Explore Mimi Kakushi at Delano Miami by Pirajean Lees

Rooftop lounges are mainstays of the Miami skyline offering open-air escapes above the bustle of the city. For the first U.S. outpost of Japanese restaurant Mimi Kakushi, London-based design firm Pirajean Lees brings together the vibrancy of Miami, the glamour of 1920s Osaka, and the cinematic allure of old Hollywood.

Clémence Pirajean and James Lees, who also designed the restaurant’s Dubai location, drew inspiration for the Miami interiors from the Japanese silent film actor Sessue Hayakawa.

Located on the fourth floor of the Delano Miami hotel, the indoor-outdoor restaurant takes cues from an imagined life for the actor, envisioned as a world traveler whose surroundings reflect different sides of his personality.

Photography by Andrea Di Lorenzo

That fictional narrative takes shape through a mix of period-inspired details and open-air spaces that connect the restaurant to its coastal setting. The terrace accommodates different dining experiences, from casual gatherings to more intimate meals, and is reserved for hotel guests and Delano Members Club members.

Photography by Robert Reiger

The open sushi counter places food preparation at the center of the dining experience, giving guests a view of head chef Henry Park’s team at work. A DJ station sets the rhythm throughout the day and evening service, while the bar takes an unconventional approach to presenting its cocktails. Instead of a list of signature cocktails printed on paper, patrons are handed a vintage View-Master to click through reels of drinks featuring botanicals associated with East Asian flavors.

Photography by Robert Reiger

Lush greenery strategically placed screens divide the terrace into smaller seating areas, providing a sense of enclosure while maintaining ocean views. Counter seating and upholstered banquettes accommodate different ways of dining, whether it’s full-course meals or a selection of shared plates of sashimi and tempura.

Sunlight filters through timber bead curtains and stained glass, casting shifting patterns across a palette of warm browns and creams. Fringed throw pillows add texture, while hand-painted landscapes and custom furniture introduce references to traditional craftsmanship.

Photography by Robert Reiger

Together, the layered materials, shifting daylight, music, and open-air setting create an atmosphere that changes throughout the day. The result is a restaurant that draws on the theatricality of its cinematic inspiration while remaining connected to Miami Beach.

Anna Zappia is a New York City–based writer and editor with a passion for textiles, fashion, and design. She can often be found visiting fashion exhibitions or shopping for her next book.