The story
Pao by Paul Qui is a Contemporary Asian restaurant in Miami, at 3201 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, Florida. Forbes Travel Guide awarded it Four-Star status for 2026, citing bold flavor pairings and precise cooking.
Paul Qui was born in Manila and trained in classic French and Japanese cuisine. His approach is playful yet rooted in tradition, and it draws on Filipino, Spanish, Japanese and French influences. Many dishes are finished over charcoal and smoke.
Forbes highlights the whole fish, which is kept fresh and simply prepared. Marbled bone-in wagyu and roasted pork arrive lush and tender. Guests in published reviews single out the Wagyu Carpaccio and the foie gras. Plates are served on custom hand-thrown stoneware by Jono Pandolfi, with gold flatware and wood service ware.
The dining room sits under a radiant golden dome, lit warm and anchored by a golden unicorn. Live music plays on Friday and Saturday evenings, featuring Miami artists. Faena beverage director Zarko Stankovik oversees the bar, working with Mayur Subbarao and Mark Kinzer on cocktails inspired by early to mid-19th-century classics. The gin and tonic uses fresh kaffir lime leaves, and the sake list is deep, including Faena's own brand.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
Qui is known for his daring, bold flavor combinations and precise cooking techniques.The artful presentation on custom-designed hand-thrown stoneware by Jono Pandolfi, along with gold flatware and wood service ware, make the meal all the more delicious.The whole fish is always fresh and simply prepared to let the flavors shine. Meats such as marbled bone-in wagyu and roasted pork are lush, juicy and meltingly tender.The beverage program is overseen by Faena hotel beverage director Zarko Stankovik in a collaboration with Mayur Subbarao and Mark Kinzer, who designed cocktails inspired by early- to mid-19th-century classics.Fresh, local ingredients are utilized a lot — for example, Pao's gin and tonic features fresh kaffir lime leaves. You'll also find a deep selection of premium sakes, including Faena’s own brand.
Location
Facebook
Instagram
X