Watr at the 1 Rooftop in Miami offers a unique dining experience high above South Beach. With stunning ocean views and a menu that blends Japanese influences with Peruvian flavors, it’s a place that attracts both locals and tourists.
But with its upscale setting and premium prices, the question remains—does it justify the cost?
In this review, we’ll explore what makes Watr stand out and whether the experience matches its price tag in 2024.
Let’s Start With the Menu
| Menu Overview at Watr at the 1 Rooftop | |
|---|---|
| Snacks | |
| Edamame | $13 (salted or chili spice, vg) |
| Shishito Peppers | $15 (kabayaki sauce, furikake) |
| Crispy Rice Tuna | $15 (tuna tartare aburi, sunomono, 2pcs) |
| Raw Bar | |
| Hamachi Crudo | $26 (chili ponzu, avocado coulis, tomato, micro shiso) |
| Tuna Tartare | $29 (bluefin tuna, avocado, yuzu tobiko, sweet chili mango, rice crispy) |
| Oysters | $44 (jalapeño dashi, infused ikura, chives, 6 ea) |
| Watr Maki | |
| Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll | $26 (spicy bluefin tuna, Japanese vegetables, and tempura flakes) |
| Hamachi Chili Garlic Roll | $26 (hamachi tartare, cucumber, avocado, yuzu aioli, dry seaweed, gf) |
| King Salmon Truffle Roll | $34 (truffle aioli, avocado, fresh truffle, gf) |
| Shrimp Tempura & Tuna Roll | $28 (spicy bluefin tuna, avocado, yuzu tobiko) |
| Crispy Asparagus Roll | $18 (tempura asparagus, avocado, pickled Japanese vegetables, black garlic aioli, v) |
| Unagi & Shrimp Roll | $28 (truffle eel, shrimp tempura, avocado, serrano pepper, yuzu aioli) |
| Watr Sushi Bar | |
| Chilled Lobster | $16 (katsu sauce, sushi-infused smoked trout, kiuri) |
| Nigiri Moriwase | $38 (5pcs premium chef’s selection) |
| Sashimi Sampler | $75 (hamachi, bluefin tuna, king salmon, toro tuna, scallop crudo) |
| Salads | |
| Heirloom Salad | $24 (tomatoes, green beans, baby hearts of palm, toasted hazelnuts, plum, kumquat vinaigrette, v) |
| Baby Gems | $23 (lettuce hearts, avocado, confit tomato, cucumber, radish, sesame crackers, endive, ginger vinaigrette, v) |
| Organic Chicken Breast | $16 |
| Ora King Salmon | $18 |
| Hamachi Sashimi | $24 |
| Bluefin Tuna Sashimi | $28 (5 slices) |
| Watr Bowls | |
| Tuna Poke | $34 (pickled vegetables, cucumber, avocado, tempura crisps, nori, sushi rice) |
| Spicy Salmon | $32 (lime-chili emulsion, avocado, seaweed salad, cucumber, furikake, sushi rice) |
| Teriyaki Chicken | $29 (mushrooms, purple cucumber, pickled onions, avocado, yuzu aioli, furikake, sushi rice) |
| Watr Signatures | |
| Chicken Karaage | $23 (crispy chicken thighs, yuzu aioli, togarashi spice) |
| Watr Burger | $28 (katsu sauce, wasabi chimichurri, sharp cheddar, pickled cucumber, brioche, available vegetarian) |
| Tamarind Miso Black Cod | $48 (sweet koji-tamarind butter, pink ginger, broccolini, mushrooms) |
| Wagyu Skirt Steak | $55 (sweet soy, wasabi relish, togarashi salt, pickled vegetables) |
| Sides | |
| Teriyaki Vegetables | $12 (seasonal vegetables, ginger, garlic, sweet soy) |
| Sticky Rice | $10 (steamed, furikake, v) |
| Side Salad | $7 (organic greens, ginger dressing, v) |
| Furikake Truffle Fries | $16 (parmesan, bonito flakes, furikake) |
| Sweets | |
| The Yuzu | $17 (yuzu mousse, lemon shiso, graham crumble, raspberry meringue) |
| The Chocolate | $16 (brownie cake, yuzu cream, ginger biscuit) |
| Mochi | $15 (assorted flavors) |
| Chilled Watermelon | $12 |
| Fruit Bowl | $18 (exotic fruit selection) |
So, the first thing I did after getting a table, of course, was to take a menu and check out what they had to offer. I mean, I was in this place a few times before, and I even shared that Watr at the 1 Rooftop is on my top list when it comes to Best Rooftop Views in Miami as well as for having some of the best rooftop events. I even recommend it in my rooftop guide for those coming to Miami for the first time.
But the thing is that prices here are quite higher when compared to other bars and restaurants.
The snacks and small plates are priced reasonably for what you’d expect at a place with this view and atmosphere. For instance, the Crispy Rice Tuna at $15 sounds like a solid choice if I want something light but flavorful. It’s a bit on the higher side for a small bite, but given the rooftop setting, it makes sense.
When I look at the raw bar, the Hamachi Crudo at $26 and Tuna Tartare at $29 seem like they’d be a real treat, especially with those fresh ingredients and unique twists. But I have to admit, $44 for six oysters feels pretty steep, even though the jalapeño dashi and ikura infusion make them sound special.
The Watr Maki rolls are priced from $18 to $34, and the variety looks impressive, but I start wondering if the Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll at $26 is worth it compared to something simpler from a local sushi spot. On the other hand, the King Salmon Truffle Roll at $34 stands out for that fresh truffle, which could be a great way to splurge.
Looking at the larger plates, I’m debating whether the Tamarind Miso Black Cod at $48 is the best option for me. I’ve heard great things about cod, but it’s a bit rich for a dinner in the middle of the day. The Wagyu Skirt Steak at $55 also seems a little high, but I know it’s probably an indulgent dish, especially with the sweet soy glaze and wasabi relish.
The sides like Furikake Truffle Fries at $16 and the Sticky Rice at $10 seem like they could complement a meal nicely, but I don’t want to go overboard. The Teriyaki Vegetables at $12 feel like a healthier option that might balance things out, though.
For dessert, the Yuzu mousse sounds fantastic at $17, but I’m not sure if I want to spend that much on a sweet. Still, the Mochi at $15 could be a fun choice if I’m in the mood for something light and refreshing.
And What About the Drinks?
Be prepared to put your hands deep in your pocket if you really want to enjoy more than just one cocktail or a shot at Watr. The prices here definitely reflect the upscale setting and high-end ingredients, especially when it comes to premium spirits and specialty cocktails.
If you’re planning on indulging in multiple drinks or opting for one of their luxury bottles of tequila or whiskey, you should expect a hefty bill. It’s not the place for a budget-friendly night out, but if you’re looking for a memorable experience with stunning views and exclusive drinks, it’s worth the splurge. Just be sure your wallet is ready!
Signature Cocktails
- Sakura Spritz – $34
Moet Ice, Mancino Sakura, Combier Rose, Fever Tree Club Soda - Yuzu Spritz – $22
Giuliana Prosecco, Yuzu, Cucumber, Ginger Fever Tree-Yuzu & Lime Soda - Portenza Spritz – $22
Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Almond, Giffard Apricot, Fever Tree Sicilian Lemonade - Aperol Spritz – $20
Aperol, Prosecco, Club Soda - Mia – Mai Tai – $22
Appleton Signature, Lime, Orgeat, Kingston Imperial Sorrel, Mep Pineapple Juice - Mellon Ballin Margarita – $25
Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Cantaloupe, Chareau Aloe, Sandia Agua Fresca - Island Time – $22
Tito’s Vodka, Coconut Water, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Chipotle, Lime - Sustainable Espresso Martini – $22
Absolut Elyx, Sustainable Espresso Syrup, Licor 43, Mr. Black - Casa Del Dragon – $25
Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Chareau Aloe Vera, Dragon Fruit, Lime - Blue Cielo – $25
Blue Spirulina-Infused Dos Hombres Mezcal, St Germain, Second Life Prosecco Syrup, Yuzu, Prosecco - Floridian 75 – $22
No. 3 Gin, Passion Fruit, Lemon, Prosecco
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Ode to Japan
- Purple Rain – $22
Snow Maiden Nigori Sake, Butterfly Pea Infused Hendricks Gin, Yuzu, Green Apple, Rosemary - Ooh-Mami Martini – $24
Arbequina Olive Oil Washed Grey Goose Vodka, Kombu Infused, Cocchi Americano, Soto Junmai Sake, Castelvetrano Olive Brine, Umami Water - Samurai Negroni – $24
Dos Hombres Mezcal, Oka Kura Bermutto, Lillet Blanc, Fair Kumquat, Shiso - Yokozuna – $25
Baraky Japanese Whiskey, Brown Sugar + White Miso Syrup, Combier Banana, Orange Bitters
Frozen Cocktails
- The Skinny Pina – $24
Bacardi 8, Malibu, Coconut Cartel Rum, Organic Coconut, Pineapple, Lime
Zero Proof
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- Fresh Coconut – $14
- Coconut Water – $9
- Red Bull (Regular, Sugar-Free, or Yellow Edition) – $9
- Fever Tree Drinks (Club Soda, Ginger Beer, Tonic Water, Pink Grapefruit, Cola) – $7
- Sunburnt on South Beach – $16
Coconut Water, Mango, Lime, Mint, Ginger Beer - Cool Cucumber – $16
Bare Zero Proof Gin, Lemon, Mint, Cucumber, Tonic - Freebird – $16
Bare Zero Proof Reposado Tequila, Agave, Pineapple, Lime, Serrano Peppers
Sake
- Junmai Nigori, Tozai Snow Maiden – Glass $15, 720 ml Bottle $70
- Junmai Daiginjo, Soto – Can $18, 720 ml Bottle $85
- Eiko Fuji, Ban Ryu Honjozo “10,000 Ways” – 300 ml Bottle $55
- Shichi Hon Yari, Junmai “The Seven Spearsman” – 300 ml Bottle $65
- Yuki No Bosha, Junmai Daiginjo “Winter Beauty” – 720 ml Bottle $200
Canned Beers + Hard Seltzers
- Koshikari Echigo, Rice Lager, Japan – $14
- Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty, IPA, Delaware – $9
- A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’, IPA, California – $9
- Michelob Ultra, American Lager, Missouri – $9
- Modelo Especial, Pilsner-style Lager, Mexico – $9
- Heineken, Pale Lager, Amsterdam – $9
- Heineken 00, Non-Alcoholic Lager, Amsterdam – $9
- Plant Botanical Vodka Seltzer, Strawberry Mint + Pineapple Lemonade Flavors – $12
- South Beach Lite Lager – $9
Premium Spirits and Bottles
Watr also boasts a limited but impressive selection of premium tequilas, vodkas, whiskeys, and other spirits. The prices here are undoubtedly high-end, making them an option for those who want to indulge in luxury during their visit:
Tequila Selections
- Patron + 1SB “Single Barrel” Anejo – $800
- Volcan XA – $900
- Avion 44 Extra Añejo – $1,000
- 818 Extra Reserve Añejo – $1,200
- Clase Azul Reposado – $1,400
- Don Julio “1942” – $1,400
- Clase Azul Añejo – $2,000
Other Spirits
- Maestro Dobel Diamante – $500
- Casamigos Blanco – $500
- Patron Silver – $600
- Grey Goose – $650
- Zacapa 23yr – $750
- The Macallan 18yr – $1,400
Bottle Specials & Packages
- 1 Bottle Dom Perignon + 1 Bottle Grey Goose + Fruit Bowl – $1,400
- 1 Bottle Veuve Clicquot + 1 Bottle Casamigos Blanco + Fruit Bowl – $650
I Had a Good Time There, But My Wallet Didn’t
I decided to go all in on this one. I thought, “Why not? Let’s just see what all the hype’s about.” I had already checked the menu, and while the prices definitely made me pause, I figured, “Hell, I’m here for the experience.”
I started with a Yuzu Spritz and a Sakura Spritz, thinking I might as well enjoy a couple of cocktails before the food came. Both drinks were good—refreshing, light, nothing too crazy. But at those prices, I had to wonder if I was paying for the view more than anything else. The cocktails were nice, but honestly, the taste didn’t blow me away.
For food, I went with the King Salmon Truffle Roll and the Tamarind Miso Black Cod. The sushi was decent, fresh, with a nice truffle flavor, but the portions didn’t feel substantial for the price. The black cod, on the other hand, was absolutely delicious. The miso tamarind sauce was rich and flavorful, making it a standout. Still, paying that much for one dish had me wondering if I could get a comparable meal elsewhere for less.
The vibe is great, though. The view is stunning, and the atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between laid-back and chic. It’s the kind of place where you can get lost in the moment and forget about the prices. However, when the check came, I couldn’t help but think about how much I spent on just a few cocktails and a couple of dishes. I wasn’t ready for the total, especially considering I didn’t even go for the top-shelf drinks or a full meal.
My final bill came to $245. And don’t forget, there’s a 19% service charge added to all checks and an additional 2% culinary service charge for food charges.
If you’re in the mood for a splurge, it’s a fun spot. But if you’re trying to keep an eye on your budget, be prepared for a hefty total when you leave.
And if you’re wondering if I’m planning to visit this place again, I’ll certainly go back, but only when I’m in the mood to impress my date or for a special occasion. It’s not a spot to visit regularly unless you’re a millionaire.
