Bishop Design Channels Mediterranean Charm at MIKA

Earthy tones and weathered textures create a space that feels untouched by time
Published: February 21, 2025

Miami-based luxury developer and restaurateur Alex Pirez enlisted Bishop Design to design the interiors of MIKA, a Riviera-inspired dining destination led by Michelin-starred chef Michael White.

Located at the Plaza Coral Gables in Miami, MIKA—created in partnership with Matt Safchik, the former vice president of F&B development for Wynn Resorts—marks Pirez and White’s first independent restaurant concept in Florida.

mika restaurant coral gables miami florida mediterranean weathered textures natural materials main dining room indoor tree

MIKA’s design concept

Spanning 8,195 square feet, MIKA seats up to 100 guests across a main dining room, outdoor lounge, and exclusive 600-square-foot private dining room.

Bishop Design drew on the timeless charm of the Mediterranean, blending raw, weathered textures with luxurious details to “[capture] a sense of place that feels authentic and untouched by time,” says Paul Bishop, the firm’s founder. “Working closely with Alex, we wanted MIKA to have a soul and character as if it has always existed. Every element is crafted to draw guests in through texture, tone, and detail—it’s a space that feels both exclusive and welcoming.”

mika restaurant coral gables miami florida mediterranean weathered textures natural materials bar chandeliers

Bringing the vision to life

MIKA’s design takes cues from Mediterranean landscapes, combining earthy tones and textured layers to create an inviting, lived-in feel. Terracotta tiles, distressed wood, and chukum-style wall finishes bring warmth, while subtle leather and velvet accents add tactile richness.

The restaurant’s bar and lounge flow into a spacious main dining room, where arched forms and dome-inspired elements reinterpret classic Mediterranean architecture through a contemporary lens. Uniquely patterned lighting fixtures add an artisanal quality to the ambiance as well.

With MIKA, Bishop Design continues to expand its Miami portfolio, following its recent work on Carbone Vino in Coral Gables and Sereia in Coconut Grove.

mika restaurant coral gables miami florida mediterranean weathered textures natural materials main dining room

mika restaurant coral gables miami florida mediterranean weathered textures natural materials main dining room indoor tree

mika restaurant coral gables miami florida mediterranean weathered textures natural materials private dining room

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