Helena Jose

For nearly two decades, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has been a cornerstone of Miami’s dining culture. This Sunday, March 15, the beloved Design District restaurant celebrates its 19th anniversary with a special birthday brunch honoring the dishes, philosophy, and community that have defined its legacy since opening in 2007.

Led by Michael Schwartz—a James Beard Award-winning chef whose ingredient-driven cooking helped shape Miami’s modern restaurant scene—Michael’s Genuine was among the first culinary pioneers in what is now the vibrant Miami Design District. Long before the neighborhood became an international hub for fashion, art, and luxury retail, the restaurant set a new standard for seasonal, honest cooking rooted in quality ingredients and community connection.

Nearly twenty years later, the restaurant remains a local institution and a destination for visitors seeking a taste of Miami’s culinary evolution.

A Brunch Celebrating 19 Years of Genuine Flavor

On Sunday, March 15 from 11 AM to 4 PM, guests are invited to celebrate the milestone with a festive anniversary brunch featuring some of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes from the past 19 years.

The menu revisits signature favorites that helped define Michael’s Genuine’s identity, including:

• “The Schwartz” Pastrami Steak with two fried eggs and toast

• Wood-Oven Baked 9-Grain Pancake with maple butter

• Crispy Rice Cake with rock shrimp, chorizo, fried egg, and smoked chile aioli

• Wood-Oven Roasted Double-Yolk Egg with cave-aged gruyère, roasted tomato and crostini

• Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder with cheese grits and pickled onions

• Charcoal Grilled Octopus with gigante beans and sherry vinaigrette

Many of these dishes have become staples of Miami’s brunch culture and are also featured in Chef Schwartz’s cookbook Michael’s Genuine Food: Down-to-Earth Cooking for People Who Love to Eat.

Bottomless Drinks, Live Jazz and Sweet Surprises

For the first time in the restaurant’s history, the celebration will include bottomless drinks—a two-hour experience priced at $45 featuring champagne, rosé, select wines, mimosas, and signature cocktails such as the Cabarete Spritz and Bulletproof Manhattan.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, live jazz will play from 12–3 PM, and guests can capture the moment at a dedicated photo booth set up for the occasion.

As a birthday gift from the restaurant, the first 50 guests will also receive a complimentary cookie from the signature dessert platter crafted by Pastry Chef Marlena Bella.

Nearly Two Decades of Hospitality

Few restaurants maintain the relevance and loyalty that Michael’s Genuine has achieved over nearly two decades. Its longevity reflects not only a timeless culinary philosophy but also a deep commitment to hospitality and community.

Many members of the restaurant’s team have been with the company for close to a decade or more, an increasingly rare achievement in the hospitality industry and a testament to the culture built around the brand.

Since its opening, the restaurant has earned numerous accolades, including a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide and recognition as “Best New Restaurant” by The New York Times in 2008—further cementing its role in shaping Miami’s modern culinary identity.

A Legacy That Continues to Evolve

As Miami continues to grow into one of the world’s most dynamic dining destinations, Michael’s Genuine remains a reminder of the power of authenticity in hospitality. What began as a neighborhood restaurant with a simple philosophy—cook great food with great ingredients—has become a cornerstone of the city’s culinary story.

Nineteen years later, its spirit remains the same: genuine food, genuine hospitality, and a place where the Miami community continues to gather around the table.

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink
📍 130 NE 40th St, Miami, FL
📅 Sunday, March 15 | 11 AM – 4 PM
Reservations available via OpenTable and Resy