Nearly 20 years after China Grill closed its doors, the pan-Asian concept that helped define South Beach’s dining scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s has resurfaced at Bal Harbour Shops. Many of the restaurant’s signature dishes—from the Crackling Calamari Salad to Peking duck, Shanghai lobster, and the epic Bananas in a Box dessert—are back, alongside some new additions inspired by founder Jeffrey Chodorow’s travels. We caught up with the veteran restaurateur to talk about reviving a Miami icon, re-creating famed classics, and introducing China Grill to a new generation.
Aventura: What made you decide the timing was right to bring China Grill back?
Chodorow: Nightlife has changed a lot over the years, and I also think China Grill was more experiential than just fitting in the “nightlife” category, particularly the food. But I always wanted to bring China Grill back to Miami. For me, it was never a question of if, but when. We actually found this space and signed the lease four or five years ago, thinking we’d be open much sooner. A lot has happened since then, but when the opportunity at Bal Harbour Shops came along, I knew it was the right home for the next chapter of China Grill. Looking back, the timing may have worked out exactly as it was supposed to. Miami has grown so much, and there’s an entire generation that never experienced the original China Grill, alongside so many longtime guests who still talk about it. It’s exciting to be able to welcome both of them through the doors and give them the same level of food and experience.
What made the original China Grill such a phenomenon?
China Grill was a scene in the late ’90s and early 2000s. We had beautiful design and the right people. Beyond all of the flash, we had delicious food and great hospitality. I think we can re-create that in the new China Grill in an updated way. We were a beloved spot then and will do our best to make this one equally beloved.
Which signature dishes absolutely had to return?
There are so many dishes that everyone loves. We have at least a dozen dishes on our menu that we consider China Grill classics made exactly as before. If I’m ordering only five dishes, which is rare, they’ll be [the] lobster pancakes, Confucius Chicken Salad, Crackling Calamari Salad, lamb spareribs, and Szechuan beef. Of course, I’ll throw in Bananas in a Box for dessert.
What have longtime guests been saying since you reopened?
Everyone has been so excited and welcoming about our return to Miami, and everyone has been sharing their own China Grill stories with us. One of our recent guests shared that he dined with an ex-girlfriend for the first time on Sunday because their original first date was at China Grill 20 years ago and the nostalgia brought them together. Mostly, though, they remember the dishes they loved and are shocked we’ve re-created them so perfectly.
Why was Bal Harbour Shops the right place for China Grill’s next chapter?
Bal Harbour Shops felt like the natural next home for China Grill. Just as South Beach was the center of the action when we first opened, Bal Harbour has become one of South Florida’s most vibrant destinations today. It brings together a great mix of locals and visitors, and has become a true gathering place for the community.
What do you hope first-time guests and longtime fans take away from the experience?
For someone visiting China Grill for the first time, I hope they leave feeling like they’ve experienced something more than just a meal. China Grill was always about great food, energy, and a sense of occasion, and I think that’s something people are looking for today more than ever. For longtime fans, I hope it brings back the excitement and memories that made the original so special. Whether it’s seeing a favorite dish return to the menu or feeling that familiar buzz in the room, I hope they’re reminded of why China Grill became such an important part of Miami’s dining scene in the first place.
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