Tasting Table | April 2, 2024
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.
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.
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.
