Jungle Fun

There’s never a dull moment at Gitano Miami Beach in the Faena District where Miami’s beau monde buzzes about its gypsy-glam restaurant and Bedouin-tented jungle rooftop overlooking the ocean.

exterior front-side of Gitano MIami with lit-up pink neon sign

- Published 2023.

A tropical oasis of lush greenery and bohemian brio, Gitano brings an air of Tulum to South Beach with delicious food, Latinleaning libations and spirited diversion. As the sun starts to wane, a sun-kissed crowd gathers for Golden Hour on the Jungle Roof sipping sundowners like the crowd-pleasing mezcal elixir, Jungle Fever, muddled with cilantro, chili and lime. (The bar’s library of more than different 40 mezcals is the largest in Miami.)

“We recently introduced the Gypsy Disco 75 cocktail, our twist on the French 75 with rosé champagne, St-Germain, Ély vodka served up with a raspberry,” says founder James Gardner.

“And of course, there’s always our iconic Gitano Margarita, which brings a sense of familiarity and home, whether you’re with us in Tulum, New York or Miami.”

Dinner is no less palatable or lively. The menu, shaped by Executive Chef Antonio Maldonaldo from Puebla Mexico, features clean and elevated Mexican fare. In the evenings, long-limbed beauties and their bronzed dates rub shoulders in the first-floor restaurant over small skillets of melted Oaxaca queso, spiced chorizo and habanero chili served with fresh flour tortillas that make the perfect bite. For vegetarians, there’s lemongrass cauliflower al pipian roasted to perfection with sunflower seeds, guajillo chili and goat cheese.

“One of our most popular entrees is the Branzino slow-cooked in a banana leaf and garnished with spinach, tomatillo and kiwi, giving it a bit of earthy sweetness plus a kick of serrano pepper,” says Maldonaldo.

From Wednesday to Sunday, a lineup of stellar DJs and live entertainment gels the crowd with upbeat gypsy-disco music and fun performances. “We always want happiness to radiate,” explains Restaurant Manager Travis Gochnour. “The rooftop sound is streamed into the dining room as well, so no one ever feels they’re missing out on a good time.” (Only drinks are served on the rooftop.) Gitano curates its programming with a roster of liquor partners hosting an industry night on Wednesdays, Marco Norma and his DJ collective Palo Santo spin on Thursdays, and Friday evenings are hosted by Gaby Álvarez and Argentine DJ Leticia Manfield, who plays the drums through her mixer to enhance the gypsy vibe. Over the weekend, Saturdays and Sundays Ceremonia showcases rotating DJs. “The music and atmosphere are open and fun,” says Gardner. “It’s a great way to close out the weekend.”