Born from the vision of Miami’s top food and beverage icons – James Beard Award-winning Chef Michelle Bernstein and restaurateur David Martinez, the culinary power couple behind several of Miami’s beloved hotspots including Cafe La Trova, Sweet Liberty & newly opened Sra. Martinez, La Cañita is the spirited new flagship restaurant and bar now open at Palms at Town & Country. Located in the heart of Kendall, the concept – developed and designed in partnership with industry veterans Davide Borgia and Orestes Pajon – features a bold, flavorful menu of Latin-Caribbean staples and innovative specialties, and is also home to a top-notch bar program and a vibrant ambiance anchored by bright colors and lively music. More than just a dining destination, La Cañita embodies the essence of South Florida.
The name, La Cañita, which translates to “little sugarcane” in Spanish reflects the heart and soul of the restaurant. It embodies its vibrant essence and rich backstory honoring the menu’s bold and exciting flavors while paying tribute to the spirited rum culture throughout the islands, from Cuba and Jamaica to Haiti, Puerto Rico and points between. To that end, La Cañita offers an extensive drink menu with expertly crafted cocktails. Highlights include a classic Mojito made with four-year Flor de Caña, lime, sugar, mint, soda, and bitters; the Margarita Queen featuring Patron El Cielo, Grand Marnier, lime and salted air foam; and the Cacao Negroni crafted with Mijenta Reposado, Cascara Vermouth, Campari and Creme de Cacao, among other tempting libations.
Created by none other than Miami culinary icon, Chef Michelle Bernstein, the vibrant menu features dishes that showcase Latin and Caribbean cuisine along with influences from Central and South America. Diners can find a wide variety of unique and delicious dishes on the menu including Croquetas and Empanadas to start, along with Conch Fritters dusted with powdered sugar, key lime dipping sauce; Mixed Seafood Ceviche with sweet potato and cancha; and Pork Belly glazed with citrus-bourbon BBQ. Entrée highlights include Potato Gnocchi Carbonara with crunchy prosciutto, roast tomatoes; Caribbean Bouillabaisse prepared with sofrito, shrimp, fish, calamari and shellfish, lime and chilies; Lechon Asado with steamed yuca, chicharrones and mojo de ajo; and Churrasco Ropa Vieja served with arroz, frijoles and platanos maduros.
“La Cañita’s expansion has been years in the making and we are so excited to bring its full vision to life in Kendall,” says partner David Martinez, who co-owns the concept with Chef Bernstein, Davide Borgia and Orestes Pajon. “We first introduced La Cañita in 2021 with a smaller, streamlined version at Miami’s Bayside Marketplace which quickly became a local favorite. Now, we’re thrilled to bring the new flagship location to Palms at Town & Country and to give guests an exciting, fun experience that showcases the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean, not just from Cuba and Puerto Rico, but also Haiti and all of the amazing cultures that contribute to the local flavor of Miami.”
Located at 8405 Mills Drive, Suite 203, La Cañita Kendall seats close to 180 people between the al fresco patio, spacious dining room, private dining area and buzzing bar. The work of Locus Architecture and featuring a stunning interior design curated by Chef Michelle Bernstein’s sister, Nicolette Bernstein, the 5,434 square-foot restaurant space echoes the look and feel of an island-kissed rum distillery, sure to evoke feelings of seaside escape in the heart of Miami-Dade County. For more information, please visit www.lacanitamiami.com.
