MILA Is the Mood

Three Exceptional MILA Dining Experiences in Miami

By Hailey Bethke, Kelly Curry, and Jordan Staggs | Photography courtesy of Riviera Dining Group

MILA is the mood. Imagine an effortlessly chic, indoor-outdoor ambience that looks like a classy restaurant in Ibiza or Mallorca, with sleek water features, Cycladic design elements, and thatched hanging lights. The kitchen is headed by twenty-six-time Michelin-awarded Chef Michaël Michaelidis and Corporate Chef Joshua Walls, who take guests on a culinary odyssey with captivating dishes izakaya style—meaning shared at the table in good company, with extravagant side table preparations. You simply can’t visit Miami without making a reservation at MILA. It’s a full-sensory experience of zest, beautifully plated Mediterranean and Japanese-inspired dishes, and impeccable service.

We started our meal with MILA’s twist on a paloma and delicious zero-proof cocktails before enjoying an incredible amuse-bouche of fresh tuna. Other highlights included freshly blended edamame hummus topped with wasabi peas, drool-worthy dumplings, grilled octopus, and roasted cauliflower with a heavenly tahini dressing.

To complete the tasting extravaganza, we savored a Japanese strawberry cheesecake and orange blossom olive oil cake, which solidified that MILA’s pastries are just as top-tier as the rest of the menu.

For guests seeking a more intimate dining experience, reserve an experience at MILA Omakase. This ten-seat, intimate experience draws upon Mediterranean and Asian influences and is finished with the finest decor from the Far East. Upon arrival, you’ll notice a massive overhanging cherry blossom tree, a Japanese craftsmanship-inspired wallpaper screen, dramatic marble counter spaces, and a five-hundred-year-old hinoki wood cutting board.

The menu is exceptionally curated by MILA Omakase’s Executive Chef Reiji Yoshizawa and evolves according to the seventy-two Japanese micro-seasons. Of course, each menu item is precisely crafted and held to the highest standards. Line-caught fish are flown in daily, the most succulent sea urchins are delivered from Hokkaido, and Bushu-Gyu wagyu beef is intentionally sourced from the Saitama prefecture. Each dish on the twelve-course menu is an exceptional work of art (in both visuals and flavor), meticulously plated by Chef Yoshizawa and his team.

In Miami Beach, the night is always young—which means your experience doesn’t have to end with the check. MILA Lounge is a private, members-only nightlife hub that draws upon minimalist, natural materials and primitive design inspired by African tribes. Each evening begins with downtempo music by resident DJs before guests enjoy an elevated dinner service and innovative mixology program. As the night continues, the experience evolves into high-energy electronic music, bottle service, and performances from exceptional global artists. Surrender to the flow of MILA Lounge’s multisensory nature as you revel in the amalgamation of fine dining, dancing, and spirited energy. It’s an evening that will blissfully reside in your memory until your return.

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To book your dining experience at MILA, please head to MILA-Miami.com and follow along on Instagram @milagroup_miami.