Restaurateur and sommelier Ahmet Erkaya speaks on his and his wife’s legendary Miami eatery, Mandolin.
Enjoy unbeatable hospitality from this power duo in the heart of the Design District. PHOTO COURTESY OF MANDOLIN RESTAURANTS
A true trailblazer in the Miami culinary scene and the city’s now-illustrious Design District, Ahmet Erkaya alongside his wife and business partner Anastasia Koutsioukis debuted Mandolin Aegean Bistro in 2009. Over a decade later, the Mediterranean eatery is unequivocally considered one of Miami’s most iconic and beloved dining destinations. Stepping into the restaurant transports its diners into the magical setting of the Aegean, complete with mouthwatering cuisine that remains consistent upon each visit. In light of Miami’s growth and the brand’s continuous success and expansion, we chat with Erkaya to learn more about his Miami journey, the debut of his Greek wine portfolio and the couple’s latest concept debuting in Miami. 4312 NE Second Ave., Miami, mandolinrestaurant.com
When you debuted Mandolin to Miami, did you ever imagine you would be introducing one of the city’s most iconic eateries?
We opened Mandolin with very limited means hoping to make a living through a 30-seat restaurant. I’m extremely grateful for what it turned into.
Husband-and-wife partners Anastasia Koutsioukis and Ahmet Erkaya PORTRAIT BY TATO GOMEZ
Mandolin is beloved not only for its flavorful dishes and romantic ambiance but its unwavering consistency. How do you accomplish this?
By being present and creating a culture of home. We are basically the hosts of a dinner party that is thrown daily. Once our team sees that we only use the highest-quality ingredients and curate an honest wine list, the consistency is achieved naturally. This leads to the fact that the guests enjoy their time at the dinner party.
“WE ARE BASICALLY THE HOSTS OF A DINNER PARTY THAT IS THROWN DAILY.” –AHMET ERKAYA
As an anchor in the Miami Design District before it became the cultural and artistic mecca it is today, what is the greatest change you’ve witnessed? What do you love most about the neighborhood?
Design District became where life happens in Miami. It encompasses good restaurants, cafes and a beautiful residential Buena Vista historic neighborhood that we have called home for seven years. The part I love the most is the pedestrian-friendliness, as it is a rarity in Miami.
Refreshing spritzes and cocktails like sangria can be enjoyed as you dine on Aegean-inspired cuisine. COCKTAIL PHOTO COURTESY OF MANDOLIN RESTAURANTS
Tell us about your upcoming meze and wine bar opening up in the Miami Design District. What can we expect?
It is an eatery that serves all sustainably made Greek wines paired with the simplest of mezes. We are super excited.
And your upcoming Greek wine portfolio—I imagine this was many years in the making. Tell us about that journey.
I’m a wine nerd. In my 27-year career in the industry, I was fortunate to be introduced to the greatest wines made by amazing people. It was just an inevitable step for me to create a Greek wine portfolio that’s based on exquisite wines made by honest farmers.
What’s the best part about doing this all with your wife?
I get to be with the person I love all the time.
Favorite element of Miami?
We’re always on holiday.
Photography by: Photo Courtesy of Mandolin Restaurants
