Soul Food Brilliance: Kitchen + Kocktails Ignites in Wynwood

You are in the right place when the first thing you hear when

you walk through the door is "WELCOME HOME."

by Tony Lesesne

Kevin Kelly is surrounded by Miami's media powerhouses (BOMA) for an exclusive taste experience

For the uninitiated, Wynwood is the beating heart of Miami’s creative soul. Once a collection of aging warehouses, this district has been transformed into a world-famous outdoor museum defined by the iconic Wynwood Walls. It is a neighborhood where every street corner is a canvas for global street artists and where the air is thick with the scent of craft coffee, artisanal tacos, and the pulse of constant innovation. It is the destination for anyone seeking "what’s next" in culture, and it just found its latest crown jewel.

"Real recognize real - I'm here with Kevin Kelley at Kitchen + Kocktails in Miami's Wynwood. Welcome to the 305!

Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of joining founder Kevin Kelley and distinguished members of the Black Officers Mayoral Association (BOMA) for an exclusive meet and greet and "taste experience" that can only be described as soul food brilliance. I'll get into taht part in a moment but know this: I’ve seen many venues claim the "luxury" label, but stepping into this 8,000-square-foot space felt different. It felt cool, relaxed but electric. It has a "vibe. It is a beautiful, large, and an undeniably classy environment that balances high-end design with deep-rooted cultural resonance. A personal highlight? The "cool ass" giant fireplace that anchors the room, providing a warm, sophisticated glow that makes the massive space feel surprisingly intimate.

The arrival of Kitchen + Kocktails in Wynwood is a significant milestone for Miami’s diverse culture. By launching during MLK Weekend, the brand made a bold statement about Black excellence and ownership. In a city as multi-faceted as Miami, having a premium, Black-owned destination that celebrates Southern heritage with such refinement is vital. It adds a necessary layer to the Wynwood narrative, proving that soul food deserves a seat at the table alongside the most avant-garde culinary concepts in the world. Tourists and locals alike now have yet another quality option to consider.

MY TAKE

Now, I know you guys are wondering: what was my favorite dish? Of course, I have a favorite dish from this place. But then again, I have more than one favorite, which means I don’t have a favorite! Either way, I can say that the collard greens hit the mark.

OH MY GOD!!!

Everything in that picture o the left represents my favorite dish. Really! Its all yummy, so you'll have to decide for yourself. Look at the bowls and plates of yummydom.  My hands are full with all this good tasy soul food. I’m not exaggerating. I was literally balancing bowls of soul food brilliance, trying to take it all in at once. From the golden, decadent mac & cheese to those "crown-worthy" collard greens that give my Mom’s a run for their money. The table was a masterclass in Southern comfort. You can see the spread for yourself; crispy fried chicken paired with waffles topped with fresh peaches, perfectly seasoned potatoes, and sides that demand your full attention.

I don’t rave about anybody’s collard greens because my Mom is the champion in my book of making them—and I’m sure there are other sons who agree that their Moms hold the crown. But Kitchen + Kocktails pulled off a beautiful plate that included amazing collard greens, yams, and so much more. The fried fish was spot on, and the mac & cheese was right on the money.

The vibe says it all; between the sleek décor and the bustling energy of the staff, it’s clear that every detail at Kitchen + Kocktails is designed to make you feel right at home while you indulge in a truly elevated feast. I'm not a frequent consumer of alcohol, but I did taste of few of the dynamic, colorful Kocktails. The drinks were equally tasty, sweet, and beautifully presented.

The taste expeerience and the Grand Opening was a powerful reminder of what happens when vision meets community support. Kevin Kelley's engagement with the BOMA members, sent a message that this restaurant is more than a business; it’s a hub for connection. We’ve only just scratched the surface of what this Wynwood powerhouse has to offer. I’ll be heading back soon on a mission to actually sort it all out and finally pick a favorite, but until then, it’s hard to say. If you have any questions or opinions moving forward, hit me up and we can go back together and get our Foodie Vibes on Lit. Agreed?