There are many reasons people are attracted to the charm of Miami and its neighborhoods from 9th & 9th to Naples; their historic appearance and surrounding nature draw us in. Whether you’re in town for a winter visit or searching for Naples homes for sale, here are six can’t-miss new restaurants in the area.
Located in the heart of downtown Miami, Mar | Muntanya serves up a lively dining experience celebrating the culture and flavors of Northern Spanish cuisine with a Miami twist and equally appetizing views of the surrounding skyline and waterfront scenery.
Helmed by Executive Chef Tyson Peterson, a Miami native, Mar | Muntanya’s menu draws inspiration from the coastal regions of Basque Country and Catalonia, where the character of the land is akin to the Biscayne Bay area and contrasting Atlantic coastline. “Developing the menu for Mar | Muntanya has been exciting for me,” said Peterson, who has opened two other Spanish-inspired restaurants during his career. “At Mar | Muntanya, we want our guests to leave feeling as if the communities of Northern Spain settled in Miami and brought their lively culture along with them. We want to recreate a similar feeling of being in Northern Spain, leaning into the spirit and energy while also being authentic to Miami.”
The local owners of Naples’ award-winning Hearth and Hill restaurant and Hill’s Kitchen café & catering expand their “gathering spot” with this eye-popping addition to the downtown Miami scene; it opened in late December 2022 and looks set to be one of THE spots to hit for those looking for something new and upscale. The restaurant is easily one of the fine dining gems of the city, powered by a stellar crew.
The menu is one of an elegant steakhouse with Southwest and International flair throughout. Restaurateur Brooks Kirchheimer has created a foodies’ heaven with his hallmark local sourcing of American and international regional cuisine and a commitment to “make every dining experience a special occasion.” Designed by Denver’s renowned architectural firm Semple Brown in the City’s smartly rejuvenated Post District, Urban Hill features a wood-fired grill, oyster bar, curated wine selection, expansive lounge, and generous private dining and patio areas.
A new restaurant from Naples restaurateur Bill White (Grappa, Chimayo, Windy Ridge, Ghidotti’s, Sushi Blue, Billy Blanco’s) is always much-anticipated, and it’s been a while since he opened a new one. Last week, however, White and his restaurant group opened Pine Cone Ridge at 577 Main Street, the former home of Marisol restaurant. The space has been completely remodeled.
Serving elevated contemporary American cuisine, Bill White says of Pine Cone Ridge, “Our menu focuses on farm fresh ingredients, a thoughtfully curated menu by Chef Gudrun Thorne-Thomsen, and a variety of craft cocktails and extensive wine lists from around the globe. A reimagined dining room surrounded by nuances of Americana artwork, emerald green tufted booths, Brazilian hardwood flooring, and a one-of-a-kind ambiance and service. This new experience is ready to envelop you!”
Italian Graffiti is the latest effort from chef Marc Marrone, who is becoming an increasingly known name on the Florida dining scene. Marrone was the brains behind the dazzling neon of the 80s-themed Cabana pizza, as well as the bao buzz of Graffiti Bao
Marrone switches up the gears again with Italian Graffiti, with contemporary Italian cuisine offered in an upscale dining space kitted out in natural woods. Handmade pasta and rustically finished proteins like Duroc pork with braised fennel litter a handsome menu. Keep your eyes peeled for the bread cart, too, loaded as it is with a tempting selection of freshly baked, seasonal bread. Blink, and you might think you’re dining in the heart of the Italian countryside.
Tired from a long day of shopping at Brickell City Centre? What better way to relax and recover than a stop at this elegant new restaurant, handily located along Main Street in the center of the mall; you can find it on the west side of Main, just past the sky bridge through the main mall doors.
As you might have garnered from their name, the core of the concept at Aqua Terra is a robust lineup of steaks, sauces, and sides, ably supported by wild game such as boar, elk, and bison. And, of course, there’s a creative lineup of maki and nigiri sushi too. Sit at the large sushi bar and enjoy your dinner omakase style or take a long lingering look over that wine menu and enjoy a slow recuperating meal.
Japanese for “north,” KITA is a Japanese grill-style restaurant set in a stunning, modern space that welcomes guests with indoor, al fresco, and sushi bar seating. The menus spotlight fresh sushi, Japanese steakhouse favorites, cozy ramen bowls, and a thoughtfully curated menu of beer, sake, wine, and cocktails.
Of particular note is the important Japanese A5 Miyazaki beef – amazingly rich and tender. KITA is located within the Pendry Naples resort.