On December 21, 2024, Miami Beach officially welcomed Toronto-based Big Hug Hospitality’s first international endeavor; MIMI Chinese right in the heart of South Beach. Known for its thoughtful exploration of regional Chinese cuisine, MIMI Chinese has built a strong following in Canada and beyond.
MIMI Chinese is celebrated for its modern approach to classic regional Chinese dishes and commitment to old-school hospitality-driven service. The restaurant pays homage to one of the world’s oldest and most diverse cuisines, with a strong focus on the Guangdong, Sichuan, Hong Kong, and Hunan regions.
“We’re thrilled to introduce MIMI Chinese to Miami Beach, a city that shares our passion for food, culture, and celebration,” said Culinary Director David Schwartz in a statement, the visionary behind MIMI Chinese and recipient of the 2023 Michelin Guide’s Toronto Young Chef Award. “What sets MIMI Chinese apart is our unwavering dedication to quality and tradition. We’re not here to elevate a food culture—we’re here to honor it and bring our own creative twist to the table.”
At MIMI Chinese in Miami Beach, diners experience a menu that combines traditional roots with a thoughtful and novel approach, embodying the restaurant’s dedication to preserving heritage while pushing culinary boundaries. Spanning numerous regions and culinary traditions of China, the menu offers a diverse range of dishes, each carefully indicating its region of origin. Larger sharing plates are featured prominently, encouraging a communal dining experience central to Chinese culinary culture. Signature dishes such as the Hunan Chili Sea Bass, Shrimp Toast, Hidden Crispy Chicken, House Char Siu, and the Four Foot Belt Noodleshowcase this culinary mastery, each crafted with the highest quality ingredients, blending traditional techniques with modern presentation.
“At MIMI Chinese, we offer a genuine, guest-centered experience that revives the essence of the past through a blend of new and nostalgic flavors,” added Executive Chef Braden Chong. “The quality of food and the ingredients we source are paramount to our ethos. We’re excited to bring the same culinary artistry and vibrant dining experience that our Toronto guests love, but with a unique twist inspired by Miami Beach’s energetic spirit.”
MIMI Chinese in Miami Beach offers a dining experience that is as much about the theater of dining as it is about the food. The atmosphere mirrors the elegant yet playful setting that has made its Toronto counterpart a standout. Expect an ambiance where dim lighting sets a warm, intimate mood, elevated by luxurious red accents and glossy red banquettes. Sharply dressed servers in bowties provide attentive and detailed service, while the fragrant scent of Sichuan peppercorns toasting in wok fills the air. Intentionally designed without windows, the restaurant creates a transportive, sensory escape from reality, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the flavors, sights, and sounds of a vibrant dining experience. Instrumental in bringing the concept to fruition is Harlo Entertainment, led by Managing Partner, Brandon Marek, who is also the Co-Founder of Big Hug Hospitality.
The dining experience at MIMI Chinese is further enhanced by a thoughtfully curated beverage program, featuring an extensive selection of wines, sakes, baijiu, and signature cocktails designed to complement the rich flavors of the menu, including an impressive sake list with barrel-aged varieties and magnum-sized bottles perfect for sharing.
MIMI Chinese Miami is located at 1575 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL.
