A tribute to Mexico: La Santa Taqueria chef opens upscale restaurant in Wynwood

When Mexican chef Omar Montero opened La Santa Taqueria in 2017 — first as a food truck, then as a standalone restaurant in Miami’s Little River neighborhood — he focused on simplicity and street tacos.

Now, Montero has opened a more sophisticated sister to La Santa in Wynwood, with an eye toward simplicity once again, this time in a more upscale framework.

Casa Ya’ax is now open on 24th Street, just east of Oasis Wynwood. Montero, who completed his culinary training at Anahuac University in Mexico City, worked at the Setai Hotel Miami Beach and helped launch Veinte Deli & Cafe in downtown Miami.

He says the idea for Casa Ya’ax has been in his head for years.

“If La Santa is my tribute to street food, then this will be a place where we can celebrate the rich, authentic flavors and dishes from across Mexico, highlighting our gorgeous coastal cuisine,” he said.

The design couldn’t be further from La Santa’s jaunty pink exterior, with an earthier feel highlighted by carved wood tables and woven rattan lampshades. There’s a covered outdoor patio as well, which becomes a lounge with a DJ and special lighting (and, when it’s hot, a misting system).

The menu includes specialties like beef short ribs with three chiles; white corn and red quinoa with pork belly and rock shrimp; aguachile arrachera in black sauce. There are raw bar items and grilled items, including Takamori A5 wagyu, OMI wagyu and USDA prime cuts.

This is Wynwood, and this is upscale, so there’s a cocktail program with signature drinks like the Sel Va Tik with gin, Bergamotto, Acqua Di Cedro, cucumbers, bitters and tonic; and the Espresso Oaxaca, the restaurant’s version of the espresso martini. The wine list includes many Mexican wines.

Casa Ya’ax

Where: 51 NE 24th St., Suite 101, Miami

More information: casayaax.com or 305-456-9258

This story was originally published December 15, 2023 at 4:30 AM.