On December 21, 2024, Miami Beach officially welcomed a new culinary treasure as Toronto-based Big Hug Hospitality, the team behind some of Toronto’s most celebrated dining destinations, opened their first international endeavor; the highly acclaimed MIMI Chinese right in the heart of South Beach. Renowned for its thoughtful exploration of regional Chinese cuisine, MIMI Chinese has built a strong following in Canada and beyond, making it one of the most anticipated culinary openings of this year.
MIMI Chinese, already a sensation in Toronto’s culinary landscape, is celebrated for its modern approach to classic regional Chinese dishes and commitment to old-school hospitality-driven service. The restaurant pays homage to one of the world’s oldest and most diverse cuisines, with a strong focus on the Guangdong, Sichuan, Hong Kong, and Hunan regions. The Toronto location quickly became a hotspot for food enthusiasts, earning rave reviews and Michelin recognition, cementing its status as a must-visit destination.
“We’re thrilled to introduce MIMI Chinese to Miami Beach, a city that shares our passion for food, culture, and celebration,” said Culinary Director David Schwartz, the visionary behind MIMI Chinese and recipient of the 2023 Michelin Guide’s Toronto Young Chef Award. “What sets MIMI Chinese apart is our unwavering dedication to quality and tradition. We’re not here to elevate a food culture—we’re here to honor it and bring our own creative twist to the table.”
At MIMI Chinese in Miami Beach, diners experience a menu that combines traditional roots with a thoughtful and novel approach, embodying the restaurant’s dedication to preserving heritage while pushing culinary boundaries. Spanning numerous regions and culinary traditions of China, the menu offers a diverse range of dishes, each carefully indicating its region of origin. Larger sharing plates are featured prominently, encouraging a communal dining experience central to Chinese culinary culture. Signature dishes such as the Hunan Chili Sea Bass, Shrimp Toast, Hidden Crispy Chicken, House Char Siu, and the Four Foot Belt Noodleshowcase this culinary mastery, each crafted with the highest quality ingredients, blending traditional techniques with modern presentation.
“At MIMI Chinese, we offer a genuine, guest-centered experience that revives the essence of the past through a blend of new and nostalgic flavors,” added Executive Chef Braden Chong. “The quality of food and the ingredients we source are paramount to our ethos. We’re excited to bring the same culinary artistry and vibrant dining experience that our Toronto guests love, but with a unique twist inspired by Miami Beach’s energetic spirit.”
MIMI Chinese in Miami Beach offers a dining experience that is as much about the theater of dining as it is about the food. The atmosphere mirrors the elegant yet playful setting that has made its Toronto counterpart a standout. Expect an ambiance where dim lighting sets a warm, intimate mood, elevated by luxurious red accents and glossy red banquettes. Sharply dressed servers in bowties provide attentive and detailed service, while the fragrant scent of Sichuan peppercorns toasting in wok fills the air. Intentionally designed without windows, the restaurant creates a transportive, sensory escape from reality, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the flavors, sights, and sounds of a vibrant dining experience. Instrumental in bringing the concept to fruition is Harlo Entertainment, led by Managing Partner, Brandon Marek, who is also the Co-Founder of Big Hug Hospitality.
The dining experience at MIMI Chinese is further enhanced by a thoughtfully curated beverage program, featuring an extensive selection of wines, sakes, baijiu, and signature cocktails designed to complement the rich flavors of the menu, including an impressive sake list with barrel-aged varieties and magnum-sized bottles perfect for sharing.
MIMI Chinese Miami is located at 1575 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL. For more information, visit their website at mimichinese.com and follow them on social media @mimichinesemiami.
About MIMI Chinese
Led by Big Hug Hospitality’s David Schwartz (Co-Founder/Culinary Director) and Brandon Marek (Co-Founder), MIMI Chinese is a standout dining destination from Toronto’s culinary scene, celebrated for its inspired exploration of regional Chinese cuisine from provinces like Guangdong, Sichuan, Hong Kong, and Hunan. Known for its hospitality-driven service and “theatre of dining” experience, the restaurant has earned a dedicated following and Michelin acclaim. Now, MIMI Chinese makes its international debut in Miami Beach, presenting a regional Chinese menu with new and familiar flavors, complemented by a thoughtfully curated beverage program.
About Big Hug Hospitality
Founded in 2019, Big Hug Hospitality is the creative force behind some of Toronto’s most beloved restaurants, including MIMI Chinese, Sunnys Chinese, and the recently opened Linny’s. Driven by a dedication to cultivating a “Culture of Kindness,” Big Hug places employee development, well-being, and community at the forefront of their operations and daily practices. Expanding theirmission internationally, the group’s first venture outside Canada brings MIMI Chinese to Miami Beach, continuing their commitment to hospitality rooted in care, kindness, and exceptional experiences.
About Harlo Entertainment Inc.
Founded in 2018, Harlo Entertainment is a division of Harlo Group, that owns, operates and invests in properties in the hospitality, entertainment, lifestyle, and technology industries. Taking a value-oriented approach to entrepreneurship and at the forefront of creating, innovating, and operating the most successful restaurant, nightclub and hospitality venues across North America, Harlo has a strong pulse on changing consumer preferences and focuses on bringing the modern metropolitan client an unrivaled experience. With a clear focus on operational and strategic optimization to drive performance and growth, the success is driven by four pillars; People, Disruption, Synergy, and Value Adds.
