There are few brands that embody the fantasy of endless summer quite like Vilebrequin. For more than 50 years, the French swimwear house has been synonymous with Saint-Tropez glamour, colorful resort wear, and the effortless art of living well by the water. Now, the brand is bringing that lifestyle stateside with the opening of Vilebrequin La Plage Miami, its first U.S. destination and perhaps the most transportive new rooftop to arrive in Miami Beach this year.
Opening atop the new UNFRAMED hotel on Washington Avenue, Vilebrequin La Plage isn’t simply a restaurant. It’s a full Riviera-inspired experience designed to make guests feel as though they’ve stepped off a yacht somewhere between Cannes and Cap d’Antibes.
The concept has already found success in destinations including Cannes, Crete, Doha, and Oman, but Miami feels like a particularly natural fit. After all, both the French Riviera and South Beach share a love of sunshine, seaside dining, stylish people-watching, and long afternoons that effortlessly turn into evening cocktails.
Spanning an impressive 18,000 square feet on the rooftop of the new hotel, the space was designed by Paris-based creative Vincent Darré, known for his playful, imaginative interiors. Here, sculptural furnishings, vibrant colors, and whimsical details inspired by Vilebrequin’s iconic prints create an atmosphere that feels simultaneously glamorous and relaxed. From the lobby’s charming “Le Petit Bar” to the rooftop pool deck, subtle touches of the brand are woven throughout the experience.
The rooftop itself is the star attraction. Framed by panoramic views of Miami Beach, the venue includes indoor and outdoor dining spaces, a stylish lounge, a rooftop pool, and plenty of spots for lingering over a glass of rosé as the sun begins to set.
Of course, no Riviera fantasy is complete without exceptional food. Leading the culinary program is French-born Executive Chef Gregory Gourreau, whose menu blends the flavors of Southern France with Miami’s tropical influences and locally sourced ingredients.
Expect everything from elegant seafood towers, oysters, crudo, and caviar service to Riviera classics like grilled octopus Provençal, steak tartare, and whole grilled lobster finished with sea urchin butter. Heartier dishes include Wagyu steak frites and lamb rack, while desserts lean unmistakably French, with chocolate lava cake, chilled melon soup, and house-made sorbets rounding out the menu.
The cocktail program embraces the ritual of l’apéro, that beloved French tradition of gathering for drinks and small bites before dinner. Signature cocktails include the garden-fresh Hugo Spritz de Jardin and the Miami-inspired La Belle Piquante, which combines tequila, mango, Dijon mustard, and habanero for a spicy tropical twist. During the restaurant’s daily happy hour, guests can enjoy cocktails, wines, oysters, shrimp cocktails, and petits burgers while soaking up the rooftop atmosphere.
Naturally, fashion remains at the heart of the experience. A dedicated Vilebrequin boutique offers a curated selection of the brand’s swimwear and resort collections, along with exclusive La Plage merchandise available only at the Miami location. Think collectible swim trunks, tote bags, T-shirts, and Riviera-inspired souvenirs that feel far chicer than the average hotel gift shop find.
In a city that never lacks beautiful places to dine, drink, and be seen, Vilebrequin La Plage manages to offer something different: a genuine slice of French coastal living in the middle of Miami Beach. This summer, it may just become the closest thing to a South of France getaway without ever leaving South Florida.
