Unique Boat Club offers dockside coastal Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere with an upscale ambiance created by Saladino Design Studios.
Boaters always search for a new day trip destination, and South Florida offers a number of options to dock and dine. Miami’s newest waterfront restaurant addition should become a quick hit as it offers not only dock & dine convenience but the added prestige of a Boat Club, with special advantages for members. Host Angel Febres, whose ventures include Miami’s Racket, Drunken Dragon, Foxhole, and Casa Tiki, created this waterfront oasis to welcome boaters who seek an escape from the ordinary beach venues to a sophisticated, yet casually elegant atmosphere, with food and beverages to match. The chef was brought from Miami’s Prime 112 to present fine dining in a casual, exquisite setting.
A Posh New Destination for Miami Boaters
The newly renovated and inviting space is at 7999 NE Bayshore Court, on the Miami Mainland at the Northwest bank of the 79th Street Causeway. While casual chic by day, the restaurant suggests “smart or elegant” attire by night. So leave your beachwear, tank tops, and flip-flops behind for YAYA (which translates to grandma in Greek). She would not approve of bathing suits at dinner, caps indoors, or shorts except for lunch. The hours are currently 5 PM – 11 PM Wednesday and Thursday, extending to 11 PM or midnight over the weekend when brunch is served starting at 11:30 AM Saturday and Sunday.
Docking Convenience and Member Perks
Entering from the water, the painted white and roped pilings welcome boats up to 50 feet to the 14 slips that lay before an elegant entrance to the outdoor patio and indoor dining. A dockmaster will assist as Miami tides, currents, and winds can be a challenge for new boaters maneuvering through the private docks. A small adjacent beach will eventually provide space for special events, while the indoor space has a private dining area for approximately 35 guests.
Coastal Mediterranean Cuisine in a Relaxed Atmosphere
The neutral-colored space shows the Mediterranean influence of the menu and welcomes diners into an upscale, relaxing ambiance created by Saladino Design Studios. The high ceilings are paneled with intricate bamboo, and all the teak and travertine furnishings, accessories, tables, and striking chairs were curated for YAYA Coastal Cuisine to convey comfort and style. Even the restrooms are accented with beautiful woods and tiles, offering a design that transports diners to a Greek Island, setting the scene for a light and refreshing meal.
A New Culinary Trend for Miami’s Dock & Dine Scene
“I think the trend is changing and people are looking for healthier food,” says Febres, noting that the Mediterranean cuisine offers a refreshing change from the traditional seafood-centric beach menus often seen in Miami boat-up restaurants.
Exclusive Membership Opportunities for Miami Boaters
The YAYA Boat Club membership is an enticing offer for boaters, including a signature drink upon arrival, 10% off food, priority reservations, access to the private “club” dining room, curated events, complimentary valet parking, and ice delivered to your boat—all for $5,000 per year. Compared to a typical monthly boat slip fee, this membership offers tremendous value, though no overnight dock parking is permitted.
Explore Miami’s Premier Dock & Dine Destination
YAYA Coastal Cuisine and the YAYA Club are welcomed additions to Miami’s boating, nightlife, and dining scene. Non-members can currently obtain a “dock day pass” to experience the restaurant and club, but soon, the dock will be reserved exclusively for members. To learn more, visit yayamiami.com or call 305-967-8020.
