The Best 'Secret' Rooms in Miami

We pull up a stool to share Miami's best hidden rooms, from a Japanese-inspired hidden speakeasy to discreet dining dens.

80’s 305 Bar at Café La Trova

Acclaimed Chef Michelle Bernstein has returned to Miami with Cafe La Trova, the Calle Ocho restaurant and cocktail bar a celebration of Cuban culture from the 1950’s. There's also a bar within a bar, the “immersive, ‘80s-themed back bar” - 305 bar - celebrating 1980s nostalgia. On offer are 12 speciality cocktails, in a room decked out with throw-back items including striped mirrors and disco balls - all set against a retro soundtrack. Open from 9pm, Friday and Saturday nights only. 

Ama at Kaido

This stunning cocktail lounge, located in the heart of Miami’s Design District, features a menu of Japanese-inspired fare - by renowned chef Brad Kilgore (from Wynwood restaurant Alter fame) - inside a room fashioned in the style of a Tokyo drinking den (think jewel tones and gold accents) alongside innovative cocktails by in-house mixologist Nico de Soto (behind Mace in NYC and Zebra in Paris). Kaido’s sleek décor - includes a custom made 1,000 Butterfly Knife chandelier and a secret dining room - Ama. Named after the female Japanese pearl divers the dining room (fits about 20 diners) serves an omakase menu featuring Kaido signatures and a few one-offs. Pictured. 

The Den at Azabu Miami Beach

Azabu Miami Beach houses various concepts under one roof including a full-service dining room and a hidden sushi counter, whose chef comes from the Michelin-starred New York location - Sushi Azabu, called The Den. Accessible only through the kitchen doors, The Den features an intimate 12-seat sushi bar with a counter crafted from a Hinoki Cypress tree. Only using local and imported seafood flown directly from fish markets in Japan, diners are given a traditional Omakase style dining experience served izakaya-style with many of he dishes cooked on the robata grill using traditional Japanese Binchotan charcoal. The Den is open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner.

Hiden

Inspired by the legends and tales of small secret omakase restaurants in Japan is this intimate, hidden dining destination. Discover 'Hiden' hiding behind a Taco Stand in Wynwood, but you'll need a password to gain access - received on the day of your reservation. Behind the door, discover an eight seat counter restaurant - with the design mirroring a traditional Japanese speakeasy, where the focus is strictly on the authentic Japanese fine dining menu and presented Omakase style - with a seasonal and daily changing tasting menu - featuring cold and hot dishes and a sushi selection using fresh seasonal ingredients and selected items flown directly from Japan. Dinner is priced at $170. 

Sushi by Bou at Villa Casa Casuarina

Chef David Bouhadana gained a cult-like following from establishing Sushi Dojo and Sushi on Jones before opening outlets of Sushi By Bou - a fast-casual omakase concept - across Manhattan. The Miami outpost mimics Sushi by Bou Suite 1001 - located on the 10th floor of Hotel 3232 in NYC - the world’s first restaurant to open inside of a hotel room. Discover a 4-seater sushi counter - in the former Versace mansion - more specifically in Gianni’s actually suite, where Bouhadana recreates Japan’s authentic chef-chosen 17-course omakase menu (served in  60-minutes) with his own signature style. The suite also features a sake vending machine and speakeasy vibe. The 17-course menu is priced at $125 with an optional sake flight from $30. 

 
Tucked away behind a working gas station in Coral Way, you'll find one of the city's more curious dining experiences - dishing up some of the best tapas in Miami. Past the shelves of motor oil, sodas, and potato chips is El Carajo. A dimly lit and charming restaurant specializing in traditional Spanish tapas (such as Galician octopus, fried sardines and potato omelet with chorizo) and international wines, garnering a cult following for its quirky location and authentic cuisine. 

Ideal For

Clandestine dinners,


title

text