Psst: A Secret Sushi Counter Is Hiding in the Versace Mansion

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Published Jun 3, 2019

You no longer have to tune in to The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story to peek into one of the most luxurious and mysterious properties in Miami. You also don’t have to shell out a million bucks to have dinner at the mansion-turned-hotel.

Sushi by Bou, an “omakase speakeasy” that’s already mega-popular in NYC, recently set up shop inside the Gianni Versace Suite at the Villa Casa Casuarina (the former Versace Mansion). At each seating, limited to four diners, chef Wenjie Lian serves more than a dozen handcrafted pieces of nigiri. (Think smoked lean tuna, uni and Hokkaido scallop topped with lightly smoked charcoal salt.) Basically, you’ll have a private-dining experience inside a really fancy hotel room the size of your apartment.

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When you arrive, you’ll check in with the front desk attendant in the lobby, who will then escort you to the G Lounge, a 25-seat breezy bar area overlooking Ocean Drive. Pro tip: Come early, sit by the fireplace and sip a fine Japanese whiskey or a cocktail. (We love the Yuzu Honey Bee, made with whiskey, honey, yuzu juice and a pink peppercorn garnish.) There’s also a self-serve sake machine (#win) that lets you sample three different sakes.

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From there, you’ll be escorted into the suite-turned-restaurant, where you’ll dine face-to-face with the chef for about an hour as he turns out a series of artfully crafted creations. The number of courses varies, but it can reach up to 18. (Yeah, you might want to have a light lunch.) Though the menu changes nightly, expect top-shelf ingredients like striped jack, salmon roe and Wagyu beef. The meal will set you back $125, which, considering the quality, quantity and stunning environs, is more than reasonable.

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If you’re wondering why this restaurant set up shop inside a hotel room of all places, it’s by design. Simple Venue, the hospitality group behind the concept, is all about finding underused spaces and transforming them into experiential dining rooms.

Just make sure to book a reservation beforehand (seats are released one month in advance). Because like any good secret, the word is bound to get out sooner or later.

1116 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; 305-922-9195 or sushibybou.com

Clarissa Buch Zilberman

Miami Editor

Clarissa Buch Zilberman is a writer and editor based in Miami. Focused on food, lifestyle, and travel, her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, Bon Appétit, and Departures, among other print and digital titles.

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