The Best New Restaurants in Miami [April 2025]

Miami’s culinary scene continues to sizzle this spring with a wave of exciting new openings redefining how—and where—we dine. From serene waterfront wine patios to fire-kissed Japanese fare and nostalgic neighborhood hideaways, the city’s April restaurant roster is stacked with flavor, flair, and a healthy dose of storytelling. 

Whether you’re in the mood for artful omakase at Ikigai, sipping sangria under the stars at River House Wine & Bar, indulging in Michelin-starred Italian at Novatore, or discovering the soulful charm of Conventillo and the buzzed-about Uchiko, these are the spots making Miami deliciously unforgettable this month.

Ikigai

Brickell Key just got a whole lot more flavorful. Ikigai, the latest concept from Mexico City’s acclaimed hospitality group Grupo Ikigai, has officially opened its doors—bringing with it a refined, transportive take on traditional Japanese cuisine in a sleek, serene setting.

At Ikigai, authenticity and artistry go hand in hand. Under the leadership of celebrated Chef and Partner Ignacio Carmona, who boasts over three decades of experience and training in Japan, the menu is a curated exploration of Japanese gastronomy. Guests can indulge in an ever-evolving Nigiri Omakase Experience, or explore signature dishes like hamachi serrano, white fish tiradito, rib eye udon, and delicate shrimp gyozas—each prepared with reverence for tradition and a deep understanding of balance and flavor. Fresh fish is flown in daily from Japan, New Zealand, Chile, Mexico, the U.S., and Europe, ensuring the highest quality in every bite.

The ambiance is equally intentional. Designed by the renowned architectural firm, Sala Hars, with furnishings by La Metropolitana, the space evokes understated elegance and calm. Clean lines, warm woods, and minimalist touches create a backdrop that lets the food—and conversation—shine.

Founder Juan Jose Xacur describes Ikigai as more than a restaurant—it’s a “reason for being.” With a focus on quality, hospitality, and fair pricing, Ikigai invites guests to return not just for a meal but for a reliable and elevated culinary experience week after week.

Whether you’re seeking an omakase journey or simply a refined spot for lunch or dinner, Ikigai delivers something rare in Miami’s dining scene: Japanese craftsmanship with soul.

Ikigai is located at 615 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.

River House Wine and Bar

Opening March 13, River House Wine and Bar is Miami’s newest hidden gem—a charming, open-air wine patio tucked inside the storied grounds of the Miami River Inn, the city’s oldest hotel. Nestled between Brickell and Little Havana, this enchanting escape blends vintage character with modern indulgence, inviting guests to unwind beneath the stars with fine wine, craft cocktails, and live music in a lush garden setting.

Set against the backdrop of pastel-hued, Victorian-style homes dating back to 1908, River House is a love letter to Miami’s architectural heritage. The ambiance is straight out of a dream—wooden decks nestled beneath mature trees, twinkling chandeliers swaying overhead, and ivy-covered walls that transport you to another era. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic evening or hosting a lively celebration, the setting feels effortlessly magical.

On the menu, expect artisanal charcuterie boards, wood-fired pizzas, and a thoughtful selection of global wines and handcrafted cocktails—all priced accessibly between $12 and $18. With a walk-in-only policy and a spacious outdoor layout that accommodates up to 300 guests, River House is equal parts welcoming and whimsical. It’s also family- and dog-friendly, making it a rare blend of refined and relaxed.

Operated by Renzzi Hospitality, the venue carries forward the legacy of the River Inn—once a retreat for early Miami travelers—now lovingly restored by developer Avra Jain. Today, it serves as both a co-living community and a vibrant event space, with River House at its heart.

Whether you’re planning an intimate night out or a dreamy garden soirée, River House Wine & Bar promises an unforgettable experience.

River House Wine and Bar is located at 437 Southwest 2nd Street, Miami, FL 33130. For more information, visit their official website.

Novatore Cucina and Bar 

Wynwood’s culinary landscape welcomes a refined new addition with the opening of Novatore Cucina and Bar, an elevated Italian restaurant led by Michelin-recognized chefs Andrea Bernardi and Fernanda Fuentes-Cárdenas. Quietly opened on March 8, this sophisticated concept blends the soul of traditional Italian cuisine with innovative techniques and modern design—delivering an immersive dining experience that’s already turning heads.

Located in the heart of Miami’s arts district, Novatore is the latest venture by the GUSTATIO Group, whose previous successes include the Michelin-starred NUB in Spain’s Canary Islands. In Miami, they bring the same passion for authenticity, precision, and artistry. At the helm is Executive Chef Marco Rama, previously of Italy’s Michelin-starred Andreina, who leads the kitchen with creativity and finesse.

The menu is a celebration of house-made pastas, breads, and desserts crafted from scratch using high-quality local and imported ingredients. Signature dishes like aragosta midollo—lobster and bone marrow with passionfruit—and gnocco, a seafood-filled dumpling served with sea urchin bisque, speak to the chefs’ dedication to bold flavors and inventive plating. For dessert, the 100×100 pistacchio is an ode to the nut in every form, from mousse to ice cream.

The interiors are just as captivating. Roman-inspired design elements—columns, limewashed walls, and walnut furnishings—create a timeless yet contemporary atmosphere. The central wine room, led by Sommelier Leonardo Asensos, offers 130 curated labels. A cocktail program by Cristian Novelli, launching soon, promises a journey through Italian aperitifs with tableside flair.

With both indoor and soon-to-open outdoor seating, Novatore is poised to become a Wynwood staple for intimate dinners, weekend lunches, and culinary exploration.

Novatore Cucina & Bar is located at 2161 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.

Conventillo 

Tucked behind Battubelin in Miami’s MiMo district, Conventillo Bar is the city’s newest intimate cocktail haven—blending Argentine soul, Italian flavor, and timeless design into a lush, communal gathering space. Opened in March 2025 by Leandro Cabanillas and Marcos Caillet-Bois—the creative minds behind Muchaaachos and Battubelin—Conventillo channels the warmth and spirit of the immigrant communities that inspired its name.

Designed by Facundo Carenzo Campbell, the space transports guests to a rustic Buenos Aires courtyard with mismatched furniture, vintage textures, hanging linens, and a vibrant green wall surrounding the open-air patio. It’s a venue meant for mingling, lounging, and dancing—anchored by a hi-fi sound system and weekly programming that includes live bands on Thursdays, vinyl-spinning DJs on Fridays and Saturdays, and a lively Sunday brunch with Muchaaachos’ open-fire grill and Battubelin’s pasta station.

The cocktail menu—curated in partnership with Unfiltered Hospitality—is a cultural celebration in a glass. Signature drinks like the mate highball, tango sour, and alfajor old fashioned highlight Argentine ingredients with a modern twist. Large-format drinks, customizable martini and negroni services, and eclectic glassware encourage sharing and spark conversation. Aperitivo classics, Fernet-forward concoctions, and a refreshing Clerico (Argentina’s answer to sangria) round out the bar’s convivial offerings.

Food-wise, Conventillo offers an evolving menu of Italian-inspired aperitivos and late-night eats—think homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza—crafted by the Battubelin kitchen.

More than a bar, Conventillo is a neighborhood sanctuary where music, drinks, and community converge. Whether you’re dropping in for happy hour or staying into the early hours, this soulful patio is designed for connection and celebration.

Conventillo is located at 749 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, visit their official website or follow @thisconventillo.

Uchiko 

Miami Beach recently welcomed the highly anticipated arrival of Uchiko, the bold sibling of the acclaimed Uchi restaurant, from James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole and Hai Hospitality. Uchko opened in March at Eighteen Sunset in Sunset Harbour, marking the concept’s first Florida location and its fourth nationwide.

Meaning “child of Uchi,” Uchiko evolves Cole’s signature style with a smoky, fire-forward approach to modern Japanese cuisine. Led by Chef de Cuisine Jacob Yoder, formerly of Uchiko Austin, the Miami team introduces a dynamic menu anchored by the artistry of the yakitori grill and a “from the hearth” section spotlighting smoke, char, and flame. Highlights include the hearth-roasted lobster with umeboshi butter and the 4x seared NY strip wagyu with charred snow pea leaves.

Cold dishes and hot plates shine alongside daily chef specials, like the Thai sake maki with salmon, lemongrass oil, and nuoc mam and hirame amarillo, a flounder crudo with aji amarillo and corn nut furikake. Two omakase options—ten-course or customized somakase—offer curated tasting experiences. End on a sweet note with milk and cereal, or take home a pint of the house-made s’mores ice cream from Pastry Chef Ariana Quant.

The beverage program is just as inventive, with signature cocktails like the Kumori (a lychee martini twist) and Tsurai, a passionfruit-aperol-tequila creation. A robust lineup of sake, Japanese whiskies, and zero-proof drinks rounds out the list.

Uchiko’s 5,380-square-foot space blends tropical brutalism with Japanese decor, featuring sea-green marble, exposed concrete, and a glowing glass block bar. An open kitchen, private dining room, and daily happy hour add to the allure.

Uchiko is located at 1759 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.