New York City’s AMAVI makes its Midtown debut
- Jake Nicholas
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
AMAVI has officially landed in Midtown Miami, bringing coastal Mediterranean flavor and serious nighttime energy to one of the city’s fastest-evolving neighborhoods. The New York-born concept opened over the weekend in the former MAU space, and it’s already turning heads with its bold dishes, moody interiors, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. From the Aegean Coast to North Africa, the menu pulls from across the region—but the vibe is distinctly Miami.
The design sets the tone the moment you walk in. Tall archways, textured Venetian plaster, and reclaimed brass fixtures give the space a warm, layered feel, while a sculptural gold mesh net floats above the central walkway, hinting at what’s to come after dark. Lush greenery wraps the patio in a sense of privacy, with lighting that shifts from soft and ambient to sharp and theatrical as the evening progresses. By late night, the restaurant’s layout subtly transforms—lights dim, music rises, and the elevated walkway glows beneath DJs spinning at the back of the room.
At the center of it all is Executive Chef Tolga Mutlu, who leads the Miami kitchen with a style that’s both grounded in tradition and responsive to the city’s rhythm. Dishes are rich in coastal influence, from the sumac-dusted lamb chops glazed in pomegranate molasses to whole branzino grilled with fresh herbs and presented tableside. Pasta is made in-house daily, including a standout lobster version that’s already drawing repeat orders. Small plates feature mezze spreads, wood-fired vegetables, and seasonal salads that highlight fresh produce without overcomplicating it.
Much of the menu is designed for sharing, though there’s enough structure to support a full coursed-out dinner. Local seafood, warm pita, and bright citrus flavors thread through the offerings, giving the table a sense of movement and balance. Even the vegetarian options hold their own—smoky eggplant, whipped feta, and vibrant greens carry the same sense of detail as the mains.
The bar stretches 33 feet along the main room, built from slabs of deep brown natural stone. Its presence anchors the space without drawing too much attention, while the drinks offer a subtle nod to AMAVI’s roots. There’s date and vanilla-infused coffee liqueur in the Espress Yourself, mezcal and pineapple in the Dolce Vento, and elderflower with hibiscus tincture in the Jardin Margarita. Each is layered but approachable—cocktails that evolve with the evening rather than interrupt it.
AMAVI moves with a pace that feels intentional. Weeknights begin with a low-key happy hour that draws in professionals from the surrounding offices and residences. Dinner service starts early and builds slowly, with the kitchen pacing itself as guests ease into the night. By the time the lights shift and the walkway starts to glow, the room feels like something between a dinner party and a lounge. It’s a rhythm that’s hard to fake—and one that fits right into the current moment in Miami dining.
Located at 3252 NE 1st Ave, Suite 109, AMAVI is now open Wednesday through Sunday. Hours run from 5 p.m. to midnight on Wednesdays and Sundays, and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Reservations are available at Resy.com, and the Midtown location is already becoming a nightly destination.
