Rooftop lounges have long served as mainstays of the Miami skyline, offering coveted open-air escapes high above the bustling energy of the city streets. Now, this elevated urban landscape welcomes a notable new addition with the arrival of Mimi Kakushi, marking the celebrated Japanese restaurant’s first United States outpost. Situated on the fourth floor of the iconic Delano Miami hotel, the new indoor-outdoor destination represents a striking collaboration between the brand and the London-based design firm Pirajean Lees.
For this high-profile American debut, designers Clémence Pirajean and James Lees—who also shaped the concept for the restaurant’s acclaimed location in Dubai—turned their creative focus toward an unexpected muse: the legendary Japanese silent film actor Sessue Hayakawa. By drawing inspiration from the cinematic allure of old Hollywood, the glamour of 1920s Osaka, and the unmistakable vibrancy of modern Miami, the design team has crafted a space that feels at once theatrical, transportive, and deeply rooted in its coastal environment.
The resulting interior takes structural and atmospheric cues from an imagined life for Hayakawa, envisioned as a sophisticated world traveler whose multifaceted surroundings reflect the diverse dimensions of his personality. This fictional narrative seamlessly unfolds across a sequence of carefully considered spaces, blending period-inspired architectural details with breezy, open-air elements that tie the restaurant directly to its South Florida setting. The expansive terrace is thoughtfully configured to accommodate a wide variety of dining experiences, ranging from casual daytime gatherings to much more intimate evening meals, and is exclusively reserved for hotel guests and members of the Delano Members Club.
Central to the dynamic energy of the venue is an open sushi counter, which places food preparation front and center within the dining room. Here, guests are granted an unobstructed view of head chef Henry Park and his culinary team at work, transforming the traditional meal into an immersive performance. Complementing the culinary theater is a dedicated DJ station that sets a sophisticated rhythm throughout both day and evening service, establishing an auditory backdrop that shifts effortlessly from relaxed daytime lounge to vibrant nighttime hotspot.
Perhaps one of the most playful yet sophisticated touches of the venue resides behind the bar, where the beverage program takes an unconventional approach to cocktail presentation. Eschewing traditional printed paper menus, patrons are handed a vintage View-Master. As guests click through the classic stereoscopic reels, they are introduced to a curated series of drinks highlighting unique botanicals and flavors traditionally associated with East Asian culinary traditions.
Throughout the indoor and outdoor dining areas, spatial layout and landscape design work in tandem to balance openness with intimacy. Lush, strategically placed greenery acts as natural architectural screens, dividing the expansive terrace into smaller, more private seating zones while carefully preserving sweeping views of the surrounding ocean. A versatile mix of counter seating and plush, upholstered banquettes accommodates different ways of dining, inviting visitors to settle in for a leisurely full-course meal or simply sample a selection of shared plates, such as delicate sashimi and crispy tempura.
The material palette further enhances the sensory experience, relying heavily on warm browns and creamy neutral tones. Sunlight filters delicately through timber bead curtains and stained glass installations, casting shifting, dappled patterns across the room as the hours progress. Tactile elements, including fringed throw pillows, introduce layers of comfort and texture, while hand-painted landscapes and bespoke custom furniture pieces serve as direct references to traditional craftsmanship and heritage design.
Ultimately, through this careful layering of materials, shifting daylight, curated music, and an open-air architectural framework, Pirajean Lees has engineered an atmosphere that evolves continuously from morning until night. The completed project successfully marries the dramatic theatricality of its cinematic inspiration with the relaxed, sun-drenched coastal reality of Miami Beach, establishing a distinctive new destination within the city’s celebrated culinary scene.
