On October 25, Harbour Club opens its doors with a Mediterranean restaurant that is open to the public and two members-only spaces that aim to bring the allure of British social clubs to Miami’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood.
The club’s founder, James Julius, is no stranger to high-end hospitality, with a career that includes working at prestigious venues like the Dorchester and Annabel’s in London, as well as Miami’s own ZZ’s Club (another membership club). "I wanted to create something that felt like a home away from home, but with all the allure and sophistication of the world’s most famous private clubs," Julius says.
The result is a club that balances public access with exclusivity, merging three distinct spaces.
Ground Floor: Mediterranean Restaurant A'Riva
At the heart of Harbour Club's public offering is the ground-floor restaurant, A’Riva, which is open to all by reservation offering a menu of Mediterranean-Italian dishes by Chef Michele Esposito, formerly of Casa Tua and the Michelin-starred Villa Crespi."We wanted a space that felt elegant but approachable, a place where the locals could come for a casual lunch or a more elaborate dinner," Julius explains.
Chef Esposito, known for his stints at iconic Italian restaurants like Casa Tua, Belmond Hotel Caruso, and the three Michelin-starred Villa Crespi, has created a menu that blends seasonal ingredients with Mediterranean staples. Dishes like meatballs Angelina, a family recipe using eggplant and San Marzano tomatoes, and an eggplant Milanese with feta, za'atar, and tahini, are designed to transport diners to the Amalfi Coast. The menu is rounded out with lighter options like hamachi crudo and heartier fare like spaghetti alla Nerano. For dessert, the pistachio ice cream, made fresh to order, offers a balance of richness and simplicity.
With al-fresco seating and lush greenery, A'Riva's design echoes its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, blending soft whites, light oak, and brass accents to create a breezy, coastal ambiance. "We wanted it to feel like you were stepping into a waterfront home," says Julius.
While A’Riva caters to the public, the rest of Harbour Club is reserved for members only.
Upstairs: Members-Only Palm Room and Japanese Spot Nikai
Upstairs, the members-only spaces — Palm Room and Nikai at Harbour Club — offer an intimate escape for those seeking something more private.Through a discreet entrance, members are led to the Palm Room, a speakeasy-style lounge that channels the intimacy of a tropical hideaway. Rich velvets, dark walnut accents, and handcrafted chandeliers lend the space a sense of old-world glamour, while the cocktail menu features a curated selection of craft drinks paired with light bites from the club’s restaurants.
For a more elevated dining experience, members can head upstairs to Nikai at Harbour Club, a Japanese-inspired restaurant that prides itself on seasonal ingredients flown in daily from Japan, with signature dishes like Wagyu and truffle crisp rice and toro toasts. The dining room’s bold, modern design — featuring deep reds, electric blues, and a grand marble bar — creates an atmosphere that feels both intimate and vibrant.
Harbour Club enters Miami at a time when private clubs are having a moment. Recent openings like ZZ’s Club, Casa Neos, and MM Club have cemented the city’s reputation as a destination for exclusive experiences. But for Julius, Harbour Club isn’t just about high prices and luxury for the sake of it. "Exclusivity is about more than just who can afford the highest membership fees. It’s about curating a community," he says.
How to Secure a Harbour Club Membership
Harbour Club offers three tiers of membership: Classic, Under 30, and Lifetime Founding, with annual fees starting at $5,000.The membership includes access to all club spaces and a host of exclusive events, from wine tastings and private dinners to wellness experiences like pilates and sound baths. "We’re aiming to have 500 members by the end of the year," Julius adds, "but it’s not about numbers. We’re looking for people who share the club’s values, who want a space that feels like home."
With 200 members already signed on, Harbour Club seems poised to become a new favorite among Miami’s elite. And with its blend of public dining and private luxury, it’s set to redefine what it means to be a part of an exclusive community in the city. As Julius puts it, "We want to create something truly special, something people will want to be part of — not just because it’s exclusive, but because it feels like it was made for them."
Harbour Club. 1766 Bay Rd., Miami Beach. www.harbourclubmia.com.
