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Food & Drink

Latin-Caribbean Restaurant Set to Open Its Flagship Location in Kendall

It is led by James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein.
| Lifestyle Staff

La Cañita, a vibrant restaurant and bar concept, is set to open in February 2025 at The Palms at Town & Country in Kendall. It is the creation of Miami’s esteemed food and beverage veterans, including Michelle Bernstein and David Martinez, the duo behind popular establishments such as Café La Trova, Sweet Liberty, and the recently reopened Sra. Martinez. The menu boasts bold, flavorful Latin-Caribbean staples and innovative specialties, complemented by a top-notch bar program. The ambiance is lively, featuring bright colors and energetic music, encapsulating the essence of South Florida.

The name La Cañita, meaning “little sugarcane” in Spanish, captures the heart and soul of the restaurant. It reflects its vibrant essence and rich story, celebrating bold, exciting flavors while honoring the spirited rum culture of the islands—from Cuba and Jamaica to Haiti, Puerto Rico, and beyond. In keeping with this theme, La Cañita boasts an extensive drink menu featuring expertly crafted cocktails. Highlights include the classic Mojito, made with four-year Flor de Caña, lime, sugar, mint, soda, and bitters; the Presidente, a blend of Banks 7, Ferrand dry curaçao, Comoz, and housemade grenadine; and the Brownie Old Fashioned, combining Rye, Strega, brownie port, and house bitters, among other creative options.

“La Cañita is truly a labor of love for the team behind it and we’re so excited to bring this fully realized incarnation to Kendall,” says Martinez. “We were fortunate to bring a smaller, streamlined version of La Cañita to Miami’s Bayside Marketplace in 2021 and the response has been tremendous.” 

Located at 8405 Mills Drive, Suite 203, La Cañita Kendall offers seating for nearly 180 guests across its al fresco patio, spacious dining room, private dining area and lively bar. Designed by Locus Architecture with stunning interiors curated by Chef Michelle Bernstein’s sister, Nicolette Bernstein, the 5,434-square-foot space captures the essence of an island-inspired rum distillery. With its breezy, coastal vibe, the restaurant creates a seaside escape right in the heart of Miami-Dade County.

For more information, please visit www.lacanitamiami.com; and follow on Instagram: @LaCanitaMiami. 

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