Pao by Paul Qui
Whitsundays
At a glance
Pao by Paul Qui is a modern Asian restaurant at 3201 Collins Ave in Miami Beach, with a menu shaped by Filipino, Spanish, Japanese and French culinary influences. The cooking brings these traditions together through a modernist approach, with charcoal and smoke adding depth to the food. The result suits diners looking for a considered evening meal that moves beyond a single regional style while remaining connected to established culinary traditions.
The restaurant occupies a radiant golden dome within a Miami Beach hotel, creating a setting that is as deliberately designed as the food. Warm lighting, sculptural details and a golden unicorn give the room a theatrical quality without taking attention away from the dining experience. Indoor and outdoor seating are available, allowing the venue to work for both a more enclosed dinner and an open-air meal.
Pao by Paul Qui has an elegant-chic dress code, with shorts, sandals and beachwear not permitted. That makes the restaurant a natural choice for polished evening occasions, date nights and visitors seeking a dining room with a strong visual identity. The atmosphere is lively and immersive, while the menu offers enough range for diners interested in cross-cultural flavours and contemporary presentation.
Chef Paul Qui’s background in Manila, along with training in classic French and Japanese cuisine, informs the restaurant’s blend of influences. His food is presented as playful and inventive while drawing on tradition, with international flavours brought together through precise technique. The approach gives Pao by Paul Qui a distinct place among Miami Beach restaurants and offers a different style of dining from the relaxed coastal venues often associated with trips from the Whitsundays.
Live music from Miami artists forms part of the evening experience on Fridays and Saturdays, adding to the restaurant’s sense of occasion. Valet parking is available, and reservations can be made for planned visits. Pao by Paul Qui suits diners who value atmosphere, design and contemporary food, as well as those looking for a dressier restaurant experience near the beach.
