This Michelin Guide-recommended Basque restaurant in Miami is closing

Connie Ogle
·2 min read

It may have been a masterpiece, but Leku Fish & Garden restaurant at the Rubell Museum in Allapattah is closing.

The innovative Basque restaurant, which opened in 2020 during the pandemic, has been a Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant for three straight years. Venezuelan-born chef Carlos Garcia, who arrived at Leku in 2023, has worked at three of Spain’s most famous Michelin-starred restaurants: El Bulli, El Celler de Can Roca and Mugaritz, a Basque restaurant in San Sebastián.

But despite a rebranding and shift to a more seafood-forward menu earlier this year, the team found that they were unable to lure the steady stream of customers they hoped for to the largely industrial Allapattah neighborhood, which has not been developed as quickly as expected.

Terry Zarikian, partner of Leku Fish & Garden, said in a statement he hopes to bring Leku back to South Florida in a new location at some point and that the team is actively seeking locations.

After nine years, this pioneering Wynwood restaurant and bar is closing

The garden at Leku Fish & Garden at the Rubell Museum in Allapattah.
The garden at Leku Fish & Garden at the Rubell Museum in Allapattah.

“Leku Fish & Garden has been an expression of joy, both in the culinary community of Miami and for all of us who have been involved in bringing this Basque dream to fruition since its humble opening four years ago,” he said. “We have adored seeing our guests become our loyal ambassadors and friends in the past several years.“

Zarikian, who manages Leku with restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow of China Grill Management and Garcia, told the Miami Herald earlier this year that change is always part of the hospitality industry.

“No restaurant in the world has survived without making changes,” Zarikian said. “Change is good. You can’t stand still.”

The restaurant’s last day of service is June 30. Get your Basque cheese tart while you can.

Chef Carlos Garcia with restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow at Leku Fish & Garden at the Rubell Museum.
Chef Carlos Garcia with restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow at Leku Fish & Garden at the Rubell Museum.

LEKU FISH & GARDEN

Where: Rubell Museum, 1100 NW 23rd St., Miami

Closing: June 30

Reservations: Resy

More information: lekumiami.com or 786-464-0615

One of the standout small plates at Leku Fish & Garden is tartar de viera, Hokkaido scallops with Tobiko caviar, green apple, crispy onions and uni.
One of the standout small plates at Leku Fish & Garden is tartar de viera, Hokkaido scallops with Tobiko caviar, green apple, crispy onions and uni.

This stylish Brickell spot for luxurious dinner parties is closing temporarily