Pauline, a Seafood-forward Culinary Destination, Debuts at the Shelborne by Proper
- Oct 29, 2025
- 3 min read
With the opening of Pauline and its adjoining cocktail lounge, Little Torch, Miami Beach welcomes a bold new voice in flavor, craft mixology, and coastal cuisine. On November 9th, Pauline will open its doors at The Shelborne By Proper, located at 1801 Collins Avenue, immediately establishing itself as one of Miami’s most exciting new restaurants. Led by Culinary Director, Abram Bissell, a Florida Keys native with a Michelin-starred pedigree (The Modern, Eleven Madison Park), Pauline is a love letter to the region’s coastal bounty—anchored in precise technique, bold flavors, and a menu that celebrates both Latin and Caribbean influence.
Named in tribute to Pauline Baker, wife and muse of legendary cocktail writer Charles H. Baker Jr., Pauline draws inspiration from their shared spirit of romance, travel, and discovery. Rooted in history, the name connects to the Bakers’ journeys through Latin America and to the rich culinary legacy of Deco-era Miami, reinforcing the authenticity of the space. While the design, by acclaimed studio ADC Tuneu, subtly nods to their storied meeting at sea with porthole windows, bespoke stone, and oceanic tones, it’s the food and beverage that truly define the experience.
At the heart of Pauline is a deep connection to the flavors and rhythm of the Florida coast. The menu opens with pristine raw bar selections including Jonah Crab Claws, Conch Ceviche, and Key West Pink Shrimp, before progressing into refined small plates such as Rock Shrimp Fideos, Caviar Tostada, and Zucchini Blossom Dumplings.
Large format entrees showcase a signature balance of precision and boldness, including standouts like Lobster & Mussel Sancocho, Beef Loin “Con Pan”, and Turbot Encendido. Flavor-rich sides such as Yuca Cremosa with Rosemary Tostones, Sazón Spinach, and Green Peas & Rice round out the dining experience.
“Pauline is my love letter to Caribbean-Latino food; rooted in memory and culture, shaped by craft, and grounded in a deep respect for simplicity and the ocean that’s always called me home.’ says Bissel ‘Returning to my home state after so many years has been deeply personal; it’s a chance to refine the flavors that shaped me and the people who inspired them. For me, food has always been about connection before anything else, a way to love, to remember, and to share. My love for food, and for people, has been both an anchor and an inspiration in ways I didn’t think were possible.”
The 178 seat restaurant offers both elegant indoor dining and an outdoor terrace experience overlooking The Shelborne By Proper’s iconic pool: a setting that captures the effortless glamour of Miami Beach, providing an atmosphere that is equal parts refined and relaxed.
Tucked just beyond Pauline, Little Torch is an intimate cocktail lounge where classic technique meets tropical energy. Named after Little Torch Key (the smallest and most secluded island in the Florida Keys) the space channels a sense of escape and quiet discovery. Drawing inspiration from the Baker legacy, it blends wanderlust with the spirit of Miami nightlife. The design strikes a balance between mid-century nostalgia and modern edge, featuring a retro mosaic-tiled bar with playful pink grout, sculptural onyx tables, and reupholstered Vittorio Varo “Cigno” lounge chairs.
The cocktail program leans inventive, playful, and polished. Signature drinks include the Spicy Guava Cooler (mezcal, aperitivo, guava, grapefruit, Empirical Ayuuk), Modern Vices (clarified piña colada milk punch with strawberry and daiquiri foam), and the floral, effervescent Saints & Sailors (gin, pandan, yuzu, cucumber, sparkling rosé).
Building on Proper Hospitality’s signature approach to immersive guest experiences, Little Torch will feature a dynamic lineup of vinyl DJ sets, cocktail-led events, and musical performances. In a playful nod to The Shelborne’s storied past, karaoke nights will also make a spirited return to the property, reviving a beloved tradition with a fresh perspective.
Pauline and Little Torch are part of the reimagined Shelborne by Proper, but function as standalone concepts with their own entrances, identities, and ambitions. Together, they usher in a new chapter of hospitality in Miami Beach, where bold culinary vision elevates the hotel dining experience Pauline will be open for dinner service beginning November 9th, with brunch and lunch to follow. Little Torch will open the same evening, with hours extending late into the night. Both spaces will be available for private events, from intimate gatherings to full buyouts.
Address: 1801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Operating Hours: Wednesday - Sunday; 6pm - 11pm
Reservations are available via OpenTable.
For more information, visit shelborne.com/restaurants-bars