Miami, FL – November 20, 2025 – Coconut Grove welcomes a significant new culinary destination with the grand opening of **Ava MediterrAegean Miami**, an upscale restaurant promising an immersive experience rooted in the vibrant flavors and soulful hospitality of the Mediterranean. The highly anticipated opening marks the latest venture from the acclaimed Riviera Dining Group (RDG), the hospitality collective behind some of Miami’s most sought-after dining establishments, including MILA, Casa Neos, and Claudie, further cementing its reputation for bringing exceptional dining to the forefront. This opening positions **Ava MediterrAegean Miami** as a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic Mediterranean flavors.
**Ava MediterrAegean Miami** officially opened its doors to the public today, November 20, 2025, following a soft opening for invited guests on November 13. Nestled in the heart of Coconut Grove, a neighborhood known for its lush landscapes and evolving gastronomic identity, the restaurant aims to transport diners to the sun-drenched shores of the Aegean Sea, offering a true taste of a Mediterranean restaurant Miami diners will love.
Riviera Dining Group Brings Ava MediterrAegean Miami to Coconut Grove
Riviera Dining Group, founded by Gregory and Marine Galy, has rapidly established itself as a powerhouse in South Florida’s high-energy dining scene since its debut with MILA Miami in 2020. The group’s portfolio also includes the successful Casa Neos, which opened on the Miami River in 2024, and Claudie, a French Riviera-inspired restaurant that launched in the Brickell neighborhood earlier this year. The introduction of **Ava MediterrAegean Miami** to Coconut Grove signifies a strategic expansion, building on the success of the group’s first Ava MediterrAegean location, which opened in Winter Park in 2022. Gregory Galy, founder and CEO of RDG, expressed that “Ava Coconut Grove marks the evolution of our vision — a flagship that brings the soul of the Mediterranean to one of Miami’s most storied neighborhoods”. The arrival of **Ava MediterrAegean Miami** is a significant addition to new Miami restaurants 2025.
Culinary Excellence Rooted in Cycladic Tradition at Ava MediterrAegean Miami
At the helm of **Ava MediterrAegean Miami**’s kitchen is Executive Chef Frédéric Aumeunier, a culinary artist with an impressive pedigree in some of the world’s most revered kitchens. Chef Aumeunier has honed his skills in Michelin-starred establishments such as Per Se in New York (three stars), La Maison Pic in Valence, France (three stars), and Pineapple & Pearls in Washington, D.C. He has also worked alongside culinary luminaries like Alain Ducasse. His culinary philosophy emphasizes a deep connection to nature, seasonality, and the purity of high-quality ingredients, aiming to reconnect haute cuisine with the earth and its flavors. Chef Frederic Aumeunier brings his world-class expertise to every dish.
Under Chef Aumeunier’s direction, and in collaboration with Head of Culinary Chef Michaël Michaelidis, **Ava MediterrAegean Miami**’s menu is a celebration of the Cycladic region of Greece. The cuisine infuses the flavorful ingredients, techniques, and philosophies of healthy, balanced eating characteristic of the Mediterranean and the Greek islands. Guests can anticipate a menu rich with seafood-forward dishes, including Athenian Tuna Ceviche, Mediterranean Seabass Carpaccio, and Chilean Seabass. Other highlights include Lobster Pasta, a 32-ounce Tomahawk steak, and traditional offerings like Lamb Moussaka served tableside, alongside a variety of mezze plates perfect for sharing. The emphasis is on fresh herbs, citrus, premium olive oil, and exotic spices, creating dishes that are both timeless and contemporary. This commitment to upscale Mediterranean food is a hallmark of the **Ava MediterrAegean Miami** experience.
An Exclusive Retreat: The AVA MM Members Club at Ava MediterrAegean Miami
Adding a unique layer to the dining experience at **Ava MediterrAegean Miami**, the restaurant features AVA MM, a private members-only club discreetly housed within. This exclusive retreat offers a distinct identity with a sophisticated Japanese-inspired menu, an elevated mixology program, a curated wine list, cigar and wine lockers, and a calendar of intimate cultural programming, including chef-driven dinners and tastings. The AVA MM club speaks to Miami’s growing demand for elevated, membership-based hospitality rooted in curated experiences and culinary craftsmanship, a perfect complement to the overall ambiance of **Ava MediterrAegean Miami**.
Design Inspired by the Aegean, Crafted for Miami at Ava MediterrAegean Miami
The restaurant’s design, conceived by renowned designer Lazaro Rosa-Violán, masterfully blends the minimalist aesthetics of the Aegean Sea with Miami’s inherent elegance and theatrical dining scene. The space at **Ava MediterrAegean Miami** is characterized by natural textures, including plaster, travertine, limestone, and coral stone, complemented by glowing marble, sculptural elements, and lush greenery, aiming to evoke the serene landscapes of the Greek islands. The ambiance is further enhanced by a sophisticated soundscape and, as seen at the opening, live performances, creating a transportive, multi-sensory environment that reflects RDG’s signature approach to immersive hospitality. This unique design makes **Ava MediterrAegean Miami** a true standout.
A New Chapter in Miami’s Trending Dining Scene with Ava MediterrAegean Miami
The opening of **Ava MediterrAegean Miami** arrives at a dynamic moment for Miami’s culinary landscape. Coconut Grove dining is experiencing a significant revival, with new, chef-driven concepts redefining the neighborhood as a premier foodie destination. **Ava MediterrAegean Miami** joins other upscale establishments, including Michelin-starred Ariete and the Portuguese seafood restaurant Sereia, in elevating the area’s gastronomic offerings. This news is part of a broader trend of luxury restaurant openings across Miami in 2025, solidifying the city’s status as a global culinary hub. RDG’s continued expansion with **Ava MediterrAegean Miami** underscores its significant influence in shaping Miami’s trending, high-energy restaurant scene.
**Ava MediterrAegean Miami** promises to be more than just a restaurant; it is envisioned as a gathering place, embodying the Greek concept of ‘PAREA’ – friends coming together to share life and conversation. With its exquisite cuisine, sophisticated design, and exclusive offerings, the new restaurant is poised to become a beloved fixture in Coconut Grove and a standout addition to the vibrant Miami dining community, solidifying its place as a premier Mediterranean restaurant Miami locals and visitors alike will flock to.
