Walrus Rodeo

Where wood-fire technique meets unbridled creativity, Walrus Rodeo Miami transforms Little Haiti's culinary landscape through an Italian-imported oven that defies every dining convention. This spirited corner spot from the Michelin-starred Boia De team delivers contemporary cuisine that celebrates vegetables as much as meat, all kissed by flames in Miami's most distinctive fine dining experience. Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer, the acclaimed duo behind Michelin-starred Boia De, partnered with chef Jeff Maxfield to create this 41-seat culinary playground in 2022. Their vision centers on a handcrafted Italian wood-fired oven that serves as both cooking vessel and theatrical centerpiece. The restaurant quickly earned recognition on Michelin Guide's "Restaurants to Watch" 2023 and The New York Times' "50 Best Restaurants in America" 2024, establishing itself as Miami's most innovative wood-fire destination. Unlike traditional pizzerias, Walrus Rodeo embraces culinary freedom, refusing categorization while delivering sophisticated technique. The menu showcases wood-fire mastery beyond pizza, with signature dishes like mustard green lasagna featuring lamb ragù and stracchino cheese, all baked in the roaring oven. Charbroiled Island Creek oysters arrive topped with Franciacorta cream and jalapeño hot sauce, while the celebrated "Rodeo za" pizza combines boquerones, shallots, oregano, and maple brown butter. Vegetables receive star treatment through dishes like carrot tartare with carrot top salsa and schmaltz-roasted maitake mushrooms with heirloom beans. The frequently changing menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients from local producers like Tiny Farm in Homestead, ensuring each visit reveals new wood-fired revelations. Even dessert embraces the flames with S'more's al Orno—wood-oven churros with marshmallow fluff and spiced chocolate. The dining experience pulses with energy in an eclectic space featuring Western-themed wallpaper hiding surfer motifs and a garage-toolkit host stand. Guests gather around the open kitchen counter to witness pizza dough stretching and flame management, creating an interactive theater. General manager Kristy Bavaro-Ahmed, with extensive experience from New York's Union Square Hospitality Group and The Modern, leads service that balances professionalism with playful hospitality. The nine-seat wine bar showcases curated old-world selections that complement the wood-fired cuisine's bold flavors. Walrus Rodeo represents Miami fine dining's most exciting evolution, where Michelin-caliber technique meets neighborhood warmth. Reservations book quickly for this 32-table gem, making advance planning essential for experiencing South Florida's most innovative wood-fire cuisine in Little Haiti's most spirited dining room.