GAIA Miami to Debut in South of Fifth This March

Dubai’s Celebrated Greek-Mediterranean Restaurant Chooses Miami Beach for Its First U.S. Flagship

One of Dubai’s most celebrated dining destinations is officially making its U.S. debut in Miami Beach. GAIA, the internationally acclaimed Greek-Mediterranean concept founded by Fundamental Hospitality and Chef Izu Ani, will open its first-ever American outpost in March 2026 at 801 South Pointe Drive in South of Fifth. With established locations in Dubai, Monaco, London, Doha, and Marbella, the Miami Beach opening represents a strategic milestone as the award-winning brand enters one of the world’s most competitive culinary markets.

“Entering the U.S. market is a strategic milestone for us, and Miami is the right city to lead that chapter. It is global, design-driven, culturally rich, and unapologetically bold — values that sit at the core of GAIA,” says Evgeny Kuzin, Chairman of Fundamental Hospitality. “This opening represents our confidence in the brand, our belief in the market, and our commitment to building destinations that stand.”

Inspired by the mythological Mother Earth, GAIA’s philosophy centers on simplicity, generosity, and connection. Since its 2018 debut in Dubai, the concept has earned international acclaim for its refined yet soulful interpretation of Greek-Mediterranean cuisine, immersive design, and signature hospitality.

Sea Bream Carpaccio

Chef Izu Ani Brings a Fish-Forward Mediterranean Menu to Miami

Helmed by Chef Izu Ani, GAIA Miami will deliver a menu rooted in Greek home cooking, elevated by meticulous technique and premium ingredients. Chef Izu’s culinary journey spans France, Spain, and Greece — including a formative summer in Santorini that shaped his belief in letting ingredients speak for themselves.

“I have spent a lot of time in Greece and I came to understand that food there is never just about sustenance; it is a language of culture, family, and generosity,” says Chef Izu Ani. “That belief continues to guide everything we do at GAIA, from the way we source and cook, to the way we welcome guests and create spaces meant to be shared.”

Expect a seafood-forward experience highlighted by raw bluefin tuna with caviar, GAIA’s famed Sea Bream Carpaccio with lemon, mandarin, and truffle dressing, and wood oven prawns finished with harissa and rosemary. Traditional Greek favorites such as baked barrel-aged feta wrapped in honey and filo pastry, classic moussaka, and slow-cooked baby goat will anchor the menu alongside charcoal-grilled wagyu rib eye and lobster linguini in cherry tomato sauce.

At the heart of GAIA’s dining ritual is its signature Ice Market — a daily display of pristine fish and seafood presented on ice, allowing guests to hand-select their catch for preparation to their preference. The interactive seafood market has become a defining feature at GAIA locations worldwide and is expected to be a centerpiece of the Miami Beach restaurant.

NYX Private Lounge to Elevate South Beach Nights

As with all GAIA destinations, the Miami flagship will introduce NYX, the brand’s intimate, members-only private dining room and late-night lounge. Inspired by the Greek goddess of the night, NYX features velvet textures, moody lighting, and a richly layered ambiance designed for curated gatherings and discreet celebrations.

Globally, GAIA and NYX have attracted high-profile guests including Tom Cruise, LeBron James, Naomi Campbell, Roger Federer, Idris Elba, Lewis Hamilton, Peggy Gou, and members of Dubai’s royal family. The Miami Beach launch is expected to bring a similar level of exclusivity and energy to South of Fifth’s evolving dining and nightlife scene.

A Prime South of Fifth Address

GAIA Miami is located on the ground-level of Marea at 801 South Pointe Drive in the highly sought-after South of Fifth neighborhood — one of Miami Beach’s most prestigious residential and lifestyle enclaves. The area is home to luxury condominium towers, waterfront parks, and some of the city’s most notable fine dining destinations. Its proximity to South Pointe Park, the Miami Beach Marina, and Ocean Drive places GAIA squarely in the center of Miami’s coastal lifestyle.

With its refined Cycladic-inspired design — whitewashed walls, natural limestone textures, abundant greenery, and breezy coastal finishes — GAIA Miami is poised to become one of the most anticipated Miami restaurant openings of 2026.

As Miami continues to solidify its status as a global culinary capital, GAIA’s U.S. debut marks a major addition to the city’s high-end dining landscape — and a bold statement from a brand that has been deliberate about where it expands.