Kissaki Miami Unveils KISS: A Sophisticated Cocktail and Tapas Bar in South of Fifth

Miami Beach’s vibrant dining scene is getting a fresh addition with the opening of KISS, a chic cocktail and tapas bar from the team behind the celebrated Japanese restaurant Kissaki. Officially opened last week in South of Fifth, the venue combines innovative cocktails with globally inspired small plates, offering a unique experience that bridges creative mixology and culinary artistry.

The cocktail program at KISS is crafted in collaboration with the team behind New York’s acclaimed bar ROKC, recognized by Thrillist as one of the "Best Bars in America." Helmed by ROKC’s co-founder and beverage director Joji Watanabe, the menu showcases avant-garde techniques such as milk washing and house-made syrups, ensuring each cocktail is a masterpiece. Guests can expect playful presentations, including drinks served in unconventional vessels like a red bell pepper. Signature creations include the Smoky Pina Colada, made with mezcal and milk-washed coconut milk, and the Macha, a Japanese whisky-based drink reminiscent of a matcha latte.

Adding to the allure, the food menu at KISS is designed by Chef Benjamin Tellez, executive chef of Kissaki Miami. It features a variety of tapas, from Wagyu Tacos in crispy blue corn tortillas to indulgent Caviar Cornets filled with crème fraîche and osetra caviar. For dessert, options like Matcha Pot de Crème with sesame donuts and Soft Serve Vanilla topped with olive oil, sea salt, and caviar offer a luxurious finish to the evening.

KISS shares its space with Lilikoi Organic Living, a beloved South of Fifth institution recently revived by Kissaki owner Gary Kanfer. The concept embodies Miami’s “retox-to-detox” ethos, operating as a health-conscious café by day and transforming into a glamorous cocktail bar by night. Patrons can enjoy green juices and organic meals during daylight hours, then return for sophisticated cocktails and elevated small plates in the evening.

Located at 500 South Pointe Dr #180, Miami Beach, FL 33139, KISS will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 6:30 p.m. until late night, with reservations available on Resy. With its inventive cocktails, refined menu, and seamless blend of daytime wellness and evening indulgence, KISS is poised to become a standout destination in Miami Beach’s dynamic culinary landscape.

Kissaki Unveils New Happy Hour and BYOB Specials for Summer

Kissaki Miami is now offering a happy hour and BYOB night, perfect for locals and sushi lovers alike. This highly acclaimed Japanese dining spot, which recently made its mark in the heart of Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood, is rolling out these specials from Wednesday to Sunday, 6-8 PM, starting June 20th.

Kissaki is known for its innovative approach to Japanese cuisine, led by Chef Edgar Valerio, who brings over a decade of experience from the Michelin-starred Jewel Bako. It is one of the few restaurants to hold its own fishery and wildlife license, sourcing fresh Hokkaido uni, scallops, akami, toro, and wasabi directly from Japan within 24 hours. The new happy hour offers a unique opportunity to experience Chef Valerio's fresh takes on classic dishes at unbeatable prices.

Kissaki's happy hour menu features a variety of discounted delicacies and cocktails. For an elevated experience, add a dollop of osetra caviar to your cocktail for $6. The beverage selection includes $10 Martinis such as the Saketini, classic martinis, and a signature Tokyo Sake Mule.

On Sunday evenings, guests can take advantage of BYOB nights with waived corkage fees, the perfect time for wine and sake enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite bottles at no extra charge. The available selection to pour by the bottle includes Heaven Sake Azur ($90), Kokuryu Black Dragon ($95), Billecart Rosé ($150) and Whispering Angel Rosé ($40).

Happy hour highlights include:

• Kissaki Salad ($10): Watercress, yuzu-miso, and tempura

• Chicken Karaage ($12): Served with ginger aioli, chives, and lime

• Nasu ($8): Asian eggplant with miso glaze and sesame

• Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice ($12): Topped with toro tartare, soy butter, and serrano chile

• $5 Sashimi and Nigiri options like Salmon, Ikura, Madai, Akami, and Fuke

• $9 Maki Rolls including Spicy Tuna, Salmon Roll, and Unagi Roll

Guests can stay beyond happy hour to explore Kissaki’s full dinner menu or opt for the new prix-fixe menu, featuring three courses for $45. Kissaki Miami is located at 500 South Pointe Dr., Suite 160, Miami Beach, and operates from Wednesday through Sunday, 6-11 PM.