Miami can try high end Moroccan cuisine at this gorgeous new restaurant in Wynwood
Sometimes it feels as though every new restaurant that opens in Miami serves Mediterranean cuisine.
Which is one of the reasons that Zuri, the lush new spot in Wynwood, highlights a specific sort of Mediterranean cuisine: Moroccan.
The restaurant, which opened in December, is one of the first (if not the first) to introduce the flavors of Morocco to Miami. Founded by partners David Sarkissov, Joaquin Coll, Florian Mattone and Kevin Coll, Zuri serves family-style dishes created by executive chef Marlon Rambaron from Trinidad and Tobago and Moroccan chef Keltoum Aitkadi.
The food relies on spices, aromatic herbs and various cultural influences. On the menu you’ll find such items as zaalouk (Moroccan eggplant salad); mackerel escabeche with tomato; grilled branzino and red chermoula; and chicken and almond pastilla. There’s also chicken and preserved lemon tagine (a North African stew) as well as lamb and prune tangine.
Desserts include stuffed dates, plum cake and tart tatin.
Specialty cocktails are on the menu, too, including the Pink Oasis, a tribute to the traditional Moroccan Atay made with vodka, pomegranate, mint and foam. The Kahua Martina is the Moroccan version of an espresso martini, with vodka, espresso, honey, almond, argan and saline. There’s also a Moroccan tea program.
Sarkissov said the group is thrilled to introduce “authentic Moroccan hospitality” to the neighborhood.
“Growing up, my family and I used to gather in a Moroccan restaurant, and I remember this unique feeling of belonging,” he said. “I am very excited to bring a new home-away-from-home to the Miami community.”
The 3,000-square-foot restaurant seats 150 diners with indoor and outdoor seating. The design of the interior dining room blends North African, Mediterranean and Arabic style, with reclaimed wood, linens and tile, with plenty of Moroccan-style pillows.
There’s also a stylish bar made of marble flute and a semi-private dining room that seats 20.
The outdoor terrace resembles a garden, with vegetation and ceiling fans and paper lanterns for ambiance.
Zuri
Where: 73 NW 26th St., Miami
Hours: 6-11 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; bar open until 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday
More information: www.zuri-miami.com
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