15 Most Anticipated Miami Restaurant Openings of 2026

December 16, 2025 Admin

The 15 most anticipated Miami restaurant openings in 2026 are Buccan, PopUp Bagels, Fooq’s, Whole Hog BBQ, Cactus Club, and La Sponda.

PopUp Bagels photo

After a year that felt like an emotional rollercoaster of unexpected restaurant closures, Miami is officially flipping the script. Yes, 2025 was tough. Yes, we lost beloved restaurants that felt woven into our routines. But if there is one thing Miami does better than anyone, it’s reinvention, and the next chapter of dining in the Magic City is already sizzling.

From buzzy waterfront power players such as La Sponda in Coconut Grove to cult-favorite bagels (hello, PopUp bagels!) and chef-driven heavy hitters, Miami’s upcoming openings are some of the most exciting we’ve seen in a while. We are talking Argentinian steakhouse energy landing in Coconut Grove, New York imports finally crossing state lines, Michelin-level Japanese craftsmanship in the Design District, and a James Beard–winning pitmaster firing up whole hog barbecue in Little River. Add in a Fooq’s comeback, not one, but two Palm Beach favorites heading south, and bagel wars officially breaking out across Miami-Dade, and suddenly the future feels very, very delicious.

After a year marked by closures, 2026 is shaping up to be one of pure anticipation. These 15 restaurants are not just openings. They are events, countdowns, and reasons to cancel your usual plans. Miami is ready to eat again, and if this lineup is any indication, the city’s next dining era might be its most fun yet. Buckle up, clear your calendars, and start making sure your logins work for OpenTable and Resy, because Miami is heating up all over again. ¡Buen provecho!

1986 Steakhouse

A high-end Argentinian-style steakhouse is getting closer to debuting in Coconut Grove. The team behind 1986 Steakhouse is now targeting a January 2026 opening at the Mayfair, in the corner unit across the breezeway from Carbone Vino, after pushing back an earlier fall timeline due to ongoing construction. While the menu remains under wraps, the Grove-bound restaurant has already locked in a serious cocktail pedigree, with its bar program crafted by the team behind Buenos Aires’ favorite Tres Monos. 3000 Florida Ave., Ste. 111, Miami; 1986steakhouse.com.

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Blu

New Jersey’s Blu on the Hudson is bringing its polished, high-energy restaurant to Miami with Blu, slated to open in the late summer or fall of 2026 at River Landing Shops & Residences along the Miami River. The 6,500-square-foot, multi-level restaurant will feature riverfront patio seating, a private mezzanine for events, and a rooftop bar with skyline views, blending New York sophistication with Miami’s waterfront energy. Known for its standout seafood, serious steak program, and theatrical cocktails, Blu is poised to become a major new draw in River Landing’s growing lineup of dining. 1440 NW N. River Dr., Miami; riverlandingmiami.com/dine.

Sandwiches on a wooden table — The popular hot dog panini at Buccan may be available soon in Coral Gables.

Buccan Coral Gables

Chef Clay Conley’s long-anticipated Miami outpost of Buccan is now targeting a 2026 opening, after previously aiming to debut in 2025. The acclaimed modern American bistro will land at 100 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, bringing Conley’s seasonally driven, boldly flavored cooking to the city. A James Beard Award nominee, Conley made Buccan a Palm Beach institution, beloved for standbys like its prime burger, sweet corn, and ricotta agnolotti, as well as one of South Florida’s most coveted happy hours. 100 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; buccanpalmbeach.com.

Cactus Club Cafe

Cactus Club Cafe, the acclaimed Vancouver-based restaurant group, is set to open its first Florida and U.S. location in downtown Miami in late 2025. The upscale-casual restaurant, situated on the ground floor of the Citigroup Center, will offer Biscayne Bay views and feature its signature blend of sushi, burgers, cocktails, and a design-forward, energetic ambiance. Founded in 1988, the popular Canadian chain is renowned for its chef-driven menus, created by executive chef Greg McCallum, including fan favorites such as the award-winning “Feenie Burger.” 201 S. Biscayne Blvd., Unit 150, Miami; cactusclubcafe.com.

a building — Rendering of the exterior of Fooq’s 2.0 in Little River

Fooq’s

Fooq’s, the popular downtown Miami gem that closed in 2021, is making a bold return with a new Little River location in early 2026. The reimagined 9,000-square-foot space will feature multiple dining rooms, a chef’s counter, a lush outdoor patio, and even a late-night lounge. While the menu will honor Fooq’s Persian stews and kebabs, guests can also expect new additions, such as Middle Eastern-inspired pizzas and a raw bar. 150 NW 73rd St., Miami; fooqsmiami.com.

Flanigan’s is coming soon to Cutler Bay!

Screenshot via Instagram/@townofcutlerbay and @flanigansfl

Flanigan’s Cutler Bay

The newest Flanigan’s location will open in Cutler Bay at 20971 Old Cutler Road, with the beloved South Florida chain targeting a 2026 debut. Situated just south of Palmetto Bay and near Pinecrest, the restaurant will bring ribs, rolls, and green cups even closer to fans in southern Miami-Dade. It is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2026, judging by the immediate and enthusiastic reaction from longtime “Flanatics.” 20971 Old Cutler Rd., Miami; flanigans.net.

bagel and lox — Viral New York H&H Bagels is opening five bagel shops in Miami

H&H Bagels Pinecrest

H&H Bagels, the legendary New York City bagel institution, is opening its second Miami-area location in Pinecrest in 2026. The wildly popular shop has already put up signage at Suniland Shopping Center along U.S. 1, confirming its arrival after years of Pinecrest residents lacking a true bagel-centric spot. Known for its hand-rolled bagels, classic schmears, and cult following, the opening is poised to be one of Pinecrest’s most buzzed-about food debuts of the year. 11211 S. Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest; hhbagels.com.

Karyu

Karyu Miami is the U.S. debut of Tokyo’s acclaimed Michelin one-star restaurant, Oniku Karyu, celebrated for its elevated wagyu kaiseki and meticulous craftsmanship. Led by chef Haruka Katayanagi’s team of culinary protégés, Karyu offers an intimate omakase experience that transforms premium Tajimaguro wagyu into a sensory journey, honoring centuries of Japanese tradition and precision. The restaurant combines culinary artistry with a design-forward space that bridges Japanese craftsmanship and Miami’s vibrant cultural energy. Karyu Miami is the exclusive U.S. destination to experience this refined expression of Japanese wagyu, seasonality, and the art of omotenashi. 40 NE 41st St., Miami; karyu-mia.com.

Some of the happy hour “Kocktails” at Kitchen + Kocktails in Wynwood

Kitchen + Kocktails photo

Kitchen + Kocktails Wynwood

Wynwood is getting another high-energy dining destination with the arrival of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley on January 17. The Dallas-founded restaurant offers a modern, crowd-pleasing take on Southern comfort food, complemented by a bold cocktail program and a lively, design-forward space. Its opening continues Wynwood’s streak as one of Miami’s most active neighborhoods for new restaurant debuts. 2838 NW Second Ave., Miami; 316-333-5460; kitchenkocktailsusa.com/miami.

La Sponda

Gioia Hospitality Group will debut La Sponda in 2026, a coastal Italian restaurant set inside Vita at Grove Isle in the Grove’s private island. Italian for “the shore,” the concept will spotlight seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired dishes served from weekday lunch through weekend brunch and nightly dinner, all framed by sweeping views of Biscayne Bay. Designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, La Sponda will be open to the public while also serving as the flagship dining destination for Vita residents and members.4 Grove Isle Dr., Miami; vitagroveisle.com.

Popular Broward deli Mitch’s Downtown will expand to Miami with a new Coral Gables shop and in Coral Springs in 2026 with its famed bagels.

Mitch’s Downtown Coral Gables

Mitch’s Downtown is expanding again in 2026 with two new locations, including its long-awaited first Miami-Dade outpost in Coral Gables and a return to Coral Springs. The father-and-son team behind the popular deli will introduce a refreshed store design and new menu items while bringing their New York–style bagels and classic deli staples to new neighborhoods. The Coral Springs location is set to open in spring 2026, followed by the Coral Gables debut later in the year. 3334 N. University Dr., Coral Springs; and 271 Alhambra Cir., Coral Gables; mitchsdowntown.com.

Viral bagel sensation PopUp Bagels is officially bringing its cult-favorite bagels and loaded schmears to Miami in 2026, following a breakout South Florida expansion. The Connecticut-born brand is set to open locations in Aventura and Brickell, turning its once-temporary pop-up concept into permanent neighborhood fixtures. Known for serving hot, whole bagels straight from the oven with wildly creative cream cheese spreads, PopUp Bagels is already shaping up to be one of Miami’s most buzzed-about food arrivals of the year. Coming soon to Aventura and Brickell in 2025; popupbagels.com.

barbecue in different forms accompanied by side dishes in bowls — Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ is making its debut in South Florida for the first time in 2026

Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ

James Beard Award–winning pitmaster Rodney Scott is bringing his acclaimed Whole Hog BBQ to Miami in 2026, marking the brand’s first South Florida outpost. The Little River restaurant will introduce Scott’s signature whole-hog barbecue, slow-smoked over wood with his trademark vinegar-pepper bite. With construction underway and an opening date still to be announced, anticipation is already high for one of the most significant barbecue debuts Miami has seen in years. 7100 N. Miami Ave., Miami; rodneyscottsbbq.com.

a restaurant with outdoor dining — World-renowned restaurant and café Sant Ambroeus will open its first Miami location at the Fifth Miami Beach in Miami Beach in late 2026.

Sant Ambroeus Miami Beach

Sant Ambroeus is set to make its long-awaited Miami debut in 2026, bringing the storied Milanese café and restaurant to Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. The world-renowned brand will occupy a 7,000-square-foot space at the Fifth Miami Beach, offering its signature blend of elegant all-day dining, classic Italian dishes, and a full pastry program. Known for refined service and timeless style, Sant Ambroeus’ arrival is poised to be one of the most anticipated openings on Miami Beach. 950 Fifth St., Miami Beach; thefifth-miamibeach.com.

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