A New Miami Restaurant + Lounge Celebrates Jamaican Culture

At a new restaurant and lounge in Miami, Florida, diners can indulge in different dining experiences in one space, with vibrant touches that reference Jamaican culture. Designed by Andreas De Camps, in collaboration with FictionWorks (founded by De Camps and Olivia King), the project emphasizes a seamless transition from daytime eatery to a lounge setting at night.

A warmly lit cafe interior with modern wicker light fixtures, shelves filled with green bags, and a counter containing lemons and other items. A window offers a glimpse of trees outside.

A modern cafe interior with wooden furniture, hanging lamps, green plants, and a woman sitting at the counter near large glass doors.

Guests can access the single-level space via an antique elevator scissor gate sourced from Argentina. They then enter Jrk!, a fast-casual restaurant with a bright and inviting atmosphere. A range of food and beverage options are available during the morning and afternoon. Customers can select the build-your-own-bowl options, fresh pastries, or the perennial favorite, Jamaican breakfast patties, which they get through the “patty window.”

Coffee shop counter with an espresso machine, juicer, cups, potted plants, and shelves holding bags and boxes. Light streams through a window, illuminating the tiled wall.

A cozy café interior with a mix of orange, brown, and green seating, plants, a chandelier, and wall art. Tables and chairs are arranged neatly next to a shelf filled with books and decor.

A cozy bar interior with red barstools, warm orange hanging lights, shelves of bottles, and leafy decor. A few tables and chairs are visible in the foreground.

Handcrafted rattan fixtures rest overhead, infusing this area with plenty of light. Brand colors of yellow and green are showcased, complemented by a range of textures. The wall behind the counter is clad in a mustard tone glazed tile, while the verdant hues of foliage and crates on the shelves add a fresh touch.

A cocktail with a dried citrus garnish on a bar counter near two red stools. In the background, bar tools, a basket of oranges, and fresh mint are visible.

When night falls, visitors head to the other side of the interior. It’s here that they find Mangrove, the speakeasy-style bar and lounge. This section is more intimate and filled with an eclectic mix of mid-century modern elements that are reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s. “Aged, patinated materials are prominently featured, evoking a sense of nostalgia and character,” De Camps says.

Chic cafe interior with chandeliers, a plant-adorned ceiling, a framed painting, bar seating with red stools, and a counter displaying bottles.

The main dining area features a green leather and dark walnut banquette along the wall. Above this seating there is a carefully curated gallery wall with Jamaican-inspired artwork by Nick Mahshie. Bespoke glass chandeliers, Cesca cane chairs, and cement floor tiles in a jade hue adorn the center of the main dining area. More plants are placed in every corner and also overhead, with leaves gently cascading over wooden beams.

Warmly lit bar interior with shelves of glasses and bottles. Three pendant lights hang above the counter, which has a candle and a fruit bowl. Red-cushioned stools line the bar.

A zinc-topped bar is the centerpiece, with its old-time charm. Peill and Putzler orange opaline glass pendant lights provide a soft amber glow that illuminates the bar. And the rear wall, instead of a typical backsplash, is covered with dominoes in a deep emerald tint, which produces a playful pattern.

Wooden shelves with wine glasses and bottles on the left; green mosaic wall with irregular small glowing lights on the right.

Patrons can sit at the classic red vinyl and cast metal stools as they Pass the Dutchie – in this case, a delicious Cognac cocktail – and listen to music. The DJ spins records from behind a tiled booth, backed with decorative breeze blocks. All of the facets meld to create the relaxed, community-driven eatery that the client envisioned. “Rough, unfinished textures and a collection of vintage decor items lends an air of lived-in authenticity to the space,” De Camps adds.

A cozy cafe interior with tables and yellow-cushioned chairs, framed artwork on concrete walls, and a chandelier. Lush greenery hangs from the ceiling.

Cozy restaurant interior with framed pictures on the walls, a DJ booth, and dining tables set with yellow napkins and glasses.

A cozy dining area with a round table set with yellow napkins and glassware. A wall shelf above displays vinyl records and two turntables. The decor is rustic with warm lighting.