Aba Miami to Close After Two Years at Bal Harbour Shops

Mediterranean restaurant Aba Miami will close its doors permanently at Bal Harbour Shops, just two-and-a-half years after opening in Miami with plenty of fanfare thanks to its original Chicago location. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notice first reported by South Florida Business Journal, about 60 employees will lose their jobs when the restaurant at 9700 Collins Ave. closes on May 1.

Aba opened in November 2022 as the first Miami venture for Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, which is owned by Rich Melman. The 5,000-square-foot space, which includes a covered patio, mezzanine bar, terrace, and indoor dining area, took over the spot once occupied by Makoto.

In the WARN notice addressed to Bal Harbour Mayor Jeffrey P. Freimark, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and state officials, Sarah Corpman, director of employee relations for Lettuce Entertain You, cited a "loss of business opportunities" as the reason for shutting down. The restaurant group told the South Florida Business Journal, "While it was not an easy decision, our team is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Bal Harbour Shops to serve the community and visitors alike for the past two years."

A Mediterranean Dream Cut Short

Aba, which takes its name from the Hebrew word for father, was founded by Top Chef alum CJ Jacobson, executive partner Marc Jacobs, and managing partner Michael Giles. The Miami location followed openings in Chicago's Fulton Market district in 2018 and Austin in 2020.

When it opened, Jacobs told New Times he hoped to bring "the warmth and hospitality the Midwest is known for" to Bal Harbour, saying, "We want to bring the kindness and the feeling that you're in our home." The restaurant became known for dishes like whipped feta, smoky garlic hummus, and shawarma-spiced skirt steak with black garlic mushroom jus.

According to the restaurant spokesperson, Aba will continue to operate its Chicago and Austin locations, with a Nashville outpost planned for summer 2025. When Aba closes on May 1, diners at Bal Harbour Shops will still have several options, including Avenue 31 Café, Café en 3, Carpaccio, Carrie's at Neiman's, Hillstone, Le Zoo, and Makoto.

Aba Miami. 9700 Collins Ave., Unit 101, Bal Harbour; abarestaurants.com.