Makoto Okuwa's namesake café, located in the opulent Bal Harbour Shops, brings Japanese cuisine into the twenty-first century. Okuwa, a maestro of Edomae-style sushi and one of Miami's most talented chefs, reshapes tradition for a savvy audience looking for something fresh.

At this acclaimed Japanese restaurant in Miami, Makoto, named after Iron Chef Makoto Okuwa, provides a courteous menu that presents unique twists on Asian classics. Chef Makoto's approach evolves with quirky, beautifully presented dishes that pay homage to Japanese culture. Makoto has a dining room and terrace created by the French architects Gilles & Boissier that can accommodate up to 200 guests. While the decor is lovely, the sushi bar, bincho-charcoal robata grill, and sake-focused beverage menu are the primary draws.

Address: Bal Harbour Shops9700 Collins AveMiami Beach,
Website: https://makoto-restaurant.com/

Sushi Erika is a small restaurant in North Bay Village with a long line since it is one of Miami's top sushi restaurants. The rolls and nigiri are all fantastic, but keep an eye out for any daily specials because they're likely to be much better. You may dine alone at the counter or come with a small group, just don't come on Monday because it's closed. Aside from that, they're open from noon to 6 p.m. (5 p.m. on Sunday), so making this a lunch stop is a great idea.

Sushi Erika currently offers both Sushi Deli and Japanese Market to those who are missing them. Erika Kushi, Michio Kushi's daughter, runs the restaurant, which has a similar feel and menu as its predecessor and only four tables and a small no-frills sushi bar. Favorites from Sushi Deli, like the sweet shrimp, macadamia, and love rolls, are on the menu, as are reasonably priced sashimi selections, as well as newcomers like octopus salad.

Address: 1700 79th Street Cswy, North Bay Village

Tel: (786) 216-7216

Wabi Sabi is a traditional Japanese restaurant that serves a limited menu of sushi and donburi in a relaxed environment using basic, time-honored techniques.

Wabi Sabi first opened its doors in 2018, condensing the breadth and depth of Japan's culinary traditions into five distinctive dishes that emphasize quality and impeccable execution. While Wabi Sabi is famed for its exquisite donburi bowls, sushi fans may order a la carte pieces of fish or order the Wabi Sabi Omakase, which includes 12 pieces of nigiri and one maki of the chef's choice. Traditional rolls and hand rolls, careful omakase plates, sophisticated vegetarian choices, and varied private dining experiences are all on the menu today. Guests may choose from a rotating menu of seasonal and hard-to-find items presented in a variety of styles, as well as personalize their donburi with a variety of bases and sauces.

Address: 851 NE 79th St, Miami
Website: https://www.wabisabimiami.com/

From its beginnings in the former St. Roch Market, this Japanese-Peruvian restaurant has expanded into its own location in the Palm Court neighborhood of Miami's Design District. Itamae is an ode to mixing their Peruvian background with Japanese classics, led by a brother, sister, and father combo affectionately known as the "Chang Gang."

It offers technique-driven Peruvian-Japanese flavors and traditions while also celebrating local and seasonal ingredients. Itamae was named one of the greatest restaurants in Miami by The Infatuation and made the New York Times' 2021 Restaurant List. Consider a well-crafted menu of maki and rolls, sashimi, and rice bowls, along with tiraditos and ceviches. Its sibling sushi restaurant, B-Side by Itamae, is also worth a visit and is located just a few streets away in Wynwood.

Address: 140 NE 39th St #136, Miami

Website: https://www.itamaemiami.com/

At this small restaurant on Forbes Travel Guide's "Five-Star" list, Kevin Cory is the host and sushi chef. This reservation-only restaurant serves omakase dishes made with fish brought in from Japan overnight.

The chef's omakase bento box is served first, followed by the pristine and tender sushi. Barbecued eel produced in-house is sweet and chewy, and it's served with the chef's secret soy sauce. The distinctive ice cream has a mysterious ingredient that makes for a pleasantly delicious end to the meal. Everything is made with the utmost care, from the sake to the wasabi. Children under the age of 12 are not admitted, and reservations are necessary. The restaurant has two seatings, at 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with a total capacity of six people. "In this petite Japanese jewel box, only eight diners can claim seats. Chef/owner Kevin Cory and manager Wendy Maharlika treat you like a guest in their own home", Forbes Travel Guide.

Address: 661 Brickell Key Dr., Miami
https://naoemiami.com/

Sushi By Bou provides both a 12-piece omakase and a 17-course omakase. The skilled sushi chefs use the highest quality fish available to create a memorable and delectable dinner utilizing traditional edomae techniques.

A timed chef's choice 12-piece omakase is included in the traditional Sushi By Bou experience. Upgrade to the Bougie option for more time at the chef's counter and more pieces. Enjoy our craft cocktails, imported sake choices, and high-energy vibes by arriving early and staying late. Sushi Suite is a luxurious and intimate Sushi counter housed within luxury hotel suites, with seating for just 4 or 6 people at a time. Sushi Suite is dedicated to offering a true craft omakase and creating an experience unlike anything, with some of the top sushi chefs in the country. Remember to stop by Mr. Sake, a vending machine that sells three-ounce pours of rare varieties for $10 apiece.

Address: 1116 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach

Website: sushibybou.com

The Juvia Group's Sushi Garage is a new idea in Miami Beach. Traditional Japanese cuisine with a twist in the Sunset Harbour area. Sushi Garage was founded on the principles of simplicity and necessity. On a daily basis, the desire for authentic Japanese flavors that are clearly performed and made with the greatest ingredients in a comfortable setting for all situations.

The 99-seat, 4,000-square-foot floor of Sushi Garage is covered in handmade tiles and uses natural wood finishes with light green tones to evoke an organic freshness, with ginger and herbs growing throughout the restaurant. Favorites at this Sunset Harbour spot include a vegan option in the lemon vegetarian roll, made with cucumber, avocado, micro arugula, crispy shallots, and holy yuzu mustard; a rosemary eel roll with avocado and rosemary aioli; and the Garage bagel roll, packed with salmon, cream cheese, crisped capers, onions, chives, and furikake seasoning.

Address: 1784 West Ave, Miami Beach

Website: https://www.sushigarage.com/

Uchi, which was opened by James Beard Award winner Tyson Cole, has gotten a lot of positive press. Chef Cole applied the training he obtained over the previous 10 years in Tokyo and New York to his own personal restaurant in Austin. The original "Uchi", means "home".

This Austin import has made its much-anticipated debut in Miami, as characterized by Brett Anderson of the New York Times as "changing the city's gastronomic identity." In a chic and tranquil atmosphere, it serves creative sushi and sashimi produced with fish flown in daily from the Tsukiji market, as well as makimono, yakimono, agemono, and other Japanese cuisines. The 10-course chef's tasting, a six-course signature tasting, and a six-course vegetarian tasting are available to those who want to sample everything on the menu.

Address: 252 NW 25th St, Miami

Website: https://www.uchimiami.com/

Azabu Miami Beach, a Michelin-starred concept, brings together a variety of experiences under one roof, all bound together by the spirit of Omotenashi, or Japanese hospitality.

A full-service dining area with a magnificent open kitchen is the first idea. The Den, an exclusive concealed sushi counter supervised by Tokyo-trained chefs, is just beyond. Azabu Miami Beach improves the local culinary scene with authentic Japanese food and experiences, located inside The Stanton in the prestigious South of Fifth district. Reservations are required for the 11-seat bar, which serves omakase-style dining with seafood flown in from Japan. Bar Azabu allows customers to sip and taste sakes and over 40 imported whiskies at this historic cocktail bar. If you'd rather eat at home, Azabu has established Bubusan, a delivery-only offshoot that delivers you omakase boxes of sushi (including a vegan option) in beautiful packaging.

Address: 161 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach

Website: https://azabuglobal.com/

Yakko-San in North Miami Beach, Florida, offers authentic Japanese cuisine and late-night dining. A modest 65-seater on West Dixie Highway has been a go-to site for late-night eating in North Miami Beach since its establishment.

Chef Hiroshi Shigetomi has upgraded the menu to include a full liquor list and a sushi component, as well as the same creativity and deliciousness. The deep-fried crispy bok cabbage ($7.50) with garlic-soy sauce is a must-try starter. If you can't decide between the hamachi tataki jalapeno roll ($13.50), which includes eel, avocado, cucumber, and tempura flakes, and the rainbow roll ($12), which has tuna, salmon, and shrimp, get both.

Address: 3881 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach

Website: yakko-san.com