Open-Sky Sanctuary on Lincoln Road

Lincoln Road is Miami Beach’s premier outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. In the hustle and bustle of the popular outdoor mall, a new rooftop sanctuary is set to open this fall, MILA. Founded by Gregory and Marine Galy, the space was brought to life by Los Angeles-based interior designer, Olya Volkova of OV & Co.

Located at the intersection of Lincoln Road and Meridian Avenue, MILA will open at the newly rebuilt 800 Lincoln building, which was originally the first Burdine’s in Miami Beach and previously housed the Art Center. The rooftop space, totaling 13,000 square feet with seating for 247, will feature a multi-sensory culinary experience that draws influences from the shores of the Mediterranean and Japan in a laid-back setting accentuated by clean lines.

“Marine and Greg came to me with a dream and vision of creating something different, a brand that would reflect their lifestyle and search for fun and excitement, yet in a very understated elegance that would fuse their Mediterranean roots with their love for Japanese food and culture,” said Volkova.

“MILA appeals to inquisitive people, explorers and experience-seekers who have experienced culture and destinations and have an appetite for discovery, newness and having a good time,” said CEO and co-founder Gregory Galy. “MILA is the ideal place for those who appreciate luxury and refinement in an understated, relaxed environment and define themselves by their experiences.”

Envisioned and crafted by the founders through their travels and experiences, Olya designed the restaurant by weaving traditional and noble materials such as reclaimed woods, unpolished floors, untainted stones, handmade linen, and cotton fabrics to create a symphony of perfection. MILA’s aesthetic fuses the minimalistic design of the Cycladic islands with Japan’s Wabi Sabi philosophy of embracing life’s unpredictability and accepting imperfections as beauty. Sculptures, paintings and ceramic art made of metal, clay and wood are thoughtfully placed throughout the restaurant to further enhance the aesthetics, making the entire venue a specially curated sanctuary for design lovers.

The connection of the Mediterranean and Asian concepts continues in MILA’s 150-seat central dining room where Olya incorporated earth tones, sleek wood and canvas furniture, and tear-drop pendant light fixtures. Famed French sculptor of nature Etienne Moyat sculpted MILA’s wooden dining room wall with an intricate swirling pattern simulating the nature of roots. To accommodate MILA’s extensive spirits program, the space features two bars: MILA’s main bar and V by MILA (pronounced Five by MILA). Both bars feature dim lighting and cozy seating that offer an unmatched ambiance for lingering over drinks while losing track of time.

Located inside the central dining room, the main bar is broken down in four-fold: MILA Signatures, Interpretation of Classics, Classic Cocktails, and Zero Proof – all will offer thoughtful flavor combinations and the finest liquors.

On the terrace, V by MILA will offer guests an upscale, whimsical, and avant-garde drinking experience similar to an omakase kitchen where guests have an exclusive front-row seat to the world of bespoke mixology. The 5,000 square foot balcony includes a 3,000 square foot generous and serene water feature along with a luxurious hardscape that can host up to 100 guests. Two exclusive cabanas frame the water space for private dining, while additional lounge seating surrounds the space.

“We have been collaborating with artisans, artists and talents from all over the world to create a curated space like no other,” added Volkova. “The motto behind the concept is the Greek word eudimonia and it says it all, ‘peace of mind, the contended place you feel when you travel.’”

Known for its abundance of Art Deco style architecture, Olya’s design of MILA brings a fresh modern touch to Lincoln Road that will elevate its surroundings with its clean lines and organic elements. We look forward to the opening of this outdoor sanctuary and taking in a multi-sensory design and culinary experience.