
Photograph: Courtesy OTL
Upland Miami
Restaurateur Stephen Starr has a large footprint in Miami (Le Zoo, the Continental, Makoto), but Upland marks the first time he carries over a concept from New York City. The South of Fifth location is a close adaption of the contemporary American restaurant in NYC’s midtown, serving an array of pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas and seasonal vegetables. Upland Miami isn’t decorated with flamingoes or palm trees (or whatever Miami-decor cliché you anticipate). Instead, it’s decked out in dark wood with bistro-style accents such as glass jars and wine bottles.
Photograph: Corry Arnold
The Halal Guys
One of New York City's most popular street carts is now a bricks-and-mortar restaurant in South Florida. Instead of braving the elements while you wait in line for a platter of just-grilled halal meat, you'll pull up to the Davie eatery, walk in and order. The location is a franchise of the NYC-based company but the food and quality are up to par with what you'd find at the original—including the limited menu. Choose from beef, chicken or falafel platters and sandwiches as well as a small assortment of sides like fries and hummus.
Photograph: South Moon Photography
Employees Only
Following its pop-up bar during 2016’s Art Basel Miami Beach (when drinks were just $5!), the cult-favorite speakeasy Employees Only will open a permanent location in South Beach this month. Loyal patrons of the perpetually packed West Village location, rest easy: The Billionaire Cocktail and hand-cut steak tartare are served alongside several 305 exclusives.
Photograph: Shutterstock
Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.