Rooftop lounges have long defined the architectural skyline of Miami, offering breezy, open-air escapes far above the high-energy pulse of the city streets below. Now, this elevated landscape welcomes a striking new addition with the debut of Mimi Kakushi, a celebrated Japanese restaurant making its highly anticipated entry into the United States market. Situated on the fourth floor of the iconic Delano Miami hotel, this fresh indoor-outdoor destination represents a masterclass in cross-cultural design, courtesy of the London-based studio Pirajean Lees.
Known for their sophisticated spatial narratives, designers Clémence Pirajean and James Lees—who also conceptualized Mimi Kakushi’s acclaimed location in Dubai—have woven together a rich tapestry of influences for the Miami venue. The resulting interior and terrace space successfully merges the vibrant, coastal energy of modern Miami with the decadent glamour of 1920s Osaka and the timeless, cinematic allure of old Hollywood.
At the conceptual heart of the design is a richly detailed narrative inspired by Sessue Hayakawa, the legendary Japanese silent film actor. Pirajean and Lees approached the project by imagining a fictional, cosmopolitan life for the actor. In this conceptualization, Hayakawa is envisioned as a world traveler whose sophisticated surroundings constantly reflect the diverse, multifaceted sides of his personality. This cinematic framework avoids pastiche, instead informing an environment where period-appropriate detailing meets the relaxed, sun-drenched realities of a coastal American resort.
Access to the fourth-floor experience is tailored for exclusivity, with the expansive terrace reserved specifically for hotel guests and members of the Delano Members Club. This open-air setting is thoughtfully partitioned by lush, strategically placed greenery that creates intimate pockets of privacy while preserving panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding Miami Beach skyline. The terrace layout accommodates a variety of social engagements, seamlessly transitioning from casual afternoon lounging to more formal, intimate evening dining experiences.
Guests venturing inside or settling onto the terrace encounter an engaging array of culinary and sensory touchpoints. Chief among them is the open sushi counter, which places the art of food preparation directly at the center of the dining room. Here, patrons have an unobstructed view of head chef Henry Park and his culinary team meticulously crafting dishes ranging from delicate sashimi to crisp tempura and artfully composed shared plates.
To maintain the dynamic energy of the venue, a dedicated DJ station sets the auditory rhythm, shifting the atmosphere smoothly from daytime leisure to vibrant evening service. Perhaps the most playful nod to the venue’s cinematic roots, however, can be found at the bar. Eschewing traditional printed cocktail menus, the establishment hands patrons a vintage View-Master. Guests can click through physical reels of miniature slides to preview imaginative craft cocktails highlighting botanicals and spirits associated with classic East Asian flavor profiles.
The material palette of the restaurant is deliberately warm and tactile, designed to react to the shifting natural light of the Florida coast. Sunlight filters gently through timber bead curtains and vibrant stained glass windows, casting long, geometric patterns across a sophisticated spectrum of warm browns and rich creams. Throughout the seating areas, textural elements such as fringed throw pillows add depth, while custom-built furniture and hand-painted landscapes pay homage to traditional craftsmanship and historical aesthetics.
Seating configurations are intentionally diverse to cater to different dining styles. Visitors can choose between sleek counter seating, comfortable upholstered banquettes, and curved booths wrapped around circular dining tables. Whether patrons are settling in for a multi-course culinary journey or simply stopping by for a casual selection of shared plates and drinks, the physical environment adapts fluidly to their needs.
Ultimately, the collaboration between Pirajean Lees and Mimi Kakushi at the Delano Miami succeeds by balancing theatrical storytelling with authentic hospitality. By merging layered materials, changing daylight, curated music, and a prime open-air setting, the venue establishes an atmosphere that evolves naturally from day to night. The result is a sophisticated rooftop destination that honors its cinematic and historical inspirations while remaining firmly rooted in the vibrant spirit of Miami Beach.
