Israeli chef Tom Aviv brings his Tel Aviv background to Miami with his latest venture, Branja Miami. Located in Upper Buena Vista, Branja Miami offers a unique dining experience with kosher-style cuisine and innovative dishes. Here’s what you can expect when you visit:
Location and Ambiance
According to Miami Herald, Branja Miami is situated in the former space occupied by Cafe Creme Miami, and it features a 3,000-square-foot area with both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating area is protected by a stained glass roof, and it includes an outdoor mural by Tel Aviv artist Paul Curran. The 12-seat Captain’s Table provides an omakase-style tasting experience twice a night, and guests can watch the chefs prepare their meals through the open kitchen. The restaurant’s bar was designed by Lenny Kravitz for the Delano Hotel’s Florida Room.
Seasonal Menu
Branja Miami’s menu changes with the seasons and features fresh ingredients. The dishes are designed for sharing, and they incorporate Israeli spices and flavors. Signature dishes include Fish and Bread, a ceviche-like starter, and Falafish, a hybrid of falafel and juicy fish. Kosher dishes include Tuktuk Kebab, a blend of beef tartare and carpaccio, and Orthodox steak, a Glatt Kosher ribeye. The cocktail menu is inventive, with drinks like Purple Rain, made with za’atar infused tequila and butterfly pea, and the Paloma & Yaya, a raisin-infused Arak with ginger and grapefruit.
Chef Tom Aviv
Chef Tom Aviv won “MasterChef Israel” in 2016 and has experience opening successful restaurants around the world. His previous restaurant, Coco Bambino, combined Israeli food with an Italian twist, and he won TimeOut’s “Best Hamburger in Tel Aviv” award three years in a row for his restaurant Fat Cow. Aviv was also the first Israeli chef to open a restaurant in Casablanca after a historic peace agreement between Israel and Morocco. Aviv said he chose Miami because it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, similar to his own culinary inspirations.
The Perfect Location
Miami’s fusion of cultures and cuisines make it an ideal location for Branja Miami. The menu features fresh ingredients and innovative dishes that combine Aviv’s Tel Aviv background with his worldwide travels. The restaurant aims to provide an inviting atmosphere where friends can gather and share food. The restaurant’s name, Branja, is Hebrew slang for “a circle of friends.”
In conclusion, Branja Miami is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience unique and delicious kosher-style cuisine. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, providing a welcoming dining experience. Branja Miami’s use of Israeli-inspired flavors and spices, together with Aviv’s culinary expertise, is sure to delight Miami’s foodies.
