Harbour Club Debuts as Miami's Newest Hospitality Destination
Palm Room (image by World Red Eye)
Inspired by the timeless style of London’s most notable private clubs, Harbour Club has officially opened its doors in the coveted Sunset Harbour enclave of Miami Beach. Offering a unique and inviting atmosphere for discerning members and guests, the concept merges culinary and lifestyle experiences, featuring a'Riva, a public-facing Italian Mediterranean restaurant, alongside two members-only spaces: Palm Room, a chic speakeasy lounge, and Nikai at Harbour Club, an elevated dining destination specializing in Japanese cuisine. Founded by London native and hospitality trailblazer James Julius, formerly of The Dorchester and Annabel’s in London and ZZ’s Club Miami, and under the culinary direction of Michele Esposito, a seasoned Italian chef formerly of Casa Tua, Belmond Hotel Caruso, and the three Michelin-starred Villa Crespi, Harbour Club is poised to redefine Miami’s aspirational social scene.
A Global Culinary Journey
Open to the public by reservation only, a’Riva exudes Mediterranean charm with seasonal Italian fare in a relaxed yet refined setting. Chef Esposito’s menu, inspired by his Neapolitan heritage and Julius’ love for the Mediterranean, showcases inventive dishes like Meatballs Angelina, a family recipe featuring eggplant, San Marzano tomatoes, and parmesan, and Eggplant Milanese with feta, tomato, za'atar, and tahini. Other standout menu items include hamachi crudo, with feta, grapes and mint, Harbour Club Caesar salad, spaghetti alla Nerano, and authentic pistachio ice cream made à la minute. With al fresco seating, lush greenery, and a sleek bar ideal for late-night amaros, a'Riva transports guests to the Italian Riviera, evoking effortless glamour and coastal charm.
a'Riva Martini Caprese
a'Riva King Salmon Crudo
a'Riva Watermelon Martini
Beyond a’Riva’s main dining room, Harbour Club members are led through a captivating hallway to the discreet entrance of Palm Room. This sultry, intimate oasis combines the charm of a tropical hideaway with the sophistication of a private club. The cocktail menu offers a curated selection of mixological masterpieces, perfectly paired with a fusion of light bites curated from the club’s full-service restaurants.
Palm Room (image by Joe Thomas)
Upstairs, Nikai at Harbour Club provides members with a dynamic gastronomic experience that changes with the seasons. The ever-evolving Japanese-forward menu highlights the finest ingredients to extend the best of what nature has to offer, including fresh fish flown in daily from Japan to ensure the highest quality. Signature dishes include Wagyu and truffle crispy rice, wasabi Caesar salad with house-made nori chips, toro toasts, and an extensive selection of wine, sake, and Japanese whiskey.
Nikai at Harbor Club (Image by World Red Eye)
Eye-Catching Design
Designed by YODEZEEN to feel like an extension of members' private homes, Harbour Club seamlessly merges Miami's vibrant energy with a modern take on British social clubs. Each space within the venue offers a distinct ambience, blending Italian and Miami design influences with rich textures and natural materials to create an atmosphere that is both inviting and exclusive.
On the first floor, a'Riva embraces a minimalist aesthetic inspired by the destination’s premier waterfront homes. Soft whites and sandy tones dominate the palette, complemented by light oaks and linens. The space exudes a calming, breezy vibe, perfect for all day dining. Hand-crafted furniture ensures both comfort and functionality, while brushed brass accents and soft blue fabrics evoke the tranquility of the sea.
a'Riva (image by World Red Eye)
Through a hallway adorned with bespoke palm tree-inspired wallpaper, members enter the Palm Room, an intimate speakeasy-esque lounge inspired by classic Italian design. The space features luxurious velvet upholstery, dark walnut finishes, and intricate marble details, all set against a rich palette of deep greens, gold, and bronze.
Ascending a staircase lined with curated artworks, members arrive at Nikai at Harbour Club, where a grand bar carved from rare Verde Alpi marble sourced from Italy serves as both a functional centerpiece and a striking piece of art. The restaurant's bold design includes vivid hues of deep red, electric blue, and shimmering gold, with reflective surfaces and custom lighting enhancing the lively atmosphere.
Throughout the venue, even the bathrooms are designed to be an integral part of the Harbour Club experience. Each bathroom is a work of art, featuring custom wallpaper, rare marble vanities, and uniquely designed fixtures, all crafted to evoke a serene yet sophisticated ambiance, ensuring every detail contributes to a cohesive and unforgettable experience.
To further complement the home-away-from-home feel, Harbour Club features a museum-worthy assemblage of art, with pieces on loan from founding members’ personal collections. The space will initially house works by renowned artists such as George Condo, Damien Hirst, Nicolas Party, Izumi Kato, and Hajime Sorayama.
James Julius - Founder (image by World Red Eye)
Exclusive Membership Opportunities
Infusing the charm of British social clubs with a distinct Miami twist, Harbour Club is a one-stop destination for global tastemakers, offering a dynamic hub for dining, imbibing, socializing, networking, and everything in between. Membership options include Classic, Under 30, and Lifetime Founding, offering various perks like a dedicated membership concierge and exclusive event invitations.
Beyond private club access, memberships unlock a world of unique experiences at Harbour Club, including limited edition tasting menus and restaurant pop-ups by renowned visiting chefs, intimate wine and cigar dinners, trivia game nights, cocktail and cooking masterclasses, backgammon, golf and padel tournaments, and on and offsite wellness experiences led by expert practitioners, such as pilates, sound baths, astrology chart readings.
For more information or to inquire about membership, please visit www.harbourclubmia.com.
+++
Harbour Club
1766 Bay Rd, Miami Beach, FL, 33139
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 11:30am