Michael White made his name in NYC: in 2009 the chef opened Marea, an Italian seafood restaurant on Columbus Circle. A loyal set ensued and in 2012, two coveted Michelin stars were awarded. Yet, as even the very best restaurants have a tendency to do, Marea endured a fall from grace. In 2020, it dropped one star; in 2022, the second was lost. Neither has been redeemed since.
Yet, clearly not deterred by the Michelin inspectors’ disdain, White has persevered and this December has taken his signature brand of refined Italian down the coast to Florida, where he has opened Mika in the highly preened Coral Gables, marking his first Miami restaurant.
Back in NYC, White is making more efforts to retain his legacy with the opening of Santi – another swanky Italian-inspired joint Midtown.
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Chef
Born and raised in Wisconsin, White began his professional training at the Kendall Culinary Insitute before undergoing more hands-on coaching in Italy, where he worked under esteemed chef, Valentino Marcattilii. His first career-defining role was back Stateside, where he took the helm at NYC’s Fiamma Osteria as executive chef.
Although it has now closed, the restaurant earned a Michelin star under White’s lead. In the years following, he launched a large number of restaurant projects and Michelin stars were frequently won (and occasionally lost too): there was one at Alto in Manhattan, another at Convivo and then one at Ai Fiori. His most famous venture, however, remains Marea. The controversy of losing two stars has actually only made it more well-known.
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Menu
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White has proven to be a creature of habit and Italian food is what he knows best; Mika doesn’t stray far from the path. Taking inspiration from the flavors of the Med – primarily Italy but also southern France – Mika’s menu focuses on exceptional seafood as well as heartier pasta and meats.
A number of White’s signatures have been adopted – including langoustine carpaccio, fusilli with octopus and bone marrow and bistecca alla fiorentina – but there are also some Miami exclusives. Veal Milanese with bechamel; crispy artichoke with orzo and a smoked cheese fondue; and crab and caviar spaghetti are among the highlights.
The cocktail list is focused on spritzes and the beers are Italian, while the 1,700-bottle wine cellar features Italian, French and American labels.
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Interiors
For his first permanent foray into Florida, White has enlisted award-winning Bishop Design to bring Mika to life. Like the food, the interiors are inspired by the Med and feature natural stones, distressed woods and burnished metals. Touches of velvet add a hint of luxe.
There’s a bar and lounge for a pre-dinner cocktail, and the main dining room sits 100. For more intimate occasions, make use of the 36 private dining room and its adjoining outdoor space.
Mika, 3005 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 248, Coral Gables, Miami, mikacoralgables.com
