Area 31 Reopens with New Design and Seafood-Focused Menu

Rooftop Destination Returns with Redesigned Interior and Culinary Overhaul Area 31, the rooftop restaurant atop Kimpton EPIC Hotel in downtown Miami, has reopened following a comprehensive renovation. Perched on the 16th floor with panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, the Miami River, Brickell, and the Downtown skyline, the restaurant now features an entirely redesigned space, a new culinary vision, and a mixology-driven beverage program. The redesign by RoseBernard Studio draws inspiration from the relationship between Miami's architecture and its natural landscape. The space incorporates richly veined stone, organic forms, sculptural wall treatments, and lush greenery, with layered lighting designed to evoke movement. The redesigned interiors open onto an expansive outdoor terrace, positioning the horizon as central to the dining experience.

New Culinary Direction Executive Chef Alvaro Rayón de Jaime leads the restaurant's culinary evolution, grounding the menu in responsibly sourced seafood, seasonal Florida ingredients, and Mediterranean influences. The menu features dishes such as Ossetra caviar bites, scallop crudo, Florida catch of the day, Spanish-inspired Arroz de Pulpo, Australian Wagyu, and signature offerings like Snow Crab Fried Rice and Basque cheesecake. Breakfast service runs Monday through Friday from 7–11 a.m., while weekend brunch operates Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. "Miami's relationship with the water gives us an extraordinary starting point," Chef Rayón de Jaime said. "I wanted the menu to reflect that sense of place while staying true to the simplicity I value in Spanish and Mediterranean cooking. We begin with exceptional seafood and seasonal Florida ingredients, then treat them with restraint in order to allow their freshness and character to remain at the center of the plate."

Cocktails and Beverage Program Lead Bartender Eric Vargas has developed a mixology-focused cocktail program employing fermentation, clarification, milk-washing, and oleo techniques. The program incorporates rare spirits, distinctive liqueurs, and innovative zero-proof alternatives. Featured drinks include a vibrant Pêche de Vigne grapefruit and aloe vera Sour, milk-washed clarified tequila and mezcal cocktails, and a house-fermented Tepache creation.

Dining Hours and Atmosphere Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 6–10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6–11 p.m. The bar operates Sunday through Thursday from 5–10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6–11 p.m. A private dining room accommodates groups of up to 30 people. The restaurant's atmosphere evolves through the day with curated music inspired by Mediterranean energy, featuring DJs, percussionists, instrumentalists, and intimate vocal performances. "Area 31 has been part of Miami's dining landscape for years, and this next chapter is about building on what has always made it special while giving guests a new reason to experience it," said Clement Durand, Director of Food & Beverage at Kimpton EPIC Hotel. "We wanted to preserve the incredible setting and connection to the city that guests know and love, while creating an experience that feels fresh and reflective of Miami today."

Why It Matters

The reopening represents a significant repositioning for one of Miami's established high-end rooftop venues, signaling renewed investment in the city's upscale dining segment. The emphasis on seafood sourcing, craft cocktails, and Mediterranean culinary philosophy reflects current fine-dining trends prioritizing ingredient quality and preparation restraint over complexity.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors