[category]
[title]
An iconic Miami restaurant has returned to Miami and it's a comeback that many diners have been awaiting for years.
After more than a decade away, the legendary restaurant that once helped define South Beach dining has officially reopened at Bal Harbour Shops, bringing a wave of nostalgia (and lobster pancakes!) with it.
For longtime fans in Miami, China Grill was more than just a place to grab dinner. When restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow opened the original location in 1995, he transformed an overlooked corner of South Beach into one of the city’s hottest dining destinations. The restaurant quickly became famous for its energetic atmosphere, oversized shareable dishes and celebrity-studded dining room.
Now, the iconic brand is making its grand return in one of South Florida’s most prestigious locations.
Located at the entrance of Bal Harbour Shops, China Grill joins a luxury lineup of retailers and restaurants while staying true to the larger-than-life personality that made it famous. The new space pays homage to the original with signature design touches, including floating lighting elements and references to Marco Polo’s travels, while adding a fresh, contemporary feel.
Of course, the biggest question on everyone’s mind is simple: Are the classics back? The answer is a resounding yes.
Fan favorites like the Lobster Pancakes, Lamb Spare Ribs, Tempura Sashimi, Crispy Spinach and Wasabi Mashed Potatoes have all returned to the menu. Diners can also expect new creations, including inventive dumplings, globally inspired seafood dishes and a celebrated Peking Duck that promises to become a new crowd favorite.
And because no China Grill experience would be complete without a little drama, dishes are designed to arrive continuously throughout the meal, encouraging guests to share, sample and inevitably argue over the last bite.
The return of China Grill arrives at a time when Miami’s dining scene continues to evolve into a global culinary destination. Yet its reopening also serves as a reminder that some restaurants never truly leave the city’s heart.
For those who celebrated special occasions there decades ago—and for newcomers discovering it for the first time—China Grill’s comeback is like welcoming an old friend home.
China Grill is located at the Shops at Bal Harbour, 9700 Collins Ave. The restaurant is open 12pm to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 12pm to 12am Friday and Saturday.