TheThe much-anticipated Moxy Hotel on South Beach has finally opened its doors, and with it comes a slew of new eateries. First to debut is Serena (915 Washington Avenue), an bright and airy rooftop restaurant and lounge that takes its design and culinary cues from Oaxaca and Mexico City.

Led by chef Scott Linquist, alongside the teams that brought us Coyo Taco and 1-800-LUCKY, the restaurant boasts an outdoor kitchen where diners watch ground cornmeal being shaped into tortillas and then turned into dishes like uni and crab tostadas, squash blossom quesadillas, and chorizo huaraches. The menu also features classic dishes like Caesar salad, steak tartare, and tuna tartare, alongside ceviches, small plates, salads, burgers, and sandwiches.

The space, designed by Saladino Design Studios, is inspired by the brightly colored works of the Modernist architect Luis Barragán, with a garden-like outdoor dining area that boasts an assortment of pink, orange, coral, and blue hues, with an eclectic mix of sofas, banquettes, cushioned wrought-iron chairs, and ceramic-tile tabletops. Its domed cast iron canopy strung with twinkling lights and bougainvillea is a nod to popular Mexican markets.

The bar area features glass garage-style doors that lead into a lounge which showcases blue-painted beam ceilings and antique style mosaic tiles. A DJ booth is perched next to a purple-toned wall with a neon sign reading “La Ultima y Nos Vamos” (“Last one and we’re leaving”).

 

Serena is one of four food and beverage outposts now open inside the new Moxy South Beach hotel including Los Buenos, a taco stand and bodega in the lobby, alongside Bar Moxy, which does double duty as a bar and check-in area; and The Upside, a rooftop bar on the eighth floor for hotel guests and private events. Coming in April the property will debut two more eateries, Como Como, a seafood restaurant and raw bar; and Mezcalista, a mezcal lounge.

Serena is now open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. For more information call 305-306-0776.