Ah, Japanese cuisine in Miami Beach. Not only does this vibrant fusion of tradition and tropical flair offer some of our favorite culinary moments when executed perfectly, seeking it out signals an appreciation for both precision and pleasure. Or, maybe, we just really crave that perfect slice of toro. Regardless, we combed the coast to round up 10 Japanese restaurants worth celebrating. Consider this your (sushi) bucket list.
Moshi Moshi Miami Beach
$$ | (844) 466-6744 | WEBSITE
There’s nothing groundbreaking about the crispy rice at Moshi Moshi Miami Beach, and that’s precisely why it works. The late-night sushi spot offers both a classic crispy rice and one topped with wagyu for a few dollars more.
Both versions are perfectly crisp, served with attentive staff suggestions, and come in a relaxed, nice atmosphere, which makes them an ideal complement to an evening after the beach or whenever you’re wandering around Miami Beach and need a delicious, satisfying little meal.
Nossa Omakase
$$$$ | (305) 539-9711 | WEBSITE
The dry aged experience at Nossa Omakase is transformative, complex, and sublime. Each course takes multiple contemplative bites to appreciate and feels as substantial as a small novel. Rather than being served traditionally, each piece is meticulously crafted by the chef’s skill and passion and then presented, which gives them an artistic, elegant finish. Enjoy them with a glass of sake in the intimate speakeasy tucked away in Miami Beach while absorbing the exclusive atmosphere.
Maybe something by Haruki Murakami?
Bondi Sushi
$$ | (786) 779-1522 | WEBSITE
This neighborhood gem on South Beach’s west side does great versions of Japanese classics like creamy scallops nigiri, Chu toro, and spicy tuna handrolls, but we always zero in on their sushi bar first. That includes an unfussy happy hour from 3-6 pm with incredible prices on sushi hand rolls and nigiri that we’ve been known to make a meal of. If you want to go big, the omakase experience delivers outstanding quality, perfect for special celebrations and casual visits alike.
Queen Miami Beach
$$$$ | (786) 373-2930 | WEBSITE
The mushroom risotto isn’t always part of our order at Queen Miami Beach—that would be the salmon maki, steak, and omakase tasting menu curated by Chef Kamakura, of course—but every time we get it, we’re surprised by its excellence. Or maybe there’s just something about creamy risotto that pairs well with the modern Great Gatsby vibe and lively performances after 7 pm at this Miami Beach hotspot. A generous, flavorful portion arrives in an elegant bowl brimming with earthy richness.
Daintily savoring each bite while Simon crafts another spectacular cocktail is guaranteed to make you feel one with the stylish ambiance and fun entertainment.
Sushi Bichi
$$$ | (305) 397-8749 | WEBSITE
At Sushi Bichi, the Miami Beach restaurant’s fusion-style Japanese spot, you have the option of ordering your sake with the rare ‘first run’ Masumi Arabashiri or a more familiar selection. We prefer the Arabashiri, even if it means savoring each sip a little more deliberately in the tasting process. Served chilled in traditional cups, this is a high-quality, expertly crafted sake that we don’t mind taking our time with.
If you like to close your eyes and appreciate the quality of your sushi, prioritize Sushi Bichi.
Japón at The Setai
$$$$ | (305) 520-6000 | WEBSITE
In a word, the miso cod from this lively Japanese spot in Miami Beach (also from The Setai hotel) is stunning. Imagine what you’d find at a high-end sushi bar turned up to eleven. Japón offers it as part of their tasting menu or à la carte—each portion served with seasonal vegetables and a miso glaze that’s both sweet and savory.
The dish arrives with the fish flaking perfectly at the touch of a fork, which is exactly the type of meal you want to be eating in their vibrant dining room with energetic music in the background and creative cocktails at your table.
Makoto
$$$ | (305) 864-8600 | WEBSITE
Stepping into Makoto, the modern Japanese favorite in Bal Harbour, at any time of the evening is a treat for the senses: sleek minimalist décor, soft ambient music, and a polished crowd enjoying wagyu hot stone and sipping Tozai Plum Sake. In other words, it’s both the absolute last place and the absolute perfect place to order tuna crispy rice.
The straightforward version here—crispy rice topped with fresh tuna and spicy mayo—isn’t only good because of the atmosphere (or the sake cocktail you just sipped), it’s good because the tuna is fresh, flavorful, and delicious. And at $18, apparently worth every bite.
The Den
$$$$ | (786) 276-0520 | WEBSITE
This Miami Beach Japanese spot from the 10 Best list is best known for its omakase experience and carefully curated menu, but like any respectable high-end Japanese restaurant, they do an excellent Yakimono, too. Sure, the perfectly cooked grilled fish with its crispy exterior is a little impractical—you’ll probably want to savor every flake slowly—but the precision of flavors and the generous portion make it a standout dish.
The private dining room with its view of the skilled chefs is a nice touch, too.
Myn-Tu
$$$$ | (786) 610-4200 | WEBSITE
The caviar at Myn-Tu in South Beach isn’t your typical caviar service. You will not get a simple tin with blinis and crème fraîche arranged on a silver platter. Instead, the caviar comes beautifully presented with traditional accompaniments on a sleek modern plate. While the presentation isn’t quite as elaborate as others, the caviar itself is a standout. It’s exceptionally fresh with perfect pearls that pop with briny flavor—so delicious on their own, you barely need the extras.
Our only complaint is that it could be a little more generously portioned, and the dish isn’t on their otherwise excellent late-night menu.
SuViche – Sushi and Ceviche
$$ | (305) 777-3555 | WEBSITE
Ceviche should normally be reserved for coastal Peruvian joints and beachside shacks. But at SuViche, a splashy fusion spot in Miami Beach, it’s a fun and slightly clever way to make a dish that always looks more or less the same stand out. Crispy rice aside, however, SuViche does this classic appetizer justice: the subtly seasoned ceviche is truly delightful, and we love that it comes with sides of housemade yuzu sauce and tangy aioli so you can mix up your dipping strategy.