This Wynwood Mexican hotspot got a stylish revamp after six years
Mayami Wynwood, the 10,000-square-foot restaurant and nightclub that’s open until 3 a.m. in Wynwood, had been open for six years when its owner, Philippe Kalifa, decided it was time to refresh the space.
The French native, who made Miami his home ten years ago, initially drew inspiration for Mayami’s décor from trendy Mexican beach resort town Tulum. But knowing a reinvention was needed, his restaurant now transports diners to another beloved place in Mexico — Oaxaca.
The southwestern state of Mexico, known for its colonial architecture and culinary delights like the many varieties of mole, is one of those paradises that always beckon the adventurous. . After the renovation, the restaurant connects more with its outdoor areas, features a pastel and beige color palette and solid wood tables with artisanal touches that follow the latest décor trends—moving away from minimalism and coldness.
It’s no secret that there are many Mexican restaurants in Miami, so when the time came to create a menu, Kalifa chose a fusion with Japanese and Mediterranean touches without losing the Mexican fundamentals.
The appetizer menu includes, among other dishes, the Ice Hot Ceviche, made with corvina, leche de tigre, red onion, jalapeño, ají amarillo, mango, and cilantro — an explosion of flavors to give you the energy you need to dance until 3 a.m.
The sushi selection also has Latin flavors: tuna rolls with avocado and sesame seeds; salmon with ají amarillo aioli; and tempura shrimp rolls topped with a mayonnaise-based sauce.
For meat lovers, the Mayami sliders are made with bacon and gruyere on brioche buns. There are also sliders filled with pulled pork, mojo, mustard, gruyere, and a secret mayo.
The cocktails take a trip through Mexico: the Paloma is made with Jimador, grapefruit juice and soda. There are classic margaritas and spicy margaritas, which include jalapeño and a worm-salt ring on the glass rim. Perhaps the most charming drink is the mezcal mule, served in a small white metal mug like the ones grandmothers use for coffee.
Kalifa, owner of Golden Era Hospitality, is one of the founders of El Patio, a pioneering venue for Latin rhythms and nightlife in Wynwood. His hospitality philosophy centers on consistency, authenticity, and a commitment to excellence, he said. He aims to maintain both the entertainment offerings and the quality of the food.
“Service and food are the absolute priority,” says Kalifa, who updates the menu every three months.
As a restaurateur, he has witnessed the neighborhood’s transformation—from an arts enclave to one filled with high-rise buildings housing more affluent professionals. Prices at restaurants, cafés and bars reflect that shift. Wynwood hasn’t been cheap for a long time. Interestingly, dancers don’t always need alcohol to have fun anymore, Kalifa says, noting this as one of the changes in the hospitality industry. That’s why the variety of mocktails—nonalcoholic drinks—has grown, although that doesn’t mean they are cheaper than cocktails.
Happy hour at Mayami runs Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m.; Thursdays are Ladies Night, with a complimentary bottle for four women, free cocktails to share, and a sushi plate until midnight. Then there’s a show with dancers who literally play with fire from 9:30 to 11 p.m., and on weekends there's an after party with a DJ.
“Our clientele is Latino; they dance merengue, salsa, and reggaetón,” says Kalifa. “We’ve grown with them.”
Mayami Wynwood
Address: 127 NW 23 St, Miami
Hours: Monday to Friday, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 3 a.m.
