Food

Brightline station food hall in Miami reopens with popular local favorites

Diners line up for pizza at Stanzione, one of 12 new vendors at Central Fare in Miami.
Diners line up for pizza at Stanzione, one of 12 new vendors at Central Fare in Miami. World Red Eye

Brightline’s Central Fare food hall in downtown Miami has reopened with brand-new vendors, more than a few of them very familiar to Miami diners.

The Central Fare Food Collective features 12 concepts, all but one of which are Miami born-and-bred, including Stanzione Pizza; a sushi concept from the creator of Mr. Omakase; a couple of Michelin-recognized spots; and the insanely popular pop-up The Wolf of Tacos, the first permanent spot for them.

The vendors were curated by Felix Bendersky of F+B Hospitality Brokerage, in collaboration with Brightline.

Working with Brightline, Bendersky said, made this one of the best projects he has ever worked on.

Guchi’s, from the creator of Mr. Omakase, Miss Crispy Rice and Poke OG, serves Japanese handrolls at Central Fare at the downtown Miami Brightline station.
Guchi’s, from the creator of Mr. Omakase, Miss Crispy Rice and Poke OG, serves Japanese handrolls at Central Fare at the downtown Miami Brightline station. World Red Eye

“They were so cool when I pitched them the 305 idea,” Bendersky said. “I believed the vendors had to be local and upstarts. I knew if we could make it affordable for them and allow them to make money and keep costs lower to customers, it would work.”

Vendors will also have the ability to offer delivery options, Bendersky said, a good plan considering the population density of that part of Miami.

“For this to work, it had to be local people foodies want,” he said. “We’ve got the Beaker & Gray guys running the bar! It really does feel like a community.”

Stephanie Cheung of Stephanie’s Crepes, a new vendor at Central Fare at the downtown Miami Brightline station.
Stephanie Cheung of Stephanie’s Crepes, a new vendor at Central Fare at the downtown Miami Brightline station. World Red Eye

Central Fare vendors

Cotoita: This concept by Ecuadorian chef Alejandra Espinoza, whose restaurant Cotoa was named to the 2025 Michelin Guide earlier this year, will offer empanadas de queso, bowls and patacones with sweet paletas for desserts.

El Turco Express: From the creators of the Michelin Bib Gourmand El Turco in Upper Buena Vista, this spot will serve kebabs, hummus, baklava and other Turkish specialties.

Guchi’s Handroll Bar: Andrew Mayer, the founder of Poke OG, Mr. Omakase and Miss Crispy Rice, is offering sushi handrolls, including the Surf & Turf made wit hA5 Wagyu Beef and crab. There are also poke bowl options.

Icy-N-Spicy: Owner Xiaoli Liu offers artisan desserts like chocolate-covered strawberries and Dubai chocolate bars made with phyllo, pistachio and chocolate.

Josh’s Corner Diner: If you’ve never visited the Michelin-recommended Josh’s Deli in Surfside, here’s your chance to see what the fuss is. This diner offers classic breakfast fare like pancakes, French toast, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and more. At lunch, try tuna melts, po’boys, burgers and other diner fare.

Josh Marcus of Josh’s Deli shows off his menu at Josh’s Corner Diner at Central Fare.
Josh Marcus of Josh’s Deli shows off his menu at Josh’s Corner Diner at Central Fare. World Red Eye

Peel!: Peel! from Valeria Alvarez offers natural, vegan desserts that start as bananas and coconut milk and turn into creamy soft serve.

Peppi’s Steaks & Hoagies: The creator of Peppi’s Pizza brings the best of Philly to Miami with hoagies and cheesesteaks (either the Philly classic or something a little different, like a buffalo chicken cheesesteak).

Rosetta Bakery: Expect Italian-style baked goods

Stanzione Pizza: Franco Stanzione started making his Neoapolitan pizzas in Miami in 2013 and will serve them here, along with pasta dishes like spaghetti pomodoro.

Stephanie’s Crepes: This spot offers sweet creeps (with fresh fruit, custard or yogurt) or savory crepes (with greens, proteins and sauces).

Switchpoint Station Bar: The Unfiltered Hospitality team mans Central Fare’s bar, offering cocktails and mocktails as well as tea and coffee drinks

The Wolf of Tacos: Chef Eduardo Lara started his beloved brand in 2020, selling tacos out of his home and eventually popping up around Miami. This is his first brick-and-mortar kitchen, offering the street tacos that made him Miami famous.

Pablo Reyes and Eduardo Lara of The Wolf of Tacos at Central Fare.
Pablo Reyes and Eduardo Lara of The Wolf of Tacos at Central Fare. World Red Eye

Central Fare

Where: 600 NW First Ave., Miami

Hours: 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily; hours of actual vendors may vary day to day

More information: miamicentral.com

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Connie Ogle
Miami Herald
Connie Ogle loves wine, books and the Miami Heat. Please don’t make her eat a mango.
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