Miami, Florida – Maty’s, the celebrated Peruvian restaurant situated in Midtown Miami at 3255 NE First Ave., is slated to permanently cease operations following service on July 5, 2025. The closure marks a significant development in the city’s dynamic culinary landscape.
Opened just two years ago, Maty’s rapidly ascended to prominence within Miami’s competitive dining scene. Named as a tribute to Chef Valerie Chang’s grandmother, the restaurant garnered critical acclaim, leading to its inclusion in the prestigious Michelin Guide for Florida in 2024.
A Culinary Star’s Departure
A key factor contributing to the restaurant’s closure is the departure of its acclaimed chef, Valerie Chang. Chef Chang, who was honored with the highly coveted James Beard Award for Best Chef: South in 2024 for her exceptional work at Maty’s, has publicly announced her intention to leave the establishment.
The restaurant’s spokesperson confirmed the impending closure and stated that there are no imminent plans to reopen Maty’s under a different format or location after the July 5th date. This confirms the permanent nature of the announced shutdown.
Transitioning the Space
Since April, the space previously occupied by Maty’s has concurrently hosted a residency by Itamae Ao. This Peruvian-Japanese counter concept is helmed by Nando Chang, Chef Valerie Chang’s brother.
Nando Chang has also achieved notable success in the culinary world. He was recently named the recipient of the 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef: South, mirroring his sister’s earlier triumph in the same category. Furthermore, Itamae Ao has earned its own distinction, receiving a Michelin star, cementing its status as a top-tier dining destination.
Following Maty’s closure, Nando Chang intends to expand Itamae Ao’s operations at the 3255 NE First Ave. location. Plans include increasing the number of operating days and broadening the menu offerings, suggesting a potential evolution of the space into a dedicated home for Itamae Ao.
Impact on Miami’s Culinary Scene
The closure of a restaurant like Maty’s, which quickly achieved both Michelin recognition and a James Beard Award under Chef Valerie Chang’s leadership, represents a loss for Miami’s vibrant and diverse culinary community. Its unique approach to Peruvian cuisine, inspired by family heritage, resonated strongly with critics and diners alike.
However, the transition underscores the dynamic nature of the restaurant industry. While Maty’s chapter closes, the expansion of Itamae Ao under Nando Chang, himself a recent James Beard winner and Michelin star recipient, signals a continuation of high-level culinary excellence in the very same location. This transition highlights the individual successes of the Chang siblings and their ongoing influence on South Florida’s dining scene, albeit through evolving ventures.
