Two Miami nightlife moguls have teamed up to create a new waterfront restaurant and lounge along the Miami River, and this one will have an Italian-inspired twist.
Roman Jones, founder of Kiki on the River, and Nicola Siervo, founder of Mynt Lounge, will launch Capitano, a two-story palazzo that’s set to be built at 28 N.W. North River Drive.
The indoor-outdoor venue, slated to open in 2025, will span more than 14,000 square feet and feature a courtyard, terrace, library-themed co*cktail bar and lounge, and coffee bar.
Trending: Last Sears in South Florida could be redeveloped through Live Local Act (Photos)
Capitano’s team said the new establishment will be designed to resemble an Italian coastal villa. The restaurant-lounge will draw inspiration from popular resort destinations, such as Positano and Capri, and rustic regions, such as Puglia and Sicily.
To enhance the theme, the Italian-influenced concept will have the longest dock line in the area, which is expected to accommodate yachts of up to 300 feet.
“Miami has become quite a cosmopolitan city, but nonetheless, there are few places one can arrive via boat,” said Siervo, managing partner at Capitano. “We’re seeking to recreate the Italian experience where you can arrive by yacht for an unforgettable experience.”
Siervo, who hails from Salerno, Italy, will work to ensure the property offers authentic Italian gastronomy with ingredients sourced from regional purveyors and chefs who have mastered Italian cooking styles.
Guests can expect meals made on open-fire, seaside street food and a variety of libations.
“We are excited for Nicola to put his stamp on Capitano,” said Jones, who is the son of English rock star Mick Jones, founder and leader of the British-American rock band Foreigner.
Related: New dining hall opens in Hollywood; Food Network star launches restaurant in Broward
Capitano will open near three other hospitality projects Jones owns and operates in the Miami River District, including his local hotspot Kiki on the River, a Greek restaurant and lounge; Crust Pizza, a gourmet Italian-style pizzeria; andHabibi, a new French Moroccan supper club that’s set to open this summer.
Siervo said he and Jones both see growth potential in the district, which is undergoing redevelopment.
The pair had a similar mindset when they launched nightlife concepts in South Beach when the area was considered up-and-coming in the ‘90s and early 2000s.
In Miami Beach, Jones hotspots included The Living Room, Opium Garden, Privé, Mansion, SET, Louis-Bar and Mokai, before he moved on to hospitality concepts in Greater Miami. He owns and operates Baby Jane, a co*cktail and noodle bar in Brickell, and El Santo, a taqueria in Little Havana that houses a speakeasy concept called Don Diablo.
WorldRedEye.com
Siervo got his start in hospitality as the manager of Bang, a former restaurant in Miami Beach. He went on to own and operate restaurants and nightclubs in South Florida and New York City, including Bar None, Rock Bar, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, Joia at the Century Hotel and Wall Lounge at the W South Beach.
“With his buzz-worthy track record of launching some of Miami’s most iconic restaurants and nightclubs, Nicola is a perfect complement to our company,” said Jones.
Combined, the two lifestyle entrepreneurs have more than 30 years of hospitality experience.
Related: Ruth’s Chris Steak House opens in Jupiter; Velvet Taco Wynwood gets new date
The Miami River District is actively undergoing redevelopment with a focus on residential, commercial and recreational enhancements.
This revitalization includes the development of luxury residential complexes, such asRiver RapidsandOne River Point. The area is also welcoming infrastructure and public space improvements, including theMiami River Greenway, a walkable paved 10-mile trail that aims to connect downtown Miami to the Dolphin Expressway near Civic Center. So far, the walkway’s northern portion known as Miami Riverwalk has been constructed. It starts at Bayfront Park and ends near S.W. 2nd St.
Major commercial projects that have been completed in the Miami River District includeRiver Landing ShopsandBrickell City Centre. The district’s varied redevelopment efforts aim to create a vibrant urban environment to attracts residents, businesses, and visitors to this historic area of Miami-Dade County.
Sign up herefor the Business Journal’s free morning and afternoon daily newsletters to receive the latest business news impacting South Florida.Downloadthe free Business Journal app for breaking news alerts on your phone.
Total meeting space, sq. ft.
| Rank | Prior Rank | Company / Prior (* Not ranked in year prior)/URL |
|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | Miami Beach Convention Center |
2 | 2 | Broward County Convention Center |
3 | 3 | The Diplomat Beach Resort |
