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.