Forbes Lifestyle Travel: Exploring Julia & Henry’s, Miami’s Sublime Food Hall
Key Highlights :
When Julia & Henry’s opened its doors in downtown Miami on June 3rd, 2021, it was met with an overwhelming response from the public. With an array of food choices, music, and entertainment, this food hall has quickly become one of Miami’s most popular dining and entertainment destinations.
Julia & Henry’s is named for Miami’s founder Julia Tuttle and pioneering developer Henry Flagler. The food hall features 26 exhibitors offering an impressive array of different cuisines. Some of Miami’s most celebrated chefs are branching out into different offerings than the ones offered at their main restaurants, such as Massimo Bottura of Italy’s three Michelin star Osteria Francescana.
The food hall also doubles as an entertainment center, with DJs and live music on different days, a bar and “sound room” Jolene in the basement, and recording studios in the works as part of floors four and five. Even before those settle in, the sound system is pretty robust.
Local chef Michelle Bernstein is represented with two stalls. Luncheria is dedicated to the multi-ethnic Latino culture, with a menu that ranges from French Toast pastelito filled with guava and queso to a succulent steak sandwich with churrasco, onions, melting cheese and papitas (potato chips). Catch of the day fish filet a la plancha with garlic gravy, avocado, coconut rice and refried beans and churros with Mexican chocolate dipping sauce are also available. A spinoff of the popular fried chicken from her restaurant Michy’s also makes an appearance at Michy’s Chicken Shack.
Peruvian chef Xarles Thomson is also represented by two concepts: the ground floor J.Wong Ceviche Bar and Sankuay on the balcony. At J. Wong Ceviche Bar, the ceviches, crudos and tiraditos feature sparkling fresh fish from King Salmon to Mahi Mahi along with raw bar crab, oysters and clams. Sankuay fuses Cantonese Chinese cuisine with Peruvian in dishes such as roasted duck with soy sauce, five spices and honey and a substantial, luscious Lo Mein with chicken, pork or vegetables.
Jewish/Middle Eastern specialties such as babaganoush, falafel and shakshuka are available at Mensch by Argentinian chef Tomás Kalika, while Hitchihaika by Jose Mendin and Jorge Mijangos of the popular Pubbelly Sushi features the Japanese dumplings gyozas filled with flavors from around the world. Authentic ramen is on offer at Shimuja by chef Keiichi Maemura, pizza and pasta at Battubelin and authentic tacos at Karla Hoyos’ Tacotomia.
The wine bar is contained in the three story tall central tower La Epoca, and craft cocktails are the offerings at the bar The Lasseter and craft beers at Boxelder. Desserts are also a significant presence from the chocolate gift shop OMG Brigadeiros to a local staple key lime pie at Fookem’s Fabulous and the renowned French patisserie Yann Couvreur. But the biggest line and the most enticing aromas are at this latest Florida branch of Puffles at which ice cream concoctions are loaded into Hong Kong egg waffles that are baked on the spot with sauces and toppings such as Oreos, peanuts or gummy bears added.
Julia & Henry’s is an impressive food hall that offers a variety of cuisines and entertainment. With its unique offerings, it’s no wonder this Miami food hall has become one of the city’s most popular destinations.
