Miami, Florida – Brightline’s Central Fare food hall, a prominent dining destination within the bustling MiamiCentral station in downtown Miami, has officially reopened its doors, introducing a meticulously curated selection of 12 new vendors. This revitalization effort underscores a strategic pivot towards highlighting and supporting local Miami-based culinary talent, offering travelers and downtown patrons an authentic taste of the city’s vibrant food scene.
A Focus on Local Flavor
The revamped Central Fare features a diverse collection of dining options, ranging from artisanal pizzas and sushi to Turkish street food and classic diner fare. The curation process was spearheaded by Felix Bendersky of F+B Hospitality Brokerage, working in close collaboration with Brightline. The selection criteria placed a strong emphasis on local businesses, a strategy designed not only to showcase regional talent but also to ensure affordability for both the participating vendors and their customers.
This approach fosters a sustainable ecosystem within the food hall, providing established local favorites and rising stars with a high-traffic platform while offering patrons reasonably priced, high-quality food options in a convenient location.
Esteemed Culinary Partners
The lineup of vendors includes several names already familiar to Miami’s discerning diners, some with notable accolades. Among the prominent additions is Stanzione Pizza, known for its authentic Neapolitan pies. Sushi aficionados can look forward to a new spot from the creator of the acclaimed Mr. Omakase.
The food hall also welcomes businesses recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide. Cotoita by Alejandra Espinoza, whose related restaurant Cotoa was featured in the 2025 Michelin Guide, brings its unique offerings. Similarly, El Turco Express, an extension from the creators of the Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient El Turco, provides a taste of their celebrated Turkish cuisine in a quick-service format.
A particularly exciting debut is the first permanent brick-and-mortar location for The Wolf of Tacos, a popular concept that has built a strong following in the local food scene.
Diverse Offerings and Notable Names
The curated selection extends to include a wide variety of other concepts, each bringing its distinct flavor and style to Central Fare. These include Guchi’s Handroll Bar by Andrew Mayer, offering expertly crafted handrolls; Icy-N-Spicy by Xiaoli Liu, specializing in refreshing and flavorful treats; and Josh’s Corner Diner from Josh’s Deli, bringing a taste of classic diner comfort.
Also joining the roster are Peel! by Valeria Alvarez, presenting unique culinary creations; Peppi’s Steaks & Hoagies, serving up hearty sandwiches; and Stephanie’s Crepes by Stephanie Cheung, offering sweet and savory crepes.
This comprehensive mix ensures that Central Fare can cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, solidifying its role as a key dining hub within the MiamiCentral station.
Operational Details and Accessibility
The strategic focus on local vendors also aimed to simplify operations and logistics, contributing to the goal of keeping costs manageable. In addition to walk-up service, patrons will have the option of ordering for delivery, adding another layer of convenience for those in the downtown area.
Complementing the diverse food offerings, the central bar within Central Fare is operated by the experienced Beaker & Gray team, known for their innovative approach to beverages.
Impact on the Station and City
The reopening of Central Fare with this robust collection of Miami-based businesses represents a significant enhancement for the Brightline MiamiCentral station. It transforms the transit hub into a destination in its own right, offering high-quality, accessible dining options that reflect the culinary identity of the city. The collaboration between Brightline and F+B Hospitality Brokerage, led by Felix Bendersky, has successfully assembled a lineup that promises to attract not only Brightline passengers but also residents and visitors to downtown Miami.
By prioritizing local talent, Central Fare is poised to become a vibrant microcosm of Miami’s dynamic food landscape, providing a convenient and exciting culinary experience at the heart of the city’s transportation network. The inclusion of Michelin-recognized concepts and popular local favorites signals a commitment to quality and authenticity, setting a high standard for food hall experiences within transit centers.
