KYU
Wood-fired, Asian-inspired plates with a bold smoky character. The wood-fired cauliflower and pork ribs are legendary. Brunch is a Wynwood weekend institution.
Only you see this. What you ordered, what you'd order again, the table to ask for.
The Story
KYU opened February 15, 2016 on NW 25th Street in Wynwood, founded by chef Michael Lewis (a CIA grad who trained under Eric Ripert and David Bouley, and was Chef de Cuisine at Jean-Georges) and Steven Haigh, both formerly of Zuma. The wood-fired Asian grill closed in November 2022 after storm-related structural damage, underwent a full renovation, and reopened in March 2024. Chef Raheem Sealey, an earlier KYU chef, returned in September 2024 as the group's global executive chef, overseeing Miami alongside the brand's New York, Las Vegas and Mexico City locations.
Known for
The kitchen builds every dish around live-fire cooking, blending Japanese and Korean yakiniku technique with American Southern barbecue. Returning signatures include roasted cauliflower, Korean fried chicken with chile butter, sesame-crusted beef short rib and crispy rice, alongside newer Miami-only additions like Wagyu tartare and Malaysian noodles with grilled squid.
Worth knowing
The renovated Wynwood space seats about 114 indoors plus 24 on the patio, with an industrial-chic look updated with warm wood and leather accents. KYU takes reservations and also runs a zero-proof "On The Wagon" cocktail program alongside its regular bar.
Deals
6 deals at KYU
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The Vibe
Chef Michael Lewis's wood-fired kitchen has produced some of the most imitated dishes in Miami — the cauliflower, the pork ribs, the glazed black cod. The room is loud, the bar is packed, and the food rewards the chaos. Weekend brunch turns it into something closer to a party.
- Setting
- Bar lounge
- View
- None
- Formality
- Smart casual
- Music
- DJ
Entertainment
DJ spins at brunch on weekends.
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MiamiNav is a Miami dining and entertainment guide organized around vibe, experience, and value, not just cuisine. It tracks deals, happy hours, and events across 19 Miami neighborhoods.