Nom News: October 30, 2026

Coming Soon: Mercante

When the great book of Miami’s restaurant and nightlife history is written there are a number of names that will loom large. Chief among them, restaurateur and nightclub impresario Nicola Siervo, hospitality legend behind some of Miami’s most famous, trend-setting restaurants, lounges and nightclubs. In truth, stretching back to the original South Beach renaissance of the 1990’s, Siervo (who was raised in the South of Italy) has been a fixture and formative talent behind South Florida’s emergence as an international hotspot. Now, close to 35 years from his entrée to the Miami Beach nightlife and hospitality scene (from Bang and Joia to Quattro and WALL), Siervo is preparing for the January 2027 debut of his newest creation: Mercante, a chic and sophisticated restaurant and piano bar inspired by the Italian Riviera on the Miami River.

So, what can guests expect when Mercante opens its doors this Fall? In development since 2024 and designed to be a high watermark of Siervo’s legacy, Mercante will deliver the sunshiny, colorful, breezy vibes of an elevated Italian restaurant serving authentic cuisine and hospitality. A transportive and upscale spot perfect for a romantic night out as well as a gathering place for friends and family seeking a stellar night (or day) out, Mercante embodies the spirit of the Italian coast in sunny South Florida with all the magic that region is known for.

Here, freshly-made pastas, salads, vibrant house-made sauces, and tantalizing seafood offerings – raw, grilled and otherwise – will be in abundance, ensuring there is a plate for every gastronomic persuasion. Siervo promises a generous menu of delights that will celebrate traditional, authentic Italian cuisine including a bar menu focusing on Italian street food; house-made breads, desserts and gelatos and what is sure to be a big draw, a special menu of meatball and beverage pairings. Guests can also expect an array of crudo offerings. All this will be complemented by an all-Italian wine list as well as a generous list of unique, creative signature, Italian-inspired craft cocktails and classics.

Designed by Miami’s Nikolai Design, as spearheaded by House Kiki Chief Design Officer, Mark Lehmkuhl, Mercante’s color palette is alive with turquoise, citrus tones, and vibrant greens. Pulling up outside, guests will be met by Mercante’s verdant façade, the whitewashed exterior strewn with climbing ivy, while striped awnings and a vintage turquoise Fiat 500 provide a dramatic point of arrival that will set the tone for the experience ahead.

Guests will enter via a dramatic grand entrance worthy of a Fellini film, reached via stairs of hand-glazed, Zellige Italian tiles. Stepping into the restaurant, one is sure to swoon, having been transported in mere steps to a sun-soaked Italian reverie.

The bar & lounge serves as Mercante’s threshold; a luxuriant space rich with polished brass and marble; as much a destination itself as it is a portal to the wonders ahead. The Main Dining Room evokes the spirit of a Venetian palazzo with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, vintage design touches and bespoke details galore. With comfortable seating, alluring ambiance and live piano music it will be as welcoming a space for dining with family as it will be for lingering into the wee hours with friends. A vine-covered pergola will no doubt be central to the magic found on Mercante’s terrazza, overlooking the river and delivering major palazzo energy.

This sun-dappled destination is Siervo’s Sunshine State interpretation of a cliffside Amalfi coast terrazza. In perfect weather the floor-to-ceiling doors fold away to allow the outside in. Mercante will seat 175 between the indoor dining room and the waterfront terrazza. A private dining table for up to 20 guests is located in a dockside location that can be privatized. A 150-foot dock is available for boat access. Boasting one of the most blessed locations on the Miami River, by day Mercante will be a sun washed daydream and at night, under the glow of Miami’s moon, a cinematically-inspired sophisticated supper club.

Mercante, located at 404 NW North River Drive the Miami River, will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner; Saturday and Sunday for brunch.

New Sunday Brunch at Amazónico

Starting November 8, Amazónico Miami is launching Sunday Brunch combining signature dishes with live-fire cooking, interactive culinary stations, a DJ and lively entertainment!

Priced at $85 per person, Amazonico’s party brunch takes place exclusively on the first floor, with indoor and outdoor seating across the restaurant and terrace. The menu opens with a Latin bakery selection, followed by a variety of shareable dishes: Ceviche Amazónico, Wagyu al Wok, Huevos rotos con Gambas al Coco and Japazonico Moriawase, among others.

A Charcoal Grilled selection includes, but is not limited to, Picanha Rodizio, Picantón Caipira and Ojo de Bife, before closing with a chef’s curated dessert selection. Guests can also add one of three two-hour bottomless drink packages at $30, $55 and $245, ranging from sparkling wine and mocktails to brunch-inspired cocktails and Dom Pérignon 2017.

Culinary and beverage stations include the Art of Flame, an open wood-fired grill serving whole branzino, octopus and more; live-fire Arroz con Mariscos, prepared to order in a traditional paella pan with shrimp, mussels and other seafood; a Shaved Ice Station, where hand-cranked ice is transformed into Amazónico’s Sol de la Selva Mango Caipirinha; and a Coconut Cracking Station featuring fresh coconuts opened on-site.

aAO to Open This Winter

This winter, aAO (Against All Odds) (pronounced aye-ooo), a new neighborhood restaurant from nationally recognized chef, entrepreneur and television personality Robyn Almodovar, will open in Miami’s Buena Vista neighborhood. Located at 4204 NW Second Ave., the restaurant marks Almodovar’s first full-service venture, bringing together her Puerto Rican and Italian heritage, dishes that have defined her career and the culinary influences of South Florida.
“Buena Vista has a strong neighborhood identity while still being connected to the energy of Miami. That felt right for aAO,” said Almodovar. “I envision a Brooklyn neo-soul-inspired restaurant where people can gather, feel at home and connect over food. The menu is personal, and so is the name. aAO reflects my journey and celebrates the hustlers, go-getters and people who keep pushing forward.”

The 4,400-square-foot indoor dining room will seat 122 guests, complemented by a bar and lounge accommodating more than 30 guests, with 15 bar stools and additional couch seating for cocktails, bites and conversation. Designed by Michael Tronn, the interiors draw inspiration from the warmth of a lived-in Brooklyn loft, blending industrial elements with rich textures, custom furnishings and intimate gathering spaces. Tronn, who previously designed Fort Lauderdale’s Timbr restaurant, where Almodovar served as executive chef, collaborated closely with Almodovar and Gaines to create a collection of distinct yet interconnected spaces. Wood, concrete and leather anchor the design, complemented by geometric woodwork, caramel and black leather upholstery, reflective accents and layered lighting. Additional elements include three arched portals framing curated artwork and an intimate 10-person chef’s table adorned with a portrait of Almodovar and her mother, reflecting the personal and familial influences behind the restaurant.

Outside, a 1,200-square-foot, 40-seat courtyard will offer alfresco dining beneath the trees, with string lights illuminating the space after sunset. Designed as a lush urban retreat, the garden juxtaposes graffiti-covered concrete and natural wood with tropical greenery and atmospheric lighting.

The menu will trace the influences and experiences that have shaped Almodovar’s cooking. Signature dishes will include Beef Wellington, a nod to her time on Hell’s Kitchen, alongside new creations such as grilled octopus with smoked bravas sauce.

Weekly programming will give guests additional reasons to gather, including happy hour and Industry Night, an evening dedicated to Miami’s hospitality professionals.

Almodovar brings more than two decades of culinary experience to the venture. Her food truck and catering company, Palate Party, made history as South Florida’s first female-owned, non-dessert food truck and earned Miami New Times’ Best Food Truck honors in 2013. She has served as executive chef at the historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, and, more recently, led the kitchen at Timbr in Fort Lauderdale. Her television career includes wins on Chopped and Cutthroat Kitchen, a finalist finish on Hell’s Kitchen and, most recently, an appearance on 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing.

Joining Almodovar as co-founder is longtime friend Austin Gaines, a Miami-based entrepreneur and hospitality operator best known as a founding partner of New York City’s award-winning Arcane Estate Coffee. Gaines oversees operations, design and development at aAO.

aAO is slated to open in winter 2027 at 4204 NW Second Ave., Miami, FL 33127, creating approximately 50 new jobs. Hours will be 4–11 p.m. every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 4 p.m.–2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant will be closed Monday and Tuesday.

Lomelo’s Meat Market Opens in The Roads

Lomelo’s Meat Market, known and trusted in Pinecrest since 2020 for its Wagyu, prime beef and seafood, officially opened its second location in The Roads with a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting on Thursday, Oct. 22. The new market at 300 SW 18th Terrace, Suite 102, on Coral Way right behind Vintage Liquors, brings the same quality Lomelo’s customers count on to a new neighborhood.

More than 100 guests, including neighbors, longtime Pinecrest customers and Miami food content creators, stopped by during the 4 to 7 p.m. celebration to check out the new store at their leisure. Private chef Patrick Bass, owner of Pop’s Subs, cooked Lomelo’s Wagyu and prime cuts on site, guests enjoyed caviar and champagne, and a DJ kept the evening going.

Just before the ribbon cutting, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez (District 5) and Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia presented designations to co-founder Jorge “Jorgie” Lorenzo and Lomelo’s Meat Market. Lorenzo then cut the ribbon alongside Commissioner Lopez, Supervisor Garcia, City of Miami Commissioner Rolando Escalona (District 3) and West Miami Vice Mayor Ivan Chavez Jr., with his family holding the ribbon. West Miami Mayor Eric Diaz-Padron joined the celebration later in the evening.

“Since we opened in Pinecrest in 2020, so many of you have supported us, and many of you have driven across town to see us,” Lorenzo told guests during his remarks. “To everyone who has been with us from the start, thank you. To our new neighbors in The Roads, we are so glad to meet you. We are thrilled to bring a high-quality product to this community, and we are grateful for the warm welcome.”

Founded in 2020, Lomelo’s built a loyal following at its original location at 9810 S. Dixie Highway in Pinecrest by pairing high-quality Wagyu, prime beef and seafood with personal service. The Roads location brings that same quality and service to Coral Way, where neighbors can pick up a weeknight dinner, plan a cookout or put together a special-occasion meal in one stop.

“We want to be the place our new neighbors stop on the way home when they want something better on the table, whether that’s a first Wagyu ribeye or the steak for a family celebration,” Lorenzo added.

The Roads location offers:
– American, Australian and Japanese A5 Wagyu
– Prime beef cuts
– Seafood and pork
– Lomelo’s signature salts and spices

Lomelo’s Meat Market The Roads is located at 300 SW 18th Terrace, Suite 102, Miami, FL 33129.

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