Miami’s Coconut Grove just got a major dose of Mediterranean glamour. Riviera Dining Group (RDG) unveiled its flagship AVA MediterrAegean this November, and in typical RDG fashion, the restaurant brings exquisite cuisine and an enticing vibe. Following the success of their Winter Park location, AVA Coconut Grove elevates the brand’s “modern Greek agora” philosophy with a multi-sensory experience that blends bold flavors, artful design, and a lively, spirited atmosphere.
Photos Courtesy of AVA MediterrAegean
Diners can enjoy signature sharing plates.
Helming the kitchen is RDG partner and head of culinary Michaël Michaelidis alongside executive Chef Frédéric Aumeunier, whose resume spans the likes of Per Se, La Maison Pic, Pineapple & Pearls, and Alain Ducasse. At AVA, he channels his Mediterranean roots into dishes that balance tradition with contemporary flair. Highlights include Aegean tuna ceviche, Chilean seabass Kakavia, lobster pasta, and a dramatic tableside lamb moussaka. Signature sharing plates, like prawns Kadaifi with black garlic emulsion or whole branzino Spetziota style, invite diners to embrace the convivial spirit of the table, making it a special experience for all.
“We’ve created a restaurant that welcomes the public with exceptional cuisine, design, and atmosphere. With AVA MM, we’ve added a private extension for deeper discovery.” –GREGORY GALY
The design, by Lazaro Rosa-Violán, is equally stunning: sun-washed terraces, sculpted interiors, and a dramatic rainforest marble bar evoke the calm grandeur of a Greek isle with a Miami twist. Materials such as travertine, limestone, and handcrafted ceramics blend with custom oak millwork and bespoke lighting, creating spaces that feel simultaneously intimate and expansive. Art installations, from silk works to 3D tapestries, transform the dining room into a living gallery.
Dining and Cooking