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. 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, wi.