The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami has named John Iatrellis as restaurant chef of Paralía, the its open-air, oceanfront restaurant inspired by the coastal traditions of the Aegean region. A Miami native of Greek heritage with more than 25 years of hospitality experience, Iatrellis will lead Paralía’s culinary team and continue to shape a menu that brings together the flavors of the Greek isles and Turkey’s Aegean coast with Florida seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Most recently, Iatrellis served as chef de cuisine at Claudie, where he helped open the restaurant and led its kitchen for a year and a half. He approaches cooking as a universal language rooted in connection, generosity and a deep respect for the ingredients on the plate. He describes his cooking style as traditional and rustic, guided by a simple philosophy: “Cook pure, cook with love.”
“Cooking has always been about bringing people together,” said Iatrellis. “At Paralía, I want guests to experience the generosity and warmth of Mediterranean dining through honest preparations, vibrant flavors and ingredients that are treated with care. The restaurant’s oceanfront setting makes it a natural place to share a meal, slow down and connect.”
At Paralía, Iatrellis draws upon a career shaped by some of Miami’s most notable kitchens, along with a lifelong appreciation for Mediterranean flavors and traditions. His cooking favors thoughtful, straightforward preparations that allow quality ingredients to shine, with braised lamb and octopus among his specialties and dill and sumac among his favorite ingredients. His affinity for Spain, particularly the Basque region, also continues to influence his culinary perspective.
New and featured dishes include the Farro Salad, prepared with zucchini, feta, pomegranate and dill, and Lahanodolmades, featuring cabbage, Anatolian pilaf, harissa-tomato sauce and feta. The Paidakia pairs lamb chops with tzatziki, pomegranate molasses and za’atar, while the Lavraki presents salt-crusted branzino with fennel, tomato and chermoula.
Previously, he served as corporate executive chef for Life House Hotels, helping launch Layla, Terras and Pretty Swell in Miami. Terras was named Best Rooftop Restaurant by Miami New Times in 2022.
Earlier in his career, Iatrellis opened Lure Fishbar at Loews Miami Beach as executive chef, earning recognition from Miami New Times and the Miami Herald. He also spent a decade at the iconic Forge Restaurant & Wine Bar, including its 2010 relaunch. His career highlights include a collaboration dinner with celebrated chef Ignacio Mattos during the 20th anniversary of the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One.
Named after the Greek word for “beach,” Paralía offers a coastal dining experience set along the Atlantic Ocean. The 105-seat restaurant features alfresco seating, panoramic water views and an outdoor bar, transitioning seamlessly from relaxed beachfront lunches to golden-hour gatherings and dinner by the sea.
Paralía’s oceanfront bar complements the menu with Greek wines, ouzo and cocktails infused with Mediterranean botanicals, alongside spritzes, citrus-driven cocktails and refreshing zero-proof selections. Live entertainment takes place Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., adding to the restaurant’s lively seaside atmosphere.
Paralía serves lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and dinner daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Set along the pristine shores of Key Biscayne, just minutes from downtown Miami, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami completed a $100 million transformation and reopened in December 2025. The oceanfront resort features a completely redesigned spa with a new spa garden, updated guest rooms and suites, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, elevated poolside and leisure experiences, The Club Lounge, the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center and curated retail offerings, including 120 Lino, Lilly Pulitzer, Sabbia, Coastal Boutique, and The Spa Boutique. Families are welcomed with a new Ritz Kids Club, offering interactive and thoughtfully designed spaces for exploration and play.
A premier dining and cocktail destination, the resort offers six distinct concepts, including Luma, Paralía, Rum Bar, Dune Beach Bar, Scoop, and Stefano’s, highlighting Florida-sourced ingredients and culturally inspired cuisine. Blending contemporary design with Key Biscayne’s natural beauty and heritage, the resort offers a refined retreat where guests can relax and recharge, enjoying an elevated escape marked by thoughtful design and attentive service. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is located at 455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne, FL. ritzcarlton.com.
Feature Photo: Chef John Iatrellis
Photos Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne