Oscar Zapata’s path to hospitality was not a straight line. It was shaped by moments, passions, and experiences that eventually led him to create something deeply personal, Bargean. Located at 1010 SW 8th Street in East Little Havana, the high-end restaurant and lounge has quickly become a destination for Latin-Mediterranean cuisine, carefully crafted cocktails, and an atmosphere that transforms from dinner to an after-hours energy.
“I fell into this industry through passion, not planning,” Zapata tells What Now in an exclusive interview. “I have always loved food and beverage, culture, music, and the way sharing an experience brings people together. I did not set out thinking I would own a restaurant, but I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. That love for hospitality naturally evolved into wanting something meaningful, personal, and true to who we are as a family.”
Zapata’s journey began with SHOTS, a high-energy bar brand he operated in Miami, Orlando, and New Orleans. Over time, he found himself craving a concept that married his cultural roots, love of hospitality, and a vision inspired by travel. That spark came on a honeymoon in Santorini. “Something about the Aegean Sea, the calm, the mystery, the depth, lit a spark. My wife and I felt a sense of peace we had never experienced before, and we knew we wanted to bring that feeling home. That is when Bargean was born.”
Bargean’s culinary identity, LatinAegeo, is a fusion of Latin American flavors and Mediterranean technique. Dishes like Hokkaido Scallops with Tomatillo Aguachile, House Lamb Empanadas, and the Santorini Risotto showcase the balance of bold, familiar flavors with refined execution. Every element, from ingredients to presentation, is carefully crafted. “We honor Latin flavor while embracing the purity and balance of Aegean technique. Ingredients are carefully sourced and treated with reverence, allowing their natural character to shine,” Zapata explains.
The decision to open in Little Havana was deliberate. “Little Havana is home. It carries the energy, grit, culture, and soul of Miami. We wanted to bring something fresh and elevated to the neighborhood while staying rooted in the traditions that shaped us,” he says. Bargean sits near Brickell, positioning itself as both a community anchor and a destination for diners from across Miami seeking a unique experience.
Opening the restaurant was no small feat. “The hardest part is that you are responsible for everything, every detail, every decision, every moment. It is constant pressure. But that pressure forces you to grow, adapt, and push for excellence. There is no coasting in this industry,” Zapata says. Despite the challenges, the rewards are profound. “Seeing people enjoy something you created from scratch, there is nothing like it. Watching a table laugh over cocktails, seeing someone taste a dish and light up, hearing guests tell us they have never tried flavors like ours, that is the reward. That is why we do this.”
For Zapata, Bargean is more than a restaurant. It is a family project built with intention, passion, and cultural pride. “Everything at Bargean was built with love, from the recipes to the cocktails to the energy of the room. We are a Latin-owned, family-driven business inspired by the Aegean but grounded in Miami. When you dine with us, you are stepping into a story, and we are grateful to share it with you,” he says.
Looking forward, Zapata has no immediate plans for expansion. “Our goal is to create the most amazing Bargean experience in the world, right here in Miami. We invite everyone from everywhere to make a reservation and enjoy the purest form of the Bargean experience possible,” he says. That focus on refinement over rapid growth reflects his philosophy: build something meaningful, then let it flourish on its own terms.
Bargean itself is a careful balance of culture and craft. The menu celebrates Latin roots while introducing Mediterranean flourishes, from Hokkaido Scallops with Tomatillo Aguachile to House Lamb Empanadas with fresh herbs and spices. Signature mains like the Santorini Risotto and Aegean Spaghetti Pasta with seafood demonstrate the blend of technique and flavor, while grilled meats and fish cater to diners seeking bold, satisfying plates. Fresh sides such as fried yuca, maduros, and coconut rice round out the menu. Every dish invites diners to savor both comfort and innovation.
Beyond the food, Bargean is an experience. Guests are welcomed into a warm, elevated space designed to reflect the calm and wonder Zapata and his wife felt in Santorini. Cocktails and wine are curated to match the room’s energy, offering guests an opportunity to explore new flavors and enjoy an atmosphere that feels personal yet sophisticated. “Everything we do is intentional, from the energy to the service to the smallest details on the plate,” Zapata says.
For Oscar Zapata, hospitality is more than a profession. It is a way of life. “Hospitality is what I do in all ways, shapes, and forms. This is what brings people together and what drives me every single day,” he says. With Bargean, he has created a space where Latin and Mediterranean traditions meet in a conversation of flavor, culture, and community. “We are building something special, one table at a time, and we want every guest to feel the care and passion that went into making this place,” he explains.
From the family-driven vision to the signature LatinAegeo cuisine and curated cocktails, Bargean embodies Oscar Zapata’s philosophy of hospitality: thoughtful, immersive, and personal. It is a restaurant born from love, refined by experience, and grounded in the belief that food is a way to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.
