When a culinary vision steeped in Italian tradition meets Miami’s tropical landscape, the result is nothing short of transformative. With the grand opening of Rosemary’s Miami, founder Carlos Suarez marks a heartfelt return to his hometown, nearly two decades after launching the renowned Rosemary’s in New York City. This next chapter pays homage to Miami’s diverse culture and abundant local produce, blending community-driven dining with a distinctly Floridian flair.
Rosemary’s Miami offers an immersive experience that captures the city’s dynamic spirit—its lush, ground-level garden and seasonal, locally sourced menu exemplify the farm-to-table philosophy that has become Rosemary’s hallmark. Before delving into an exclusive interview with Carlos Suarez, let’s explore what sets this Miami outpost apart from its celebrated New York counterparts.
Imagine dining in the heart of a flourishing garden, surrounded by the hues and scents of the very produce gracing your plate. This is the essence of Rosemary’s Miami. Unlike the rooftop garden in NYC, Miami’s ground-level greenery immerses guests in a truly multi-sensory experience. Here, the connection between the land and the dish isn’t just conceptual—it’s tangible.
Thanks to South Florida’s year-round growing season, Rosemary’s Miami elevates farm-to-table dining with a menu that evolves alongside the local harvest. From winter’s sweetest tomatoes to tropical herbs and citrus, each dish is a reflection of the region’s natural bounty. This hyper-seasonal approach ensures every visit offers something fresh and unique.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by an open-air dining space that feels quintessentially Miami. Thoughtfully incorporating tropical design elements—warm wood tones, lush greenery, and breezy Mediterranean accents—the restaurant balances elegance and approachability.
After nearly two decades of building Rosemary’s in New York City, how does it feel to bring the concept back to your hometown of Miami, and what inspired this next chapter in your journey?
It feels incredibly meaningful to bring Rosemary’s to Miami—a city that shaped so much of who I am. Opening Rosemary’s in Miami is a homecoming for me, and it’s an opportunity to bring a piece of our New York story to this dynamic and diverse city. What inspired this next chapter was Miami’s evolution into a global culinary destination—it feels like the perfect moment to contribute to that growth while celebrating the city’s unique energy and abundance.
Rosemary’s NYC is beloved for its rooftop garden. How does the ground-level garden in Miami, with its immersive dining experience, compare to that original concept?
In New York, our rooftop garden is a quiet oasis above the city—a place to reconnect with where our food comes from. In Miami, our garden takes on a more immersive role. The ground-level garden is integrated into the dining experience, surrounding guests with lush greenery and produce. It’s both a visual and sensory connection to the ingredients on their plates. While the settings are different, the intention remains the same: to showcase the beauty of fresh, local produce and create an environment where guests feel inspired by the relationship between food and where it comes from.
New York and Miami have distinct food cultures. How have you adapted Rosemary’s Italian-inspired dishes to reflect Miami’s local flavors and ingredients?
Miami’s food culture is vibrant and heavily influenced by its proximity to Latin America and the Caribbean, so for Rosemary’s Miami, we’ve thoughtfully incorporated those influences into our Italian-inspired dishes. We’re working with local farmers and purveyors to highlight tropical ingredients, like citrus and fresh herbs, that thrive in this region. You’ll see dishes that honor Italian tradition while embracing Miami’s bold, fresh flavors—whether it’s a seasonal crudo that nods to the coast or housemade pastas with unexpected local twists.
Miami offers a unique growing season that New York doesn’t have. How has this abundance of fresh, seasonal produce influenced your approach to creating the menu?
Miami’s growing season is a chef’s dream—it allows us to source exceptional produce year-round. This abundance has shaped our menu by letting us focus even more on seasonality and freshness. We’ve been inspired by the citrus fruits, root vegetables, and herbs that thrive here, and we’re incorporating them into dishes in ways that feel natural and exciting. The growing season also allows us to deepen our relationship with local farmers, which is such a core part of Rosemary’s identity.
From open-air dining to tropical touches, the design feels deeply connected to Miami’s identity. How did you approach creating a space that reflects the city’s essence?
Our goal was to create a space that feels authentically Miami while staying true to Rosemary’s spirit. We leaned into open-air dining to reflect the city’s beautiful climate and its natural connection to the outdoors. The somewhat tropical design elements, like lush greenery, warm wood tones, and breezy, Mediterranean-inspired touches, were chosen to evoke a sense of relaxation and community. We want guests to feel like they’re dining in a space that’s rooted in Miami’s culture yet effortlessly welcoming to everyone.
Your restaurants are known for fostering a sense of community. How do you envision Rosemary’s Miami becoming a gathering place for locals and visitors alike?
Community has always been at the heart of Rosemary’s, and that won’t change in Miami. We envision Rosemary’s Miami as a place where neighbors come to unwind, celebrate, and connect. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a family gathering, or an evening out with friends, we want every guest to feel at home. We’ll also hope to host events that bring people together—from farmers’ market collaborations to wine dinners that highlight local flavors. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels they belong.
Miami is evolving into a global culinary destination. How do you see Rosemary’s Miami contributing to this dynamic scene, and what’s next on the horizon for you and your team?
Miami is at an exciting moment, and we’re honored to be part of its growth as a culinary destination. Our hope is that Rosemary’s Miami adds something unique to the city’s dynamic scene—an Italian-inspired restaurant rooted in seasonality, simplicity, and community. Looking ahead, we’re focused on continuing to innovate, deepen our partnerships with local producers, and create meaningful dining experiences. Miami is just the beginning; we’re excited to explore new opportunities while staying true to our mission of connecting people through food and hospitality.
Rosemary’s Miami, founded by Carlos Suarez, blends Italian tradition with Miami’s tropical landscape, offering a unique dining experience. The restaurant features a ground-level garden and a seasonal, locally sourced menu, reflecting Miami’s diverse culture and abundant produce. This new venture marks Suarez’s return to his hometown, nearly two decades after launching the original Rosemary’s in New York City.