Between the shiny, sky-scraping towers of Brickell, in downtown Miami, it’s sometimes hard to tell you’re steps from the ocean. Steely right angles and naked volumes cry out for atmosphere. Better still if your designer brings soft materials and seaside traditions to the floor.

Claudie, a new French-Mediterranean restaurant helmed by chef Michaël Michaelidis, softens the concrete and glass of its near-bayside location by leaning into the Cote d’Azur aesthetic prescribed by its owner, Riviera Dining Group. Founder Gregory Galy attacked it with a blend of elegant European brasserie style, crossed with the warmth and charm of a Provençal escape.

‘The space commands a striking street presence, yet the moment you ascend the stairs and step inside, you are completely transported to the South of France,’ says Galy. ‘The transition is immediate — an invitation to slow down and immerse yourself in an atmosphere reminiscent of [Provençal] villages.’

At the heart of the expansive 230-sq-m terrace is a grand water fountain, an emblematic fixture of Provençal town squares, inspired by French diamond jewellery. The sound of cascading water sets the tone and reinforces the sense of timelessness.

‘The roots of Claudie are deeply personal,’ says Galy, ‘drawing inspiration from the South of France, particularly the village of Mougins, where I grew up and where my father has served as mayor for decades. Mougins is a remarkable place… epitomising a way of life centred on slow living, effortless sophistication and an inherent appreciation for beauty and culture.’

He adds that five of his colleagues hail from Provence, hence the effort to communicate the experience authentically. Responding to the brief, designers OV & Co and Lazaro Rosa Violan began with natural textured limestone walls, Mediterranean terracotta, wrought-iron accents, glazed tiles and handcrafted Provençal plateware — and lush, mature greenery. The balance between sophistication and warmth, says Galy, captures the spirit of the Riviera ‘while seamlessly fitting into the rhythm of Miami’s cosmopolitan energy’. Similarly, Michaelidis’ menu is composed of ‘sun-drenched ingredients’ like ripe tomatoes, langoustines, escargot and truffles.

The main dining room is crowned by a sunburst circular light fixture that gives off sunset rays, while the private dining room sits against a mural by illustrator Victoria Krylov. Seating comes in a mix of plush fabrics and woven cane, echoing the craftsmanship found in traditional Mediterranean homes. Lazaro Rosa Violan scouted original artwork from Spain, and incorporated pieces by Miami-based artist Vas Bets. Rattan accents complete the aesthetic.

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