Inside Naked Tomato's Opening Night: Communal Dining Party

Naked Tomato is the latest open-concept restaurant to land on South Beach, conveniently tucked inside the Moxy Hotel. When I was invited to opening night, I knew to expect the Miami scene — the see-and-be-seen energy, the vlogger cameras and injectables sipping the cocktails. What I didn't expect was an experiential eating orgy, meaning everyone is eating from the same plate. 

There were pounds of prime rib delivered hot straight from the open-air kitchen and carved into chunks right in front of a gazing crowd, drooling...then left for us to dig in with our hands. Fresh hummus was poured and sculpted across a marble table like edible art. The bar was transformed into a buffet of charred artichoke, sweet potatoes, and grilled carrots. Across the room, glasses of red and white wine sat pre-poured, ready to be picked up and sipped...no waiting, no ordering, just reaching. And of course, there were cocktails of the evening, flowing all night.

Everyone was eating off the same plate. Communal and not so much messy because the staff came around every five seconds to clean up after us in our barbarian state. When I posted about it, people on X told me it looked disgusting, even though it was just my video quality. Nonetheless, the opening was unforgettable and it's exactly the kind of fearless, communal dining moment Miami has been building toward.

Because Miami is in the middle of its own food renaissance right now, and Naked Tomato is proof. It's the latest from Chef Eyal Shani, the mind behind Miznon and the Michelin-starred Shmoné, who's spent his career stripping food down to its rawest, most honest form. Naked Tomato is that same philosophy turned up to full volume.

Bringing a fresh, playful energy to Miami Beach, Naked Tomato serves up bold flavors, laid-back coastal vibes, and a menu designed for every moment.

Next time you're on South Beach looking for something fresh and different — run, don't walk, to Naked Tomato.

📍 Moxy South Beach, 915 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach Open for dinner Thursday–Saturday, 6–11pm | Sunday–Monday, 6–10pm