Perched above the bustle of Lincoln Road’s shopping district, MILA is part rooftop escape, part see-and-be-seen dining room, and part nightlife playground. The MediterrAsian restaurant sits at 1636 Meridian Avenue, just steps from the pedestrian promenade, yet feels worlds away once guests step off the elevator and onto its lush terrace. Lanterns, fire features, and low-slung banquettes frame views of the Miami Beach skyline, setting the stage for a lingering evening.
MILA bills itself as a “culinary journey through the Mediterranean and Japan,” and the menu follows through on that promise. Under the guidance of Michelin-recognized chef leadership, the kitchen blends coastal Mediterranean ingredients with Japanese technique, an approach the team calls MediterAsian cuisine. Plates are designed for sharing, izakaya-style, so tables quickly fill with colorful dishes that travel from the Aegean to Tokyo and back again.
Seafood is a central player. Diners often start with a lavish seafood tower, layered with lobster, oysters, prawns, and sashimi, or lighter crudos dressed with citrus and high-quality olive oil. Sushi rolls and nigiri showcase the Japanese side of the kitchen but frequently feature Mediterranean accents—think bright herbs, charred lemon, or a drizzle of infused oil rather than heavy sauces. Meat eaters are not forgotten; charcoal-grilled skewers, lamb dishes, and wagyu preparations nod to both yakitori bars and coastal grill houses.
Vegetable-forward plates keep the experience feeling light despite the indulgence. Dishes built around roasted eggplant, seasonal mushrooms, or simply grilled greens are seasoned with spices that echo souk markets and izakaya counters alike. The flavors lean bold but balanced, making it easy for groups with mixed diets to share almost everything on the table.
Drinks are a major part of MILA’s appeal. The mixology program leans theatrical, with cocktails built around smoke, aromatics, and dramatic glassware designed to engage all five senses. Mediterranean botanicals, Japanese spirits, and tropical fruit from South Florida find their way into the glass, giving the beverage list the same cross-continental personality as the food. For those skipping alcohol, there are usually zero-proof options that mimic the complexity of the signature cocktails.
Design is where the restaurant’s Lincoln Road location truly shines. The space fuses Cycladic minimalism with Japanese Wabi-Sabi touches: reclaimed wood, stone textures, and earthy fabrics dotted with greenery. Indoor and outdoor areas bleed into one another, with water features and planters softening the edges of the rooftop. It feels intentional without being stiff, a sanctuary perched above the retail chaos below.
Service tends to match the setting: polished but relaxed, with staff guiding first-time guests through the sharing-style menu and pacing courses so the table never feels rushed. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and during Miami’s peak winter and event seasons, when Lincoln Road draws a crush of visitors looking to combine rooftop dining, craft cocktails, and people-watching in one memorable night for locals.
Later in the evening, MILA’s energy shifts from leisurely dinner to high-energy social scene. DJ-curated playlists and a stylish crowd give the dining room and adjoining lounge the feel of a cosmopolitan beach club. Guests can linger over dessert, make their way to the lounge for bottle service, or simply sit back with one last cocktail while watching the city lights flicker beyond the terrace.
For South Beach visitors looking to pair Lincoln Road shopping with an upscale meal, MILA offers a polished, distinctly Miami option: rooftop views, Mediterranean-meets-Japanese flavors, and a built-in nightlife experience, all in one stop.