Q&A: First Look at KYU

Miami, FL – February 28, 2024 – “KYU Miami’s same, familiar soul has matured in its passion and the craft has decided to try on a new suit.”

Founded in 2016 right in the heart of Wynwood, KYU is an Asian-inspired restaurant that offers unique flavors inspired by the global travels of the dedicated team of chefs behind it, and the discipline of Japanese wood-fired grilling known as “yakiniku”.

KYU offers a rich exploration of interpretive Asian cooking, serving dishes like carefully grilled umami-rich meats, smoke-roasted short ribs, hamachi Crudo, pork belly baos, and Thai “stone pot” fried rice, along with delectable hand-crafted cocktails and stunning signature desserts.

“A lot has changed over the last year and half in Miami since KYU was last involved in the culinary scene here,” shared COO Tom Favorule and chef Christopher Arellanes. “We’re excited to be back in the new Miami! We look forward to offering the familiarity of KYU while also contributing innovative and creative dishes for our guests to enjoy.

WRE: We love to hear that KYU is returning to its original location. What are some changes in terms of design that can people look forward to? 

Mark Diaz: KYU Miami’s same familiar soul, has matured in its passion and craft has decided to try on a new suit. That envelope has a sense of familiarity within its Rough Luxe like shell. “Rough Luxe”, in its more mature iteration, takes on the refined sophistication of a seasoned connoisseur. While maintaining its essence of blending raw and luxurious elements, the mature Rough Luxe exhibits a deeper understanding of balance and subtlety. The textures are no longer merely contrasting but are intricately woven together, creating an atmosphere of warm understated elegance. It’s akin to the evolution of a fine wine, where the initial boldness mellows into a complex and nuanced harmony, offering a more mature and refined experience for those who appreciate the art of design.

KYU Miami’s same familiar soul, has matured in its passion and craft has decided to try on a new suit. That envelope has a sense of familiarity within its Rough Luxe like shell.

Mark Diaz

WRE: With KYU being such a Miami staple, what does the return mean for Miami’s culinary scene?

Tom Favorule: Miami since KYU was last involved in the culinary scene here. We’re excited to be back in the new Miami! We look forward to offering the familiarity of KYU while also contributing innovative and creative dishes for our guests to enjoy.

WRE: What signature dishes are back and what new dishes can people expect?

Christopher Arellanes: All of the KYU classics are returning! Guests can expect to see the KYU signature dishes like our roasted cauliflower, Korean fried chicken, tuna crispy rice and our short rib. Of course our coconut cake as well! Some of our new dishes are our Malaysian noodles, smoked Hamachi crudo and our pastrami steamed buns

All of the KYU classics are returning! Guests can expect to see the KYU signature dishes like our roasted cauliflower, Korean fried chicken, tuna crispy rice and our short rib. Of course our coconut cake as well!

Christopher Arellanes

WRE: KYU started in Miami, but how has the brand expanded over the past few years?

CA: We’ve expanded to New York, Las Vegas and will be opening in Los Angeles in early 2025!