MIAMI, FL (December 19, 2024) – Bishop Design, the award-winning international design firm founded by Paul Bishop, announces collaboration with famed Miami-based luxury developer and restaurateur Alex Pirez to unveil MIKA, a Riviera-inspired culinary destination by six Michelin-starred chef Michael White. This project is a new addition to Bishop Design’s expanding Miami portfolio, which includes their recent work on Carbone VINO in Coral Gables and Sereia in Coconut Grove, led by Michelin-star chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. With a growing list of Miami-based projects, Bishop Design is poised to redefine the city’s design landscape through bold, innovative hospitality spaces.
Opened on December 12th at The Plaza Coral Gables, MIKA marks Pirez and White’s first independent dining concept in Florida, along with partner Matt Safchik, a seasoned food and beverage operator and former Vice President of Food & Beverage Development for Wynn Resorts. MIKA spans an impressive 8,195 square feet and offers seating for 100 guests across an inviting main dining room, an outdoor lounge, and an exclusive 600-square-foot private dining room. Bishop Design’s approach to MIKA mirrors the Mediterranean’s timeless charm, combining raw, weathered textures with luxurious details to create a setting that feels as though it has always existed.
“Designing MIKA was about capturing a sense of place that feels authentic and untouched by time. Working closely with Alex, we wanted MIKA to have a soul and character as if it has always existed. Every element is crafted to draw guests in through texture, tone, and detail–it’s a space that feels both exclusive and welcoming.”Paul Bishop, Founder of Bishop Design
Reflecting Mediterranean locales shaped by history and nature, MIKA’s design features a curated palette of earthy tones and textured layers. Terracotta tiles, distressed wood, and chukum-inspired wall finishes bring a warm, grounded ambiance, while subtle leather and velvet details add a tactile richness. Handcrafted lighting, with each piece uniquely patterned, adds a bespoke quality to the space’s charm.
Thoughtfully arranged, the restaurant’s bar and lounge open into a spacious main dining room with varied seating options that evoke intimacy despite its grand scale. Drawing from classic Mediterranean architecture, elements like arches and dome shapes are reimagined with a contemporary touch.
At MIKA, chef Michael White’s menu centers around the essence of the Riviera, featuring dishes like crudos, handmade pastas, and grilled meats. Signature items include langoustine carpaccio, fusilli with octopus and bone marrow, and the rosemary sea salt bistecca alla fiorentina. The restaurant also features a thoughtfully curated 1,700-bottle wine cellar.
For more information on MIKA’s design or to connect with Bishop Design, visit https://wearebishopdesign.com/works/work/Mika-Coral-Gables.