This beloved French restaurant from New York just opened its first outpost in Miami
If you want to make a New Yorker weep — and who doesn’t, really? — take them to Pastis.
The famous Parisian-style brasserie, an icon in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District for almost 15 years, has opened its first restaurant outside New York in Miami, and its resemblance to its beloved predecessor inspires surprise, delight and an almost bittersweet longing in the hearts of former (and possibly current) New Yorkers.
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This does not mean, however, that you should discount Pastis if you’ve never been to the original. The restaurant, from Keith McNally and Stephen Starr, who revived the original Pastis is 2019 after it closed in 2014, have recreated the magic here in Wynwood.
Pastis Miami is designed by McNally and Ian McPheely of Paisley Design, and every touch — the long, curved bar, the white subway tiles, the painted mirrors, the deep crimson banquettes in the dining room — exudes approachable elegance.
You’ll enter the restaurant, which is across the street from the Wynwood Garage, through an outdoor garden with a bar, an only-in-Miami addition. A pergola covered in black locust tree vines partially covers the courtyard, a feature inspired by McNally’s home on Martha’s Vineyard. The outdoor section seats 114 diners, while the inside seats 179.
Inside is where the real magic happens. The menu is similar to the New York menu and includes some of the favorites that kept the hungry returning in Manhattan: French onion soup, escargot and the famous steak frites, which any long-time fan will tell you is a must.
New to the menu are dishes like snapper Provençal poached in tomato and fennel sauce; tuna carpaccio in leek vinaigrette; and chicken paillard with almonds and olives and Gruyere omelet with herbs. There’s also a raw bar for your oystering pleasure and as well as warm shrimp salad, sandwiches and pasta dishes.
At this time, Pastis Miami is only serving dinner, but weekday lunches and weekend brunch are on the horizon.
Stephen Starr of Starr Restaurants, which also represents South Florida spots Makoto and Le Zoo in Bal Harbour and Steak 954 and El Vez in Fort Lauderdale, said he had been considering Wynwood as a possible location for awhile.
“I’ve witnessed the vibrant and artistic neighborhood transform into a booming cultural hub with an incredible dining scene,” he said. “Pastis Miami will be a perfect addition to the community.”
The hospitality group plans to eventually open Pastis locations in Washington D.C. and Nashville.
Pastis Miami
Where: 380 NW 26th St., Miami
Hours: 5-11 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday; 5 p.m.-midnight Thursday-Saturday. Pastis also plans to serve weekday lunch and weekend brunch soon.
Reservations: Resy
For more information: www.pastismiami.com or 305-686-3050
