Word got out earlier this year about the closing of Maty’s, a Peruvian restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Valerie Chang. The restaurant, which launched in Midtown Miami in 2024 is, indeed, closed for good, but it will soon be replaced by a new outpost of popular South Florida Mediterranean restaurant chain Motek, according to coverage by the Miami Herald.
Motek has been growing fast in the last few years, expanding to a total of eight locations—including one in New York—along with its spinoff restaurant, Yalla. With another two restaurants in the works in NYC, plus the Motek taking over for Maty’s, the brand family will soon be clocking in at 11 restaurants.
The dinner menu at Motek features hot and cold mezze like Labneh Za’atar, Roasted Eggplant, Falafel, and Zucchini Cakes, plus Oven Pitas like the Laffa (labneh, red pepper jam), the Italy (fresh mozzarella, Swiss Gruyère, tomato, basil, za’atar), and the New York (house smoked pastrami, mustard, caramelized onion, garlic confit). The picture is complete with a Steakhouse menu featuring Baby Lamb Chops and a Wagyu Burger, along with classic plates like Chicken Shawarma and a Whole Branzino.
Opening in the former Maty’s space, Motek joins a restaurant community that includes Pasion Del Cielo Coffee, 100 Montaditos, and Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar.
What Now reached out on Friday to Motek owner Tessa Levy to ask about plans for the Midtown opening. Levy was not immediately available for comment.
You can keep up with Motek news by following @motekcafe on Instagram.
