Perched atop the dynamic Miami cityscape is a whole world of restaurants and nightlife that can’t be seen from the ground, but which constitute a force unto itself. On the tops of buildings, you can sample some of the best gastronomic experiments the city has to offer, while looking out over the skyline, the sea, and the horizon. Dining at a rooftop restaurant in Miami is an opportunity to experience a whole new city, just by taking an elevator (or a lot of stairs).
Miami’s skyline, characterized by sleek skyscrapers and art deco architecture, serves as an awe-inspiring backdrop to these elevated eateries. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting hues of pink and orange across the skyline, rooftop diners are treated to a spectacle that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable occasion. From the trendy streets of South Beach to the chic neighborhoods of Brickell and Wynwood, rooftop venues dot the city — but you wouldn’t necessarily know they were there just by looking at the buildings that host them.
And that’s where we come in. Drawing on personal experience of dining in Miami, experiencing its views, and taking in its cuisine, we give you a list of the best rooftop restaurants for dining with a view. Our list is based first and foremost on whether the establishment serves an interesting menu made with good-quality ingredients, and second on the caliber of the view.
MILA
In a city with such beautiful views, many Miami establishments rely too much on their surroundings and don’t bother with the food. This is not the case with MILA in Miami Beach, which serves the best of both Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. Our favorite fusions include the “MediterrAsian” black cod with pickled hajikami and the wagyu skirt steak with basil crisp. Or you can go for the tasting menu and let yourself be blown away by the chef’s selections.
You can enjoy these dishes while looking out over stunning views of the city and the water, but you’d be forgiven if you were too distracted to peer out the window or look over the balcony. The interior decor takes up a lot of attention with its lush plant life, wood-carved artwork, and blown-glass chandeliers. The whole setting feels like you’ve just stumbled into a restaurant in the middle of a jungle — looking out at the view might break the spell.
mila-miami.com
(786) 706-0744
1636 Meridian Avenue Rooftop, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Rosa Sky Rooftop
For one of the top views in Miami, it makes sense to head to one of the tallest buildings in the Brickell district. Located on the 22nd floor of the AC & Element Hotel, the Rosa Sky Rooftop provides sweeping views of the city and ocean and is a prime spot to watch the sunset. Get into the mood of this rose-hued atmosphere by ordering a Rosa Sky cocktail while you await your food, made with strawberry-lemongrass vodka, lemon juice, and sparkling rosé.
Speaking of the food, the menu consists mainly of small bites and bar selections, but all of it is good, and we’ll go for quality over quantity any day. Try the lux grilled cheese sandwich, made up of braised short ribs, Mahon cheese, caramelized onions, and pineapple-sambal jam on a brioche bun. Or skip straight to dessert with the five-spice churros, topped with a chili sugar rub and toasted coconut creme anglaise.
rosaskyrooftop.com
(786) 628-1515
115 SW 8th St, 22nd Floor, Miami, FL 33130
Giselle Miami
Giselle would be a destination whether it happened to be on a rooftop or not. Everything about the place has been carefully planned and brilliantly executed, from the decor to the menu. As soon as you get off the elevator, it’s a feast for the eyes on a beautiful marble bar top embellished with sparkling golden features and mirror tiles. The retractable roof leads you straight out onto the terrace, where you can enjoy the best views available.
The menu is almost as stunning, with various caviar options and other elevated fare like lobster fra diavolo that’s with Calabrian chili and wagyu beef dumplings with Japanese sweet potatoes. All this fancy food may seem suspiciously trendy, but the quality of the offerings suggests it could be a place that stands stronger with time.
gisellemiami.com
(305) 358-9848
15 NE 11th St, Miami, FL 33132
Read More: https://www.tastingtable.com/1552469/best-miami-rooftop-restaurants-dining-view/
