From Fuku to Kissing Coconuts, buzzy newcomers are heading to South Florida this summer and fall.
Here are 10 eateries we’re anticipating in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Please note: Opening dates are subject to change.
Elysium Immersive Dining, 2031 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors: This immersive dining theater is moving from Lighthouse Point to the former Palmyra Lounge space in Wilton Manors. The restaurant features 360-degree projection mapping designed to transport guests through several countries with native cuisine from each. “Wilton Manors is incredibly attractive due to its vibrant diversity and bustling nightlife,” owner/founder Tommy Catolico Pires said. “The area is rapidly gaining recognition as an upcoming arts district.” The new location will introduce an immersive bar and lounge with a curated, world-inspired small plates menu, he said. OPENING: Aug. 15, per Catolico Pires. INFORMATION: elysiumimmersivedining.com.
Zeus Greek Sweets & Kava, 2771 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach: Who’s craving Greek doughnuts? Loukoumades — think of fluffy, golden fried-dough balls soaked in honey syrup, cinnamon and chopped walnuts — will be your Achilles heel at Zeus. The Greek cafe and kava bar, also serving kratom and Greek french fries, is inspired by “South Florida’s Greek community, with recipes from my mom,” says Odysseus Cartier, who co-owns the spot with his mother, Helen. OPENING: Early July, per Cartier. INFORMATION: ZeusGreek.com.
FUKU
Fuku, a fast-casual fried chicken restaurant, is expected to open in West Palm Beach this summer. (Fuku/Courtesy)
Fuku, 407 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach: This will be the second SoFlo entry of celebrity chef David Chang’s dining empire. The New York-based, fast-casual fried chicken fan fave opened on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables back in March. “South Florida has been an exciting market for us, and the response so far has reinforced that there’s a real appetite for what Fuku does,” said CEO Claudia Lezcano. “West Palm Beach allows us to continue that momentum in a way that feels intentional to the community and aligned with how we’re growing the brand.” OPENING: End of summer, per public relations firm. INFORMATION: eatfuku.com.
FUKU
David Chang is the celebrity chef behind Fuku in West Palm Beach. (Fuku/Courtesy)
Baisel’s African Kitchen, 1400 10th St., Suite D, Lake Park: You’ll chase the fragrant spices coating each grain of jollof rice and scoop tender pieces of goat and fufu (boiled and mashed root vegetables) from a lake of velvety peanut soup at this casual spot specializing in Ghanaian and West African cuisine. “We wanted to bring the dishes we made back home to give Palm Beach the feel of the African meal,” said co-owner Godfred Baisel. OPENING: Late July, per Baisel. INFORMATION: 561-618-8314; BaiselsAfricanRestaurant.com.
Fletchers
Celebrity chef Michael Stember is planning to open Fletchers in Boca Raton this fall. (Fletchers/Courtesy)
Fletchers, 133 SE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton: The fine dining menu will feature “new American cuisine with timeless classics, enriched by strong Japanese and Mediterranean influences,” according to a news release. The kitchen will be under the auspices of former track-and-field Olympian and chef Michael Stember, who is also a co-owner along with SoFlo entrepreneurs Sam Meitus and Jake Marr. Separate, but in the same building, will be a private membership club. OPENING: Mid-fall, per its public relations firm. INFORMATION: fletchersboca.com.
A rendering of the Common Room, an American comfort-food restaurant with cocktails coming to downtown Hollywood (BOL Hospitality Group/Courtesy)
Common Room, 2032 Harrison St., Hollywood: Co-owner Eric Douglas (Social Room, Bae Korean Grill at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino) summed up the concept of this new 65-seater — draped in nostalgic floral coverings and brass-framed mirrors — as American comfort-food classics with supper-club cocktails. The menu: lobster rolls, yum yum fried chicken, braised short rib and French dips under executive chef Tanya Evans (Barton G, Café Mistral). The 2,000-square-footer, replacing Hotsy Totsy Bar & Grill, will also house an “invitation-only” Brooklyn Room speakeasy. OPENING: July 8, according to Douglas. INFORMATION: CommonRoomFL.com.
Rod Stafford Hagwood/South Florida Sun Sentinel
The family-owned restaurant Kissing Coconuts in Fort Lauderdale is expected to debut in September or October. (Rod Stafford Hagwood/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Kissing Coconuts, 560 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale: This upcoming eatery from culinary couple Christine and Garfield Mills will offer Jamaican-fusion and other Caribbean fare, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices. “Kissing Coconuts is an elevated resort-style restaurant located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale,” the Mills said in an email to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “From smoked jerk chicken sizzling off the grill to refreshing rum cocktails and coconut-infused delights, every bite feels like a vacation.” OPENING: September or October, per the Mills. INFORMATION: kissingcoconuts.com.
P Hospitality Management
The Crab Cake from Eddie & Vinny’s Coastal Italian. (P Hospitality Management/Courtesy)
Eddie & Vinny’s Coastal Italian, 4520 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens: For the second time, this restaurant boutique brand is transforming the space of a longtime eatery. Back in 2025, the husband-and-wife team of Eddie and Christina Pozzuoli turned their Tavolino Della Notte in Coral Springs into an Eddie & Vinny’s, with its menu inspired by Italy’s seaside regions and live entertainment nightly. Now the dynamic dining duo is taking over what used to be Prezzo in Palm Beach Gardens. “While it’s difficult to say goodbye to a restaurant that has meant so much to so many people, we’re excited to begin a new chapter in this space,” Eddie Pozzuoli said. “We look forward to introducing the community to this exciting new concept while continuing to provide the warm hospitality our guests have come to expect from us.” OPENING: This Fall, most likely in October, per the public relations firm. INFORMATION: eddieandvinnys.com.
Ember & Vine / Courtesy
Crudités, seafood and other Mediterranean dishes are on the menu at Ember & Vine, which is expected to open this month in Coral Springs. (P Hospitality Management/Courtesy)
Ember & Vine, 5920 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs: Here’s another one from power couple Eddie and Christina Pozzuoli. Expect California wine pairings and Roman-style pinsa fired over an open hearth within this posh, airy space. Inspired by Napa Valley tasting rooms, the menu from chef Jeff Tunks leans Mediterranean, with miso black cod, beef short ribs, seasonal crudités and lamb chops. Alongside California vintages, “we’ll have rare Italian and French wines,” Eddie Pozzuoli said. OPENING: July 27, per Pozzuoli. INFORMATION: 954-775-8445, EmberandVineFl.com.
Juan Camilo Duenes / Courtesy
El Machetico, a Colombian restaurant known for generous portions, is set to open this July in Pembroke Pines. (Juan Camilo Duenes / Courtesy)
El Machetico, 207 N. Hiatus Road, Pembroke Pines: Steaming cauldrons of sancocho (beef soup) and a 3-foot-long chicharrón are standard at this sit-down known for generous portions of Colombian fare. The restaurant, replacing the former Brandon’s Bistro (which is moving), serves what chef-owner Juan Camilo Duenes calls South Florida’s biggest “bandeja paisa,” a three-tiered plate of beans, rice, chorizo, avocado, fried eggs, chicharrones and sweet plantains. It’s El Machetico’s (“little machete”) third location, joining spots in Miami and Doral. OPENING: July, per Duenes. INFORMATION: 954-408-7878, ElMacheticoRestaurant.com.
