On July 27, the Palm Restaurant in Merrick Village closed, after a six-year run. The Coral Gables location was one of four the national restaurant chain owned in Florida-the other locations in Bay Harbor Islands, Orlando, and Tampa remain open. Ouzo's Mediterranean Bistro on Bay Road in South Beach has also closed its doors as result of area construction projects that restricted access to the restaurant.
Another SoBe landmark to hit the chopping block, in addtion to those previously reported nightclubs, is Touch Restaurant on Lincoln Road. However, while the restaurant is no longer in operation, Touch Catering and its kosher subdivision are still operational. Owners are already working on a new venture to replace Touch in the restaurant sector.
On the flip side, South Florida has added even more diversity to its restaurant map with the openings of four new eateries, each bringing a different flavor from around the globe. The most recently opened establishments include French restaurant Bistro Bisou in Dadeland Plaza Mall, RA Sushi next to Sunset Place, and Cita's Italian Chophouse in Coconut Grove.
Vita Garden on Miami Beach has also temporarily closed for renovations though it is expected to reopen in October.
