Bad Bunny's Gekko: A Miami Hotspot for Celebrities

The Japanese steakhouse co-founded by the musician has become a must-visit dining destination.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Bad Bunny expanded his empire beyond music in 2022 with the launch of Gekko, a high-end Japanese-inspired steakhouse and lounge in Miami's Brickell neighborhood. Co-founded with nightlife and hospitality heavyweight David Grutman, Gekko blends premium sushi with a moody, jewel-toned interior. While Bad Bunny is not a day-to-day presence at the restaurant, his influence is embedded in the concept. The restaurant has become a celebrity hotspot, attracting the likes of Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner, DJ Khaled, Lionel Messi, and more.

Why it matters

Gekko's success highlights Bad Bunny's growing influence beyond music, as he expands into the restaurant industry. The restaurant's popularity also reflects Miami's status as a premier dining and entertainment destination, attracting high-profile celebrities and influencers.

The details

Designed by the Rockwell Group, Gekko features a dramatic U‑shaped sushi bar, velvet-draped booths, and a gold‑and‑red dip‑dyed rope installation. The menu combines the sophistication of an elevated steakhouse with traditional Japanese dishes, including premium cuts of steak, Japanese milk bread, and numerous raw plates. Bad Bunny's favorite menu items include the A5 Tomahawk, Wagyu crispy rice, and lobster fried rice. Pricing ranges from $17-$250 for food and $18-$30 for cocktails.

  • Gekko opened in August 2022.

The players

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican singer, rapper, and songwriter who co-founded Gekko, a high-end Japanese-inspired steakhouse and lounge in Miami's Brickell neighborhood.

David Grutman

The founder of Groot Hospitality, a nightlife and hospitality company, who co-founded Gekko with Bad Bunny.

Gekko

A Japanese-inspired steakhouse and lounge in Miami's Brickell neighborhood, co-founded by Bad Bunny and David Grutman.

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What they’re saying

“He's obsessed with sushi, so that was part of the conversation from early on. And I had wanted to do a high-end steakhouse. The ideas ended up striking the perfect balance.”

— David Grutman, Co-founder of Gekko (Forbes)

“The culture reminds me of home. Miami is a city where I can relax. I love to go out to eat, see the ocean — it's just a great city.”

— Bad Bunny (Food & Wine)

“I want them to be blown away. Not just by the menu (which I love, by the way, Japanese food and steakhouse staples are my two favorite types of cuisine), not just by the lounge, not just by the room, but by the entire experience taken as one.”

— David Grutman, Co-founder of Gekko (Food & Wine)

The takeaway

Gekko's success as a celebrity hotspot in Miami highlights Bad Bunny's growing influence beyond music, as well as the city's status as a premier dining and entertainment destination. The restaurant's blend of high-end Japanese cuisine and steakhouse staples, coupled with its moody, jewel-toned ambiance, has made it a must-visit for A-list celebrities.