I visited the original GAIA restaurant in Dubai several years ago and remember a delicious meal, so I was excited when I heard the celebrated Greek Mediterranean concept was coming to Miami. Fast forward to April 2026, GAIA opened its first American outpost at 801 South Pointe Drive in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighbourhood.
The brand has built an international following with locations in Dubai, London, Marbella, Monaco and Doha. GAIA clearly follows affluent markets, making Miami a natural U.S. debut. It is slightly surprising that it opened so close to Estiatorio Milos, one of its main competitors, but Miami’s high-spending diners seem more than willing to support both.
GAIA Miami is far more visually striking than the Dubai original I visited. Reportedly costing millions to build, the 9,000-square-foot space is undeniably glamorous. The Mediterranean-inspired design features whitewashed walls, natural stone, carved marble, warm wood, dark oak, sea foam green leather banquettes with green and white fabric trim, lush greenery, some areas have mosaic floors and black-and-white photographs of Greece. Oil paintings from Opera Gallery add another layer of polish.
The bar sits beneath cascading faux bougainvillea, while sculptural lighting resembling grape clusters hangs overhead. Even the ceiling has been fitted with sound-absorbing panels, a thoughtful touch in such a large space. There is also a small private lounge near the entrance, an outdoor terrace, and several private and semi-private dining areas.
At the centre of the restaurant is GAIA’s signature Ice Market, displaying a pristine daily selection of fish and seafood alongside fresh vegetables and preserved goods. Guests can choose their fish and how it is prepared. The open kitchen adds theatre, with chefs preparing raw dishes and cooking over an open flame.
The main dining room seats about 130 guests, and with the terrace and private areas, capacity reaches around 220. Despite its size, the space feels refined and intimate. This is very much a white-tablecloth restaurant, and the prices reflect it.
GAIA may be one of Miami’s most expensive restaurants. Prices are extremely high, especially for market-price seafood. If you see “MP” on the menu, proceed with caution. While the costs reflect imported seafood, a large team, and lavish design, some prices are still hard to justify.
The menu honours Greek tradition while presenting it in a modern way, guided by Chef Izu Ani’s philosophy of simplicity, seasonality and premium ingredients. Chef Izu has an impressive background, having worked at Arzak and Mugaritz in San Sebastián.
Seafood dominates the menu, with raw preparations among the highlights. The sea bream carpaccio is very expensive but large enough to share between two or three people. Both presentation and flavour were excellent. Other raw options include tuna tartare, yellowtail and sea bass carpaccio.
The meal begins with a complimentary plate of marinated eggplant, tomatoes, olives and cheese, served with high-quality bread. Guests can then choose from traditional Greek spreads, watermelon and feta salad, or a classic Greek salad.
We tried the moussaka, a nontraditional version that was still very good. The squid, however, was slightly chewy and disappointing given its price. At over $60, it should be perfectly executed. The lamb cutlets were a highlight—substantial, well-seasoned lamb chops that were tender, flavourful and perfectly cooked.
Other menu items include lobster pasta, whole fish and a chicken dish. As with many modern restaurants, everything is designed for sharing.
We finished with GAIA’s signature soft-serve Greek yogurt, topped with honey and candied walnuts. At $40, it is expensive, but it easily serves four to six people and makes for a light, satisfying end to the meal.
The restaurant also offers an in-house sommelier to guide guests through the wine list. We opted for the Santorini Spritz, an artisanal cocktail with vodka, lychee, hibiscus, rose, citrus and sparkling wine. It was beautifully presented and very enjoyable.
GAIA is a sophisticated and elegant addition to Miami’s dining scene, offering refined Greek Mediterranean cuisine rooted in seasonality, simplicity and quality ingredients. The service is excellent, the setting is stunning, and several dishes stand out. Just be prepared for a very expensive experience.
Recommended.
Happy dining,
Shanea
8/7/2026
