Le Zoo Closes After 10 Years at Bal Harbour Shops; New Concept Coming Later This Year

Key Points:

• Le Zoo, a French brasserie by Stephen Starr, will close at Bal Harbour Shops at the end of April 2025.​

• The restaurant has been a staple since 2015, known for its Parisian-inspired cuisine and elegant ambiance.​

• Plans are underway to introduce a new dining concept in late 2025 at the same location by the same hospitality company, Starr Restaurants, who are also behind Makoto and Pastis.

A Culinary Era Ends at Bal Harbour

After delighting patrons with French Mediterranean flavors for 10 years, Le Zoo will close its doors at Bal Harbour Shops on April 30, 2025. This closure marks the end of an era for the brasserie, which has been a favorite among shoppers and locals since its opening in 2015.​

The Significance of Bal Harbour Shops

Established in 1965, Bal Harbour Shops is an open-air luxury shopping center located in Bal Harbour, Florida. Home to high-end retailers like Chanel, Gucci, and Prada, it has consistently ranked among the highest-grossing retail centers globally, with sales reaching $3,400 per square foot in 2022. ​

Whitman Family Development is expanding Bal Harbour Shops with a mixed-use project featuring 600 residential units—40% workforce housing and 60% luxury—alongside a 70-room boutique hotel and 45,700 square feet of new retail. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the development takes advantage of Florida's Live Local Act to increase density and height. The project will be phased, starting with workforce housing, and will offer amenities like pools, fitness centers, and lounge spaces.

Upcoming Developments in the Area

The closure of Le Zoo coincides with significant developments in the vicinity:​

• Bal Harbour Shops Expansion: By 2026, a substantial 250,000-square-foot expansion will introduce additional retail spaces and restaurants, reflecting the area's ongoing evolution as a premier luxury destination. ​

• Bay Harbor Islands Developments: Nearby, the Bay Harbor Islands are experiencing a surge in luxury residential projects, including the La Maré – The Regency Collection, a 33-unit ultra-luxury condominium development to enhance the area's upscale living options.

Looking Ahead

While Le Zoo's departure marks the end of a beloved dining spot, Stephen Starr's forthcoming new concept promises to bring fresh culinary experiences to Bal Harbour Shops. As the area develops, residents and visitors can anticipate an enriched blend of luxury shopping and dining options.​