This new luxury spot in Miami Beach could be the most exclusive night out ever
The new Harbour Club in Miami Beach has two faces: One that everyone is welcome to visit, and the other so exclusive that you need a membership to cross the threshold.
Created by James Julius, formerly of The Dorchester and Annabel’s in London and ZZ’s Club in Miami’s Design District, the new hospitality destination in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood models itself after the private clubs of London.
Several different establishments make up the venue, and only a’Riva, an Italian-Mediterranean restaurant, is open to the public; if you want to try the others, you’ll have to become a member of the club.
Led by Italian chef Michele Esposito, formerly of Casa Tua, Belmond Hotel Caruso and the three-Michelin starred Villa Crespi in Orto San Guilio, a’Riva serves seasonal fare inspired by the chef’s Neapolitan heritage and Julius’ passion for the Mediterranean.
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You can expect dishes like meatballs Angelina, a family recipe that highlights eggplant, San Marzano tomatoes and parmesan as well as eggplant milanese with feta, tomato, za’atar and tahini. There’s also hamachi crudo with feta, grapes and mint and spaghetti alla Nerano, with pistachio ice cream for dessert.
The restaurant, designed by Yodezeen, to evoke a different atmosphere in each room, also features indoor and outdoor seating and a bar for late-night cocktails.
The rest of the Harbour Club is available only to members, who are also able to access tasting menus, restaurant pop-ups from visiting chefs, wine and cigar dinners, trivia nights and cocktail and cooking classes. There are five levels of membership, starting with an annual membership of $2,400 a year and rising to a one-time dual membership for $55,000.
If you can meet that criteria, you can have a drink in The Palm Room, which is located past the main dining room of a’Riva, offers a tropical-meets-Italian design sort of speakeasy, with a curated cocktail menu and light bites.
Located upstairs, the private restaurant Nikai at Harbour Club offers a Japanese menu, with fresh fish flown in daily as well as wagyu and truffle crispy rice, wasabi Caesar salad with nori chips and a menu of wine, sake and Japanese whiskey.
Harbour Club
Where: 1766 Bay Rd, Miami Beach
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-late Tuesday–Sunday
More information on restaurants and memberships: www.harbourclubmia.com
