Habibi Miami, a lush French Moroccan supper club, will debut on a waterfront spot on the Miami River in late summer. Hospitality big Roman Jones tapped Ikam Rebaia to lead the project, with Aris Nanos overseeing operations. They have come together to create a destination that evokes a royal escape to the French Moroccan Riviera while drawing on vibrant bites, cocktails, and an enchanting nighttime scene.
With nods to Moorish architecture, the design of Habibi Miami will be a captivating immersion into the aesthetics and vibrant culture of the Maghreb. Creative Director Mark Lehmkuhl of Ghosthouse Design Group worked with Love Lake Studios to create the Wes Anderson-inspired retro decor featuring a palette of pink and teal to conjure a Beatles-era Tangier fever dream. Inhabiting a tent-like structure inspired by luxurious riads, Habibi Miami welcomes guests on a captivating visual journey, echoing the fiery atmosphere and unique traditions of French Morocco.
Alhambra design elements on the outside and a 30-foot-long red carpet entrance set the tone for the opulent atmosphere inside, with a dining room outfitted with crystal chandeliers, Turkish rugs, velvet booths, and silk draperies. The restaurant has a capacity of 200 and will include an outdoor patio with plans for sunset parties as well as a bar adorned with hookahs that will also feature one-of-a-kind tableside hookah service with customized infusions and flavors. Nightly shows of roving belly dancers, contortionists, and percussionists who will circle the dining room will enhance the nightlife-as-theater experience.
The menu encompasses a variety of tasty continental and Middle Eastern shareable dishes appealing to a broad range of palates, with highlights like Merguez Pigs in a Blanket, Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Charred Wild Mushrooms, Lemon Roasted Chicken and Herbed Yogurt, plus comfort food like Wagyu Burger Sliders, Miso-Honey Glazed Sea Bass Skewers, and a selection of sushi, complemented by sips and tea service. Tableside dessert carts will include ice cream with Turkish mastic and Halva cheesecake.
The bar program at Habibi Miami draws on the North African and Mediterranean lifestyle, showcasing unique ingredients and flavors that induce a strong sense of place. In executing this motif, the beverage team employs techniques like fat washing – the process of toasting seeds to pull out their oils and infusing them in spirits overnight – to achieve rich textures and bold aromas. This is exemplified by the “Ali” Fashioned, made with Peanut Butter Washed Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Giffard’s Banana & Honey, and Angostura Bitters with Orange Aromatics. Drinks like the Moroccan Margarita made with Patron Blanco, Patron Reposado, Cointreau, Harissa Infused Pineapple Reduction, Lime Juice, and Roasted Couscous Salted Rim will perfectly complement the flavors of the menu.
Habibi Miami is due to open in the Summer of 2024. Habibi Miami is located at 452 Northwest North River Drive, Miami, FL.
Photo Credit: Habibi Miami