Design

Designer Ken Fulk Crafts an Elegant Miami Steakhouse with a Seductive Twist

At Dirty French in Brickell, the designer extraordinaire deployed animal prints, jungle patterns, and mashrabiya screens to dazzling effect

By Shelby Black

May 13, 2022

Luxurious bar interior with patterned bar stools, glass chandeliers, and an elegant floral backdrop behind a stocked counter. — “Jungle Bar” at Dirty French Steakhouse designed by Ken Fulk Photo: Kris Tamburello Studios

As if anyone needed another reason to visit Miami, a new high-end restaurant has opened doors in the city’s bustling Brickell neighborhood. Conceived by globally renowned hospitality group Major Food Group (MFG), Dirty French Steakhouse offers the finest fare of meat and seafood you’d expect from a traditional chophouse, but offers a French twist on the classic cuisine.

To embody the rich history and opulence Miami is known for, the hospitality brand turned to longtime collaborator and renowned designer Ken Fulk to spearhead the elegant interiors. “We took inspiration from legendary hot spots across the globe—El Morocco, Indochine, Maxim’s Paris—using elements from these fabled nightclubs like animal prints, jungle patterns, mashrabiya screens, silk lanterns,” Fulk said. “The result is an utterly intoxicating atmosphere.”

Entrance to a modern steakhouse with a black awning and neon red sign, surrounded by palm trees and glass building reflections. — Dirty French Steakhouse Miami Photo: Kris Tamburello Studios

True to his word, once entering the restaurant visitors can grab a cocktail at the “Jungle Bar,” a lush lounge with a tropical motif through cheeky banana leaf pendants, striking fringed cheetah print bar stools, and custom leaf patterned walls. From there, guests roam their way through a moody and romantic corridor of intricate mashrabiya paneling that will take them to the main dining room.

Dimly lit ornate hallway with decorative woodwork, stained glass chandeliers, and a detailed tiger wallpaper. — Photo: Kris Tamburello Studios

Continuing the tropical atmosphere, upholstered burnt orange walls surround the main dining room while custom zebra print dining chairs offer a whimsical and colorful contrast. For a more intimate experience, the dining parlor (accessed through the main dining room) provides personal alcoves of deep plum banquettes ideal for special celebrations. The private dining room, outfitted with expansive mosaic mirrored “disco ball” walls, is the spot to reserve for those late Miami nights.

Elegant restaurant interior with zebra-patterned chairs, white tablecloths, and modern pendant lights. — The main dining room at Dirty French Steakhouse Miami Photo: Kris Tamburello Studios

Luxurious restaurant booth with elegant maroon seating, a table set for four, and ambient lighting under a purple chandelier. — Dining parlor at Dirty French Steakhouse Miami Photo: Kris Tamburello Studios

While taking in Fulk’s designs, the restaurant’s menu offers classic steakhouse chops including filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip while a selection of rare off-menu items will be offered on a nightly basis. On a date night or during a family dinner, consider starting the night off with the Dirty French wedge salad and either 40-ounce Porterhouse or Wagyu Tomahawk to share.

As a testament to Miami’s waterfront view, fresh seafood entrees and selections from the raw bar are available for those craving the catch of the day. Plus, grilled oysters, tuna tartare, and lobster ravioli serve as ideal appetizers. Finally, to end the night with a show, enjoy soufflés flambéed table side courtesy MFG’S pasty chef Stephanie Prida.