Dining At The Setai Miami Beach: Inside Japón And The Newly Redesigned Jo’s Bar Experience

Photo Credit: Kris Tamburello

The culinary landscape at The Setai, Miami Beach continues to evolve with a collection of dining destinations that reflect the hotel’s signature blend of design, culture, and refined hospitality. Within the storied Art Deco landmark, guests can move effortlessly between sophisticated spaces that celebrate global flavors, immersive design, and elevated cocktail culture. At the center of this experience are two standout concepts that shape the property’s modern dining identity: the recently redesigned Jo’s Bar and the acclaimed Japanese restaurant Japón. Together, they create a seamless journey through taste, atmosphere, and artistry that defines dining at one of Miami Beach’s most celebrated luxury hotels.

Photo Credit: Aura Groupe

Jo’s Bar now serves as a glowing social centerpiece inside the hotel’s iconic lobby. The newly reimagined space was designed by Saladino Design Studios and carefully balances the property’s historic Art Deco character with a sense of contemporary warmth and intimacy. Positioned between the hotel’s major dining venues and overlooking the serene courtyard, the bar naturally draws guests into its atmosphere, inviting them to pause for cocktails, light bites, or relaxed conversation before or after dinner.

The design itself plays an important role in shaping the experience. A sculptural back bar composed of illuminated resin blocks with embedded gold leaf immediately captures attention, while towering glass shelves framed in brushed brass transform the bottle display into an architectural feature. The bar counter, carved from deep burgundy Rosso Levanto stone, introduces a tactile richness that reflects the understated elegance long associated with the property. Carefully chosen lighting elements wrapped in gold mesh create a warm glow throughout the space, reinforcing the sense that Jo’s Bar is both intimate and quietly dramatic.

Photo Credit: Aura Groupe

Photo Credit: Kris Tamburello

Beyond the visual appeal, the culinary program at Jo’s Bar reflects the broader dining philosophy of The Setai. The menu draws inspiration from the hotel’s signature restaurants, offering refined, shareable dishes that allow guests to explore multiple flavors in a relaxed setting. From Japón come standout bites such as tuna crispy rice with spicy mayo and serrano, hamachi serrano accented with yuzu shoyu, and delicate miso black cod lettuce cups. The indulgent wagyu sliders topped with charred tomato relish and yuzu avocado bring a playful yet luxurious touch to the menu.

Photo Credit: Aura Groupe

Selections from Jaya, the hotel’s renowned Asian restaurant, further enrich the offerings with dishes such as tuna tacos served in taro shells, delicate har gau shrimp dumplings, and duck spring rolls paired with house sweet chili sauce. The menu also includes a premium Caspian Sea Osetra caviar selection, available in both classic and golden varieties, reinforcing the sense that Jo’s Bar is designed for indulgent moments whether guests are beginning their evening or extending it late into the night.

Photo Credit: Aura Groupe

Cocktails are equally central to the experience. The bar’s beverage program balances timeless classics with inventive creations that reflect the sophistication of the setting. Signature drinks include the luxurious Gold Martini, the vibrant Chili Passion Martini, and a perfectly balanced Espresso Martini. New additions such as Golden Accord crafted with The Macallan 12 and Celestial Bloom featuring Louis Roederer Collection 245 Champagne bring an extra level of prestige to the menu. As the exclusive Miami Beach location offering Maison Louis Roederer champagnes, Jo’s Bar gives guests the rare opportunity to explore one of the world’s most respected champagne houses in an intimate, design driven setting.

Photo Credit: Kris Tamburello

Photo Credit: Kris Tamburello

Just steps away, Japón expands The Setai’s culinary vision through a completely different yet complementary dining experience. Conceived as a contemporary celebration of Japanese gastronomy, the restaurant immerses guests in a setting that merges cultural storytelling with modern luxury. The space itself has quickly gained international attention, earning recognition on the Prix Versailles list of the world’s most beautiful restaurants and a shortlist placement in the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards.

Photo Credit: Kris Tamburello

Photo Credit: Kris Tamburello

Photo Credit: Michael Pisarri

From the moment guests enter, Japón reveals its thoughtful design narrative. A custom mosaic crane welcomes diners at the entrance, symbolizing elegance and good fortune in Japanese culture. Porcelain feather tiles, antique woodblock prints, and temple inspired architectural details create an environment that feels both historic and modern. Gold leaf accents and hand painted surfaces add visual depth, while the Kyoto Room offers a secluded private dining space adorned with vintage Japanese art and antique doors that evoke Kyoto’s cultural heritage.

Photo Credit: Setai Miami Beach

Photo Credit: Setai Miami Beach

The culinary program continues that sense of immersion. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Vijayudu Veena and Executive Sous Chef Iván Monzón, the menu reflects a balance of artistry and flavor.

Photo Credit: Kris Tamburello

Photo Credit: Michael Pisarri

Photo Credit: Michael Pisarri

Guests can explore meticulously prepared sushi and sashimi alongside signature dishes such as Chilean sea bass with charred tomato miso, lamb chops, and inventive specialties like the Setai Wagyu Japon roll or mushroom kimchee noodles.

Photo Credit: Michael Pisarri

Photo Credit: Michael Pisarri

A carefully curated sake collection, extensive wine list, and inventive cocktails complement the cuisine, allowing each dish to unfold within a broader sensory experience.

Photo Credit: Gabriel Sanchez

Taken together, these dining destinations illustrate how The Setai has transformed its culinary offerings into an interconnected journey. Japón delivers a transportive exploration of Japanese culture and contemporary cuisine, while Jo’s Bar creates an elegant gathering space where flavors from across the hotel converge alongside world class cocktails. Within the quiet luxury of the historic property, dining becomes more than a meal. It becomes a fluid experience of atmosphere, craftsmanship, and global inspiration that continues to define The Setai as one of Miami Beach’s most compelling culinary destinations.