This high-energy Latin restaurant from Mexico opens first U.S. location in Miami

While you were preparing for and raging through the holidays, a new restaurant from Mexico opened its first U.S. location in Miami.

RosaNegra, the concept from top Mexican hospitality group Grupo RosaNegra, joins the brand’s locations in Tulum, Cancun, Los Cabos and Polanco. And if you’re assuming those locations draw the wealthy and famous, you’d be right: the Mexican spots are favorites of David Beckham, actress Eva Longoria, Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez and Colombian singer Karol G.

Opening the first U.S. restaurant in Miami was a “natural choice,” according to CEO Eduardo Beaven, who founded Grupo RosaNegra in 2017 (the group is also the force behind Taboo Restaurants & Beach Clubs, among other entities).

“The city’s rich culture and culinary diversity perfectly align with our vision to deliver bold Latin flavors,” he said in a statement. “We are thrilled to be able to bring the essence of RosaNegra to such a dynamic and globally connected community.”

Located at the Dua Miami hotel in Brickell (formerly the SLS Brickell), the restaurant describes itself as “high energy” — think loud and busy — and sprawls across 13,600 square feet, 4,600 of which are made up of an outdoor patio with woven chandeliers that scream “Tulum!”

Just past the main dining area, you’ll find an intimate speakeasy serving craft cocktails like the Amazonica (Brazilian cachaca, coconut liqueur, lemon juice and avocado or La Lola (aged rum, passion fruit, lemon juice and strawberry foam) or Luna Clandestina (with Bacanora, an agave-based spirit from Sonora, orange liqueur, roasted pineapple, turmeric, green tomato and basil).

Like its Mexican counterparts, RosaNegra in Miami transitions from an upscale dining experience to a more late-night party vibe over the course of the evening, with live music and a resident DJ adding to the mix.

As for the kitchen, it’s led by executive chef Emiliano Galindo and serves what the brand calls elevated Latin American cuisine. The menu isn’t merely serving Mexican fare, so don’t look for tacos. Instead, it’s borrowing influences from Peru, Argentina, Colombia and Brazil.

Starters include dishes like burrata and mole, tuna tostadas or raw bar items, including salmon tiradito, shrimp carpaccio and green ceviche with aguachile.

Main dishes include the super colossal octopus, orzo with ribs and Josper sea bass with pico de gallo and avocado. There are also many selections of meats, from the “Lucifer” Tomahawk to wagyu to a variety of Argentine cuts. There’s even a premium beef section on the menu offering New York strip and rib eye.

RosaNegra

Where: Dua Miami, 1346 S. Miami Ave.

Hours: 5 p.m.-close daily

Reservations: OpenTable; reservations required

More information: rosanegrarestaurant.us or 786-668-2114

This story was originally published January 7, 2025 at 4:30 AM.