Watr at the 1 Rooftop, located atop the luxurious 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami Beach, Florida, is a highly acclaimed rooftop restaurant and lounge known for its spectacular ocean views and unique culinary concept.
What Makes It Unique
- Stunning Location and Views: Perched 18 stories above South Beach, Watr offers unobstructed, panoramic 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami skyline, creating a breathtaking “floating oasis” atmosphere. It’s also home to a rooftop pool (exclusive to hotel guests).
- Peruvian-Influenced Japanese Cuisine (Nikkei): The menu features a distinct blend of Peruvian and Japanese fusion cuisine, emphasizing fresh, responsibly-sourced seafood, sushi, and Latin-inspired dishes. This combination of “shore-centric” flavors reflects the surrounding environment.
- Sustainability and Eco-Consciousness: Consistent with the 1 Hotel brand’s ethos, Watr prioritizes sustainability, sourcing ingredients from local farmers and ethical purveyors, and featuring a design that incorporates reclaimed and recycled materials.
- Atmosphere Transformation: The venue transitions seamlessly from a relaxed, breezy environment for al fresco lunch during the day to a vibrant, chic lounge with live DJs and a trendy crowd at night.
History
Watr opened as part of the 1 Hotel South Beach and has established itself as one of Miami Beach’s premier rooftop destinations. A significant enhancement was the addition of a fully retractable roof in 2018, which allows the space to remain a comfortable and intimate dining and event venue regardless of weather. The menu has evolved over the years while maintaining its core focus on eco-conscious, Japanese-inspired fare.
Highlight Menu Items
While the menu is subject to seasonal changes, standout items often reflect the Peruvian-Japanese fusion and seafood focus:
- Sushi Rolls and Raw Bar: An extensive selection of sushi and crudos is a staple.
- Corvina Ceviche: A traditional ceviche featuring White Drum Fish with red onions, baby peppers, choclo, cilantro, and leche de tigre (a citrus-based marinade).
- Anticuchos: Peruvian-style skewers, often featuring items like Shrimp or Gluten-Free Chicken.
- Watr Burger: A popular dish often made with Wagyu beef.
- Miso Grouper and Hot Pot Rice with Truffles and Wild Mushrooms have also been noted as signature dishes.
- Cocktails: The bar program emphasizes innovative, handcrafted cocktails with Latin ingredients, house-made infusions, and a focus on refreshing flavors like ginger and yuzu.
Customer Feedback
Generally, customer feedback praises:
- The Unbeatable Views: Consistently highlighted as the main draw and a “must-see” in Miami.
- The Vibe: Often described as elegant, chic, and having a great atmosphere, especially for sunset and evening drinks.
- Food Quality: The quality of the Japanese and Peruvian-influenced dishes is typically well-regarded.
Some areas of common note include the premium pricing (expected for the location) and the strict dress code at night (chic-casual required for entry). The rooftop area is adults-only (21+) after certain hours.
Significant Events
As a high-profile, versatile space, Watr at the 1 Rooftop is a frequent host for private receptions and special events. Notable happenings include:
- Weekly Soul Sessions: A regular event featuring a live DJ spinning soulful sounds on Thursday nights.
- Major Holiday Parties: Known for hosting decadent events like New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- Art Basel Events: The venue often hosts high-end events during Miami’s annual Art Basel week (e.g., Sotheby’s at Art Basel).
- Luxury Brand Previews: It has been the location for exclusive brand events, such as a Vera Wang Bridal Collection Preview.
Location and Contact Information
