Henrique Sá Pessoa, the renowned chef behind the two-Michelin-starred Alma in Lisbon, has launched his highly anticipated restaurant, Sereia, in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood. Sereia is a modern, seafood-focused eatery inspired by the Iberian coast and Sá Pessoa’s global culinary journey. The restaurant masterfully combines rich Portuguese culinary traditions with sophisticated techniques, offering a unique dining experience centered on the finest ingredients.

Sá Pessoa, who had long envisioned expanding to the U.S., found Miami to be the perfect fit for his vision. “Miami’s vibrant culture and growing hospitality scene made it the ideal place to open a seafood-driven restaurant,” Sá Pessoa says. Having spent years developing his skills and building his career, he felt a deep connection to the city, making it the perfect location for Sereia.

The menu at Sereia highlights seafood, with a selection of locally sourced and imported catches. A standout dish is the Carabineiro, a scarlet prawn from the Algarve, paired with seafood rice. Other signature dishes include Vieiras Marinadas, marinated scallops with Sereia royal caviar, and Bacalhau a Brás, a traditional Portuguese dish of salted cod with fried string potatoes. Though seafood is the star, Sereia also offers exceptional mains like Pica Pau com Pickles (seared beef with pickle) and Arroz de Pato, a duck rice dish with smoked bacon and chorizo. The restaurant also introduces a custom tinned fish menu, bringing the flavors of European tapas bars to Miami.

Sereia’s bar program reflects the restaurant’s culinary philosophy, offering expertly crafted cocktails to complement the bold flavors of the menu. Signature cocktails include the Iberian Mist, a mix of Croft Brandy, Madeira, peach, and cinnamon, and the Blue Port and Tonic, featuring white port wine, celery, and elderflower tonic. The wine list is a celebration of the Iberian Peninsula’s winemaking heritage, with a diverse selection of varieties and styles.

Leading the team at Sereia are Sá Pessoa and local hospitality experts Jourdan Binder, Sven Vogtland, and Alan Drummond. Binder, a fixture in Miami’s dining scene, has contributed to concepts such as The Anderson Bar and Dante’s HiFi, while Drummond’s global experience in luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants brings a unique international touch to the operation.

The restaurant’s design, created by award-winning Bishop Design, evokes the spirit of the ocean and Iberian landscapes. With natural wood, textured elements, and rich blue and green fabrics, the space creates an elegant yet welcoming ambiance. Sereia features a 125-seat capacity with both indoor and outdoor dining areas, a full bar, a private dining room, and a crudo bar, offering a refined yet comfortable experience.

Photos by Ruben Pictures

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