The Person Transforming Miami's Dining Scene And Redefining The City's Global Appeal
Robert Rivani in front og SLS LUX
In a city that welcomed a record-breaking 142.9 million visitors last year, Robert Rivani is not just riding the wave of Miami's tourism boom—he's helping to shape it.
The founder of Black Lion is considered somewhat of a disruptor in South Florida's commercial real estate space, scooping up unloved, underperforming properties during the height of the pandemic, when much of the world believed hospitality was on the brink of collapse.
Over the past few years, Rivani has transformed those underutilized spaces into some of Miami's most magnetic dining destinations, helping fuel the city's evolution into a global culinary hotspot.
'The future of Miami is undeniably bright, this is a city writing its own chapter at an extraordinary pace,' said Greg Galy, Founder & CEO of Riviera Dining Group, behind several wildly popular and buzzy hospitality concepts including MILA, the second top independent grossing restaurant in the country. 'Robert has been instrumental in reshaping the city's dining landscape by attracting acclaimed restaurants and reimagining key spaces, he's elevated the region into a hub for luxury and experiential dining.'
Rivani's portfolio of tenants includes celebrity-favorite names like Delilah, CATCH, GEKKŌ, and RosaNegra—all brands that attract international clientele and anchor Miami's culinary credibility.
Go to TripAdvisor or Eater, and you'll find thousands of glowing reviews, many citing them as 'must-visits' and 'trip highlights.' Reservations are often booked weeks in advance, and celebrity sightings are common. From the 1920s supper club vibe at Delilah Miami complete with live jazz and velvet-clad interiors (famous fans include the Kardashians and Drake), or the open-air rooftop glamour of CATCH Miami Beach, where seafood towers meet skyline views–these are places where travel itineraries revolve around the reservation time.
According to Rivani, the restaurants aren't just attracting locals—they're luring tastemakers and travelers from New York, the West Coast, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
"For me, it's never just about filling space or collecting rent, it's about identifying marquee brands that elevate the entire neighborhood,' says Rivani. 'We're building destinations that draw global attention. Every tenant we bring in acts as a catalyst for cultural and economic growth, contributing lasting value to the area."
Over the past few years, Rivani has amassed and now begun selectively selling off a portfolio of over $100 million in South Florida commercial real estate. He recently closed a landmark $38.25 million deal for the Brickell spaces leased to GEKKŌ and RosaNegra–both which will remain operating. The property where CATCH Miami Beach is located traded for a record $28.2 million. Rivani says it's validation for his vision, and a clear sign that Miami has firmly secured its place on the global stage.
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