As cooler weather approaches, Miami's rooftop restaurants and bars offer a captivating atmosphere with panoramic views and openness to the sky. Whether enjoying a luxurious dinner while taking in the city lights, or enjoying lunch or cocktails with friends, rooftop venues offer novelty, ambiance, and a sense of urban escape. Moreover, the feeling of being above the busy cityscape below is part of their overall allure, contributing to a sense of exclusivity and privilege.
Watr at 1 Rooftop (305.604.1000) at 1 Hotel South Beach, 2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, is an airy oasis 18 stories above the beach with sweeping, unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean. The rooftop restaurant’s menu is inspired by Japanese cuisine, with an emphasis on sushi and dishes with other traditional flavors. Watr features a fully retractable roof, creating an intimate vibe unmatched by any other rooftop space in Miami. An extensive cocktail menu boasts cocktails with an innovative take on Japanese ingredients. On Wednesday, treat yourself to a mid-week luxury with a bottle of Lallier champagne pared with a dozen oysters for $120.
A retractable roof means that the warm outdoor ambiance at Watr won’t be spoiled by rainy weather
La Terraza Miami Beach Rooftop & Pool at Kimpton Angler's Hotel South Beach (305.534.9600) 600 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, occupies the hotel’s rooftop terrace, the perfect place to indulge in poolside fun, food, and drinks all day long. The space boasts 360-degree views of South Beach with prime outdoor seating for watching the sunset over the city while sipping on a lychee martini, sangria, or an array of signature cocktails like the Mind Blowing, a delicious concoction of elderflower, watermelon, lime, aromatic bitters, and peach. Tacos and guacamole, and chips are offered on the menu, as well as a filet mignon kebab with chimichurri sauce; coconut flan with fresh fruit; and the signature surf and turf burger with braised short ribs, Maine lobster, and cheddar cheese.
Quinto (786.805.4646) in the EAST Miami Hotel, 788 Brickell Plaza, Miami, is an inviting indoor space with a lush outdoor terrace surrounded by Miami's stunning Brickell skyline. Its rustic charm and authentic cuisine create a unique dining experience, with the Latin American restaurant’s signature open-fire parrilla and wood-fired oven offerings at the heart of the menu. The culinary team takes its inspiration from across Latin America for dishes, including the Milanesa, an Argentine dish served with a Bolivian llajua sauce, or Arroz Negro, crafted with calamari sofrito, bomba rice, tiger prawn, and crispy rice. Sip on unique craft cocktails such as the Key Lime Pie Martini, with limoncello, lime juice, cream, sugar cane and lime zest. Quinto hosts Brunch de Barrio on Sundays and Martini Nights on Thursdays.
(Courtesy of Tulum Rooftop Bar and Restaurant at the W Miami )
Tulum Rooftop Bar and Restaurant is next to the pool W Miami, adding a breezy vibe to any meal.
Tulum Rooftop Bar and Restaurant at W Miami, 485 Brickell Ave., Miami, is also located in Miami's Brickell area. It recently opened its dining concept adjacent to the pool on the hotel's 15th floor. The menu features global influences and Latin American cuisine. The indoor-outdoor design draws inspiration from Tulum, Mexico, and features earthy hues, lush greenery, and warm wood accents in a harmonious blend of natural elements. Tulum offers a lunch menu which includes the Tulum Beast Burger, made with an 8-ounce blend of bison, elk, wild boar, and wagyu beef, grilled queso fresco, demi-glazed mushrooms, dressed arugula salad, red onions, and tomato jam; their Aji Chicken Sandwich, made with buttermilk fried chicken; and jumbo Herb-Brined Wings. Dinner will launch this fall.
(Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Miami)
A selection of mezze is just one of the tantalizing appetizers at Bahia.
Bahia (305.358.3535) in the Four Seasons Hotel Miami, 1435 Brickell Ave., Miami, is nestled within a two-acre oasis on the hotel's seventh-floor rooftop terrace, set amid the Brickell skyline. Popular with the young, professional crowd in Brickell's financial district, it's the place to go after work to unwind. At sunset, a lively evening vibe comes to life with a festive, yet relaxed, ambience. The menu features Northern Mediterranean specialties, with guests sharing hot and cold mezzes and plates of food grilled over an open-fire barbecue. Highlights include babaganoush and labneh with warm pita bread, wood-grilled oysters and charred Spanish octopus with chorizo, garlic potato espuma, pimenton and lemon; and spiced lamb meatballs with cucumber yogurt tzatziki. Popular Mediterranean cocktails include the Butterfly Garden with No. 3 gin, butterfly pea flower hibiscus syrup, and lemon.
Adrift Mare (305-503-6500) in the Hotel AKA Brickell, 1395 Brickell Ave., Miami, is perched on the 25th floor, so there is no better place to watch the sunset and enjoy a luxurious dinner, making it a memorable dining experience. Under the magic touch of Michelin-starred David Myers, also known as the Gypsy Chef, Adrift Mare brings together flavors from the French Riviera, Balearic Islands, Italy, and the Greek Isles, all while serving up breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay. Savor sophisticated snacks like toasted truffle cheese sandwiches, mortadella and rosemary focaccia, and mezze plates of olives, hummus, and fava spread. Expect amazing craft cocktails such as the Strawberry Kush, made with Tito's vodka, strawberries, shiso, Sichuan, citrus, and sparkling water.
Bluewater (305.577.1000) at the InterContinental Miami Hotel, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, is a hidden gem rooftop restaurant and bar in downtown Miami, featuring stunning views of Biscayne Bay, great cocktails, and a menu of American comfort food favorites. The newly reimagined bar is the perfect destination to unwind, beat the heat, and enjoy a luxurious poolside experience accompanied by signature cocktails, which include the Red Passion Daiquiri, Japanese Punch, and Ube Daiquiri. Happy hour becomes an event with the Seaside Social, every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to meet up with friends and enjoy drink specials from the Bluewater bar.