#DishHitlist: Mother’s Day, Rooftop Cocktails, and More [May 2025]

May in Miami is bringing the heat—and we’re not just talking about the weather. This month is packed with crave-worthy Mother’s Day specials, next-level cocktail celebrations, and new openings that are shaking up the scene. From rooftop romance at Giselle and luxe buffets at Donna Mare to soulful live sets at Red Rooster and beachside bites at CJ’s, there’s no shortage of ways to sip, savor, and celebrate. Whether you’re toasting Mom, your new grad, or just looking for an excuse to treat yourself, this is your cheat sheet to Miami’s most delicious May moments.

Mother’s Day Specials

Bombay Darbar 

Bold, soulful, and anything but ordinary, the menu at Bombay Darbar is packed with slow-cooked curries, sizzling tandoori, fluffy naan, and fragrant biryanis that hit all the right notes. Whether Mom’s all about that creamy butter chicken or branching out with tandoori lamb chops, every bite feels like a celebration. Add a pistachio kulfi to seal the deal, and you’ve got a feast that’s rich, vibrant, and unforgettable, just like mom. P.S. All moms get a glass of complimentary rosé. Tables go fast on holidays, so lock in your spot now and celebrate with serious flavor.

Donna Mare Italian Chophouse

This Mother’s Day, elevate brunch at Donna Mare Italian Chophouse, tucked beside the iconic Cadillac Hotel in Miami Beach. From noon to 3:30 p.m. on May 11, enjoy a lavish buffet featuring fresh oysters, handcrafted pasta, prime rib, and more—plus a welcome spritz and live music. For $85 per person (90-minute seating), it’s a feast worth every bite. Add bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys for $25, and valet for just $10. With its Mediterranean-chic vibes and showstopping olive tree centerpiece, Donna Mare sets the scene for an unforgettable celebration. Make your reservations here.

Donna Mare Italian Chophouse is located at 3921 Collins Ave, Miami, FL 33140. For more information, visit their official website.   

Giselle Miami 

Celebrate her in style this Mother’s Day with a romantic rooftop escape at Giselle Miami, May 8 – 11. Perched above the city lights, Giselle invites significant others looking to celebrate the most important women in their lives with an intimate dinner featuring dishes like piquillo peppers with hazelnut vinaigrette, tuna ribbons crudo, and Hokkaido scallop skewers. Wrap the night with the dreamy passion Pavlova—Caribbean fruits, roasted coconut, and all the right vibes. With skyline views and sultry ambiance, Giselle sets the mood for an unforgettable evening she won’t forget.

Giselle Miami is located at 15 NE 11th St, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website.

Maple and Ash

Forget the flowers—this Mother’s Day, bring the drama (the good kind) at Maple and Ash Miami. The city’s sleek new stunner is throwing down a brunch that screams decadence, starting with Kaluga caviar and their fire-roasted seafood tower—because basic isn’t in Mom’s vocabulary. For $120 a head ($65 for the little legends), the spread flexes hard: think king crab benedict, Australian lamb chops, or a flawless steak & eggs, all backed by shareable heavy hitters like chateaubriand and maple-glazed bacon. Dessert? A full-on mignardise masterpiece. Feeling extra? Add bottomless mimosas for $55 and raise a glass to the real queen. Reserve your throne online.

Maple and Ash is located at 699 NE 1st Ave, 2nd floor, Miami, FL 33132. For more information, visit their official website.

Old Lisbon

Treat Mom to an unforgettable Mother’s Day at Old Lisbon, where rich flavors and a refined atmosphere come together for the perfect celebration. The menu offers a mouthwatering selection of Portuguese coastal classics, like paelha marinheira simply brimming with gems of the sea, garlicky sizzling hot octopus—perfectly tender, and bacalhau in all its heavenly forms. The setting is elegant yet welcoming, with impeccable service that adds a special touch to the experience. Pair the meal with a carefully chosen wine, and you’ve got a celebration that feels elevated without being overwhelming. For a truly memorable Mother’s Day, Old Lisbon offers an experience that’s as exceptional as Mom herself.

Primo’s 

Mother’s Day at Primo’s is all about skipping the chaos and diving into real Italian comfort. No buffet madness, just fresh pasta, cozy vibes, and a chance for Mom to truly relax. Start her off with fresh mussels sautéed in a spicy Fra Diavolo sauce, then move on to the mains. The short rib pappardelle is slow-cooked perfection, and the porcini truffle risotto brings earthy elegance. For something lighter, the grilled chicken salad with gorgonzola is secretly indulgent. Finish with chocolate-glazed profiteroles or an affogato with a boozy almond crunch. Pair it with a crisp glass of Ugolini Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, and toast to a perfect Mother’s Day.

Red Rooster Overtown

This May 11 from 5–9 p.m., Red Rooster Overtown is turning up the soul for a Mother’s Day dinner you won’t forget. Savor their signature à la carte dishes while live music sets the mood—and don’t miss a special performance by powerhouse vocalist Maya Azucena. Edmond’s Honor pops up for the night with curated bites and exclusive cocktails crafted just for Mom. One night only, all heart, all flavor.

Red Rooster Overtown is located at 920 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136. For more information, visit their official website. 

RED South Beach

This Mother’s Day, skip the typical brunch scene and treat Mom to a lavish feast she won’t forget. Chef Peter is pulling out all the stops this Sunday. Feeling festive? The à la carte menu at this South Beach gem offers all the classic RED heavy hitters, from creamy truffle pasta to that rich, comforting cognac-laced lobster pot pie. All that’s left is to pair it with a glass from the extensive, award-winning wine list. RED’s chic vibes and elevated flavors are just the ticket for making Mom feel like royalty. Make your reservations beforehand.

What to do in Miami This Month

May 13: World Cocktail Day at Elia on the River

World Cocktail Day lands on May 13, and Elia on the River is serving serious flavor with riverside views and golden-hour energy. Celebrate with a full lineup of signature cocktails—like the floral No Confessions Needed or bold Red Sicilian—plus timeless classics from Negronis to Limoncello Spritz. Don’t miss the debut of Sicily Smoke: a smoky-meets-citrusy mezcal creation with pineapple, lime, and chili-agave syrup—just $10 during Sunset Hour (3–6 p.m.). Whether you’re sipping dockside or lounging under the palms, this is your moment to toast in style. One cocktail in, and you’ll know you’re exactly where you need to be.

May 25: National Wine Day Celebration at The National Hotel: Art Deco Charm Meets Culinary Excellence

For National Wine Day, skip the basic pours and head to Mareva1939—Miami Beach’s sultry Spanish hideaway inside the iconic, adults-only National Hotel. This spot oozes old-school glam with a modern twist: vintage Art Deco bones, moody lighting, and alfresco terraces that spill out toward the city’s longest infinity pool. The vibe? Grown-up, elevated, effortlessly cool. Sip your way through a lineup of organic, natural wines from Spain’s top regions—Basque, Ribera del Duero, and beyond—perfectly paired with standout dishes like charcoal-seared octopus, jet-black squid ink paella, and silky Iberico ham croquettes. Come for the wine, stay for the scene.

Mareva 1939 is located at 1677 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website. 

The Latest This Month

New Opening: Michelin-Recommended COTOA

COTOA has officially landed—and it’s shaking up North Miami with serious style. From chef Alejandra Espinoza (of SOMOS fame and Michelin-recommended pedigree), this 24-seat gem is where Ecuadorian tradition meets Florida flair. Think Galápagos brujo next to local snapper, Ecuadorian shrimp reimagined with a Miami twist, and bold, beautiful plating that tells a story. After a soft launch, the restaurant is now fully open: dinner Wednesday–Friday, lunch and dinner on weekends. With Latin warmth, natural wines by Nada, and a small but mighty beer list, COTOA is intimate, unexpected, and completely unforgettable. Book your seat now—this one’s going fast.

Cotoa is located at 12475 NE 6th Ct, North Miami, FL 33161. For more information, visit their official website. 

New Weekly Latin Vinyl Night “Hora Social” at Tomorrowland

Fridays in Downtown Miami just found their groove—Tomorrowland is launching Hora Social: Salsa on Vinyl, a weekly dance party spinning nothing but classic Latin beats straight from the turntable. Every Friday from 6–9 p.m., the series taps into golden-era Latin grooves, spun exclusively on vinyl by rotating guest DJs. Opening night? DJ J Gomez brings the fuego. No cover, killer drink specials, and a dance floor ready for action—whether you’re a seasoned salsero or just vibing to the beat, this is your new Friday move.

Now Booking: Graduation Parties at CJ’s

Graduation season is here, and CJ’s Crab Shack is ready to throw down for your grad the only way they know how—crab cakes, cold drinks, and good vibes right on the South Beach strip. Whether you’re celebrating a high school milestone or that long-awaited college degree, the laid-back seaside shack is the perfect place to gather the crew, feast, and toast to the future. With a menu full of crowd-pleasers (hello, popcorn shrimp and creamy crab dip), handcrafted cocktails, and beachy energy for days, CJ’s is primed for parties.