Fooq’s, the beloved Mediterranean-inspired restaurant founded by restaurateur David Foulquier, officially returns to Miami on January 23, 2026, opening in the heart of Little River at 150 NW 73rd Street. After a four-year hiatus, Fooq’s return is both a homecoming and an evolution grounded in the spirit that made it highly regarded and now elevated for a new chapter.
Originally launched in Downtown Miami in 2015, Fooq’s was born as a deeply personal expression of Foulquier’s background, travels, and belief that great restaurants are built first and foremost around people. The new Little River location marks the evolution of that philosophy - now housed within a 14,000-square-foot, two-story space designed in partnership with Joyn Studio to feel warm, immersive, and transportive. Above the restaurant lies Lion’s Den - a music-forward vinyl lounge with programming led by Foulquier himself, alongside Manuel Mate (MANUMAT) and Mariana Pinto of Alchemy Music, showcasing both local and international DJs late into the night.
“Fooq’s was always meant to feel like a home,” says David Foulquier, founder of Fooq’s and co-owner of We All Gotta Eat Hospitality Group, alongside his brother Josh. “A place where people feel comfortable staying for a while - eating, drinking, listening to music, connecting. This version is the most honest and complete expression of that idea.”
At Fooq’s, that experience translates into an atmosphere that is both elevated and deeply human. Inspired by Foulquier’s travels, family history, and style, which he self-describes as “hippie chic” - the space blends Middle Eastern influences, 70s textures, mid-century design, and warmth. A signature element is the prominent bookshelf, filled with personal artifacts, photographs, and books from Foulquier’s childhood home. Originally a splurge when opening the first Fooq’s, it was meant to instantly make guests feel at home, signaling that this was a space built by real people with real stories. Alongside the bookshelf, commissioned artwork by longtime friend Austyn Weiner, photography by Jay Blakesberg, and curated pieces from Morrison Hotel Gallery tie the space to music, culture, and memory - reinforcing Fooq’s role as a place for friends and community.
Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Andrew Bazzini, a New York–trained chef whose experience includes acclaimed kitchens such as Olmsted and LT Bar & Grill. Working closely with Foulquier, Bazzini brings a refined yet approachable point of view to a menu shaped through months of tastings, research, and development. Drawing inspiration from David and Josh’s French-Persian upbringing, the seasonality of local produce, and classic European technique, the menu is woven with Persian flavors as a benchmark and undertone. Fooq’s is best described as an American restaurant with Persian influence, where food is meant to bring people together. “There are few things in life as special as sharing experiences and creating memories over a meal,” states Bazzini. That philosophy is reflected in a share-forward menu built around a custom wood-fired cooking suite by Demant Grills, the heart and soul of the kitchen. Guests can expect large-format proteins, thoughtful vegetable-driven dishes, and evolving offerings designed for communal dining and memorable experiences.
The beverage program at Fooq’s is designed to elevate both the meal and the experience around it. David and Josh’s shared love of wine shapes a thoughtful list that balances benchmark classics with smaller, artisan producers. At its core is an exceptional collection of approximately 1,000 expertly selected and curated vintage wines, featuring standout bottles from regions such as Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rioja, and Napa Valley. Complementing the wine program, the cocktail menu offers refined riffs on classics infused with Persian ingredients like saffron, pistachio, and pomegranate, alongside a spirits selection that highlights artisanal producers, a strong agave focus, and a small selection of non-alcoholic Persian sharbats.
As Miami continues to evolve as a global dining destination, Fooq’s returns with a clear point of view: a commitment to excellence, authenticity, and community building. Its opening reinforces Little River’s emergence as one of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods and emphasizes Fooq’s enduring influence on Miami hospitality.
Image courtesy of Fooq's
