Discover ViceVersa at The Elser Hotel: Miami’s Chic Michelin-Recognized Aperitivo & Pizza Bar
Nestled within The Elser Hotel in vibrant Downtown Miami, ViceVersa is a moody Italian aperitivo bar and Neo-Neapolitan pizza haven recently recognized in the prestigious 2025 Michelin Guide Florida—a major milestone that places it among Miami’s elite dining destinations.
With rich wood, deep green interiors, and an atmosphere of upscale leisure, ViceVersa blends Italian culinary tradition with Miami's modern flair. Guests enjoy innovative pizzas, expertly balanced cocktails, and a distinctly immersive experience—just steps from their suite at The Elser.
What Makes ViceVersa a Michelin-Worthy Experience?
1. Modern Italian Cuisine with a Miami Twist
ViceVersa’s menu is a love letter to Italian flavor with local creativity. Signature dishes include:
- Neo-Neapolitan pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts
- Royal red shrimp with cherry bomb relish
- Classic meatballs with rich tomato sauce
- House-made gelatos and dessert cocktails
The clam white-sauce pizza, loaded with middleneck clams and finished with lemon and herbs, has become a cult favorite.
2. Aperitivo Hour Reinvented
Bar director Valentino Longo has crafted an unforgettable cocktail experience inspired by Italy’s aperitivo culture:
- Negroni Sbagliato served in vintage Milanese glassware
- The “Vice President,” a bold rum Manhattan with cherry bitters
- Affogato Martini made with pistachio gelato and espresso
- Savory Martini Doppio infused with herbs and pickled onions
This cocktail program reflects elegance, originality, and balance—earning accolades from Miami’s top mixology insiders.
3. Michelin Guide Recognition
ViceVersa was one of the newest additions to the 2025 Michelin Guide in Miami. The guide praised the moody yet stylish interior, bold flavors, creative bar offerings, and gelato-forward desserts. Though not yet star-rated, its inclusion signals excellence and a standout guest experience.
How ViceVersa Elevates the Elser Hotel Experience
A Dining Destination in Itself
ViceVersa isn’t just a hotel restaurant—it’s a reason to visit The Elser. Guests and locals alike flock to its late-night ambiance, expansive bar, and carefully curated menu. Whether it’s pre-concert cocktails before heading to the Kaseya Center or a relaxing brunch before a PortMiami cruise, ViceVersa brings vibrancy to The Elser’s luxury lifestyle.
Enhancing Guest Convenience
With ViceVersa located just off the lobby, guests at The Elser can indulge in top-tier cuisine without leaving the property. This is especially valuable for cruise passengers, business travelers, and concertgoers looking for a seamless upscale experience.
Strengthening Downtown Miami’s Culinary Identity
ViceVersa represents a new generation of hotel dining—elevated, approachable, and award-winning. Its success reinforces The Elser’s role in redefining luxury hospitality in Miami’s urban core.
A Closer Look at the ViceVersa Experience
Interior Design
ViceVersa’s aesthetic is lush and cinematic—dim lighting, jewel-toned walls, vintage artwork, and intimate seating. It's a space that encourages lingering, conversation, and indulgence. The bar is the centerpiece, with expert mixologists at work, pouring craft amari and stirring bespoke cocktails.
Menu Highlights
While the menu evolves with the seasons, some must-try items include:
- Clam Pizza: white sauce, fresh clams, garlic, lemon
- Meatballs al Forno: slow-cooked, rich, classic
- Shrimp Crudo: bright, fresh, elevated with citrus
- Affogato Martini: a must-try dessert cocktail
- Negroni Sbagliato: balanced and beautiful
There’s a deliberate blend of comfort and sophistication, where a pizza can be just as memorable as a martini.
ViceVersa’s Star Talent
Valentino Longo – Cocktail Visionary
Known for leading Miami’s best bar programs, Longo brings Italian elegance and bold inventiveness. His work has been recognized nationally, and ViceVersa marks one of his most intimate and curated creations to date.
Justin Flit – Pizza Innovator
As Executive Chef, Flit honed his skills at some of Miami’s most beloved restaurants. His pizzas at ViceVersa draw from classic Neapolitan tradition with thin, crisp crusts that hold up to bold toppings and luxurious sauces.
The Jaguar Sun Team
ViceVersa benefits from the leadership of the Jaguar Sun team—hospitality experts who specialize in turning great meals into memorable nights. Their fingerprints are all over the service, pace, and polish of the dining experience.
Guest Reviews & Media Buzz
Guests regularly mention ViceVersa as a highlight of their Miami stay, praising the cocktails, friendly staff, and high-end ambiance.
Food critics and publications describe it as:
- “A refined take on Italian dining in Downtown Miami”
- “Where you go for the best affogato in Florida”
- “An unmissable pizza bar with Michelin attention to detail”
ViceVersa’s growing media presence has helped The Elser Hotel become synonymous with culinary excellence in Miami.
Planning Your Visit
Address: Inside The Elser Hotel, 398 NE 5th Street, Miami, FL 33132
Hours:
- Monday–Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Weekend Lunch: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Saturday–Sunday)
Reservations: Resy
Price Range: $$$
Dress Code: Elevated casual
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is ViceVersa in the Michelin Guide?
Yes. ViceVersa was added to the 2025 Michelin Guide for Florida and recognized for its elevated Italian cuisine, cocktails, and design.
What kind of food does ViceVersa serve?
ViceVersa specializes in modern Italian fare including Neo-Neapolitan pizza, small plates, gelato, and Italian cocktails.
Does ViceVersa offer brunch or lunch?
Weekend lunch is available from 12 PM to 2:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
Is ViceVersa open to non-hotel guests?
Yes. While located in The Elser Hotel, ViceVersa welcomes both hotel guests and the general public.
How do I make a reservation?
You can reserve a table through Resy or by calling ViceVersa.
ViceVersa in the Michelin Landscape of Miami
ViceVersa stands alongside some of the city’s finest new culinary additions. As part of the Downtown resurgence, it has helped put The Elser Hotel on the radar of travelers who value culinary experiences as much as luxury accommodations.
This Michelin nod is not just an award—it’s a marker that ViceVersa is one of the few hotel-based restaurants in Miami serving food that truly competes with standalone fine dining institutions.
Why ViceVersa & The Elser Are the Ultimate Pairing
When you stay at The Elser Hotel, you gain access to a full lifestyle experience: rooftop views, a fitness complex, a beach club partnership on South Beach—and now, a Michelin-recognized dining destination in your own lobby.
It’s rare to find a hotel that effortlessly blends hospitality and culinary prestige. ViceVersa is proof that The Elser isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to savor, sip, and celebrate.
Conclusion
Whether you're a Miami local seeking your new favorite pizza and cocktail spot or a traveler looking for a hotel with true dining credibility, ViceVersa at The Elser Hotel offers something unforgettable. From its Michelin recognition to its perfectly executed pizzas and cocktails, it’s redefining what hotel dining can be—right in the heart of Downtown Miami.
Book your table at ViceVersa today—and if you’re not already staying at The Elser, maybe it’s time to get a room.