From authentic Latin cuisine to an array of culinary creations that meld flavors and ingredients from around the world, South Florida is home to a quickly growing, world-class restaurant scene. Check out some of South Florida’s hottest and newest dining destinations below.
South Florida’s Most Exciting Restaurant Openings of 2022
The Blue Dog Cookhouse & Bar
New York City’s Blue Dog Cookhouse & Bar recently opened at Boca Raton’s Town Center in early April 2022. The Manhattan-based culinary concept brings meticulously-crafted cuisine and polished service to South Florida. The menu reads like a dream, overflowing with tempting options that speak to practically every whim or flavor profile featuring options like the Tuna Pizzete, Ahi Tataki, Bone Marrow Crab Cake, Braised Short Ribs, 32oz Prime Tomahawk, and Lobster Mac & Cheese. As an homage to the original Blue Dog Café, the restaurant also serves brunch seven days a week. Dishes include hand-tailored omelets, an array of Benedicts, egg sandwiches, and Chef Specialties which run the gamut from a Pumpkin Stuffed French Toast, Fried Chicken and Waffles, and Huevos Rancheros to a House-Cured Salmon Platter. The Blue Dog Cookhouse & Bar Boca Raton is located at 6000 Glades Road, Suite 1008C immediately adjacent to the valet stand at the Boca Raton Town Center. Brunch is served from 8AM to 3:30PM, mid-day small plates menu from 3:30PM-5PM, and dinner served from 5PM to 11PM. Telephone: (561) 961-3330. www.bluedogboca.com
Blind Tiger
Aventura’s first ever stylish & savorous omakase hot spot – Blind Tiger has recently opened in 2022. For intrepid world-travelers and curious foodies, the team behind Korner 67 & Reunion Ktchn Bar has expanded their portfolio by recently opening this speakeasy-style omakase dining den. With limited seating of 26 guests, Blind Tiger is taking Aventura’s dining culture to an elevated, sophisticated level. Guests will have the option of two exclusive nightly seatings; 6PM ($120 per person) & 9PM ($150 per person), with each seating delivering a unique experience. The team has created the restaurant’s omakase offerings, which is executed by a team of well-trained chefs specializing in sushi and Japanese cuisine. Diners can expect a feast for the senses along with an intimate experience in an elegant yet comfortable vibe. Blind Tiger is located adjacent to RKB, accessible via a door inside. To request a reservation, please visit
https://www.blindtigerexperience.com/reservations/
Crudos Art House & Aka
Open since early May 2022, CrudosArt House is MoonMat Hospitality’s newest concept – a two-story dining and imbibing destination that features a menu of modern Asian-meets-Latin cuisine. Upstairs at Crudos is Aka, an intimate lounge where cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy a curated selection of Japanese whiskey and highball cocktails and temaki hand rolls. With a foundation built on art in its many incarnations – pop, live entertainment, fine food, and fabulous drinks – Crudos Art House & Aka promise a lively, delicious, and immersive experience unlike anything else in Coral Gables. For the menu at Crudos, diners can expect a bevy of traditional and non-traditional temptations such as Duck Gyoza, Cloud Pork Belly Buns, a variety of sashimi, and specialty rolls as well as flavorful hearty dishes. The restaurant also has a delicious menu of handcrafted cocktails created by a talented team of mixologists. In both spaces, after 11PM, the fine-dining experience transforms into a buzzy vibe party with live DJ’s and bottle service, when guests only 21+ will be allowed to enter. Crudos Art House is open for dinner on Thursdays from 5:30PM to 12AM; Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30PM to 2AM; and Sundays from 5:30PM to 12AM. Brunch will be available Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30AM to 2:30PM.Crudos Art House is located at 2415 Ponce De Leon in Coral Gables. Telephone: (305) 392-0054;
Ya Mas!
Hospitality powerhouse Memphis Garrett (No Man’s Land, Poke House, Blue Wave Sushi) opened Ya Mas! in January 2022 at 1103 East Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Meaning “Cheers” in Greek, Ya Mas! lives up to its name and transports guests to a lively taverna found on Mykonos or Santorini where an upbeat vibe, friendly service and superb cuisine prevail. Under the direction of Executive Chef Austin Hull, the rustic-chic indoor/outdoor eatery reflects the flavors of the Mediterranean, showcasing classic dishes and modern interpretations from Greece, Turkey, Israel and more. Diners can order dishes like Mussels with nduja, white wine and sundried tomato, Farro Salad with muhammara, sundried tomato and herbs; Lamb Meatballs with roast tomato tzatziki, and feta crumble; Harissa Buffalo Wings; and more. Beverage Director Chevy Farrell created a cocktail menu focusing on simple, straightforward classics, beers, wines, and a selection of specialty spritzes. Ya Mas! is located at 1103 East Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. The restaurant serves dinner Tuesday – Saturday from 5PM – 11PM and serves cocktails until Midnight on Friday and Saturday. Opa! Hour is available Tuesday – Friday from 5PM – 7PM at the bar only. Aura Brunch is offered every Saturday from Noon – 3PM and Santorini Sunday brunch is offered every Sunday Noon – 3PM. For additional information and reservations for dinner please visit yamastaverna.com.
Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop – Fort Lauderdale
Pie master/entrepreneur Derek Kaplan and the talented team behind Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop have been whisking up extraordinary confections in their Wynwood and Coconut Grove shops for years. Now, this one-of-a-kind Miami dessert destination has announced the launch of its first Broward County location in downtown Fort Lauderdale slated to open in Spring 2022. Offering a robust selection of over-the-top pies, cakes, milkshakes and other delectable treats, the brainchild of former Miami firefighter, Derek Kaplan, has certainly earned his title as the Magic City’s ‘don of dessert’. Kaplan’s celebrated concept, usually sporting a lengthy line of treat-seekers, will be expanding to the Broward County market and will be located on Federal Highway, just north of Broward Boulevard boasting a large space with plentiful seating. Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop – Fort Lauderdale is located at 250 North Federal Highway, Suite #1. For more information, please visit https://firemandereks.com/. Follow Fireman Derek’s on social media: @fdpies. For nationwide shipping, click HERE.
Clyde’s Caribbean Opens at Time Out Market Miami
Recently opened in February 2022, Clyde’s Caribbean is a contemporary Trinidadian concept by Christopher Leacock (a.k.a. Jillionaire, formerly of electronic dance music DJ trio Major Lazer). Named after his grandfather and the Caribbean island’s first black Registrar General, Clyde Byer, the menu presents a range of dishes that explore the island’s depth of flavors as well as its cultural influences from the Indian and African diaspora. Guests can expect small plates of Codfish Fritters with a tamarind dipping sauce, Pumpkin Corn Soup and Jerk Wings served with a side of house-made cassava chips. Bigger appetites can enjoy larger plates of Jerk Chicken, Jerk Salmon or Coconut Curried Shrimp, served with fragrant coconut rice, sweet plantains and a side salad. Weekend brunch specials include modern Caribbean classics, including Curried Crab and Dumplings, Oxtail Grilled Cheese, Jerk Chicken Hash, and Ackee & Saltfish. A menu standout is the Bake & Fish sandwich, a popular street food item made with lightly fried mahi-mahi in an airy fried dough bread, topped with pickled slaw and house-made tamarind, cilantro, and garlic sauces. Meals can be polished off with refreshing soft drinks such as Sorrel Juice, Ginger Beer, and fresh Coconut Water, with homestyle Rum & Raisin Bread Pudding for dessert. Time Out Market Miami is located at 1601 Drexel Avenue on Miami Beach. Telephone: (786)753-5388;
https://www.timeoutmarket.com/miami/.
Korner 67
Recently opened in the heart of Miami Lakes, Korner 67 could be described as Aventura’s Reunion Ktchn Bar’s hip new sister, carrying on some traditions and delivering new delights uniquely her own. Husband-and-wife team Cesar Olivo and Adriana Perez Benatar, along with brother-in-law Samuel Perez Benatar, made it possible for locals to find great internationally-inspired fare and masterfully-executed craft cocktails. What diners and imbibers can expect: a multitudinous world-spanning menu of tapas-offerings, exquisite craft cocktails, polished service and a chic décor and ambiance. Executed by Chef Adriana Cisneros the varied menu features cuisine from around the globe. The bar program, helmed by Head Bartender Luis Cubas, features a robust selection of handcrafted libations. The 2,303-square-foot space offers ample indoor and outdoor seating; K67 also has a private dining room for up to 10 guests. Korner 67 is located at 6769 Main Street in Miami Lakes. www.korner67.com.
Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar
Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar, South Florida’s beloved spot for Mexican cuisine and killer cocktails, opened to the public in March 2022 in West Broward’s new luxury dining and shopping complex, Plantation Walk. The fourth outpost of esteemed restaurant group, Handcrafted Hospitality, Tacocraft is a welcomed addition to the community and fills the city’s demand for exciting, approachable dining destinations. With established locations in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and South Miami, the opening of the fourth location marked another victory for Handcrafted founder Marc Falsetto, along with partners Anthony Bruno, Pat Marzano, Dan Marino and Paul Castronovo, the founders of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. Now a go-to destination for locals and neighboring cities with its notorious energetic ambience, the 4,000-square-foot space is the largest location for the concept and the first to have both indoor and outdoor bars, as well as two patios. With abundant seating, the lively atmosphere beckons guests to indulge in the eatery’s vibrant menu of guacamoles, tacos, raw bar, snacks and entrées, as well as its handcrafted margaritas and cocktails, and extensive collection of over 200 tequilas.
Tacocraft is located at 301 North University Drive in the new Plantation Walk. www.tacocraft.com/
Read Also: Spring Omakase & Sake at Sushi Ii – Food & Beverage Magazine
Morèa
Recently opened in January 2022, LM Restaurant’s new concept Moréa is a Mediterranean oceanfront dining oasis on Fort Lauderdale beach. The restaurant’s menu features fresh, simply prepared small plates, mezze and wood-grilled meats and seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and great wines on tap via an eco-friendly system that allows guests to enjoy fine vintages without bottle waste. Embracing the Mediterranean tradition, meals are meant to be savored and the table is a place to gather with friends and family with dishes designed to be shared throughout an afternoon or evening spent. The spacious 275-seat dining destination offers an indoor dining room, spacious bar/lounge area, and a gorgeous waterfront patio and bar. Award-winning artist and Chihuly protege, Doug Frates, designed the interior with a breathtaking two-story glass wall installation as well as several signature hanging pieces imported from Italy. Moréa is located at 701 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard at the Paramount Condominiums. www.MoreaDining.com
Big Buns Damn Good Burgers
Thompson Hospitality, one of the largest retail food service management companies in the country, is pleased to announce the addition of a huge concept to their portfolio in Florida —
Big Buns Damn Good Burgers. This newest location opened its doors in February 2022. This river-front fine-casual spot strives to serve the world’s most delicious and innovative burgers while sharing the feel of a backyard party with its guests. Beyond serving your classic burger, Big Buns offers never-before-seen burgers such as Frickin’ Good Chicken; Hot & Hefe; and Peppercorn Steakhouse. The menu also serves a variety of bowls, sides and over-the-top shakes including Redonculous Reese’s Shake and The Unicorn Shake; a hand-spun strawberry shake with rainbow sprinkles, sour patch twists and ginormous marshmallows. Big Buns Damn Good Burgers is located at 221 SW 1st Avenue Fort Lauderdale. Telephone; (954) 686-8181. For more information visit www.eatbigbuns.com.
Matchbox – Las Olas
Recently opened, Matchbox is the newest riverfront dining destination located in Fort Lauderdale in the bustling Las Olas area. This fast-casual concept features seating for 90 indoor and 124 outdoors with a 2,841 square-foot patio. The menu offers specialty cocktails with a wide range of American cuisine including brick oven pizzas, salads, bowls, sandwiches, burgers and more. Diners can expect elevated American-bistro fare crafted from high quality ingredients. Matchbox is located at 221 SW 1st Avenue, CU-1 Fort Lauderdale; below the Society Las Olas building facing the water. Matchbox is open Monday through Thursday from 4PM to 11PM; Friday from 4PM to 1:30AM; Saturday from 10AM to 1:30AM; and Sunday from 10AM to 11PM. Telephone (954) 751-5959; www.matchboxrestaurants.com/las-olas.
Little Liberty at Time Out Market Miami
Time Out Market Miami introduced Little Liberty – where burger lovers can get gourmet, elevated burgers complemented by boozy shakes and house-made milkshakes in March 2022. The fast-casual, all-American concept is created by James Beard Award-winning chef, Michelle Bernstein. The menu features a unique take on Classic Burger, Blue Cheese Burger, Steak Burger, Chicken Patty, Fish Filet, and an Impossible Burger. Meals can be paired with side options of mozzarella sticks, French fries, onion rings, or a salad. Hours of operation are Sunday – Thursday from 12PM – 10PM and Friday and Saturday from 12PM – 11PM. For additional information about Little Liberty, please follow @littlelibertymia and @timeoutmarketmiami. Time Out Market Miami is located at 1601 Drexel Avenue on Miami Beach. Telephone: (786)753-5388;
https://www.timeoutmarket.com/miami/.
La Boulangerie
La Boulangerie, the family-oriented artisanal bakery and restaurant has been servicing South Florida with fresh and high-quality food for over 20 years and continues to grow with the newest location in Doral that opened in early 2022. The menu offers all-day breakfast including options like Traditional Eggs Benedict, Croque Madame “Our Style”, New York Bagel, and Greek Avocado Toast. Guests can indulge in an array of freshly baked goods like gourmet empanadas, quiches, croissants and desserts like Macarons and Elephant Ears; plus Latin and European pastries including Tequenos, Alfajor, and Pan De Bono. The menu also features an array of pastas as well as French-style gourmet sandwiches. Pair any of these dishes with refreshing beverages and cocktails including mimosas and tinto de verano.
La Boulangerie offers a variety of frozen foods, to prepare at home, including soups, pasta sauces, and pastries complete with recipes. La Boulangerie is open at all locations Mondays through Saturdays from 7:30AM to 6PM and Sundays from 8AM to 4PM. For more information and all six locations visit www.laboulangerieusa.com.
