MIKA by Michelin-Star Chef Michael White Opens In Miami

Chef Michael White first standalone Florida restaurant introduces classic Riviera-style cooking to Coral Gables in an inviting and sophisticated neighborhood setting

Lisa Hay
By Lisa Hay Add a Comment
Photo: Daniel Zuliani

Chef Michael White, recognized for six Michelin stars and a James Beard Award, among other accolades, opened his first standalone Florida restaurant – MIKA – on Thursday, Dec. 12. Celebrating the bounty of the Mediterranean Riviera, White draws inspiration from the coasts of Italy, France and beyond to unite his signature style of cooking with South Florida’s exceptional seafood and produce in this new dining concept, located in The Plaza Coral Gables.

Envisioned as a staple neighborhood restaurant, guests will experience a fresh iteration of White’s culinary journey, which is most notably marked by him having earned a coveted two-star Michelin rating as the creator and founding chef New York City’s Italian establishment Marea.

The menu at MIKA blends delicate crudos, house made pastas, and perfectly grilled proteins, all prepared to showcase the seasonality and quality of each ingredient. Dishes, such as langoustine carpaccio, fusilli with octopus and bone marrow, and bistecca alla fiorentina will be featured alongside new creations tailored for Miami’s palate. Complementing the plates are classic cocktails, such as spritz-style libations and craft Italian beers, along with an impressive wine collection housed in a striking 1,700-bottle cellar, featuring Italian, French, and American selections.

Alongside White are owner-partners Alex Pirez and Matt Safchik. Pirez is a prominent partner with two of Miami’s hospitality groups – Groot Hospitality and Major Food Group – known for his collaborations at venues like Komodo, Swan, Gecko, and the Goodtime Hotel, and responsible for Major Food Group’s expansion in Miami from New York. Safchik is a seasoned food and beverage operator and former Vice President of Food & Beverage Development for Wynn Resorts. The partnership trio chose Coral Gables because it was an opportunity to serve a truly local audience and contribute to this burgeoning pocket of the local food culture.

“Having both my home and business in Coral Gables, I’ve always dreamed of creating a place the community could call its own,” said Pirez, who was heavily involved in the design in a statement. “It’s a privilege to partner with Chef White and bring his legendary coastal-Riviera dishes to this special part of Miami that is near and dear to my heart.”

Central to the dining experience are MIKA’s striking interiors by Bishop Design. Spanning 8,195 square feet, the space features a palette of nature’s tones elevated by a variety of textural layering. A stylish bar and lounge lead to an intimate 100 seat main dining room. Natural stones, distressed wood, chukum-inspired walls, and burnished metals create a dynamic interplay in the soft light. Leather and velvet accents invite touch, while arched motifs, dome shapes, and tall coffered ceilings offer a timeless nod to classical architecture. Handcrafted lighting pieces lend a bespoke quality, each with unique artisanal patterns. For private gatherings and special occasions, a spacious 36-seat private dining room with a dedicated outdoor lounge is available.

MIKA is located at 3005 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 248, Coral Gables, and is now accepting reservations. MIKA is open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday. Lunch and additional dinner services will begin in early 2025. Guests are invited to dress in attire that complements the restaurant’s elevated ambiance. Casual items such as hats, tank tops, flip-flops, athletic team attire, and shorts are respectfully not permitted.

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Lisa is a staff reporter for What Now Media Group. She covers new restaurant, retail, and real estate openings across all of our markets. A true foodie, this Air Force veteran has lived all over the world — from Aviano, Italy to Nairobi, Kenya — but her favorite spot is NOLA for its rich history, architecture, culture, and of course, its good eats.
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