Major Food Group (MFG), the creative force behind some of America’s most celebrated restaurants, continues its South Florida expansion with a Miami Beach outpost of HaSalon, the renowned Israeli restaurant originally founded in Tel Aviv. Opening on Wednesday November 24, 2021 at the former home of an iconic Miami Beach institution, China Grill, the project marks a groundbreaking collaboration between the two industry leaders.
Led by Co-Founders Mario Carbone, Jeff Zalaznick, and Rich Torrisi, MFG established roots in Miami at the beginning of 2021 with two smash successes: CARBONE in the South of Fifth neighborhood and the private membership venue ZZ’s Club in the Miami Design District. In addition to HaSalon, MFG will launch several additional Miami projects before the end of the year.
“HaSalon is simply legendary. We fell in love with the concept years ago, in part because MFG also builds restaurants that deliver excellent hospitality, unmatched food, and a nightly celebration. Now, we finally get to do it together. The restaurant is a one-of-kind concept born in Israel but made for Miami.” said Jeff Zalaznick, MFG Co-Founder.
HaSalon will open at one of Miami Beach’s most storied locations: 404 Washington Avenue, which for nearly two decades was home to China Grill. The address is a fitting showcase for the theatrics and widely acclaimed Israeli cuisine that have come to define the HaSalon brand at its outposts in Tel Aviv, New York City, and Ibiza.
“Everyone who comes to HaSalon for the first time tells me that they’ve never had an experience like it,” says HaSalon founder Eyal Shani, the beloved chef, MasterChef judge, and restaurateur with over 30 successful ventures to his name. “The mood gets more and more energetic and convivial as the night goes on and guests get comfortable, but one thing never changes: the line of cooks working very quietly, very consciously, on their food.”
In the heart of Miami Beach, the HaSalon team will work from an open kitchen decorated with a bounty of ingredients—a HaSalon signature. They will prepare bright salads, vibrant vegetable dishes, satisfying pastas, as well as show-stopping courses meant for sharing, such as many whole fish preparations, giant lamb kebabs, and steaks. Menu selections will change according to the seasons and the restaurant’s restless creativity, but their famous emphasis on generosity and bold flavors will remain constant.
HaSalon operating hours will be Wednesday - Sunday.
HaSalon Miami - Image via Seth Browarnik/ World Red Eye
HaSalon Miami - Image via Seth Browarnik/ World Red Eye
HaSalon Miami - Image via Seth Browarnik/ World Red Eye
Burekas
Avocado bruschetta on challah
Carpaccio hammer
Whole black sea bass H’raime
Slow roasted lamb
Beet Ravioli
Two-and-a-half-foot-long shishlik-kebab siniya (before it’s cooked in taboon oven)
Carpaccio
Mamaliga
Single 12-foot pici noodle with sage
Shrimp Cocktail
Images via Melissa Hom Photography