Second Act
Reopening at 2003 N. Miami Avenue, Kush Wynwood returns to the 1926 flatiron-style building it called home for nearly a decade, now anchoring Kush Korner. After four years of fighting demolition, Matt Kuscher gave the landmark a bolder blueprint: a redesigned 2,200 sq. ft. restaurant, 10 workforce studios for hospitality professionals under a 50-year affordability agreement, a cocktail bar from Erika Holtz and a tattoo studio from James Moyer. Murals climb the exterior, 180 artist names line the entrance corridor, and a replica jail cell tied to reported former resident James “Whitey” Bulger hides in a closet. The menu gathers greatest hits from over a dozen Kush Hospitality concepts, including the Johnny Utah Burger and the Jewban Sandwich. The Kids Menu features locally crafted sodas, and an elaborate outdoor Dog Menu for four-legged friends that includes dog meals and a dog “beer.” For $2, guests can send a beer back to the kitchen staff; KushHospitality.com.
Live Fire
Flames lick the robata at Lucky Cat Steak, the new Korean-inspired steakhouse in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. Designed for sharing, the menu moves from wagyu maki, scallop sashimi and tuna & jalapeño crispy rice to snapper ceviche, wagyu gyoza and the “GFP,” a Miami reimagining of fan-favorite “GFC: Gordon’s Fried Chicken”…swapping chicken for prawns. Korean-inspired sides, including freshly rolled kimbap, yukhoe and crispy tofu bibimbap round out the offerings. The cocktail program brings Miami’s tropical spirit through an Asian lens, with an Okinawa margarita of kumquat, Thai basil and salted shiso air. The Lucky Negroni leaves fate to the guest, who rolls dice across gins, bitters and vermouths. Dinner runs Wednesday through Saturday in a 152-seat dining room and lounge built for late nights; LuckyCatSteak.com.
Exceptional Stay
Behind a restored 1937 landmark facade, The Setai blends Asian-inspired hospitality with Art Deco character, and the Michelin Guide has noticed again. Two Keys, the highest hotel distinction in Miami Beach, return once more, and The Setai remains one of only three area hotels to hold the honor in 2026. From 91 Art Deco rooms and 3 Pool Villas to 62 Ocean Suites, the accommodations all lead to a trio of temperature-controlled pools framed by cabanas and palm trees. Dining spans South Asian Jaya, Mediterranean-Italian Ocean Grill and contemporary Japón; while Valmont for The Spa at The Setai offers treatments to relax and recharge; TheSetaihotel.com.
