This Greek restaurant from Dubai is opening its first-ever U.S. location in Miami later this year

Dubai’s dining scene has long been a launchpad for globally minded restaurant brands and, now, one of its buzziest exports is setting its sights on South Florida. GAIA, the Greek-Mediterranean concept founded by Fundamental Hospitality and chef Izu Ani, is opening its first-ever U.S. location in Miami Beach next month, following in the footsteps of its Dubai, Monaco, London, Doha and Marbella locations.

The new outpost will land at 801 South Pointe Drive, bringing a mix of Cycladic design, seafood-forward menus and nightlife. For the brand, Miami is a deliberate entry into the American market. “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,” said Evgeny Kuzin, the chairman of Fundamental Hospitality, in an official statement. “This opening represents our confidence in the brand, our belief in the market and our commitment to building destinations that stand.”

Since its Dubai debut, GAIA has earned international attention for a refined yet relaxed take on Greek dining. There’s an emphasis on pristine seafood and communal starters, from barrel-aged feta wrapped in honey and filo to wood-oven prawns finished with harissa and rosemary and the restaurant’s "ice market"—an icy display of fresh fish that guests can hand-select—remains one of the best parts of the experience.

Chef Izu Ani’s approach blends classic Mediterranean flavors with techniques shaped by years of cooking across Europe. “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,” he said in an official statement. “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.”

Design-wise, GAIA Miami will lean into whitewashed textures, limestone finishes and lush greenery (think Santorini meets South Beach) with interiors that are both breezy and polished. And for night owls, the opening will also introduce NYX, the brand’s after-dark lounge concept known for velvet-toned interiors, curated cocktails and a steady stream of celeb sightings.

With Miami’s dining scene increasingly defined by splashy international arrivals, GAIA’s debut feels like a statement: the Greek-Mediterranean hotspot that built its reputation in Dubai is ready to test its charm stateside.