NY Import Gets Miami Twist

Boulud Sud is a fusion of Miami’s coastal culture with that of the Mediterranean coast. The second outpost of chef Daniel Boulud (the first is in New York), the restaurant captures Daniel’s vision of a backdrop defined by the sun and sea to complement his sophisticated dishes.

Global architecture, planning and design firm, CallisonRTKL, brought to life Boulud Sud in the former db Bistro location at the JW Marriott Marquis. The design team was faced with the challenge of maintaining the building’s existing architectural envelope while updating the interior to reflect the chef’s new culinary direction.

“We designed Boulud Sud Miami to evoke the casual sophistication and luxurious comfort associated with the ambiance and aesthetic of southern France,” shared the design firm.

Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted by lush planters and lanterns next to a 12-foot by 6-foot wooden door. The 6,350 square-foot restaurant offers a total of 137 seats, a bar and lounge that accommodates 58, a library and wine room that seat 16, and a 950 square-foot terrace that serves 24.

In the dining, bar, lounge and library spaces, CallisonRTKL employed soft, ambient lighting, varied seating arrangements, and a collection of unique accessories, furnishings, fixtures and artwork – many of which were sourced locally. Diners waiting to be seated can do so in three cabanas draped in blue-to-white ombre fabric. A 20-foot-high, intricately patterned screen inspired by traditional rattan, separates the staircase from the main dining area and gives the space a dramatic but subtle touch as guests transition between floors. Once diners are ready to be seated, they are welcomed to enjoy the restaurant’s exquisite menu in custom-built tables and camel-colored banquettes.

In each room, diners will find Moroccan-inspired tile floors. The private dining room features teal and white Mediterranean tile meets natural tones, textures, and whimsical light fixtures. The lighting includes multi-sized globe lights strung across the entryway and large pendants in the double-height room. Live greenery ties the restaurant’s coastal environment together by softening hard architectural lines, and original artwork by artist Vik Muniz who is known for his complex photographic works, add to the restaurant’s vibe of relaxed sophistication.

Boulud Sud Miami flawlessly enhances the restaurant’s brand. The design esthetic delivers an indulgent escape tucked away in the middle of downtown Miami.