Do you know what ‘Japandi’ means? This new Miami restaurant wants to teach you
“Japandi” is a design concept, a blend of pleasing aesthetics that combine the Japanese philosophy of “wabi sabi,” which highlights simplicity, and the Scandinavian concept of “hygge,” which exemplifies cozy contentment.
Now, take those ideas and imagine a restaurant grounded in the practice of each.
That’s Petite Comité, the newest restaurant on the Biscayne Boulevard corridor of Miami, which aims to bring those sensibilities to dining. It’s the creation of Cesar Olivo and Adriana Perez Benatar and partner Samuel Perez Benatar of 11 Ktchn Group, the owners of the popular (and vowel averse) Reunion Ktchn Bar in Aventura.
Owner Adriana Benatar said in a statement that the goal is to apply the Japandi concept to the entire experience of dining, from service to flavors.
“Japandi is a term used for design, but so much of that can be applied to cuisine,” she said. “We hope to provide an immersive experience in a space that feels casual, inviting and familiar.”
The new space has indoor and outdoor areas covering about 1,500 square feet and seats about 80 people. It will serve lunch and dinner and brunch on the weekends and host a weekday happy hour with $2 oysters and half price bubbly and sake drinks.
The menu is eclectic, highlighting Scandinavian, French and Asian cuisine. Lunch options include octopus tirodito ($24), wagyu sliders ($18) and a Nordic venison carpaccio ($26). Sushi rolls run $16-$27 and a trio of crispy rice bites with lobster, hamachi and akami are $19.
Other entrees include pork stroganoff served in boule bread ($32) and Nikkei tenderloin with tomatoes, onions and truffle fries ($48).
Seafood items include lobster Garganelli with Mascarpone and Parmesan truffle, mussels in a creamy sake sauce ($26) and Icelandic Arctic char ($35).
And if you want to show off, order the caviar service for $225.
Petite Comité
Where: 2929 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Hours: Noon-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday
More information: www.petitecomite.com or 305-909-8544