In a move that’s caught Miami’s dining scene off guard, famed celebrity chef and restaurateur, Gordon Ramsay’s stylish South Beach restaurant, Lucky Cat, has gone dark. At least for now. The high-profile spot, known for its Japanese-inspired menu and buzzy grand opening last year, has announced a “seasonal pause” with no set date to reopen.
Located in the trendy South Of Fifth neighborhood in Miami’s South Beach, Lucky cat arrived in 2024 as Ramsay’s first Miami restaurant, offering everything from robata-grilled meats to delicate sushi and artful small plates. The space was as much about the experience as the food, with its sleek design, glamorours cocktail bar, and Ramsay’s signature flair.
A Summer Break?
According to a statement on the restaurant’s website, the closure is part of a planned summer break, citing Miami’s slowest dining season due to low tourism during the hottest months. Still, for diners holding reservations or planning trips to Miami, the pause has sparked speculation on social media about what this means for the restaurant’s future.
An Instagram posting explained: “As the city’s tempo softens, we’re reflecting on an incredible first chapter and dreaming up what’s next 💭To our guests, our partners, and our exceptional team: thank you. This isn’t goodbye, just a moment to breathe.”
Lucky Cat isn’t the first Miami hot spot hitting the brakes this summer. Several restaurants in the city’s high-rent and heavy tourism districts have opted for temporary closures, citing staffing, seasonality, and cost concerns. Lucky Cat has three additional locations in the UK that will remain open, as will Ramsay’s second Miami location, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at 333 Biscayne Blvd. Way.
For Ramsay, the break could be a smart reset. A chance to refresh and realign after its debut opening and reignite buzz ahead of Miami’s busy season. But until the doors swing back open, Luck Cat remains a question mark, leaving fans to wonder if the pause will become a permanent stop, or if the restaurant will return with renewed energy and excitement.
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