The Setai, Miami Beach Debuts Jo’s Bar — A Sculptural New Lobby Destination Where Design Meets Cocktail Culture

Miami Beach’s temple of quiet luxury has unveiled its newest gathering point. The Setai introduces Jo’s Bar, a reimagined lobby bar conceived by Saladino Design Studios that transforms the hotel’s iconic entrance into a glowing centerpiece of craftsmanship, intimacy, and modern elegance.

Following Saladino’s celebrated design of Japón at The Setai — named among the World’s Most Beautiful Restaurants by Prix Versailles 2025 — Jo’s Bar continues the property’s tradition of architectural storytelling. The new space honors the hotel’s Art Deco heritage while layering in warmth, texture, and a contemporary pulse. Named in tribute to owner Joe Nakash, the bar carries a personal spirit of hospitality, positioned at the crossroads between Jaya, Japón, and the central courtyard — naturally becoming the social heart of the lobby.

At the core of the design stands a sculptural back bar built from floating resin blocks embedded with gold leaf, illuminated to create the illusion of suspended light. Ten-foot glass shelves framed in brushed brass hover before the installation, turning the bottle display into an art piece. The bar itself is carved in Rosso Levanto stone, its deep burgundy tones softened by bamboo-inspired relief detailing and rounded edges that invite guests to lean in and linger. Custom lighting wrapped in hand-painted gold mesh casts a warm glow, while a bespoke wine tower adds vertical drama. The result feels less like a lobby feature and more like a sanctuary — intimate within the grandeur of The Setai’s iconic architecture.

The culinary offering mirrors the design’s precision. Jo’s Bar presents a curated bites menu drawing signatures from both Jaya and Japón, designed for elegant sharing. Japón highlights include Tuna Crispy Rice layered with spicy mayo and serrano, Hamachi Serrano with yuzu shoyu, and Miso Black Cod Lettuce Cups, alongside indulgent Wagyu sliders with charred tomato relish and yuzu avocado. From Jaya come Tuna Tacos in taro shells, Har Gau shrimp dumplings, Octopus with aji amarillo, Thai Chicken with fresh herbs and raw mango, and Duck Spring Rolls with house sweet chili. For those seeking a celebratory touch, Caspian Sea Osetra caviar is offered in Classic and Golden selections. Available nightly from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., the menu transitions seamlessly from aperitivo to late evening indulgence.

Cocktails anchor the experience. Jo’s Bar pairs timeless classics with refined new creations such as the Gold Martini, Chili Passion Martini, and a polished Espresso Martini, alongside signature pours like Golden Accord with The Macallan 12 and Celestial Bloom featuring Louis Roederer Collection 245 Champagne. As the exclusive Miami Beach destination carrying Maison Louis Roederer, the bar offers guests access to one of Champagne’s most revered houses — a rare detail that reinforces The Setai’s devotion to craftsmanship and heritage.

“Jo’s Bar allows us to express The Setai’s spirit in a more intimate, spontaneous way,” says Executive Chef Vijayudu Veena. “Each bite is designed to be elegant, flavorful, and shareable — a menu that encourages guests to settle in and savor the moment.”

Designer Sean Saladino describes the project as an exercise in quiet drama: a balance between historic lineage and contemporary glow. The bar does not simply occupy the lobby — it defines it.

With the debut of Jo’s Bar, The Setai further cements its standing among the world’s premier luxury destinations, where design, culture, and hospitality intersect with deliberate precision. Recently recognized again by Michelin and AAA, named among Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 10 Hotels in Miami, and the only Miami Beach property holding Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond, and two Michelin Keys, The Setai continues to evolve without losing its timeless soul.

Jo’s Bar is not just an addition to the lobby. It is a destination within the destination. For more information, please visit https://www.thesetaihotel.com/