Señora’s Second Act

Chef Michelle Bernstein Brings Back Her Beloved Sra. Martinez Restaurant

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Miami native chef Michelle Bernstein, known to many fans simply as “Chef Michy,” has been a fixture in the culinary world for well over two decades. Beyond her popular television show, she’s published several books, runs a successful catering company and has opened multiple restaurants with her husband and business partner David Martinez. One standout was Sra. Martinez, which the couple opened in 2008 — the same year Bernstein became the first woman to win the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South. The restaurant, which closed in 2012, was hugely popular, even earning a spot on Esquire’s list of “America’s Best Restaurants.”

Now, 12 years after the original Sra. Martinez ended its run, a new iteration has opened, drawing both longtime fans eager to relive their favorite memories and newcomers enticed by Bernstein’s storied career.

The new location feels like a luxurious upgrade. Pops of lush green and coral paired with dim lighting evoke a blend of “The Great Gatsby” extravagance and lively Miami energy. In the far corner, a stage for live music performances kicks the ambiance up a notch.

Cocktails are carefully curated to amplify the overall experience. Favorites include Martini Service (made with either Bombay Sapphire gin or Grey Goose vodka, St-Germain, Noilly Prat, Luxardo bitters, elderflower and a filthy olive), Sra. Martinez (No. 3 gin, Dewar’s 122, Rojo Vermouth, Cherry Heering and bitters) and Sherry Cobbler (a trio of sherries, Makers Mark, Frangelico, orange, lemon and peach bitters). Pair your drink with the addictive Fried Eggplant Chips, drizzled with honey and Maldon salt, or the delicate Chicken Liver Pâté, served with warm beignets, frisée and house marmalade.

Flavors at Sra. Martinez are rooted in Spain with influences from France and the Mediterranean. But of course, this is Chef Michy’s place, so expect her love of South Florida to shine through — especially in her elevated croqueta renditions.

Between Carbonara (cured egg yolk and pecorino), Mushroom (melted mozzarella, served with a balsamic-blackberry marmalade) and Mariscos, made with bomba rice, orange essence and saffron aioli, choosing just one is a challenge.

The wood-fired oven plays a central role in many of the dishes. Of all of them, do not pass on the Oxtail Paella, which arrives piping hot with an enormous split bone resting atop. Right at your table, the server scrapes the marrow into the steamy rice, mixing it in before serving the decadent, umami-rich creation. Other hits include the Whole Fire-Roasted Fish of the Day or the Wood Roasted Duck with crispy duck leg and Oaxacan mole. Chef Michy’s mastery is evident in both; the fish for its simplicity, the mole for its rich complexity. A myriad of sides ranging from Patatas Bravas to Padron Peppers to Cauliflower with chili crunch, vinegar and honey, serve as tasty additions.

For dessert, Torrejas Bread Pudding (dark chocolate and rum-soaked raisins), Sabayon Ice Cream and Tahini and Halvah Milhojas served with walnuts, pomegranates and raspberries prove that Bernstein knows how to end a meal on a high note. All the while, the service is cordial and extremely attentive without ever feeling overbearing, making this another memorable Chef Michy addition to Miami’s dining scene.

Sra. Martinez is located at 2325 Galiano St., Coral Gables. For more information, call 786-860-5980 or visit sramartinezmiami.com.