Miami Beach, FL – October 30, 2025 – Award-winning chef Abram Bissell, renowned for his acclaimed work at New York City’s Eleven Madison Park and The Modern, is set to make a significant culinary statement in South Florida with the upcoming opening of his new restaurant, the Abram Bissell Restaurant, named Pauline.
Located at the elegantly renovated Shelborne by Proper hotel on Collins Avenue, Pauline, the Abram Bissell Restaurant, is poised to become a prominent addition to Miami Beach’s vibrant and trending restaurant scene. Scheduled to open its doors on November 12, the establishment will feature a refined seafood-forward menu infused with Caribbean and Latin American flavors, marking a homecoming for the Florida Keys-native chef, Abram Bissell.
The Culinary Vision of the Abram Bissell Restaurant
Chef Bissell describes Pauline as a “love letter to Caribbean-Latino food,” a concept deeply rooted in his upbringing and extensive culinary experience at the acclaimed Abram Bissell Restaurant. The menu aims to capture the essence of the region’s diverse ingredients and vibrant culinary traditions, elevated by the precise techniques he mastered during his time in some of the world’s most celebrated kitchens. This is one of the most anticipated new Miami restaurants.
Guests can anticipate a journey through coastal flavors, beginning with an expertly curated raw bar showcasing treasures like Jonah crab claws, conch ceviche, and Key West pink shrimp, a nod to Florida Keys cuisine. The culinary exploration continues with a selection of refined small plates, including rock shrimp fideos, caviar tostadas, and delicate zucchini blossom dumplings. For main courses, Pauline will present dishes such as lobster and mussel sancocho, turbot encendido, and “Beef Loin Con Pan,” each designed to highlight the harmonious blend of Caribbean and Latin American influences. Side dishes like yuca cremosa with rosemary tostones and sazón spinach will further complement the rich flavor profiles. Bissell’s personal history in the Florida Keys, where he learned to make conch fritters as a child, deeply informs the menu of the Abram Bissell Restaurant, often with modern interpretations of these beloved dishes.
An Oasis of Coastal Elegance at the Abram Bissell Restaurant
Pauline is strategically situated within the historic Shelborne by Proper, a Miami Beach landmark that has been meticulously revitalized by Proper Hospitality. The design of the restaurant, conceptualized by ADC Tuneu Studio, aims to evoke the spirit of adventure and romance, drawing inspiration from Pauline and Charles H. Baker Jr., the couple for whom the Abram Bissell Restaurant is named. The interior design features flowing stone elements, ocean-inspired color palettes, and distinctive porthole windows that offer glimpses into the dining experience, creating an ambiance that is both sophisticated and evocative of the sea.
The 178-seat restaurant will provide a dual dining experience, with an elegant indoor space and an inviting terrace offering views of the Shelborne’s iconic pool. This setting aims to capture the timeless glamour of Miami Beach, balancing refinement with a relaxed atmosphere. Complementing Pauline is Little Torch, an intimate cocktail lounge named after a picturesque island in the Florida Keys. Little Torch is designed to be a sophisticated retreat, featuring mid-century modern aesthetics fused with tropical accents, complete with a mosaic-tiled bar and plush seating. Its cocktail menu is expected to lean into tropical inspirations, offering unique creations that promise to be a highlight of the South Beach nightlife scene. Both Pauline and Little Torch are designed to operate as distinct yet cohesive entities within the Shelborne, each possessing its own unique entrance and identity, enhancing the overall allure of the Abram Bissell Restaurant.
The Abram Bissell Chef Returns to South Florida
Chef Abram Bissell brings a distinguished pedigree to his Miami Beach venture. A native of the Florida Keys, his culinary journey began in the region’s simple fish shacks before he pursued formal training and experience at renowned establishments nationwide. His career includes significant roles at New York City’s The Modern (earning two Michelin stars) and as Executive Sous Chef at the acclaimed three-Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park. His prior leadership at The NoMad also garnered critical praise. Recognized as a StarChefs.com Rising Star Hotel Chef in 2013, Bissell’s return to South Florida is a deeply personal endeavor, allowing him to reconnect with his roots and introduce his celebrated culinary philosophy to a new audience at the Abram Bissell Restaurant.
Enhancing Miami’s Esteemed Dining Landscape
The arrival of Pauline is generating significant anticipation, positioning it as a key event in Miami’s competitive and ever-evolving dining landscape. The restaurant’s focus on a unique culinary fusion, combined with Bissell’s acclaimed background as the Abram Bissell chef, is expected to draw both local patrons and visitors seeking novel dining experiences at this premier Seafood restaurant Miami. In partnership with beverage director Christopher Lowder, Pauline and Little Torch aim to offer a comprehensive and polished guest experience.
Both venues are also available for private events, providing flexible options for corporate functions, intimate celebrations, and exclusive gatherings. This expansion contributes to Miami’s reputation as a global culinary hub, attracting top talent and diverse gastronomic offerings. The integration of Chef Bissell’s celebrated talent with the historic charm of the Shelborne by Proper, promises to deliver a distinctive and memorable addition to Miami’s restaurant news, particularly for those interested in the Abram Bissell Restaurant.
Pauline is slated to commence dinner service on November 12, with plans to introduce lunch and brunch menus in the near future. This opening marks a significant moment for Miami Beach, signaling a continued trend of high-caliber culinary openings in the area, with the Abram Bissell Restaurant leading the charge.
