First Look: Inside Ch’i, Brickell’s New Chinese-Latin Restaurant and Bar | Eater Miami

"Inside Brickell City Centre I found a massive 12,000-square-foot, four-in-one outpost from Grove Bay Hospitality Group and Breakwater Hospitality Group that blends contemporary Chinese food with Latin twists, drinks, and music. The space is divided into the garden, the Mercado, the lounge, and the main dining room and features three bars, two DJ booths, and multiple lounge and dining areas. Guests enter through the Mercado, which is modeled on Asian markets and offers casual counter-service soups, salads, bao, rotisserie and wok items amid retro neon signs, floor-to-ceiling walls lined with antiques, and video games. In the back is the Lounge, which showcases two large murals by Mallory Dawn on a mirrored wall, more than 150 paper lanterns overhead, and a full cocktail program with bottle service. The main dining room presents chef Rafael Perez Cambana’s contemporary Chinese menu with Latin spins—highlights include ropa vieja spring rolls, Peking duck tacos, shrimp enchilada dumplings, and a 32-ounce porterhouse steak served with lemongrass-ginger chimichurri—under crystal chandeliers, columns lined with tropical palm-fond wallpaper, large floral murals, and jewel-tone decor. The outdoor terrace garden offers an island bar, cabana seating, and a large-scale light installation intertwined with greenery; the Mercado menu is available during the daytime, while nights bring DJs and a more lounge-like atmosphere. Ch’i is open daily inside Brickell City Centre at 701 South Miami Avenue, with the Mercado and garden open 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Sunday–Wednesday and 11 a.m.–3 a.m. Thursday–Saturday, and the dining room and lounge open 6 p.m.–10 p.m. Sunday–Wednesday and 6 p.m.–3 a.m. Thursday–Saturday." - Olee Fowler