This Miami Mediterranean favorite is now open in a swanky South Beach location

One of Miami’s favorite Mediterranean restaurants has opened its new location in a prime Miami Beach spot.

Motek, the brand that began modestly in Miami’s Seybold Building in 2020, has taken over the former Prime Fish restaurant in the South of Fifth neighborhood, which closed in the spring of 2024. Motek has opened just in time for South Beach’s big Art Basel week.

Motek owner Charlie Levy, who lives in Miami Beach, said the location was “incredibly personal” to him. He was approached by Myles Chefetz, CEO of the Myles Restaurant Group that owns and operates Prime 112, Prime Italian, Big Pink and Prime Private, about the space, and knew it was a perfect fit.

“Miami Beach was always intended to be our second location, but permitting issues delayed our plans,” Levy said. “However, when Myles reached out about the historic Prime Fish space, we knew we couldn’t pass up this opportunity.”

Levy said that this version of Motek looks somewhat different from the other restaurants. There are Motek locations in Aventura, Coral Gables, Brickell and downtown Miami, as well as the fast-casual Yalla at the Aventura Mall food court.

“It will have a unique look and feel, setting the tone for future Motek locations,” he said. “Our goal is to activate this important area by providing a versatile dining option for our neighbors, whether they’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.”

The restaurant, which features 5,000 square feet of indoor dining space and 2,500 square feet outside, features five distinct dining areas that will seat up to 150 diners. Located South of Fifth, a neighborhood known for upscale restaurants like Prime 112, Carbone, Stubborn Seed and Joe’s Stone Crab, Motek aims to retain its signature yellow design but add a touch more sophistication to its look.

One of the restaurant’s special features is the Shabbat table in the second dining room, which can seat up to 20 diners.

The menu features the dishes that have made Motek popular around Miami-Dade: shakshuka, hot and cold mezzes, a mouthwatering chicken schnitzel, lamb kebabs and baby lamb chops.

You’ll also find the famous Arayes Burger, which won the Burger Bash at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival two years in a row. The burger features Lebanese-style meat that blends lamb, beef and herbs, grilled and served inside pita bread with crispy fries.

Motek South of Fifth

Where: 100 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach

Opening: Nov. 27

Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Reservations: Resy

More information: motekcafe.com

This story was originally published December 2, 2024 at 12:24 PM.