Rooftop lounges have long served as architectural mainstays of the Miami skyline, offering elevated, open-air escapes far above the vibrant bustle of the city streets below. Now, the iconic Miami landscape is welcoming a striking new addition with the debut of the very first United States outpost of the acclaimed Japanese restaurant Mimi Kakushi. Perched on the fourth floor of the historic Delano Miami hotel, the new venue brings a distinct international flair to South Beach, masterfully orchestrated by the London-based design studio Pirajean Lees. In reimagining the space, the design firm has woven together the sun-drenched vibrancy of modern Miami, the opulent glamour of 1920s Osaka, and the unmistakable cinematic allure of old Hollywood, creating a multi-sensory destination that bridges diverse eras and cultures.
The creative minds behind the design, Clémence Pirajean and James Lees—who previously collaborated on the restaurant’s successful Dubai location—found their primary conceptual anchor for the Miami interiors in an unexpected muse: the legendary Japanese silent film actor Sessue Hayakawa. Situated within the storied walls of the Delano Miami, the indoor-outdoor restaurant takes its rich architectural and atmospheric cues from an imagined life for the celebrated actor. In this conceptual narrative, Hayakawa is envisioned as a worldly and sophisticated traveler whose immediate surroundings dynamically reflect the various, multifaceted sides of his captivating personality.
This fictional yet deeply immersive narrative takes physical shape throughout the venue through a meticulous mix of period-inspired architectural details and sprawling open-air spaces that seamlessly connect the restaurant to its distinct coastal environment. The expansive terrace has been carefully configured to accommodate a wide variety of dining experiences, ranging effortlessly from casual, sun-kissed daytime gatherings to much more intimate, moody evening meals. To preserve an exclusive and refined atmosphere, this open-air terrace is reserved specifically for registered hotel guests and members of the elite Delano Members Club, ensuring a serene sanctuary high above the vibrant energy of South Beach.
At the heart of the culinary and spatial experience is an open sushi counter, which places the intricate food preparation directly at the center of the room. This thoughtful layout gives guests an unobstructed, front-row view of head chef Henry Park and his skilled culinary team at work, turning the craft of sushi-making into a piece of live theater. Meanwhile, an integrated DJ station establishes a carefully curated rhythm that flows naturally throughout both the day and evening service, shifting the mood as daylight fades into the balmy Miami night.
Complementing the sonic landscape, the venue’s bar takes a brilliantly unconventional and nostalgic approach to presenting its cocktail menu. Abandoning the traditional format of a printed paper list, patrons at the bar are handed a vintage View-Master. As they click through the retro plastic device, guests browse colorful stereoscopic reels showcasing bespoke drinks crafted with botanicals and ingredients closely associated with traditional East Asian flavors, adding a playful yet sophisticated touch of interactive theater to the beverage program.
Lush greenery and strategically positioned botanical screens divide the sprawling terrace into smaller, more intimate seating pockets, providing a comforting sense of physical enclosure while still maintaining sweeping, unobstructed views of the surrounding ocean. Pirajean Lees has incorporated a diverse array of seating options throughout the venue, including dynamic counter seating and deeply comfortable upholstered banquettes. These varied arrangements accommodate any style of dining a guest might seek, whether it is a formal, full-course Japanese meal or simply a relaxed selection of shared plates featuring delicate sashimi and crispy tempura.
Throughout the interior and exterior spaces, natural elements are manipulated to dramatic atmospheric effect. Sunlight filters softly through delicate timber bead curtains and intricate stained glass panels, casting shifting, geometric patterns across a sophisticated palette of warm browns and rich creams. Tactile finishes, such as fringed throw pillows, introduce an inviting layer of texture to the seating areas, while hand-painted landscapes and custom-built furniture pieces introduce subtle, refined references to traditional East Asian craftsmanship.
Ultimately, it is the combination of these layered materials, the constantly shifting patterns of daylight, the curated musical backdrop, and the breezy open-air setting that allows the atmosphere to evolve dynamically from morning to night. Through the thoughtful vision of Pirajean Lees, Mimi Kakushi at the Delano Miami successfully channels the rich theatricality of its cinematic inspiration while remaining firmly and harmoniously rooted in the coastal identity of Miami Beach.
