Discovering Pao By Paul Qui: A Culinary Journey in Miami Beach
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Miami Beach, at the distinguished address of 3201 Collins Ave, FL 33140, Pao By Paul Qui stands as a beacon of innovative and thoughtful cuisine. This establishment represents more than just a place to dine; it is an immersive experience crafted by the celebrated Chef Paul Qui, bringing his unique perspective and mastery of flavor to the South Florida culinary landscape. The restaurant’s location itself, situated along the iconic Collins Avenue, immediately suggests a setting that balances sophisticated urban energy with the relaxed elegance of the beach environment.
Pao is an invitation to explore a menu that transcends traditional boundaries, drawing inspiration from diverse global influences while maintaining a deep respect for high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Chef Qui’s philosophy centers on creating dishes that are both surprising and deeply satisfying, appealing to the adventurous palate while remaining accessible to those seeking refined dining. The atmosphere within Pao is carefully curated to complement the food—a space designed for conversation, celebration, and the pure enjoyment of expertly prepared meals. It has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for locals and international travelers alike who appreciate culinary artistry presented without pretense.
The commitment to excellence at Pao By Paul Qui is evident in every detail, from the sourcing of ingredients to the final presentation on the plate. It’s a place where culinary technique meets creative storytelling, resulting in memorable dining moments. Whether you are seeking an intimate dinner or a lively gathering with friends, Pao offers a setting where exceptional food is the centerpiece of the experience.
Key Highlights of the Pao Experience
Exploring what makes Pao By Paul Qui a standout destination requires looking closely at the elements that define its unique character. These core strengths contribute significantly to its reputation as a premier dining spot in Miami Beach:
Innovative Culinary Direction: The menu is a dynamic reflection of Chef Paul Qui’s extensive background and creative vision. It showcases a bold fusion of techniques and flavors, often incorporating unexpected pairings that result in harmonious and exciting taste profiles. This constant evolution ensures that repeat visitors always discover something new and compelling to savor.
Commitment to Ingredient Quality: Central to the restaurant's success is an unwavering dedication to sourcing the finest components available. This focus on superior, often locally-inspired, ingredients forms the foundation upon which every dish is built, guaranteeing freshness and depth of flavor in every serving.
Atmosphere and Setting: Located at 3201 Collins Ave, the restaurant benefits from a prime location that merges the energy of Miami Beach with an interior design that promotes comfort and elegance. The ambiance is thoughtfully designed to enhance the dining experience, making it suitable for both special occasions and sophisticated casual outings.
Artful Presentation: Dining at Pao is a visual treat as much as a gastronomic one. The plating and presentation of each dish demonstrate a high level of artistry, reflecting the chef's belief that food should engage all the senses before the first bite is even taken.
A Destination Worth Seeking Out
Pao By Paul Qui is more than just a name attached to a location; it represents a significant contribution to the ongoing evolution of Miami’s dining scene. It successfully bridges the gap between high-concept gastronomy and genuine, heartfelt cooking. The restaurant invites guests to step away from the ordinary and engage with food that challenges perceptions while delivering pure enjoyment.
For those residing near or visiting the 33140 zip code, or anyone seeking an elevated culinary adventure along the famed Collins Avenue, Pao offers a compelling narrative told through its carefully constructed menu. It stands as a testament to what happens when a visionary chef is given the space and freedom to express their passion through exceptional ingredients and masterful technique. Pao By Paul Qui promises an evening where every element—from the service to the final course—is executed with precision and flair, solidifying its status as a true gem in the Miami Beach culinary landscape.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great cocktails
Great dessert
Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Planning
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Valet parking
Menus
Photos
Reviews Pao By Paul Qui
taoist
22-11-2025
We came here because of Chef Pao. Each single dish Olga picked based our preference just fits our taste of buds perfectly. We enjoyed each bit of It. Pao is the chef who definitely knows how to cook, not just rely on the dish representation. We definitely want to come back. More
Steven Stiles
24-10-2025
The pop up in Houston was amazing. Attention to detail was top notch. We arrived to custom origami at the tables. Ordered delectible hordeourves, great sides like carrots and bhajia, stellar main chicken curry dish. And it was all capped off with the 14 layer crepe cake, chocolates, cookies, and banana bread. 10/10. No notes!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Matthew Lee
18-10-2025
The food is interesting and rather unique. Service is very good. I think the big draw is the decor and the $6 million Damien Hirst unicorn. The Kobe beef was really smoked beef brisket, so I can't say that I was too impressed. The fried chicken was probably the best thing. While it was a nice meal, I'll probably skip this next time.
Virginia “ItalianaVera” G.
26-09-2025
As you make your way up the marbled staircase reaching Pao’s entrance, a golden dome and oval shaped dining room welcome you. The overall modern ambiance is softened by the golden ceiling and the earthy materials (wood and moss) present … More
Pierre Joseph
20-09-2025
I prefer larger portions personally. Otherwise, the service was top notch and the atmosphere was amazing. Drinks were delicious
Price per person
$100+
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Reservation
Reservation required
Wait time
No wait
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Outdoor patio / terrace
Marija latinovic
06-08-2025
We came back to Pao because our first time here was exceptional 2 years ago.
We got the same server Marko, who served us last time. This time we brought friends and all of us were amazed with food, ambience, and the best of the best server Marko.
Everything he suggested was delicious, did not disappoint with one single thing.
Wine he suggested was next level, we were the last table to stay, and not only he did not rush us, he brought us cookies (delicious) and was still willing to serve us coffee or tea.
If you come here, make sure to ask for this server and get ready for the great night!
Thank you Marko.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Your Favorite Roy's Signature Dessert, Branzino
Group size
3-4 people
Wait time
No wait
Seating type
Indoor dining area
Ben Treuil
27-06-2025
One of the worst dining experiences ever. I feel like I was at Disney where they don’t care about service because they have a captive audience. We had to search for our server several times. From when we ordered to when we got our food was … More
Morgan Wismer
18-06-2025
The Ora king salmon was our absolute favorite - the seared sake toro melts in your mouth as well as the Ora king salmon dish with pineapple all of the flavors explode in your mouth. To finish our favorite dessert was the coconut sorbet half shell! 10/10 experience between food and ambiance, we sat outside which was quieter than inside. Be ready to spend $$$$ though!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Marina Vimar
30-05-2025
I have been here a few times and each time was great!
The food is really good, the staff are very friendly and deliver great service … More
Seva Eremkin
24-05-2025
After Faena Theatre, we paid a visit to Pao for a dinner. We liked the vibe and atmosphere. Appetizers with sashimis was outstanding (toro and salmon in particular), wague ribs were superb - best ever. Service was very attentive, especially about drinks and wines. However, it was a bit slow - we had to ask couple of times for drinks and check. Other than that, a great chic dining experience.
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
3-4 people
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Christopher Haugen
19-05-2025
First the restaurant it self is beautiful. A big room centered around a statue. The room while look beautiful is not the best for loud noises, the bar in the corner can at times be noisy and distracting from the food experience. … More
Scott & Bambi Kelley
06-04-2025
The food is always fantastic, fresh and unique. Our waitress could not have been any more cheerful and helpful in navigating the menu. Thank you Pao for yet another delightful and delicious mean. xoxoxo
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Your Favorite Roy's Signature Dessert, Wagyu Carpaccio, Fried Chicken, Braised Greens
Group size
2 people
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Private dining room
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Vegetarian menu or section
Jeffrey Brashear
03-04-2025
Go for the uni corn, stay for everything else! Delicious meal, lovely glam spot, tasteful service (particularly at home as a Rose member). Acknowledging my wife's belated birthday was a particularly classy touch. More
Alex B
01-04-2025
Our evening at Faena Hotel was truly unforgettable. We started with the amazing Carmen Cabaret in the theater, which was an incredible performance and a fantastic way to begin the night. Afterward, we had dinner at Pao by Paul Qui, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. The food was outstanding, and the atmosphere was perfect. Special thanks to Cristian, the GM, who made sure everything was perfect, Kevin, the bartender, who crafted amazing cocktails, and Marco, our server, who provided excellent service throughout the evening. I highly recommend both the theater and Pao for an unforgettable night in Miami Beach!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fried Chicken, Ceviche
Nicholas Gkionis
15-03-2025
You feel like you are cool eating here. They had live music which added to the vibe. Markos our server was one of the best we have had making suggestions and upselling us any chance he could get (I mean that as a compliment). The food was … More
Michael J Dondero
12-03-2025
Anytime we're in Miami Beach this for sure is a must reservation. Amazing food, service & ambiance. We have been dining here since it opened. We always request Jed as our server. He always makes our visit perfection providing menu recommendations that are 100 + with professional & attentive service with a personal touch. Pao is always a memorable experience.
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Wait time
No wait
Maysoon Salah
21-02-2025
The braised greens with crab, complemented by jasmine rice, offered a perfectly balanced sauce, greens, and protein ratio—truly a comforting dish. Our waiter, Jed, recommended a ceviche that was equally spectacular, demonstrating his … More
David Zeledon
13-02-2025
Very intimate ambiance but after all the hype of the food quality was not as impressed. Unfortunately the “72” hour sous vide was hard and very salty. The sashimi was delicious on the bright side.
Bluepebble
27-01-2025
From the service (Jed our server was spectacular and very attentive as well as the rest of staff), to the ambience/ decor, to the exquisite food by chef Paul Qui this is a gastronomical experience you must not miss when visiting Miami.
Would give it 6 stars if it was posible 🙌🏼 simply amazing!!!
Special thanks to GM, Cristian Munarriz for the wonderful hospitality 🤌🏼
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Wait time
No wait
Seating type
Indoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace
H Y
23-01-2025
The Pao team truly exceeded my expectations once again. The food was not only delicious but also beautifully presented, showcasing a perfect blend of flavors. Olgiga and the entire team were incredibly warm and welcoming, making the experience even more special. Their kindness and attention to detail created a lovely atmosphere that I truly appreciated.
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Group size
2 people
Wait time
No wait
Reviews Pao By Paul Qui