Where the Mediterranean Meets Miami
Coconut Grove is about to get a serious dose of Mediterranean charm. AVA MediterrAegean, the newest concept from Riviera Dining Group (RDG), opens its doors on November 20, promising more than just a meal. It is an experience that fuses coastal energy, design, and soulful dining.
The flagship location builds on the success of AVA’s Winter Park restaurant, expanding RDG’s modern interpretation of a Greek agora, a gathering place filled with food, art, and conversation. This time, the brand elevates the experience with AVA MM, a sleek, members-only hideaway tucked discreetly inside the property.
A Menu that Speaks the Language of the Sea
Led by Chef Michaël Michaelidis and Executive Chef Frédéric Aumeunier, AVA MediterrAegean’s kitchen tells a story of flavor and craftsmanship. Aumeunier’s background includes time at Michelin-starred restaurants such as Per Se and La Maison Pic, and his cooking reflects a refined Riviera sensibility.
The menu celebrates the purity of Mediterranean ingredients like Aegean Tuna Ceviche, Mediterranean Seabass Carpaccio, and Lobster Pasta, while honoring tradition through Lamb Moussaka and Whole Branzino Spetziota. Every dish feels both timeless and contemporary, reflecting how Mediterranean cuisine continues to evolve.
From mezze featuring roasted peppers and feta to prawns wrapped in kadaifi with black garlic emulsion, each plate invites sharing and conversation. It is food that feels alive, rooted in sunshine and salt air.
Design That Feels Like a Journey
Stepping into AVA MediterrAegean is like stepping into a daydream along the Aegean coast, interpreted through Miami’s coastal edge. Designed by Lazaro Rosa-Violán, the restaurant layers texture and light to create an atmosphere that is equal parts serene and sensory.
Whitewashed surfaces, limestone, and natural fibers meet handcrafted ceramics and warm oak finishes. The open-air terrace glows at sunset, while the dining room’s rainforest marble bar adds a touch of drama beneath softly lit alabaster fixtures.
Custom art installations, sculptural details, and organic materials transport guests while keeping one foot firmly in Miami’s creative rhythm. The design does not just frame the food; it becomes part of the story.
The Members’ Hideaway: AVA MM
Behind closed doors, AVA MM offers an entirely different mood. Conceived as a members-only retreat, this private sanctuary blends Mediterranean calm with understated luxury. The design mixes hand-polished finishes, natural tones, and lush greenery that blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors.
Members enjoy a Japanese-inspired menu available only within the club, along with curated cocktails and rare wines. Beyond dining, AVA MM serves as a cultural hub, hosting intimate dinners, private tastings, and lifestyle activations that bring together art, gastronomy, and connection.
It is where the Grove’s new tastemakers will gather, a place that feels both exclusive and effortlessly relaxed.
Riviera Dining Group’s Next Chapter
Founded by Gregory Galy, Riviera Dining Group has quickly made its mark on South Florida’s hospitality scene. With standout concepts like MILA Miami, CASA NEOS, and CLAUDIE, the group has built a reputation for crafting experiences that balance refinement with emotion.
“AVA Coconut Grove represents our most complete vision yet,” says Galy. “We wanted to create a destination that captures the heart of Mediterranean culture, where great food, art, and people come together in a way that feels natural and inspiring.”
Plan Your Visit
Location: 2889 McFarlane Rd, Coconut Grove, Miami, FL
Opening Date: November 20
Hours:
Monday–Wednesday: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Thursday: 4 p.m. – 12:15 a.m.
Friday–Saturday: 4 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Sunday: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Website: AvaMediterrAegean.com
Instagram: @AVAMediterrAegean
