Miami’s culinary and hospitality scene is buzzing with excitement as several new venues are set to make their mark.
One of the most anticipated openings is the Donatella Boutique Hotel & Restaurant in Miami Beach, which serves as the official sister property to the famous Versace Mansion, now known as The Villa Casa Casuarina.
Developed by the Nakash Group and Vida & Estilo Hospitality, the hotel is a meticulously reimagined 1920s treasure designed by Wallace Tutt.
With only six rooms, Donatella promises an intimate, high-touch luxury experience that caters to discerning travelers.
At the heart of the hotel is Donatella Restaurant, helmed by Chef Alessandro Morrone, known for his work at Casadonna.
Chef Morrone brings his Neapolitan heritage to the forefront with exquisite dishes such as Black Truffle Cacio e Pepe, Rigatoni ‘Nduja, and Skull Island Prawns.
The restaurant boasts a 170-seat dining area featuring an open kitchen, lush vegetation, and hand-painted murals that exude Mediterranean charm and old-world glamour.
Reservations for the Donatella Boutique Hotel will open on April 21, 2025, for stays beginning in May, and both hotel accommodations and dining experiences can be booked at donatellahotel.com or donatellarestaurant.com.
Brickell will also welcome a fresh addition to its dining options with the introduction of Babu, a pop-up Indian restaurant that operates exclusively on Tuesday evenings.
This unique experience focuses on creating an intimate atmosphere with limited seating, enhancing the gastronomic journey for each guest.
To uphold this sense of exclusivity, reservations are only accepted via text, and the menu changes weekly, ensuring a new experience each visit.
Notable dishes include spiced Onion Baji, Beetroot Kebabs served with chili-lime coconut yogurt, Tandoor Shrimp with mango chutney, and a rich Lamb Shank Rogan Josh.
Babu also offers whole fish cooked tandoor-style and an indulgent Gulab Jamun Sundae topped with pistachio and rose syrup, along with an Indian-style caviar service and vegan options.
The innovative cocktail menu features signature drinks like the Lemongrass Martini and Mumbai Heat, high-end wines, and authentic Kingfisher Indian beer.
In addition to the culinary delights, the pop-up has a philanthropic twist, supporting Deenabandhu—a grassroots organization in India dedicated to providing shelter and education for underprivileged children.
Guests are encouraged to contribute to this noble cause during their visit, with Babu matching all donations dollar-for-dollar.
For those interested in enjoying a meal at Babu, table reservations can be made by texting (786) 479-8479, with confirmation details provided the day before.
Meanwhile, La Grande Boucherie in South Beach presents a delightful dining experience reminiscent of a classic French bistro.
Dining on the lush terrace adorned with stylish umbrellas and café chairs, guests are treated to tunes from iconic French chansonniers that transport them straight to Paris.
The historic Art Deco setting adds to the authentic atmosphere, complemented by a menu featuring iconic French dishes.
Under the leadership of Executive Chef Leonardo Pablo, who has experience with Jean-Georges, the kitchen showcases beloved bistro staples including filet mignon au poivre, soupe à l’oignon, escargots, and mussels, while also catering to local tastes with a selection of fresh seafood.
During a recent visit, diners enjoyed an elegant meal, sharing flavorful onion soup paired with freshly baked baguette, meaty lamb chops served with au gratin potatoes, and tarte au citron for dessert.
The meal was notable not just for its quality but also for the professional and friendly service.
Valet parking is available for $25 with validation for those driving to the restaurant.
With these exciting new openings, Miami’s food and hospitality landscape is set for an invigorating season ahead.
image source from：https://www.miamicurated.com/food/eating-news-miami-april/
