SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 24, 2025 – Miami’s culinary scene has a new gem as Bishop Design unveils its captivating interiors for MIKA, a Mediterranean dining destination in Coral Gables. The restaurant, a collaboration between luxury developer and restaurateur Alex Pirez and Michelin-starred chef Michael White, brings the essence of the Riviera to the Plaza Coral Gables.
MIKA’s Unique Design Concept
Spanning an impressive 8,195 square feet, MIKA provides seating for up to 100 guests across its main dining room, outdoor lounge, and a 600-square-foot private dining room. The design, spearheaded by Bishop Design, draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, blending raw, weathered textures with luxurious details.
“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,” says Paul Bishop, the firm’s founder. This vision translates into a space that feels both authentic and untouched by time, creating an atmosphere that resonates with guests.
Bringing the Mediterranean Vision to Life
MIKA's design palette is rooted in Mediterranean landscapes, utilizing earthy tones and textured layers to cultivate an inviting, lived-in ambiance. Terracotta tiles, distressed wood, and chukum-style wall finishes provide warmth, while subtle leather and velvet accents add tactile richness.
Main Dining Room and Bar Experience
The restaurant’s bar and lounge seamlessly transition 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, creating a visually engaging dining experience.
The integration of natural materials and weathered textures creates a space that feels both sophisticated and comfortable. The strategic use of lighting, including glass chandeliers, enhances the ambiance, providing a warm and inviting glow throughout the restaurant.
Private Dining and Communal Spaces
The 600-square-foot private dining room offers an exclusive space for intimate gatherings, featuring a communal table and modern amenities. The use of natural materials and subtle lighting continues in this space, ensuring a cohesive design throughout MIKA.
Strategic Material Usage and Textural Depth
Bishop Design has masterfully blended raw, weathered textures with luxurious details, creating a space that feels both authentic and timeless. The use of terracotta tiles, distressed wood, and chukum-style wall finishes provides a sense of warmth and history. The addition of leather and velvet accents adds a layer of tactile richness, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Lighting and Ambiance
The lighting design at MIKA is a crucial element in creating the desired ambiance. Uniquely patterned lighting fixtures, including glass chandeliers, add an artisanal quality to the space. The strategic placement of lighting fixtures enhances the textures and details of the materials, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Continued Success in Miami
With MIKA, Bishop Design continues to expand its Miami portfolio, building on the success of recent projects like Carbone Vino in Coral Gables and Sereia in Coconut Grove. The firm’s ability to create unique and engaging spaces has solidified its reputation as a leader in hospitality design.
For more information visit.