Miami's culinary landscape just got a bit more Mediterranean flair with the opening of Amavi, a restaurant originally from New York. Making its home in the space that once housed Mau Miami at the Shops at Midtown Miami, Amavi dishes out a mix of classic and contemporary Mediterranean flavors, fresh from its success in Manhattan's Midtown East since 2024. As reported by the Miami Herald, co-owner Francesco Campoy believes "this magical city, full of beauty and energy, deserves an experience that reflects just that."
The restaurant's design, borrowing from Mediterranean aesthetics, features stone, gold metallic mesh, and tall archways, inviting guests into a world of luxury dining. As Miami New Times points out, Amavi aims to transform from a happy hour hot spot into a dining and entertainment venue as the night deepens. However, it's the restaurant's culinary team that brings the real excitement, spearheaded by executive chef Tolga Mutlu, who is supported by chef Alp Karataslioglu, the original chef from Amavi's New York location.
The menu is a homage to Amavi's New York roots, offering up favorites such as lamb chops with pomegranate molasses and sumac, and a whole branzino grilled tableside. According to the Miami Herald, they also serve a famous lobster pasta that is tossed with basil and cherry tomatoes, alongside an array of lighter dishes and mezze platters.
Not to be overlooked, their bar program offers inventive cocktails. The Dolce Vento, featuring mezcal and pineapple, and the Jardin Margerita, with its elderflower and hibiscus tincture, are just a teaser of the offerings noted by Miami New Times. Emphasizing the need for a unique dining experience, Campoy assertively claims that they're ready to become "the place to be," in an interview with Miami New Times.
Amavi is located at 3252 NE First Ave., Miami, and welcomes guests Wednesday through Sunday for a Mediterranean experience that now bridges two of the most vibrant cities in the U.S. Reservations can be made through Resy, and those interested can find more information on their official website or by calling at 305-728-0516, as detailed by the Miami Herald.
