The food and beverage industry is about to witness a seismic shift in Miami's dining landscape as Amazónico, the internationally acclaimed Latin American-inspired restaurant concept, prepares to make its highly anticipated U.S. debut on September 26th, 2025. Located in the heart of Brickell at 800 Brickell Avenue, this three-story culinary destination promises to redefine hospitality industry standards with its immersive rainforest-themed experience.
A Global Success Story Lands in Miami
Created by husband-and-wife duo Sandro Silva and Marta Seco in Madrid in 2016, Amazónico has rapidly established itself as a premier destination across Europe and the Middle East, with successful locations in London, Dubai, and Monte-Carlo. The brand's expansion to Miami represents a strategic milestone for food and beverage companies looking to capture the vibrant Latin American dining culture that defines South Florida.
"Miami was the natural next step," say co-founders Silva and Seco. "We've always felt like Amazónico was made for this city. The cultural energy, the people, the rhythm of life, all align perfectly with what we've built."
This sentiment reflects a broader food and beverage trend where international concepts are increasingly recognizing Miami as the gateway to the American market, particularly for Latin-inspired dining experiences.
Three Floors, Three Distinct Experiences
The Miami location spans three floors, each offering a unique atmosphere designed to create a multi-sensory journey for guests. This innovative approach to restaurant marketing demonstrates how modern food and beverage management strategies focus on creating memorable experiences rather than just serving meals.
Ground Floor: Restaurant and Live Entertainment
The main dining area features both indoor and open-air spaces, anchored by a stage that will feature live bands every night. With 175 seats, the ground floor includes an open kitchen concept that immerses guests in the culinary experience, allowing them to witness the artistry behind each dish. This transparency aligns with current food service industry trends where diners increasingly value seeing their food prepared.
Second Floor: Bar, Lounge, and Sushi Counter
The second level houses 153 seats across the bar and lounge areas, featuring resident DJs and percussionists who create an elevated atmosphere. The sophisticated cocktail program includes signature drinks such as:
- Sangria Blanca – A refreshing take on the Spanish classic
- Amazonegroni – An herbaceous twist on the traditional Negroni
- Palomito – A spicy cocktail crafted with exotic ingredients
- Peacock Spritz – Served in Amazónico's signature whimsical peacock glass
The sushi counter offers intimate dining experiences with unique Crudos, Nigiris, and Makis, while a private dining room accommodates up to 14 guests for exclusive gatherings.
Third Floor: Rooftop Paradise
The rooftop, opening in October 2025, will showcase Miami's glittering skyline while offering the complete cocktail menu in a more intimate setting. Later this year, a separate nightlife destination called Selva will debut on this floor, designed as a luxurious late-night hideaway inspired by the Monte Carlo location.
Culinary Excellence Meets Latin American Heritage
The culinary program, curated by Sandro Silva and rooted in Brazilian traditions, represents a sophisticated approach to menu innovation. The concept draws on ancestral ingredients reinterpreted in refined, shareable formats, catering to the modern dining preference for communal experiences.
Signature Dishes
The Miami menu features both established favorites and dishes created specifically for the Florida market:
Established Favorites:
- Ensalada Amazónica – Mango, avocado, confíit tomato, and kalamansi with citrus
- Arroz Chaufa – Red, black, and white whole grain rice with duck breast and fried egg
- Lubina Al Espeto – Line-caught sea bass cooked over open fire
- Picanha Rodizio – Traditional Brazilian grilled meat service
Miami-Specific Creations:
- Corvina – Yellowfin bass with artichokes in spicy warm broth
- Centollo con Caviar – Alaska king crab with summer leaves and nikkei dressing
- Guacho de Langostinos – Black tiger prawns with semolina and coconut bisque
This approach to local food sourcing and menu adaptation demonstrates how successful food and beverage companies tailor their offerings to regional preferences while maintaining their core identity.
Design Innovation Meets Cultural Heritage
The interior design, led by renowned Spanish designer Lázaro Rosa Violán, represents a masterclass in creating immersive dining environments. The space channels its lush, mysterious spirit through deep greens, volcanic stone, dark tropical woods, and woven textures – elements that have become synonymous with the Amazónico brand across all locations.
Rosa Violán's design philosophy draws architectural references from Latin American modernism, including the work of Oscar Niemeyer and Lina Bo Bardi. The floating forms, curved lines, and open-air layouts create seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces, making large areas feel intimate and conducive to conversation.
This attention to design detail reflects broader hospitality industry trends where ambiance plays an equally important role as cuisine in determining a restaurant's success.
Curated Wine Program Celebrates Global Terroir
Group Sommelier Vincent Pastorello has curated a wine program that serves as a journey through heritage and exploration. The selection honors Amazónico's Spanish roots while celebrating South American viticultural diversity, featuring standout bottles from Argentina, Chile, and beyond.
The program also embraces Miami's global perspective, incorporating iconic French appellations and notable New World selections from the United States. This comprehensive approach reflects sophisticated beverage industry trends where wine programs serve as cultural bridges, connecting diners to different regions and traditions.
Strategic Market Entry and Industry Impact
Amazónico's Miami debut represents more than just another restaurant opening – it signals a significant shift in how international food and beverage brands approach the American market. The timing, location, and scale of this venture demonstrate confidence in Miami's position as a culinary destination capable of supporting high-end international concepts.
For hospitality managers and foodservice executives, Amazónico's approach offers valuable insights into successful international expansion strategies. The brand's ability to maintain its core identity while adapting to local preferences showcases effective food and beverage management principles.
Operational Excellence and Accessibility
Operating Hours:
- Restaurant: Sunday-Wednesday 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM, Thursday-Saturday 6:00 PM – 12:30 AM
- Bar & Lounge: Sunday-Wednesday 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Thursday-Saturday 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Seating Capacity:
- Restaurant: 175 seats
- Terrace: 153 seats
- Bar & Lounge: 61 seats
Reservations will go live on September 18th via amazonicorestaurant.com/miami, giving procurement directors and institutional buyers advance notice for planning corporate events and special occasions.
The venue's substantial capacity and varied offerings make it an attractive option for large-scale hospitality needs, from corporate dining to special events, positioning it as a significant player in Miami's food and beverage services landscape.
Looking Forward: The Future of Experiential Dining
Amazónico Miami's opening represents the evolution of the restaurant industry toward experiential dining destinations that offer complete entertainment packages rather than just meals. This trend, accelerated by post-pandemic consumer preferences, emphasizes the importance of creating memorable experiences that justify premium pricing.
For industry professionals, Amazónico's model demonstrates how successful food and beverage sustainability practices can be integrated with luxury dining experiences, particularly through their focus on ancestral ingredients and traditional cooking methods adapted for modern palates.
As Miami continues to solidify its position as America's gateway to Latin American culture, Amazónico's arrival marks the beginning of what could be a new era of sophisticated international dining concepts choosing the city for their American debuts. The success of this venture will likely influence other food and beverage companies considering similar expansion strategies.
The September 26th opening date cannot come soon enough for Miami's dining scene, and industry professionals will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this global concept adapts to American market dynamics while maintaining the authenticity that has made it successful across four continents.
Photo Credits: James McDonald
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1) linked to https://www.amazon.com/Beverage-Magazines-Guide-Restaurant-Success/dp/1119668964, Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
