Q&A: First Look at Sra. Martinez in Coral Gables

David Martinez & Chef Michelle Bernstein

Miami, FL – December 11, 2024 – Step inside James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein and husband/partner David Martinez’s Sra. Martinez in Coral Gables.

The highly anticipated resurrection of the award-winning restaurant opened by the hospitality power duo in the Miami Design District in 2008, Sra. Martinez features a menu rooted in Spain with influences and flavors from the partners’ travels.

“Sra. Martinez is the ‘one that got away’ — it’s a concept we love and miss and most importantly are asked about constantly for years since it closed its doors much too early,” share the dynamic duo, Michelle and David. “It’s one of our first ventures together and now that we are older and a bit wiser, we have grown quite a bit as has Sra. Martinez — its design, feel, menu and trajectory have all evolved.”

The new Sra. Martinez, open at the site of the former Open Stage Club (2325 Galiano Street), combines high-caliber dining, an elevated cocktail program, a vibrant bar scene, and live music for an all-around memorable experience that celebrates authenticity and community.

WRE: What inspired you to open SRA Martinez in Miami, and how does the concept reflect your culinary journey?

David Martinez: Sra. Martinez is “the one that got away,” a concept we loved and missed, and one we’ve been asked about constantly for years since it closed its doors far too soon. It was one of our first ventures together, and now, with time, we’ve grown older, a bit wiser, and more experienced, just as Sra. Martinez has evolved in its design, ambiance, menu, and trajectory.

David Martinez & Chef Michelle Bernstein

It was one of our first ventures together, and now, with time, we’ve grown older, a bit wiser, and more experienced, just as Sra. Martinez has evolved in its design, ambiance, menu, and trajectory.

David Martinez

WRE: Can you walk us through the design and aesthetic of the restaurant’s space?

DM: It has a slight reminiscence of the first iteration, yet it’s much more mature, with softer colors, freshly poured terrazzo floors, and plenty of walnut fixtures, tables, and doors. The bar has its own life and personality, and the doors all open to the beautiful sidewalk and city streets of Coral Gables.

WRE: Tell us about your favorite items on the menu? What are some must-have dishes?

Chef Michelle Bernstein: No favorites yet, as we are about to open our doors; however, the crispy eggplant with miel, seafood paella croquetas, and prawns with harissa are already proving to be addictive.

WRE: How do you stay inspired and creative when developing new dishes or menu items?

MB: It comes in waves. If I’m more relaxed and not so stressed, it flows and comes to me through inspiration from ingredients and flavors. If I am overwhelmed, I have writer’s block!

WRE: SRA Martinez is your fifth concept in Miami! How do you approach developing new concepts, and are there any exciting plans for future projects you can share?

DM: There are many new plans and plenty of excitement with our amazing partners, who bring passion, experience, and expertise in F&B to the table. We can’t wait.

Chef Michelle Bernstein

It’s in my blood—it’s where I’m from, it’s my whole career. David has been living here for 25 years now and working in food and beverage this whole time, taking in our feel, our culture, our people, the changes within, and learning from it all.

Chef Michelle Bernstein

Chef Michelle Bernstein

WRE: What role does Miami’s unique culture and diverse food scene play in shaping your restaurant concepts and menus?

MB: It’s in my blood—it’s where I’m from, it’s my whole career. David has been living here for 25 years now and working in food and beverage this whole time, taking in our feel, our culture, our people, the changes within, and learning from it all.