Joia Beach breezed into the Miami dining scene in early 2020 and then of course was immediately closed for the lockdown. When they reopened after the shutdown, the al fresco haven on Watson Island (owned by the developers behind Jungle Island) was a runaway success, giving relocated New Yorkers and other pandemic refugees exactly what they needed and wanted: a gorgeous spot to sip rosé all day, feast on fresh seafood and bask in the unapologetic hedonism of Miami’s waterfront dining culture.
The secluded venue has attracted A-list celebrities, including reggaeton star Maluma, Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade, Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr., Brazilian model Adriana Lima, rapper Flo Rida, and Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Upon arrival, guests enter through a long and winding pathway encompassed by lush jungle greenery, which seamlessly opens up onto Joia’s pristine beachfront area. Thatched roof tiki huts, nautical flourishes and luxurious daybeds overlooking the bay set the languorous tone. A live DJ holds court from day through the night as guests arrive via yacht and splash through the shallows to their tables in the sand. It is Tulum via the MacArthur Causeway and it is very appealing.
The spectacular setting creates an idyllic backdrop for the highly accessible menu of Mediterranean dishes that lean heavily on influences from Greece and the Aegean islands. Are there a few things on there we’ve seen around town? Sure. The trio of Greek spreads (hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush) is pretty standard, as is the popcorn shrimp with spicy aioli, the watermelon and arugula salad, and the creamy stracciatella with marinated tomatoes. But they’re all executed well and provide a fine foundation for the heartier mains like grilled salmon served with beluga lentils and a yogurt dill sauce and massive cuts of meat like the 32-ounces bone-in ribeye (which will set you back $150) or the rack of lamb served with farro. Ordering a whole grilled fish isn't such an anomaly in Miami these days, but here it’s served tableside with a generous cracking of the salt crust and deboned expertly by a staff of white-clad waiters.
It’s all quite pricey but who’s worrying about the check when the third round of Veuve Clicquot hits the table and you’re ogling the superyacht of Miami’s latest startup billionaire resident who’s just commandeered the neighboring table? The cocktails skew a bit too sweet for us and at $19 pop could pack more punch, but the “Paradise Found” made with vodka, Soho lychee, hibiscus syrup and ume plum liquor went down easily. And in the golden light of Miami’s epic waterfront sunsets, with your toes in the sand, you could almost agree that it’s a shame we don’t dine like this more often.
