6 New and Upcoming South Florida Restaurant Openings to Experience in Fall 2025

Miami and Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene continues to evolve, blending global influences with local flair to deliver experiences as distinctive as the city itself. The latest wave of openings spans elegant omakase lounges, heritage-rich rooftop restaurants, and high-energy international imports—each offering a unique expression of luxury, craftsmanship, and atmosphere. Here are six recent and upcoming concepts set to make an impact on discerning palates.

551 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Takato, Fort Lauderdale’s acclaimed Japanese-Korean fusion destination, is expanding with Oku by Takato, a 10-seat omakase lounge inside The Conrad Fort Lauderdale Hotel. Executive Chef Taek “Taka” Lee—whose pedigree includes Zuma, Makoto, and Monkitail—leads this intimate, $250-per-person tasting experience. With only one seating each Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, Oku’s multi-course menu features premium seafood flown in from Japan and Korea, alongside seasonal specialties such as lobster bisque, toro with caviar, ora king salmon, and A5 wagyu. Guests dine at a blue-hued sushi bar in a secluded lounge, paired with rare sake and fine wines, positioning Oku among South Florida’s most exclusive omakase experiences.

699 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33132

Opening on the first floor of Maple & Ash Miami, Eight Bar offers a more relaxed counterpart to the upstairs glamour. Created by two-Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant and Maple Hospitality Group, the concept is already a Chicago Gold Coast favorite. Miami’s iteration channels its signature easygoing elegance, perfect for a martini-fueled lunch or a spontaneous evening out. The vibe is stylish yet unpretentious, inviting guests to enjoy upscale dining without formality.

159 NE 6th Street, 9th Floor, Miami, FL 33132

A Los Angeles icon since 1914, Yamashiro is making its long-awaited debut outside California, arriving atop the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences. Set on the ninth floor, this rooftop restaurant combines refined Japanese flavors with California influences under Corporate Chef Charbel Hayek. Known for its legacy of hosting Hollywood’s elite, Yamashiro Miami will mirror its original’s allure—complete with Japanese-inspired cocktails, panoramic city views, and lively weekly programming. The arrival brings a century-old heritage into Miami’s dynamic dining scene.

201 S Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33131

Vancouver’s celebrated Cactus Club Cafe is bringing its elevated casual dining to Florida for the first time. Located at Citigroup Center, the Downtown Miami outpost will introduce the brand’s chef-driven dishes, design-forward interiors, and lively energy that have defined its 30-plus locations across North America. Founded in 1988, the restaurant blends refined presentation with approachable flavors, positioning itself as a destination for both everyday dining and special occasions.

8700 NW 36th St, Doral, FL 33166

Panama’s trailblazing Nacionsushi has chosen Miami for its U.S. debut, opening in Doral with its distinctive fusion of Japanese and Southeast Asian flavors. The menu ranges from sashimi and poke bowls to inventive XL rolls and crispy sushi pizzas, with options for vegetarian, gluten-friendly, and keto diets. The high-energy design features neon-lit pop art, a cherry blossom centerpiece, and themed dining areas such as “La Central” and “El Comedor de Vietnam.” Signature cocktails like the Sangría Nación and Tokyo Rose enhance the vibrant atmosphere, while the brand’s playful ethos makes it equally suited for family dinners, nights out, or late-night bites.

127 NW 27th St, Miami, FL 33127

In Wynwood, Pari Pari blends Parisian soul with Japanese craftsmanship in a 24-seat handroll bar led by Chef Yasu Tanaka. The menu pairs sashimi appetizers—like hamachi jalapeño with ponzu and chimichurri—with classic and elevated handrolls, including uni toro and A5 wagyu aburi. Parisian pastry chef Yann Couvreur lends a sweet finish with desserts such as mango-passion fruit cake and black sesame ice cream with matcha. The interiors marry Tokyo minimalism with Parisian ease, creating an atmosphere that feels both personal and transportive. Reservations are available via Resy and Dorsia, with walk-ins welcome.

With these openings, Miami and Fort Lauderdale continue to solidify its place as a global culinary capital, one that embraces heritage, innovation, and design in equal measure. From intimate chef’s counters to high-profile rooftops, the city’s latest additions promise not just meals, but experiences worth seeking out.