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Yue Chinese brings Stunning Decor and Theatrical Presentations to South Beach. On June 6, Yue Chinese opened its doors at 447 Española Way, introducing South Beach to a stylish new take on Northern Chinese cuisine.

This modern, artfully designed restaurant is already turning heads with its elegant and fun interiors, show-stopping dishes, and a menu rooted in tradition with a twist.

Dragon Well Shrimp, sautéed in fragrant Longjing green tea and served in a mist of vapor.

Yue Chinese Brings Bold Flavors, Artful Decor, and Theatrical Presentations to South Beach.

Founded by hospitality veterans Jay Zhao, originally from Beijing, and his wife Sherry Liu from Shenyang, Yue Chinese is a dream realized after years managing restaurants from New York and Miami. Their vision? To share the warmth and richness of Northern Chinese flavors with a South Florida audience eager for bold, authentic experiences.

“In Asian food culture, meals are meant to be shared,” reads the motto on every menu. “At Yue Chinese, dishes are designed for communal enjoyment — bringing people together around the table.”

Signature dishes include:

• Cumin Lamb, flamed tableside for a dramatic and aromatic presentation.

• Dragon Well Shrimp, sautéed in fragrant Longjing green tea and served in a mist of vapor.

• Truffle Beef Xiao Long Bao, a luxurious twist on the classic soup dumpling.

• Peking Duck, presented in a custom tiered porcelain vessel with compartments for scallions, cucumber, pineapple, hoisin sauce, and pancakes.

Cumin Lamb, flamed tableside for a dramatic and aromatic presentation.

The dining space is equally compelling. Guests step into a vibrant atmosphere where Art Deco color palettes meet Chinese elegance — think embroidered wall panels with peacocks and chrysanthemums and lacquered cabinets. Accented ceilings and mirrors are lit up with pastel colors creating a cheerful, club-like ambiance. Outdoor seating is also on the horizon.

embroidered wall panels with flowers and lacquered cabinets

Jay, a passionate chef and design aficionado, developed the menu to reflect both heritage and innovation, aiming to introduce Miami to a new era of Chinese dining. Complementing the food is a carefully curated wine list by sommelier Christina Sun.

Whether you’re a local or visiting from abroad, Yue Chinese is a welcome addition to the historic charm of Española Way — and a must for lovers of Chinese cuisine seeking something new, refined, and memorable.

Full disclosure: I am helping with PR, Marketing & Business Development and proud to be associated with this lovely restaurant and couple.

I think Yardbird is going to be a huge success. The whole cozy feel of Southern cooking and atmosphere is just what’s needed in the heart of South Beach! There’s even a wood deck with outdoor seating for people watching.
Chef Jeff McInnis looking very calm on his first night’s opening at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. I so enjoyed hanging with my foodie friends and thanks to Gretchen for inviting me. We sat at the high table with comfy bar stools so you can watch the chefs cook! Best seats in the house. Even though it was ridiculously busy, the wait staff were all very well trained and friendly. I can’t wait to try Cast Iron Chicken because as you know, I’m a HUGE cast iron wok advocate. Produce and meat are all sourced locally here and proudly stated on their website here.
I remember watching Jeff as a contestant on Top Chef. Soon after, I went to see him “grill” Chef Tom Colicchio in an amusing interview session at Arsht Center in Miami. Next, Jeff was the chef who helped open up popular Gigi’s and asked if I wanted to ‘work’ one of the wok stations there when he found out I teach wok cooking! He actually remembered our conversation last night.

Left: Meatloaf Slow Braised Short Ribs, melt-in-your-mouth tender & tasty bite!
Right: Ham wrapped peach, didn’t get to try this.

Very fresh & perfectly fried Catfish. Deviled Eggs

Left: Smores, cupcakes, cookies. Right: Smoked Drumsticks were juicy, yummy!

Left: the crowd didn’t slow down at the bar!
Right: Paul Newman, Cool Hand Luke photo slides to go with theme of Southern cooking!

Left: Chef plating my fav: Meatloaf made of Slow Braised Short Ribs!
Right: Mama’s Fried Chicken Biscuit (ID by Yardbird, thx!) with pepper jelly.
Didn’t get to try this.

All the details at the bar with the fixings were beautiful. Showing all the wonderful food canning along the wall.

Goodie bag of Moon pie, pickled onions, bourbon and a calculator?

I love Jeff’s mission and what he’s trying to do with his restaurant! You can read more about Yardbird here, here and here. And here’s Gretchen’s writeup. Last but not least from one of my fav writers.

Well, good luck to Jeff’s first night (yeah, I got this up before he opens to the public tonight.) I’m all about supporting chefs who have the guts to open their own restaurant, it’s a tough business.

I was very honored Jeff’s mom emailed to say, “It was great to live it through your eyes!”

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