Looking to discover the newest food and drink spots to open in Miami? From high-end Mexican to a Pharrell Williams-driven international restaurant, read on for the newest spots to open around town.
PEZ
20 W. Flagler St., Downtown
PEZ (Spanish for "fish," not the candy) is a spot for seafood fare. High-end seafood in the Tijuana-style, that is.
That looks something like charcoal-grilled octopus tacos, black mussels in a chorizo broth or a chili stuffed with smoked marlin. If you don't do seafood, your options are pretty much the vegetarian tacos (potato, nopal, guajillo chilis) and desserts like chocolate custard with graham crackers and red wine ice cream.
The cocktails are seafood-free, as well. Try the Zonkie, made with tequila, cucumber, lime and serrano pepper.
With 4.5 stars out of 14 Yelp reviews, it's proving to be a popular spot so far.
Alejandro P., who reviewed it on Nov. 21, said, "Wow! Pez is a must-go in Miami. The Tijuana-style Mexican seafood is a fresh new take in this city! I'm impressed with the quality, creativity and mezcal selection they offer. Definitely going back to explore this menu some more!"
Brad S. added, "This new restaurant is definitely worth going to. The ceviche tostadas were fantastic. If you like seafood and authentic Mexican food, you've got to check PEZ out."
PEZ is open from 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m. on Sunday.
LIME Fresh Mexican Grill
3275 N.E. First Ave., Midtown
Then there's LIME Fresh Mexican Grill. It is back in the spot if formerly occupied after closing and being replaced by Rubio's.
This South Florida chain does classic and modern tacos, burritos and quesadillas, with fillings like organic refried beans, ground beef, fried or grilled fish and chicken. Personalize with one—or five—of your favorites from the salsa bar, with options like salsa verde, pico de gallo or black bean with corn. (Check out the menu here.)
And, as you might imagine, margaritas are the drink of choice.
With a four-star rating out of four reviews, it appears to be popular with local diners thus far.
Brianna N., who was among the first to review it on Nov. 27, wrote, "The staff was so nice and super friendly. The atmosphere is nice with great music. It's super clean and bright inside! I got my order to go and when I got home everything was still so fresh and hot."
Stacy O. noted, "Everyone was so nice and helpful. An employee came over and bagged our sauces for us and they made sure we got our food fast. The margaritas are always awesome and the food was really good."
The new spot is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Saleya, Chef's Pantry
22 N.E. Third Ave., Coral Way
Saleya, Chef's Pantry is an international fast casual bistro. It features ready-to-eat dishes served in glass jars from celebrity and local chefs, per its website. Eat in or take your meal to go. Pick-up and delivery is available.
Menu items include everything from Thai curry and baked ziti to chicken fricassee and Moroccan lamb tajine. For dessert, try the key lime cheesecake or Belgian chocolate dulce de leche.
It's off to a strong start with a five-star rating out of three Yelp reviews.
Yelper The Masked F., who was the first to review it on Oct. 29, wrote, "Great concept. Got my jars to go. It was very good, including the beef bourguignon, stone crab chowder and a key lime pie dessert. Got to bring back my jars and I will save one dollar for each on my next buy. Love when a place is green and good."
Alvin C. added, "Great food. Amazing service. Owner really took his time with us explaining his food-making process. The taste of the chicken pasta was extraordinary. Rooting for this place."
Stop by and check it out: Saleya is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
Swan
90 N.E. 39th St., Little Haiti
Swan is a new upscale cafe. According to Eater Miami, this new spot in the Design District is a partnership between singer Pharrell Williams, hospitality mogul David Grutman and French chef Jean Imber.
You'll find a menu of small plates like sea bass sashimi and charred octopus, and larger entrees like dover sole and a dry-aged New York strip. The main dining room features a horseshoe-shaped bar, while upstairs is the Moroccan-themed lounge, Bar Bevy, which has a full bar, velvet seating and indoor tent.
Swan is off to an uneven start thus far with 31 reviews, but it's still early days.
Ingrid T., who reviewed it on Nov. 30, said, "Overall, the food was very expensive. It didn't blow me away, yet it came at a definite premium and in small portions. Service was slow and not impeccable. Our food didn't arrive all together. Our dinner for six was very scattered, with some getting appetizers before others, and the same was true for the entrees."
Joe B. added, "A lot to like here, but misfires on some important elements. David Grutman has put together an interesting concept of a restaurant with a small bar downstairs, outside seating area for food and drinks and a bar upstairs."
It's open from noon–3 p.m. and 6–11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon–3 p.m. and 6–midnight on Friday and Saturday, and noon–3 p.m. and 6–10 p.m. on Sunday.
Galleria
69 S.E. First St., Downtown
Galleria is a new cafe that serves coffee and tea with an interior "inspired by the aesthetics of the 70s-90s in Florida," according to its website.
It serves drinks like tea, matcha and Stumptown coffee. There are a handful of baked goods to go with it. And there are even some housewares to take some of the vibe home with you.
The new cafe is off to a positive start among Yelpers with a five-star rating out of three reviews on the site.
Al L., who reviewed it on Nov. 26, wrote, "Galleria is without question the best coffee shop in Miami—by a mile. The shop was opened by two guys who clearly have a profound appreciation for what it means to deliver a good cup of coffee in a beautiful setting."
Jenny B. noted, "Super cute coffee shop in the middle of downtown! They also serve matcha and tea with plant-based milk options. Go try it out!"
If you're interested in checking it out, it's open from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekends.
