Maska Brings Modern Indian Flavor to Midtown Miami

The space is designed to be very vibrant, somewhat opulent, and fun with a play of colors. It is a sense of achievement when your customer walks in and says, "Wow."

Shamsu Lalani, Maska co-owner

Miami suffers no shortage of vibrant venues for leisurely dining and lounging, but Indian fare newcomer Maska—the Rickshaw Hospitality Group's inaugural South Florida concept—stands out with its cultural opulence.

Located in the heart of Midtown Miami's burgeoning shopping district, the restaurant is helmed by renowned executive chef Hemant Mathur, the first Indian chef in the U.S. to be awarded a Michelin star, and owned by restaurateur Shamsu Lalani and Pravin Mascarenhas.

Designed by Miami-based architecture and interior design studio Royal & Byckovas, the indoor and outdoor eatery seats 120 guests across 7,000 square feet. The restaurant boasts a chic lounge area, expansive bar, private dining rooms, and an open kitchen with a traditional "tandoor" oven adjacent to a mural on its wall.

"The space is designed to be very vibrant, somewhat opulent, and fun, with a play of colors," explains Lalani. "It's a sense of achievement when your customer walks in and says 'wow.'"

Instagram-worthy. Lush greenery is incorporated in Maska's entry decor, and sets the tone for the restaurant's upscale cultural ambiance, which is accented by a mix of modernity and tropical finesse.

Greenery and glamour. A landscape designer and nursery owner were commissioned to curate Maska's indoor-outdoor feel.

Pops of color. The main dining area of Maska is a haven of hues, from the elaborate floor tiles and blue dining chairs to the elegantly placed candles and drop lighting. The tropical feel is further achieved by the green ceiling wrapped in wooden planks and hanging planters.

Beauty abounds. Maska's focal point is a painted, 12-foot by 14-foot mural of a woman in traditional dress and jewelry, curated by local Florida artist Steven Teller.

"It took him a week to create the art," recalls Lalani. "It was unbelievable to see him work; he started with a blank white wall and every day we would see magic being created."

Hues of heritage. Maska's lounge is adorned with teal green couches inspired by modern India, says Lalani. The vibrant backlighting from the wine cellar infuses a soothing, romantic aura.

Legacy illumination. Well-appointed pieces, like the Indian Maharajah-inspired chandeliers that hang above Maska's bar, showcase the heritage of Chef Mathur, whose career spans 30 years and numerous awards and accolades.

Spirited wonder. With its ornate mirrors and effervescent array of colors, Maska's bar is touted to be one of the largest in Midtown Miami.