Master Critic Review
Gekko
7.9
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
David Grutman and Bad Bunny's Japanese steakhouse trades heavily on celebrity cachet and dimly-lit opulence—gold dragons, hot-stone wagyu, and a crowd dressed for the 'gram. The A5 beef cooked tableside and the lobster dumplings genuinely deliver, but service reviews are sharply divided: some servers earn praise by name, while others rush tables or disappear entirely. At these prices, inconsistency stings, and the host stand has developed a reputation for rigidity that borders on unwelcoming. Best approached as a birthday spectacle or nightlife-adjacent flex rather than a pure food pilgrimage.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Crispy Rice, Lobster Dumplings, A5 Hot Stone Wagyu
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A Japanese steakhouse-meets-nightclub from David Grutman and Bad Bunny, where you cook A5 wagyu on hot stones with Japanese whisky while gold-plated dragons watch.
Who should go: Celebrators wanting scene dining with serious steak.
When to visit: Early dinner for food focus; late for lounge energy.
What to order: Begin with Wagyu Crispy Rice and Lobster Dumplings, then commit to the A5 Hot Stone experience—the black cod is a must if avoiding red meat.
Insider tip: The Wagyu Crispy Rice sells out early in the evening—order it immediately upon seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Not specified—Brickell area has nearby garages; call ahead for valet availability
Dress code: Casual Elegant—skip athletic wear and flip-flops; think stylish date night attire
Noise level: Loud and energetic later in the evening with DJ and lounge vibe. Earlier weekday seatings (Tue-Thu) are calmer
Weekend wait: Very popular (Bad Bunny/Grutman spot)—book well in advance, expect waits even with reservations on busy nights
Weekday lunch: Not available—dinner only starting at 6pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options: plant-based chicken noodles, ginger salad, edamame, potato purée, mushrooms
Vegan options: Very limited—ginger salad, edamame, potato purée; call ahead
Gluten-free options: Staff can accommodate with advance notice—call to confirm
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but choose timing carefully - the sultry, dramatic interiors and upbeat music create an exciting vibe. Earlier weekday seatings (Tue-Thu) are calmer and more conducive to conversation. Weekend nights are loud and lively with a party atmosphere that may overwhelm a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends - this is one of Miami's hottest spots. Book through Resy well in advance for Friday/Saturday. Weekday early dinners have better walk-in chances. Call ahead to check, and expect to wait at the bar if no reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? No - this is an adult nightlife-focused venue with loud music, tightly spaced tables, and a lounge atmosphere that transforms into a party scene. Not appropriate for children.
Is it good for groups? Yes - they have a private dining room seating 16-18, semi-private spaces for 25-30, and a lounge for up to 75 for cocktail receptions. Full venue buyout accommodates 185 seated or 200 for receptions.
Is there outdoor seating? Limited - there is occasional sidewalk seating, but it's basic with no fans or ambiance. The lounge area has an outdoor component for private events. Indoor is the main draw here.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory nights out, scene-y atmosphere, premium A5 Wagyu and Japanese steakhouse experience, seeing and being seen
Consider Alternatives If: You want quiet conversation, are on a budget, or need extensive vegan/vegetarian options
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday6pm - 11pm
Wednesday6pm - 11pm
Thursday6pm - 11pm
Friday6pm - 12am
Saturday6pm - 12am
Sunday6pm - 10pm