Discover Pao by Paul Qui, where Miami Beach glam meets modern Asian cuisine at its finest in an ambiance only the Faena Hotel could deliver.
This Miami Beach icon is not your typical eatery — this is fine dining with the kind of flair and style that makes it stand out from the crowd, thanks to Chef Paul Qui. He's a James Beard Award-winning chef, darlings, so you know this isn't just another flash-in-the-pan Miami restaurant.
Located in the illustrious Faena Hotel Miami Beach, this dining establishment takes the concept of a night out to an entirely new stratosphere. From the moment the valet parking attendant takes your car keys to the minute you step into this sumptuous space, you're treated like culinary royalty.
Feel like swiping that credit card for a meal that won't just satiate your stomach but your soul? Then let’s dig into what makes Pao by Paul Qui so intriguing — and spoilers, sweeties, it’s Paul Qui himself.
Have you ever wondered what happens when culinary training meets artistic genius? You get Chef Paul Qui, the mastermind behind Pao. This Manila-born culinary maven has taken his Filipino roots, layered them with international training, and transformed Pao into a gastronomic destination.
When one mentions modern Asian cuisine in Miami Beach, Paul Qui's name reverberates like a high note in a diva's aria. Now, let's spill the tea. Not only is he a James Beard Award winner, but he's also got Michelin-level skills.
Paul Qui spent time honing his skills in Austin before bringing his talents to sunny Florida. Qui’s culinary education spans multiple continents, too, not just states — his Japanese and French training reveals itself in the precision of each dish. Yet, the warmth of Filipino and Spanish traditions gives his dishes a soul.
Damien Hirst's giant sculpture of a gleaming golden wooly mammoth sets the stage, but the décor, like South Beach itself, has layers. Notice the deep, rich textures that surround you. Dark walnut tables juxtapose with bright white marble, offering visual stimulation that matches the complexity of the menu.
The gold dome ceiling is a marvel of architecture, reflecting both the natural light during the daytime and the subtle restaurant lighting at night. The herringbone wood floor patterns aren't just intricate; they're a historical nod to the craftsmanship often found in classic Miami structures.
And let's talk about seating, sweetie. Those dark brown leather banquettes offer the sort of comfort that makes you want to spend an entire evening languishing in culinary ecstasy.
The dress code? South Beach-chic, of course. Slip into something comfortable yet stylish — you'll want to look good when seated amidst such opulence.
But beyond just aesthetics, the setting aims to elevate your dining experience. Every element is carefully curated, from the beautiful walnut tables to the restaurant's unique sculptures.
If you think you've tasted it all, just wait until you experience this menu. The offerings truly are an invitation to a culinary odyssey. Among the appetizers, the aguachile featuring Ora King Salmon, pineapple, and black lime is like a zesty pop song for your palate that we highly recommend for your opening act. For meat lovers, wagyu short rib bao is nothing less than an aria of decadence.
Craving something more exotic? Look no further than the Kamatis, which marries hiramasa with fermented tomatoes, XO sauce, and kumquat. And if seafood is what gets your groove on, the Norwegian King Crab with Morita Butter is basically the culinary equivalent of a standing ovation.
Got a penchant for noodles? The Pancit Negro has your name written all over it, offering a squid ink-infused thrill ride. Vegetarian? No worries, the grilled eggplant dish will have you swooning with its intricate symphony of flavors.
If you're feeling particularly daring — and let's face it, when are you not? — opt for the El Secreto Omakase tasting. You'll find it's a smorgasbord of the chef’s selections that may include a variety of seasonal fish. Rest assured, it's all sustainably sourced, spanning all five oceans.
You can also order from the extensive and delightful raw sashimi or even the temaki menus to add a bit of fishy flair to your meal, whether or not you opt for the Omakase. But as we mentioned earlier, Paul Qui is an impressive chef with impressive credentials, so it’s worth placing your menu for the evening in his hands.
In addition to the standard dinner menu offerings and the Omakase tasting, Pao currently has what’s been dubbed the “Miami Spice” tasting menu available, and it’s well worth sampling, even if you’ve been to Pao by Paul Qui before and come back with a to-do list.
It’s a prix fixe menu that reads like a love letter to your taste buds, and it's so fabulously curated you'll wonder how life ever tasted so vanilla before this. The first course offers you a handful of choices, and do your best to go with at least one friend so you can taste everything.
The Kinilaw puts hamachi in a sultry tango with coconut milk, while Maguro is where bluefin tuna and avocado serve you ultimate freshness. And if you're about that spicy life, the fried chicken with roasted banana ketchup and jalapeño is the culinary equivalent of a disco inferno.
But should you wish to amp up the sass, for a really very sensible charge, you can indulge in the extra course of a Salmon Aguachile so tantalizing it could make a grown person cry happy tears.
The second course was our favorite, although the first course was good enough to write home about. This is where you’re going to need to recruit a third and fourth friend for your dinner outing so you can have a little bite of everything. The roasted fish is simple, sustainable, and delicious, seasoned expertly with chili patis, cilantro, and garlic ginger and offered with perfectly cooked Jasmine rice.
The short rib rice cake sounds like a diet food — but it’s to die for. Wagyu short rib, tteokbokki, and crispy basil get doused in a red curry and coconut milk sauce that will have you licking the plate. If you’re on more of a pescatarian kick, the braised greens with king crab meat, crab sauce, and shacha is chef’s kiss.
The additional course option here, too, is worth the indulgence. It’s a 72-hour wagyu beef with atchara, pickles, and a Japanese sweet potato purée that will make you wonder why on earth you’ve been bothering with those horrible orange things covered in marshmallows for all of these years when Japanese sweet potatoes exist.
The final act is a dessert showdown between Chocolate Mille Crepe Cake and Halo Halo — akin to Filipino ice cream. And let's just say both are so mouthwatering you'll feel like you've won the culinary lottery. With tropical fruits, leche flan, and coconut pandan milk in the Halo Halo, it’s practically a beach vacation in a bowl.
Miami Spice at Pao offers a feast fit for the gods, and honey, you're the deity they've been waiting for.
You know a dining experience is never complete without liquid gold, right? Faena has a beverage program that serves up a tantalizing medley of drinks you won't forget anytime soon.
The masterminds behind the bar are none other than Zarko Stankovik, Mark Kinzer, and Mayur Subbarao. These artists, in their own right, have teamed up to offer cocktails that pair phenomenally with Paul Qui's gastronomic wonders.
Now, brace yourself for the gin and tonic elevated to a stratospheric level of fabulousness. It's a masterpiece replete with fresh kaffir lime leaves.
Faena's very own brand of premium sakes joins the party, harmoniously accompanying Paul Qui's modern Asian entrees. It's like each sake variety took a personal development course specifically designed to complement Paul Qui’s menu. Whether you're an oenophile or a cocktail connoisseur, this beverage program is the life of the party!
Yes, yes, you're dying to go! For better or worse, you can’t simply rock up to 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140 (hint, hint) without a booking. Pao is an exclusive dinner spot open only from Tuesday to Saturday. As for the dress code, think South Beach-chic. Flowy skirts and breezy dresses for the ladies; khakis and button-downs for the gents.
Given how much everyone is raving about this spot — be sure to book a reservation. There's a reason Paul Qui's modern cuisine is on every Miami must-eat list.
By now, you should be bursting with reasons to discover Pao by Paul Qui. This 3201 Collins Ave treasure is the crème de la crème of Miami Beach fine dining.
With its eclectic menu, dazzling ambiance, and outdoor seating offering jaw-dropping ocean views, Pao is more than a restaurant. It's a bucket-list experience waiting to unfold, but only if you’re smart enough to book as soon as possible.
