Six Michelin-Starred Chef Michael White to Open First Standalone Florida Restaurant in Coral Gables: MIKA
Culinary icon and six Michelin-starred chef Michael White, creator of New York City’s legendary Marea, is set to debut his first standalone restaurant in Florida. Located in the vibrant Coral Gables neighborhood of Miami, MIKA will showcase White’s celebrated Riviera-style cuisine while paying homage to the region’s rich bounty of local seafood and produce.
The restaurant’s menu will feature White’s signature dishes, including carpaccio-style crudos, handmade pastas, and expertly grilled proteins. Guests can anticipate beloved classics like langoustine carpaccio, fusilli with octopus and bone marrow, and the indulgent rosemary sea salt bistecca alla fiorentina. With a focus on fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flair, MIKA promises to be a celebration of flavor and innovation, anchored in the unique culinary traditions that White has mastered over his illustrious career.
While Chef White is renowned for his fine dining expertise, MIKA will offer a more approachable, yet sophisticated experience. The restaurant aims to serve as a welcoming neighborhood spot, offering unapologetically delicious food in a warm, convivial setting. White’s fresh take on hospitality will blend his extraordinary skillset with a genuine, down-to-earth dining atmosphere, setting MIKA apart as a destination for both locals and visitors alike.
White’s vision for MIKA is backed by an impressive partnership with Alex Pirez, founder of the luxury design-development firm Mocca Group, and Matt Safchik, a seasoned Miami food and beverage operator. Together, they chose Coral Gables for its burgeoning culinary scene and the opportunity to serve a truly local audience. Their collaboration brings not just another restaurant to Miami but an elevated and thoughtfully curated dining experience that integrates seamlessly with the neighborhood’s evolving food culture.
Chef Michael White’s legacy in the culinary world is well-established, with accolades that include six Michelin stars, a coveted two-star rating at Marea, a James Beard Award, and a three-star New York Times review. Known for his Mediterranean coastal cuisine, White spent nearly a decade living in Italy, where he honed his craft and developed his distinctive style of cooking that draws from the coasts of Italy, France, and beyond. His culinary expertise has graced the kitchens of top-tier restaurants such as Spiaggia, Fiamma Osteria, Alto, Convivio, Osteria Morini, and Ai Fiori.
MIKA is set to open later this year within The Plaza Coral Gables, a new upscale hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. For those eager to experience Chef Michael White’s latest culinary venture, more information can be found at mikacoralgables.com.
