The vibrant streets of Little Havana have a new culinary gem with the grand opening of Bistro 8, a modern Mexican restaurant has officially opened its doors. Created by the innovative minds behind the highly acclaimed Hiden and The Taco Stand, Shōwa Hospitality is once again pushing the boundaries of fine dining in Miami.
At the helm of Bistro 8 is Chef Pancho Ibáñez, a culinary visionary whose impressive resume boasts a tenure at Pujol, the two-Michelin-starred crown jewel of Mexico City. Born in Xalapa, Veracruz, Chef Ibáñez brings over 30 years of experience to his role as Shōwa Hospitality’s Director of Culinary Operations, having worked at notable establishments such as Ambrosía CC and collaborated with prestigious brands including Iberostar and Aeromexico.
Bistro 8 promises an elevated dining experience in a beautifully designed space that seamlessly combines modern elegance with celebratory Mexican vibrancy. With a capacity of 50 guests—40 in the main dining area and 10 at the bar—the restaurant aims to provide an intimate setting for shared plates and communal dining.
The concept, described as “simple pero no sencillo” (simple but not easy), features a menu rich with Latin comfort-food dishes. Guests can indulge in offerings like Chuletas de Cordero—succulent lamb chops served with mashed potatoes and fermented lemon—or try the refreshing Ensalada de Butterhead, featuring butterhead lettuce, green beans, and roasted almonds. Other highlights include the luxurious Cangrejo, which combines king crab with brioche and ikura, and Pollito en Escabeche, a delightful roasted chicken dish kissed with escabeche.
Accompanying the culinary delights is an expertly curated cocktail menu that emphasizes agave and grains, showcasing bold flavors and a playful sophistication.
Design-wise, Bistro 8 is the brainchild of Minoru Oyamatsu from Tokyo’s award-winning Oyamatsu Design Studio Inc. His vision for the restaurant incorporates warm colors and refined details, creating a welcoming atmosphere that beautifully accentuates the culinary experience. To further enhance the ambiance, the restaurant features a state-of-the-art sound system designed by Kazunori Taguchi of Taguchi Craft in Japan, using speakers crafted from Arctic birch to deliver enriching sound without overpowering diners’ conversations.
Located at 2069 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135, Bistro 8 will welcome guests for dinner Wednesday through Monday from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, closing on Tuesdays. This marks Shōwa Hospitality’s third establishment in Miami, joining the bustling ranks of Hiden and The Taco Stand, and reflects the team’s commitment to celebrating the diversity and cultural richness of the Little Havana neighborhood.
With a portfolio that spans cities such as San Diego, Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, Shōwa Hospitality continuously strives to create fresh concepts that engage local communities while delivering exceptional service and quality.
As Bistro 8 opens its doors, it invites Miamians and visitors alike to embark on a culinary journey through elevated Mexican cuisine, masterfully crafted by one of the world’s leading chefs.
Bistro 8 will be open for dinner Wednesday – Monday, from 5:30 – 10:00 PM.
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Bistro 8 is located at 2069 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135.
Website: www.Bistro8Miami.com l Instagram: @bistro8_
NEW Bistro 8 Interiors (Credit: Paul Stoppi)