Zeru, the celebrated Mediterranean-Basque restaurant known for its hot coal grilling in Mexico City’s upscale San Ángel and Lomas de Chapultepec neighborhoods, has opened its first U.S. location in Miami. Situated on the ground floor of the Hotel AKA Brickell, the new restaurant boasts 5,400 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining space, as well as a lavish bar area. Zeru, which means “heaven” in Basque, takes inspiration from the cuisine of San Sebastian, a coastal Basque city, offering a menu filled with seasonal fish dishes prepared in the Gertaria-style, known internationally for its seafood.
The Miami location promises to be a unique addition to the city’s vibrant culinary scene, and a must-visit destination for those seeking an upscale dining experience with a Basque twist.
In addition to the delectable paella dishes cooked to perfection using the socarrat technique (meaning “scorched” in Spanish), Zeru’s menu also features a variety of grilled dishes prepared using a high-end Josper grill. Indulge in the succulent King Crab with saffron or the mouthwatering Japanese Kobe strip loin, both expertly grilled to perfection. These dishes are sure to impress even the most discerning of palates, making for a memorable dining experience at Zeru’s new Miami location.
Chef and partner Israel Aretxiga believes that grilling is what sets Basque cooking apart. In a statement, he explained, “The beautiful and simple combination of wood, smoke, and flame present since the beginning of gastronomy, is what gives meaning to our cuisine. We apply the traditional techniques of the Basque asador to the finest ingredients to create a unique gastronomical experience of authentic flavors.”
“Authenticity is what connects Miami with Zeru, a place where tradition and innovation meet,” she said.
The Zeru Group, which opened its first restaurant in Mexico in 2009, has gained recognition for its culinary excellence. In fact, MB by Marco Beteta, a gastronomic and lifestyle website in Mexico, named it the sixth best restaurant in Mexico City. Executive Chef Gabriela Guitrón believes that Miami is the perfect location for Zeru’s expansion. “Authenticity is what connects Miami with Zeru, a place where tradition and innovation meet,” she said. “Like the Magic City, our restaurant has an identity of its own, an authentic dining experience of flavors and textures that have been preserved and enhanced with ingredients that speak for themselves.” With a commitment to authenticity and a focus on the highest quality ingredients, Zeru is poised to become a favorite dining destination in Miami.
Where: Hotel AKA, 1395 Brickell Ave., Hours: Noon- 3p.m. Sunday-Thursday; dinner daily at 5:30 p.m. More information: zerumiami.com or 786-809-1786