Dubai Hotspot Gaia Crashes South Of Fifth With Glam Seafood And Late-Night Heat

South of Fifth is getting another scene-stealer. Gaia, the Dubai-born Greek-Mediterranean restaurant, is set to make its U.S. debut in March with a Miami Beach outpost that leans hard into luxe seafood, charcoal grilling and late-night energy. The concept brings a signature seafood “ice market,” a charcoal-grill program and a lounge called Nyx, with Nigerian-British chef Izu Ani helming the kitchen and mixing Japanese-inspired precision with the heat of his Nigerian roots. The opening adds a glossy, seafood-forward option to an already packed South Pointe restaurant row.

Where It Will Be

Gaia will take over the ground floor of the Marea condominium on South Pointe Drive, according to GAIA. The listing gives the address as Marea Condominium, 801 S. Pointe Drive, and notes multiple dining rooms plus an Nyx lounge for late-night service.

When It Opens and Who’s Cooking

Observer reports Gaia is slated to open in March, with Ani overseeing the Miami kitchen. In an interview with Observer, Ani said “Miami suits our kind of food” and described how he layers Nigerian spice into Greek dishes to “wake up the palate.”

What To Expect From the Menu

Seafood will sit squarely at the center of the action. Gaia’s concept includes a daily ice market where guests pick their fish and choose preparations ranging from raw carpaccio to charcoal-grilled, salt-crust or baked with spiced tomato and herbs. The sea bream carpaccio has become a signature across Gaia locations and was singled out for its precise knife work in a review of the London outpost, according to The National.

Why Miami

Gaia launched in Dubai in 2018 and has since expanded to markets from Monte-Carlo to Marbella, a growth streak that helped the brand build a high-profile following. Observer notes the restaurants have attracted celebrity guests overseas; that cachet, paired with the festive late-night vibe of the Nyx concept, helps explain the choice of South of Fifth for the U.S. debut.

How To Visit

Gaia’s Miami landing page currently lists the venue as “opening soon” and includes reservation options while full hours and pricing are finalized. Locals should expect dinner service and a late-night lounge atmosphere once the restaurant opens and reservations officially go live.