Just weeks after Chef Nando Chang earned a coveted James Beard Award for his work at Itamae AO, the Michelin-starred Miami restaurant has officially closed its doors. The announcement marks another blow in what many local chefs are calling the worst summer for Miami restaurants in years.
Why Itamae AO Closed After Winning a James Beard Award
The sudden closure of Itamae AO—a celebrated Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant—comes amid a wave of high-profile Miami restaurant closures in 2025. Its future became uncertain in June when Chef Valerie Chang, Nando’s sister and co-owner of Maty’s (the adjoining Peruvian restaurant), announced her departure. Since guests accessed Itamae through Maty’s, the announcement fueled speculation.
Despite the shutdown, Itamae AO has hinted at a return. In a recent Instagram post, the team wrote:
“We’re excited to find our new home.”
This leaves hope that the acclaimed restaurant will reopen in a new location, continuing its legacy in Miami’s evolving food scene.
The 2025 Summer Slowdown Hits Miami Restaurants Hard
This year’s seasonal dining slump in Miami has been especially brutal. According to the Miami Herald, foot traffic is “non-existent,” reservations are down, and operational costs are skyrocketing. This has led to an unprecedented number of restaurant closures across the region.
Notable Miami Restaurant Closures in 2025 Include:
- Maty’s – Michelin-starred Peruvian restaurant
- Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante – Miami Beach staple for nearly 20 years
- CHICA Miami – Closed after six years of service
- Piegari Italian Restaurant – Shuttered after only one year
- Erba Coral Gables – Closed after two years despite critical acclaim
The closures are being attributed to a mix of rising rent, food costs, insurance premiums, and extreme heat affecting outdoor dining venues.
Industry Experts Explain Why This Summer Is Different
Emi Guerra, co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group, says heat is only part of the problem:
“A restaurant’s location and ability to pivot toward events or indoor experiences can determine survival.”
Meanwhile, F&B Hospitality Leasing founder Felix Bendersky pointed out that Miami’s peak dining season is shrinking.
What used to span from September to June now ends after the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix in early May and doesn’t rebound until Art Basel in December.
What’s Next for Itamae AO and the Miami Dining Scene?
While Itamae AO’s closing shocked food lovers, the restaurant has reassured fans that this isn’t goodbye. The team is actively looking for a new location, signaling a potential comeback in 2026.
In the meantime, restaurateurs across Miami are reevaluating their strategies to survive the off-season and adapt to a changing hospitality landscape.
