The New Delano Miami Beach's First Restaurant is Upon Us
And it's everything Miami has become in 2026
Everyone has a Delano story. Ok, not everyone, but everyone who even sniffed being cool in Miami between 1998 and 2020 has a memory from the Ian Schraeger icon. Maybe you ran into Lenny Kravitz while sneaking through the kitchen to the Florida Room opening party. Maybe you met your wife at the Rose Bar. Maybe you did things in the pool you can’t tell your husband about.
No matter your story, the Delano’s luxury and accessibility made it that rare combination of tourist siren and locals’ hangout. And if it stood as a symbol of what South Beach was during those days, this new Delano is similarly symbolic of Miami in 2026.
Its first restaurant, Mimi Kakushi, is an Asian stunner, direct from Dubai and done up in intricate detail with exquisite food. The bar was rated #35 in the world by some people who apparently know a lot about cocktail bars. The food is a beautiful blend of fresh sushi and grilled meats. And it’s everything Miami has become in the past five years – imported from somewhere else, beautiful, expensive, and only open to members.
So how’s this Delano compare to the old one?
Listen South Beach old head, your days of dancing on tables at FDR and sneaking into the bathroom with Chris Paciello are long behind you. Accept it. Your extended 20s died when the Delano auctioned off its lobby chairs, and it’s time to understand that you – and the hotel – have both changed. You’ll still see the big white columns and the long back pool. The Rose Bar looks pretty much the same. There’s a pool table in the back. But the vibe is less locals’ party and more out-of-town opulence. Take it for what it is rather than comparing it to what used to be.
And hold up, this spot is members-only?
Yes, Mimi Kakushi is only open to members of Delano’s new club, along with the special members’ pool, members’ gym, members’ valet parking, and members’ “You Can’t Sit With Us” T-shirts. Like I said, it’s everything Miami is in 2026. The open-to-the-public restaurant, Gigi Rigolatto, will open later this month.
The Scene: Mimi Kakushi is a masterpiece of teak, bamboo, and mirrors. Meant to evoke pre World War 2 Japan, it feels like an understated tropical speakeasy, where there’s no window to the outside world. But no need for one either. A live band softly plays jazz and instrumental Sinatra, and the open kitchen gets you in on the action without being intrusive. And the low ceilings make everything feel intimate.
What to eat and drink: This place gained acclaim as a cocktail lounge in Dubai, and the drink program is unlike anything I’ve seen. Literally. The drink menu comes with a wooden View Master, where you can insert film slides and take a look at scenes that inspired the cocktails. The beverage program is all inspired by Sessue Hayakawa, the first Asian actor to make it in Hollywood. All the drinks are tributes to his roles -the Yamaki is a smoky, mezcal take on the spicy margarita. For something sweeter, opt for the Tahona with Don Julio Blanco, mango, and hibiscus lemongrass.
The food looks familiar – if you’re into Asian grills with long sushi menus you’re going to love it. The wagyu and foie gras gyoza are a rich, complex way to start your meal. Though if you want something lighter, the spinach salad with spicy black sesame sauce packs just as much flavor and still leaves room for dinner. The black cod in miso is the dish your server will undoubtedly suggest, and its light, umami overtones don’t disappoint. The Japanese A5 striploin is the odd piece of wagyu that brings more meat than fat, and is the move for a hungry group that’s sharing. The sushi is, well, sushi, and holds its own with any high-end place of this ilk.
Don’t miss: The wooden View Master that comes with the drink menu. You didn’t come here for the subtlety.
Perfect for: Hiding from…the people.
Expect to pay: $100-$150 per person.
How’s the parking: Valet at the Delano is $45 for up to three hours. If you don’t feel like dropping the price of a drink on parking, the 17th Street city garage is about a ten-minute walk. But that wouldn’t be very Delano of you, would it?
@mimikakushimiami // 1685 Collins Ave., South Beach