This popular Canadian restaurant is opening its first Florida location in Aventura

Another new restaurant in Aventura is ready to open.

Joey, a brand created in Canada that serves what it calls “globally inspired cuisine,” is opening its first Florida location next to the growing Aventura Mall. There are already Joey locations in Washington, California and Texas.

The new, two-level restaurant will be part of the new Esplanade development next to the south side of the mall. The 215,000-square-foot open-air area will be home to stores, restaurants and work spaces.

Layne Krienke, president of the Joey Restaurant Group, said that Miami’s vibrant nature makes it a great spot for Florida’s first Joey location.

The center bar at the new Joey restaurant in Aventura. Juan Botero
The center bar at the new Joey restaurant in Aventura. Juan Botero

“Miami is the epicenter of culture, and we can’t wait to bring our diverse, globally inspired menu, paired with our immense love of hospitality, to the city’s renowned restaurant scene,” he said in a statement.

The new Joey, which exists in a standalone building and isn’t part of the mall, boasts 8,300 square feet with a 1,250 square foot patio with space for 82 guests. A circular bar is the focal point of the dining room, which seats 241 and has floor to ceiling windows (all the better to see the rest of the Esplanade).

Joey restaurant from Canada will open at the Esplanade at the Aventura Mall. Juan Botero
Joey restaurant from Canada will open at the Esplanade at the Aventura Mall. Juan Botero

The design of the new restaurant is specific to the Miami location, with colorful works from artists Elsbeth Shaw and Anna Kincaide throughout the room (Shaw’s works, called “Miami Love Versace,” are inspired by Miami).

The menu, from “Top Chef Canada” winner Matthew Stowe, Joey’s executive chef, features a variety of cuisines from sushi to steak; you’ll also find burgers, sandwiches and bowls. Some of the restaurant’s signature dishes are roasted corn guacamole; hummus with tzatziki, dill, olives and pita; seared salmon; sake-glazed Chilean sea bass and Italian favorites like chicken parm and ravioli bianco.

Banquettes near the kitchen at the new Joey restaurant in Aventura. Juan Botero
Banquettes near the kitchen at the new Joey restaurant in Aventura. Juan Botero

You’ll also find a bar menu with spicy passion fruit margaritas, real peach Bellinis and sangria, plus the Joey Supers, a variation of a classic highball with lemon and lime slush.

Joey isn’t the only new restaurant opening in the area. The Aventura Mall, which is also home to Tap 42, Pubbelly Sushi and Motek Israeli restaurant, which won Burger Bash at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival two years in a row, has a new tenant: Toku Asian restaurant from Long Island, which opened near the Nordstrom entrance.

Outdoor tables on the patio at Joey in Aventura. Juan Botero
Outdoor tables on the patio at Joey in Aventura. Juan Botero

Joey

Where: 19505 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 1150, Aventura

Opening: July 13

Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday

The interior of Joey restaurant at the Aventura Mall. Juan Botero
The interior of Joey restaurant at the Aventura Mall. Juan Botero

Advertisement