RIVIERA DINING GROUP UNVEILS FLAGSHIP AVA MEDITERRAEGEAN IN COCONUT GROVE 

Riviera Dining Group (RDG) is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated opening of AVA MediterrAegean, debuting this November in Coconut Grove, one of Miami’s most storied neighborhoods. Following the success of its Winter Park location, the Coconut Grove outpost will serve as the brand’s flagship, offering a multi-sensory journey defined by reimagined design, elevated Mediterranean cuisine, and a lively, spirited atmosphere that brings RDG’s modern Greek agora philosophy to life. As part of the flagship, RDG will also extend its current membership program and strategic locations with AVA MM, a discreet members-only retreat within the property that expands the experience beyond the restaurant.

Founded by Gregory Galy, RDG has become known for creating destination concepts that transcend dining, with a portfolio that includes MILA MIAMI, CASA NEOS, CLAUDIE, AVA MediterrAegean in Winter Park — and now, its flagship in Miami.

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The culinary team at AVA Coconut Grove is led by RDG Partner and Head of Culinary, Chef Michaël Michaelidis, alongside Executive Chef Frédéric Aumeunier.  With more than two decades of experience at the pinnacle of global gastronomy, Chef Aumeunier brings an extraordinary pedigree to AVA Coconut Grove. Having honed his craft in some of the world’s most celebrated kitchens — Per Se (3 Michelin stars), La Maison Pic (3 Michelin stars), Pineapple & Pearls (2 Michelin stars), and leadership roles with Alain Ducasse and Barrière Les Neiges Courchevel—Aumeunier now turns his focus to Miami, where he channels his deep Mediterranean roots and Riviera sensibility into AVA’s culinary identity.

Chef Aumeunier has a reputation for revitalizing kitchens and shaping menus that are both soulful and globally relevant. At AVA, his vision comes to life in a menu that pays tribute to the Cycladic region, balancing tradition with modern interpretation. Each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients and time-honored techniques, showcasing the purity and vibrancy of Mediterranean cuisine. From bright herbs and citrus to olive oil, exotic spices, premium proteins, and seasonal vegetables, the menu captures the essence of the earth and sea. 

Highlights include Aegean Tuna Ceviche, Mediterranean Seabass Carpaccio, and Chilean Seabass Kakavia, alongside indulgent plates such as Lobster Pasta and a 32oz Tomahawk. Signature sharing dishes — like whole Branzino Spetziota style or Prawns Kadaifi with black garlic emulsion — celebrate convivial dining, while inventive mezze and salads, including roasted peppers with rose water, feta, and pistachio or roasted halloumi with jasmine-flavored pears and Castelfranco, showcase the artistry and soul of the kitchen. From Yellowtail Crudo with fig leaf vierge, caviar, and watermelon to the tableside drama of a traditional Lamb Moussaka, AVA delivers a refined yet soulful expression of Mediterranean cooking.

DESIGN & ATMOSPHERE

Designed by Lazaro Rosa-Violán, AVA Coconut Grove reimagines Greek island minimalism through the lens of Miami’s vibrant spirit. Conceived as a journey in three parts — an open-air terrace, a sculpted dining room, and an intimate members’ club — the space balances textural restraint with coastal exuberance.

Natural Mediterranean materials such as plaster, travertine, limestone, and coral stone are paired with handcrafted ceramics, woven rattan, and natural fibers sourced from artisans across Greece and Latin America. A sun-washed palette of whites, sand, and earth tones is punctuated by sculptural details: arches, handcrafted lattices, custom oak millwork, and bespoke lighting that together create intimacy while maintaining openness.

At the heart of the dining room, a dramatic rainforest marble bar glows under alabaster lamps, evoking the sacred aura of a Greek sunset. Throughout, commissioned artworks — including a three-dimensional tapestry, hand-crafted stuccos, and silk works inspired by myth and memory — transform the interiors into a living gallery where tradition and modernity meet.

The terrace, softened by linen canopies and Mediterranean vegetation, offers a luminous coastal escape, while the members’ club immerses guests in a shaded, bronze-accented sanctuary with cigar and wine lockers, echoing classic elegance with contemporary allure. Every element, from custom furniture to curated sculptures, reflects a devotion to craftsmanship, calm, and connection, making AVA not just a restaurant, but an aesthetic and sensory experience that transcends the everyday.

AVA MM MEMBERS’ CLUB 

Discreetly housed within the flagship property, AVA MM Coconut Grove—the fourth location in RDG’s MM Members Club community—is an exclusive retreat conceived as a sophisticated sanctuary. The design seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor elements, with hand-polished walls, ethnic sconces, and natural materials flowing into the lush surrounding vegetation. The result is a timeless atmosphere where classical lines meet contemporary design, evoking a Mediterranean spirit deeply rooted in nature.

Within this setting, members indulge in a culinary program unlike the main AVA MediterrAegean restaurant: a Japanese-inspired menu, beautifully plated and defined by refined, tasteful flavors crafted exclusively for the club. This elevated dining is complemented by inventive cocktails, a curated wine list, and rare vintages from the private cellar. Beyond the table, AVA MM offers a cultural and lifestyle program—chef-led dinners, intimate tastings, and curated activations—that make it a true destination for connection, culture, and elevated living.

“AVA Coconut Grove marks the evolution of our vision — a flagship that brings the soul of the Mediterranean to one of Miami’s most storied neighborhoods. We’ve created a restaurant that welcomes the public with exceptional cuisine, design, and atmosphere. With AVA MM, we’ve added a private extension that offers an even deeper layer of discovery, giving our members a sanctuary for gastronomy, culture, and connection.”

• Gregory Galy, Founder & CEO of Riviera Dining Group

RDG debuted with MILA Miami in 2020, followed by AVA MediterrAegean in Winter Park in 2022, CASA NEOS in 2024, and CLAUDIE in early 2025. Based in Miami, the hospitality collective has quickly become a defining force in South Florida’s dining culture, with a portfolio rooted in Mediterranean influences. Renowned for elevating the art of Mediterranean hospitality and curating every detail—from cuisine and design to ambiance and entertainment—RDG creates luxury experiences that feel both personal and immersive. With its refined approach to high-end dining, the group continues to set new benchmarks in contemporary hospitality.