Everyone has a China Grill story.
During the halcyon days of South Beach, China Grill was where Miami came to celebrate- at a time when just about every moment was a cause for celebration. It was the backdrop for birthdays, anniversaries, business deals, pregame dinners before unforgettable nights out, spontaneous meet-cutes, and Valentine’s Day dinners that somehow didn’t begin until 1 a.m. It was where our favorite club mixes filled the room, where locals rubbed shoulders with celebrities, and where just about everyone we knew – or eventually became friends with shared a table at one time or another. China Grill wasn’t simply one of Miami’s hottest restaurants. It was an institution. A cultural landmark, an era of dining and nightlife that many still consider the golden age of South Beach.
For nearly two decades, it was far more than a restaurant-it was the heartbeat of South Beach and the place where unforgettable nights began. Housed in the same iconic building as Ocean Drive magazine, the publication that catapulted South Beach onto the global stage, China Grill became the epicenter that defined an era of dining, nightlife, and celebrity culture. Tastemakers and celebrities – including Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Donatella Versace, Naomi Campbell, Lenny Kravitz, Dennis Rodman, Ricky Martin, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and countless athletes and supermodels gathered alongside South Beach personalities, promoters, club owners and local luminaries.
From there, the night continued through the evolution of Miami nightlife – from Amnesia, Bar Room, and GrooveJet to Liquid, Level, Crobar, Living Room, BED, SET, Mansion, Mynt, Skybar, and eventually LIV – each venue defining its own chapter in South Beach history. One night, after dinner at China Grill, we boarded a party bus with Adrian Grenier’s entourage on our way to SET- the site of Miami Socialholic’s fabulous launch party in 2009.
Now, China Grill has returned at Bal Harbour Shops, and it’s clear the legend is alive and well.
Walking through the doors felt less like visiting a new restaurant and more like coming home. Familiar faces, shared memories, and conversations all began with stories of the original China Grill. The energy was unmistakable, and the unique flavors that made China Grill famous have remained remarkably true to the originals while introducing exciting new dishes worthy of becoming modern classics.
The new space is sophisticated, elegant, and beautifully designed, striking the perfect balance between contemporary luxury and the unmistakable China Grill spirit.
The expansive outdoor terrace is a standout feature, complete with ceiling fans and outdoor air-conditioning units that make alfresco dining surprisingly comfortable—even during a Miami summer. Seriously…why can’t every outdoor restaurant in Miami do this?
No visit is complete without beginning with the restaurant’s signature Lobster Pancakes. Filled with wild mushrooms, red chili, scallions, and coconut milk, they remain every bit as decadent as longtime fans remember.
The Crackling Calamari Salad, dressed with its signature lime miso dressing, continues to deliver the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors that made it a must-order for decades.
The Grilled Szechuan Beef remains a standout, signature favorite—tender beef paired with sake, soy, spicy shallots, crispy matchstick frites, and two irresistible sauces.
Of course, no China Grill experience is complete without the Peking Duck. Served with housemade pancakes and hoisin sauce, it remains one of Miami’s most celebrated dishes.
While the classics remain, the new menu introduces additions worthy of attention. The Chilean Sea Bass is buttery and perfectly prepared, complemented by hearts of palm, soy-ginger brown butter, and fresh herbs. The Onion Soup Dumplings transform the comforting flavors of French onion soup into delicate dumplings filled with rich, savory broth. The Crispy Shrimp & Mango Beggars’ Purses combine succulent shrimp, tropical sweetness, and Thai sweet chili sauce into one exceptional bite.
Choosing the best side is nearly impossible. The Wasabi Mash remains every bit as addictive as remembered, while the luxurious Truffle Mash is equally spectacular. Consider it a tie—both deserve a permanent place on every table. Also noteworthy is the Crispy Spinach which is so light, airy and delicious that it will delight even the spinach-averse.
The cocktail program is every bit as creative as the cuisine. Marco’s Escape, crafted with Suntory Toki Whisky, Chinola Passionfruit, lemon juice, passion fruit purée, basil, and ginger beer, is bright and refreshing. The Mango Mirage delivers pure Miami energy with Bacardi Rum, Chinola Mango, mango purée, lime, mint, and soda. Silk & Spice brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness with Corazón Tequila, jalapeño, cucumber, mint, lime, and agave. To finish, the Café Champa offers an elevated espresso martini experience with Grey Goose Vodka, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, espresso, and condensed milk. And while it’s not currently on the menu, the Lychee Martini deserves a special mention—it may be one of the best we’ve ever tasted.
Our return to China Grill began with an unforgettable brunch that perfectly captured the spirit of its comeback. The room was filled with the same effortless glamour that made the original legendary—friends lingering over cocktails, conversations flowing from table to table, and that unmistakable Miami energy that turns a meal into an occasion. It felt less like discovering a new restaurant and more like revisiting an old friend, proving that some experiences never go out of style.
China Grill hasn’t simply reopened.
It has reclaimed its place in Miami’s story. For those who remember the original, it’s a chance to relive the magic. For a new generation, it’s an opportunity to discover one of the restaurants that helped shape Miami’s dining scene and continues to set the standard for destination dining.
Some restaurants reopen.
China Grill returns.
Welcome back, old friend.
China Grill’s Hours
Monday–Thursday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Friday–Saturday: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
Sunday Brunch: 11:30 AM–3:30 PM
Sunday Dinner: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
China Grill Bal Harbour
9700 Collins Avenue, Suite D-135
Bal Harbour, FL 33154
Phone: (305) 404-9700
https://chinagrillbalharbour.com
*Restaurant photos courtesy of China Grill
