Rooftop lounges are a staple of the Miami skyline, but the new Mimi Kakushi offers a distinct indoor-outdoor experience on the fourth floor of the Delano Miami hotel. This marks the restaurant's first location in the United States, designed by the London-based firm Pirajean Lees, who also created the brand's Dubai outpost. The design team, led by Clémence Pirajean and James Lees, fused the vibrancy of Miami with the glamour of 1920s Osaka and the cinematic allure of Old Hollywood.
The interiors draw specific inspiration from Sessue Hayakawa, a Japanese silent film actor. The concept envisions an imagined life for the actor as a world traveler, with the surroundings reflecting different facets of his personality. This fictional narrative is realized through period-inspired details and open-air spaces that connect the venue to its coastal setting. The terrace features lush greenery strategically placed to screen off smaller seating areas, creating a sense of enclosure while preserving ocean views.
Dining options vary across the space, with counter seating and upholstered banquettes accommodating everything from full-course meals to shared plates of sashimi and tempura. The open sushi counter places food preparation at the center of the experience, allowing guests to watch head chef Henry Park's team at work. A DJ station provides rhythm throughout the day and evening service, while the bar offers an unconventional approach to cocktail selection.
Instead of a traditional printed menu, patrons receive a vintage View-Master to click through reels of drinks featuring botanicals associated with East Asian flavors. Sunlight filters through timber bead curtains and stained glass, casting shifting patterns across a palette of warm browns and creams. Textural elements include fringed throw pillows, hand-painted landscapes, and custom furniture that reference traditional craftsmanship. The combination of layered materials, changing daylight, music, and the open-air setting creates an atmosphere that evolves throughout the day.
The terrace is reserved exclusively for hotel guests and Delano Members Club members, offering a range of experiences from casual gatherings to intimate meals. The result is a venue that balances the theatricality of its cinematic inspiration with a strong connection to the Miami Beach environment.
Sources: Design Milk.