Best rooftop bars in Miami, now is the time to explore them, enjoy the breeze, take in the city and beach vistas, relax with friends and savor a refreshing cocktail.

From casual venues to elegant ones with  fine-dining options, the rooftop bars can be found in Coconut Grove, The Design District, Little River, Wynwood, Brickell, Edgewater,  Downtown,  and of course, South Beach. This includes the latest additions, Amazonico on Brickell, the Roof at the Moore building and la Fernetaria in Wynwood.

Whether you’re in the mood for a casual Happy Hour, lunch or dinner, we’ve put together a list that won’t disappoint. I’ve put an asterisk next to those I’ve done a full review on.

 

Best Rooftop Bars in Miami Beach

 

Watr at the 1 Hotel South Beach*

 

From 18 stories, almost a 360 degree view of the ocean, beach and Miami skyline; a well curated and delicious Japanese menu;  and a casual chic, beachy vibe,  Watr in the 1 Hotel South Beach is one of my new favorite rooftop bars in Miami, with solid dining besides.

 

Their exciting Japanese influenced food and drink menu was curated by Watr’s Chef de Cuisine Giancarlo Valera in partnership with consulting Chef Michael Collantes from the Michelin-starred Soseki. The lunch and dinner menus were developed utilizing mindful ingredients from local purveyors, garden-to-table produce, and responsibly sourced.

On a visit for an early dinner, the appealing new menu with raw bar, maki, salads, bowls and entrees, lived up to its promise. It was tough to choose, and everything we had was delicious. We started with a Hamachi crudo that was one of the best I’ve had, followed by a yummy crispy asparagus roll made with tempura asparagus, avocado and pickled Japanese vegetables. The super fresh, perfectly cooked  terikyaki vegetables were also a standout. Another recommended pick is the tasty miso grouper with sweet koji miso butter, bok choy,broccolini negi and sesame. The finisher was a selection of mochi (be sure to eat the chocolate).

 

In addition to Watr’s new food menu, guests can enjoy a n cocktail and sake menu with sustainable sips taking a unique spin on traditional Japanese beverages such as the Samurai Negroni that Mr. W liked so much he repeated. It’s made from a novel combo of mezcal, Japanese vermouth, Lillet Blanc, Fair Kumquat and shiso.

 

There’s a wide variety of seating and lounging options, from the buzzy bar and table area, and stylish and comfy white sofas, to cabanas surrounding a swimming pool area that open for Watr restaurant guests in the evening. Service is professional and friendly.

 

As day turns to night, the evening continues, as guests can enjoy an elevated nightlife venue with live entertainment from top DJs, bottle service, hand-crafted cocktails, and light bites under the stars.

 

.For more information  visit https://www.1hotels.com/south-beach/taste/watr-at-the-rooftop. Watr,1 Hotel South Beach,2341 Collins Avenue,Miami Beach, FL 33139

 

MILA*

 

Located in the heart of Miami, the romantic, stylish and very trendy MILA offers a buzzy rootop terrace bar, DJ on the weekends and happy hour weekdays. Go for a drink and stay for the delicious food, you won’t be disappointed.

With a mantra of Eudaimonia (the contented, happy state you feel when you travel), MILA prides itself on its sophisticated and multi-sensory dining experience.  The venue’s minimalist aesthetic takes its inspiration from the Cycladic Islands and Japan’s Wabi-Sabi philosophy of imperfection.

 

Don’t miss the variety of sculptures, paintings and ceramics created by artisans from around the world, scattered throughout the venue and the nightly fire dancer shows.

 

On the Saturday night we went, MILA Miami was jumping. The décor, attractive contemporary, artisanal aesthetic is serene and warm.  Even the staff is attractive, offering Mediterranean and Asian inspired dishes that are creative and different.

 

The rooftop setting is spacious, able to accommodate 262, boasting a massive water feature, two cabanas and over 97 lounge seats with amber lighting.

 

Once you’ve taken in the beautiful and relaxing ambiance, it’s time to think about cocktails!

Led by award winning mixologists, MILA’s beverage program brings bespoke mixology to you with a theatrical experience. Many of the cocktails are prepared tableside with a flair of the dramatic, channeling the five elements, such as water (dry ice and fog) and fire.

Besides cocktails, beer and wine (5 ounce pour) there is bottle service available at a variety of price points.

With cocktail firmly in hand, it’s time to begin perusing the menu, which is divided into MILA experiences, tapas (shea), MediterrAsian raw bar, salads, signatures, water, earth, vegetables, sushi, maki, and table-side experiences”

 

Try their signature dish, Wagyu beef dumplings (shawarma, wagyu gyoza with butter ponzu or the three kinds of Wagyu imported from Japan.  We sampled the hotpot of wild mushrooms with Arbequina olive and shaved seasonal truffles – how do you say delicious in Japanese?

 

Robata dishes are always a favorite, so I opted for the marinated Chilean seabass accompanied by green curry, chili, kaffir lime, herb salad.

MILA is located at 1636 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139.  Tel: 786-706-0744. Valet parking available.

For more images and my review, click here.

 

 

Best Rooftop Bars in Miami: Little River

 

The Citadel

 

The Citadel in Little River is a mix of casual dining, entertainment, retail shops and a happening rooftop bar that’s over 5000 square feet.

 

Offering local artisanal foods, handcrafted cocktails, maker-driven retail, The Citadel is where creativity, craftsmanship and community converge.

 

Indulge in a late lunch and then head up to the rooftop bar which opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday from Noon. Or, enjoy dinner there with table service from the over a dozen food vendors downstairs. Choices include pizza,  pastas, soups and salads, Jamaican food, Vietnamese Pho and more.  Grab a drink, enjoy the view and the curated playlist or stay for dinner.  Check out the website for the Citadel Miami events with outside music talent.

 

The Citadel is located at 8300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33138.  Tel:  (305) 908-3849.

 

 

 

 

Best Rooftop bars in Miami: Edgewater

 

The Rooftop by Klaw

 

Offering fine dining on Biscayne Bay with waterfront views of the Miami coastline, The Rooftop by Klaw is Edgewater’s only rooftop bar.

 

Located on the fourth floor and specializing in steaks and – what else? – crab claws, they are known for their global beef program and king crab legs and claws flown in fresh from Norway. Also on the menu are 3-lb. Maine lobsters, caviar service and a selection of steaks, including a slow-grilled Picanha, an Angus filet and an Angus Ribeye.

 

Other seafood selections include Black Cod, Chilean Seabass and Spanish Sole with capers, chives, lemon and golden raisin butter.

 

Desserts include an artisan cheese plate, flourless chocolate cake, yuzu pie and chocolate crunch bar. Cocktails (including the Mother of Miami, a savory Margarita made with Don Julio Blanco Tequila), wine and spirits available as well.

 

Klaw is located at 1737 North Bayshore Drive, Miami, Florida 33132.  Tel: (305) 239-2523.

 

 

Best Rooftop Bars in Miami: Downtown

 

Giselle

 

Giselle Miami, a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant in the heart of Downtown, perched above E11EVEN features a bold blend of Asian, Mediterranean, and French flavors, curated by Executive Chef Gustavo Zuluaga. The space itself is just as special, designed by Tristan Du Plessis, it features a retractable roof, moody lighting, and modern, eclectic touches throughout.

Every Thursday from 8 PM to 3 AM, Giselle transforms into a world of indulgence and allure with POV Thursdays. This isn’t just a dinner party, it’s an immersive experience where dining meets unfiltered revelry. Guests are treated to a night of elevated cuisine, sultry ambiance, and performances from dancers and live musicians, all set against the backdrop of downtown Miami’s skyline.

 

Giselle is located at 15 NE 11th St, Miami, Florida 33132.  Tel:  (305) 358-9848.

 

 

 

 

 

Best Rooftop Bars in Miami: Coconut Grove

 

 

Level 6 Rooftop

 

A hidden gem in the heart of Coconut Grove, Level 6 hits all the bases – from the tropical scenery, curated music, elevated, fine dining and crafted cocktails.  A 4,000 sq.-ft. rooftop oasis, Level 6 offers beautiful views of the sunset, a warm and welcoming atmosphere combined with cocktails and tapas for the group, followed by larger plates for sharing, reminiscent of the Spanish lifestyle.

 

Tapas plates include Mediterranean mussels, a variety of croquetas and a Spanish charcuterie selection of chorizo, salchichón, pickles, sourdough bread and crème fraiche.  Sharing plates include Wagyu Skirt Steak, branzino and three types of Paella.

 

We had the Shishito peppers that were perfectly prepared and tasty and salt cod croquetas. Our main dish was the novel paella with truffle stuffed chicken – muy rica.

 

The modern, relaxed and comfy, garden-like restaurant, with its 360 degree panorama, features handcrafted cocktails infused with flavors from local herbs and fruits and an extensive wine and champagne list from vintage and grower champagne to varietals from emerging winemakers.

Desserts include, not only sweets such as a flourless chocolate cake with banana cream and chocolate mousse, but sweet wines such as a Moscatel Dorado with flavors of citrus, apricots, nuts and honey and a Bodegas Hidalgo with decadent notes of fruits, dates and nuts.

 

 

Level 6 Rooftop is located at 3480 Main Hwy 6th floor, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133.  Tel:

(786) 800-2080.  Parking is available in an adjacent municipal lot.

 

Best Rooftop Bars in Miami: Brickell

 

Sugar

 

 

A view from on high!  Attracting locals and visitors alike with its hip and happening vibe, Sugar is nested 40 floors up at the top of the hotel, EAST Miami, in the heart of downtown Brickell.

With a hand carved Balinese bar and casual dining overlooking Miami’s skyline and surrounded by the city lights at night, Sugar also offers a backdrop of sunset and moonrise views. With a lush, tropical garden, sushi and other Asian-inspired bites, DJ sets and cocktails, Sugar is the place to see and be seen.

Smart-casual attire is encouraged during the day, with nightlife attire required after 6:00 p.m.

 

Sugar is located at 788 Brickell Plaza 40th Floor, Miami, Florida 33131.  Tel:  (786) 805-4655.

 

Amazónico Miami *— the restaurant has just opened its rooftop, an elevated destination for late-night cocktails and signature bites high above Brickell, surrounded by skyscrapers. The Amazónico Rooftop is a vibrant, open-air escape designed by Lázaro Rosa Violán, complete with a glowing Peacock Bar, an LED-paneled DJ booth, and lush, tropical design that channels the brand’s signature energy and rhythm.

The cocktail menu features creative and delicious creations like the herbaceous Amazonegroni, spicy Palomito, and the Peacock Spritz served in a whimsical glass. Pair these with elevated bites like Toro Tuna Tartare with Coconut and Baerii Caviar, Picanha Medianoche Sliders, and Blue Crab Croquettes with Yuzu Tobiko.

Amazónico Rooftop is at 800 Brickell Ave, @amazonico.mia. Amazónico Miami Rooftop is a walk-in only experience, based on availability.  https://www.amazonicorestaurant.com/miami/.

 

Best Rooftop Bars in Miami: The Design District

The Moore in the Miami Design District has launched  The Roof at The Moore, the only open-air rooftop lounge in the Miami Design District, with craft cocktails and barbites.

The décor includes Balinese elements (teak woods, amber lighting, soft candle warmth, furniture) complimented by a soundtrack drifting between old-school hip-hop, golden-hour house, and timeless classics. Programming includes a daily Amber Hour sunset ritual fusing craft cocktails with sax and house music, karaoke nights, Old School and European house themed music nights, plus monthly Art & Cocktail events featuring collaborations with the city’s most exciting galleries and creative acts.

The Roof at The Moore is the newest addition to the  destination’s four-story offering from top to bottom, from the newly opened Torno Subito restaurant by Massimo Bottura on the bottom floor (also home to the striking Zaha Hadid Elastika site-specific sculpture), to its private members space on the second floor, co-working space on the third and the hotel and art gallery on the fourth floor.

The Roof at The Moore 

Address: Jade Alley – 176  NE 41st Street, Miami 33137

Best Rooftop Bars in Miami: Wynwood

 

If you like Argentine food but want a more elevated yet casually elegant ambiance that many Argentine restaurants here lack, La Fernetaría Miami in Wynwood is for you.  It is the Miami outpost of the award-winning restaurant and bar from Buenos Aires, known for blending Italian culinary tradition with Argentine soul. Perched on the 9th floor, the open-air rooftop offers lush greenery, very good service, delicious food and a show. And if you like high energy, go after 9 p.m. when the Wynwood crowd starts coming in and the bar is several feet deep.

It’s open for dinner nightly from 5 p.m. . Weekends is the party time. There’s a live DJ starting around 10:30 pm Thursdays-Saturdays and dancing. The party goes on until around 2-3 am. On Saturdays there’s also a fire dancer starting around 10:00 pm.

 

La Fernetaria Miami, 230 NW 24th Street, Wynwood. There’s street parking and valet parking is $25.