Source: José Andrés Group 

Reported By: Caroline Dalal

June 1st, 2025 – The José Andrés Group has officially expanded its culinary footprint in Florida with the debut of Aguasal and the return of Bar Centro, both newly opened at the just-launched Andaz Miami Beach. This marks the first Andaz property to open since Hyatt formed its Lifestyle Group and the brand’s long-awaited introduction to the Sunshine State. The collaboration is set to reshape Mid-Beach’s luxury dining scene—anchored by José Andrés’ unmistakable blend of Mediterranean soul, coastal creativity, and South Florida flair.

“I have always loved Miami – the vibrant city and people,” says José Andrés, the award-winning chef, humanitarian, and founder of the José Andrés Group.

He continued:

Derived from agua salada, Spanish for saltwater, Aguasal is more than just a name—it’s a culinary philosophy. Designed as an all-day restaurant with both indoor and terrace seating, Aguasal transports guests on a sensory journey from Miami to the coasts of Mallorca and Mykonos. The concept marries Mediterranean technique with Florida’s coastal ingredients, filtered through the signature vision of José Andrés Group.

Menu highlights include Kumamoto oysters with harissa mignonette and Meyer lemon, Stone Crab and Gulf Shrimp, and Mussels Saganaki dressed with feta, chives, and lemon. Vegetarians will gravitate toward the Grilled Leeks with stracciatella and brown butter breadcrumbs or the Roasted Cauliflower, featuring tahini, puffed quinoa, and pomegranate. For main dishes, expect standouts like Whole Snapper prepared two ways—crudo with preserved lemon and pear, or Frito-style with zhoug—and a Marash-rubbed Hanger Steak served alongside Cypriot potatoes and harissa carrots. Dessert rounds out with a Saffron Rice Pudding layered with blood orange, caramelized Attiki honey, and lemon sorbet.

The interiors lean into organic textures and grounded elegance. Teak and woven furniture, splitstone flooring, and soft earth tones envelop diners in understated warmth. Lush greenery completes the coastal tableau, enhancing a sense of slow luxury.

Just upstairs from Aguasal, Bar Centro offers an entirely different rhythm—equal parts laidback and cosmopolitan. With panoramic ocean views and a design that blends indoor ease with open-air elegance, this breezy cocktail lounge was conceived as a social hub for both guests and locals.

Here, cocktails are the main event. From a Key Lime Pie Daiquiri to a cheeky Reverse Carajillo, the beverage list is both playful and refined. Small bites evoke home and heritage, including croquetas from José’s mother, a reimagined Caesar salad, and a decadent four-cheese grilled cheese. Mornings ease in with fresh juices, pastries, and the famed xuxos of Girona, while pressed bikini sandwiches nod to both Spanish street food and Miami café culture.

Soon, a third José Andrés concept will join the culinary lineup at Andaz Miami Beach: The Bazaar by José Andrés. The avant-garde restaurant, known for its theatrical flair and boundary-pushing Spanish cuisine, is set to open later this year.

This location of The Bazaar will draw on José Andrés’ Spanish roots while introducing new creations tailored for Miami. “Our close collaboration with José and his talented team will bring some very special experiences to the Andaz Miami Beach,” Lalvani added.

The partnership between the José Andrés Group and Andaz Miami Beach feels both strategic and organic—each brand placing creativity and experience at the center of its offering.