Miami has its pick of Italian restaurants. There’s the one that doubles as a supper club, the one from a very famous European chef, the one with impossible reservations and then the numerous local outposts of popular New York and L.A. spots—plus the myriad of neighborhood joints that preceded them all. And now, there’s MIKA, the one that specializes in Riviera-style cuisine, a seafood-leaning, produce-focused celebration of the food you’ll find along the Mediterranean coast. This means you’ll get some Spanish and French influences in there, too.
We previewed MIKA before its opening on December 12 and loved the crudos, of which there are five to choose from, balancing sweet and savory ingredients with exceptionally fresh fish. Lobster shows up as a surprisingly good pairing for traditional burrata, accompanied by tomatoes, pickled eggplant and basil. Tagliatelle with ragu bolognese and Parmigiano-Reggiano was the standout of the pasta course, followed by a simple but memorable ricotta gnocchi with San Marzano pomodoro. Entrées run the gamut, from a hearty swordfish filet and Ligurian chicken to various filets, including a generous 36-ounce bone-in Florentine steak.
If MIKA, with its sleek, ample dining room and seasonal menu, feels familiar, it’s likely because several of the country’s most prominent names in hospitality and Italian cuisine partnered on this venture. There’s chef Michael White—former head chef and owner of the Altamarea Group (Marea and Osteria Morini, among others); Alex Pirez, a local developer who’s facilitated the expansion of Groot Hospitality and Major Food Group; and Matt Safchik, a seasoned food and beverage operator and former Vice President of Food & Beverage Development for Wynn Resorts. The menu, space and vibe all check out.
MIKA is now open for dinner at The Plaza from Tuesday through Saturday, with plans to expand to lunch and additional hours in the coming year.
