Best Japanese Restaurants in Miami
23 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
NAOE
Miami's only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond Japanese restaurant, serving just 10 guests nightly with Chef Kevin Cory's family soy sauce and sake from 1825 Kanazawa breweries.
Essential Picks
#1
NAOE
9.4
Chef Kevin Cory's 13-year-old omakase sanctuary on Brickell Key seats just five guests per evening for a $280 prix-fixe procession of pristine nigiri, bento, and seasonal courses—all served with sake from 1825 Kanazawa breweries and soy sauce from his family's own production. The intimacy borders on private dining; Cory himself handles every detail from greeting to plating, sourcing fish daily from Japan and local waters. There's no menu, no substitutions, and no children under 12—rigidity that filters for serious eaters and rewards them with one of the country's most consistent high-end Japanese experiences. The wait for a reservation can stretch weeks, and the per-person cost puts it firmly in special-occasion territory, but those who've been call it on par with Tokyo's best.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bento Box Selection, Golden Eye Snapper Nigiri, Striped Jack Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Miami's only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond Japanese restaurant, serving just 10 guests nightly with Chef Kevin Cory's family soy sauce and sake from 1825 Kanazawa breweries.
Notable Picks
#2
Uchi Miami
8.9
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole brought his Austin-born concept to Wynwood in 2021, and the precision shows in every plate—whether you're working through the seasonal omakase or letting the kitchen guide you through their greatest hits like the Hama Chili and Walu Walu. The Wynwood space balances sophistication with warmth, steering clear of the pretension that plagues high-end sushi elsewhere. Service runs attentive with real menu knowledge, though peak-hour waits for drinks suggest the bar could use reinforcement. Portions run small for the price point, which stings less if you accept this as special-occasion territory rather than Tuesday sushi. Come for a celebratory omakase when you want fish quality that justifies the spend.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hama Chili, Wagyu Ringo, Sake Toro Crudo
What Makes it Special: James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole's nontraditional Japanese cuisine with a seasonal omakase and pristine fish in Wynwood's vibrant arts district.
#3
Hiyakawa
8.7
The undulating wood-slat ceiling frames what may be Miami's most refined Japanese dining room, where Chef Masa Komatsu applies kikubari—anticipating guest needs before they arise. Diners who have eaten extensively in New York and Los Angeles rank this among their top omakase experiences. The $180-250 price point delivers comparable quality to pricier competitors with more thoughtful hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sakana Kara Age, Rosemary Lamb Chops, Ebi Tempura
What Makes it Special: A stunning architectural space with undulating wood slats where Master Chef Masa Komatsu prepares no more than 50 meals nightly using kikubari—the Japanese art of anticipating guests' needs.
#4
Momi Market
8.6
Chef Takashi Terashima—formerly of the Aman Group and various Michelin-starred kitchens—runs this unassuming marketplace counter where $27 gets you a kaisen don with fish flown in multiple times weekly from Japan. The space is stripped-down casual, but the knife work and sourcing rival spots charging three times as much. For the full experience, call ahead for the $175 omakase served to one party at a time; the 17-course spread lets Terashima flex without distraction. Closed Sundays, and the texting-based reservation system for omakase requires patience—worth it for serious sushi eaters who care about fish quality over scenery.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kaisen Don, Otoro-Ikura Hand Roll, Salmon Ikura Bowl
What Makes it Special: Chef Takashi Terashima brings Michelin-star precision to a casual marketplace setting, with seasonal fish flown directly from Japan multiple times weekly.
#5
Uchi Miami
8.6
James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole brings non-traditional Japanese cuisine that has converted skeptical New York sushi purists. The kitchen balances technical precision with creative risk-taking, delivering dishes like Hama Chili and Wagyu Ringo that justify the Wynwood prices. Happy hour offers a strategic entry point for experiencing the brand that put Austin on the national sushi map.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hama Chili, Wagyu Ringo, Suika
What Makes it Special: James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole's non-traditional Japanese cuisine blends Latin and Japanese flavors with theatrical presentation.
#6
Hiden
8.5
Miami's Michelin-starred eight-seat counter hidden behind a taco stand offers Edomae-style sushi with fish flown from Japan multiple times weekly. The passcode-protected entrance and months-long waitlist create genuine exclusivity, though recent chef turnover has introduced variability that affects an omakase format dependent on consistency. At $300 per person, expect flawless execution on most visits with occasional unevenness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Nigiri Omakase, A5 Wagyu, Otoro Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred 8-seat speakeasy hidden behind a taco stand, where Chef Seijun Okano serves 16-18 courses of Edomae-style sushi flown from Japan multiple times weekly.
#7
Shiso
8.5
Chef Raheem Sealey's debut after leading KYU to James Beard recognition opened in March 2025, fusing Caribbean soul with Japanese technique and Texas wood-fire smoking in ways that feel genuinely original—the smoked oxtail gunkan and short rib with DIY handroll materials exist nowhere else in Miami. The graffiti-tagged rooftop space overlooking Wynwood captures that early-2010s neighborhood energy before everything became an Italian restaurant or taco shop. Service has been inconsistent since opening, with multiple reports of glacial pacing and inattentive staff, and the automatic 20% gratuity removes incentive for improvement. Best for adventurous eaters who prioritize culinary ambition over polished hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oxtail Gunkan (Smoked BBQ Oxtail with Pickle Relish), Shiso Chicken Please (Cornish Hen Two Ways), Smoked Sticky Ribs with Puff Rice Furikake
What Makes it Special: Chef Raheem Sealey (formerly of KYU) fuses Caribbean soul with Japanese precision and Texas-style wood-fire smoking, creating dishes like smoked oxtail gunkan that exist nowhere else.
#8
Yoso Sushi
8.4
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Trendy Table Hotspots
Chefs Deniz Aktug and Khristian Lara—both Zuma Miami alumni—traded their Design District food truck for a baby-blue six-seat counter in Upper Buena Vista, and the transition hasn't dulled the focus on sustainable, affordable fish that made them a local cult favorite. The omakase runs through delicately scored nigiri finished with housemade yuzu kosho, and the combination platters for two deliver serious value at $60. The intimate counter creates genuine chef interaction, though six seats means waits during peak hours are essentially guaranteed. Monday's live DJ brings unexpected energy to what's otherwise a chill neighborhood operation. This is where you come when you want fish quality punching above its price point without the scene or the pretense.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Chef Selection, Salmon Tataki, Yellowtail Crispy Rice
What Makes it Special: Former food truck turned intimate six-seat counter serving sustainable, affordable sushi with outstanding fish quality in Upper Buena Vista.
8.3
The first U.S. location from Mexico City's Grupo Ikigai, opened March 2025 on Brickell Key with Chef Ignacio Carmona—30-plus years of Japanese training and a spot on Mexico's 100 Best Restaurants list—running the kitchen. The smoked kampachi and white fish tiradito showcase his precise technique, while tableside theatrics add polish without veering into gimmick territory. Early reviews praise the freshness and presentation, though as a brand-new opening, long-term consistency remains unproven. Two-hour parking validation sweetens the deal for a neighborhood where that matters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Kampachi, White Fish Tiradito, Ikura in Lemon
What Makes it Special: The first U.S. outpost from Mexico City's celebrated Grupo Ikigai, with Chef Ignacio Carmona's 30+ years of Japanese expertise and tableside theatrics.
#10
Kaori
8.3
Opened in 2022 and Michelin-recognized, Kaori marries serious Pan-Asian cooking with a genuine Hi-Fi listening bar concept—130,000 vinyl records, Danley Sound Labs speakers, and rotating DJs Thursday through Saturday. Executive Chef Seth Fatah's menu runs from wagyu-foie gras gyoza to dry-aged duck, and the kitchen executes with more precision than the nightlife-forward vibe might suggest. The 6,000-square-foot two-story space lets you choose between refined upstairs dining or a more casual first-floor bar experience. Prices run high and portions can feel precious, which draws occasional grumbles. Best for dates or groups who want excellent food without sacrificing atmosphere, and who appreciate that the music isn't just background noise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu and Foie Gras Gyoza, Shiro Ponzu Crudo, Miyazaki A5 Beef
What Makes it Special: A restaurant meets Hi-Fi listening bar where Michelin-recognized modern Asian cuisine pairs with curated vinyl and live DJs for a sensory experience.
8.3
This Tokyo-meets-Lima izakaya opened in 2021 and quickly earned three consecutive Miami New Times 'Best Sushi' awards under Chef Michael Asalie, who won the South Beach Seafood Festival's sushi battle in 2022. The Paper Tuna and torched salmon nigiri draw the crowds, but the Nikkei-leaning menu—think crispy rice with truffle and acevichado rolls—is where the kitchen really distinguishes itself from Brickell's sushi pack. Dinner service gets loud and energetic, which is either the point or a drawback depending on what you're after. Service can feel transactional during peak hours, and some reviewers find the portions modest for the price point. Best suited for date nights where you want quality fish without the omakase commitment or the scene-y peacocking of flashier neighbors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paper Tuna, 48-Hour Marinated Black Cod, Salmon Aburi Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Tokyo-inspired izakaya blending Nikkei flavors with inventive nigiri like torched wagyu and truffle-kissed salmon in a sleek Brickell setting.
#12
Shokudo
8.3
The Takarada family—who've been feeding Miami since opening Toni's Sushi Bar on South Beach in 1987—runs this pan-Asian spot in Buena Vista with the confidence that comes from 37 years in the game. The menu sprawls across sushi, tonkotsu ramen, Korean BBQ, and Vietnamese pho, and somehow the kitchen lands most of it without the usual fusion-restaurant identity crisis. The covered patio works beautifully for the neighborhood-restaurant vibe they're cultivating, and servers like Lorena get called out by name for attentive, genuine hospitality. Takeout popularity occasionally pulls attention from dine-in guests, and some ramen bowls have run saltier than ideal. This is a reliable Buena Vista anchor for anyone who can't agree on a single cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue Crab Roll, Crispy Tuna Rice, Tonkotsu Ramen
What Makes it Special: Pan-Asian comfort food spanning sushi, ramen, and Korean dishes from the team behind a 30-year Miami institution, steps from the Design District.
#13
ICHIMI MIA
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
The tonkotsu obsession here is real—broth simmers for 20 hours in special cauldrons, and the noodles come from a machine that's one of only 10 in the country, imported directly from Japan. Executive Chef Constantine De Lucia, with stints at Momi Ramen and Lure Fishbar, keeps the kitchen focused on authenticity over fusion gimmicks, and the result lands among Miami's most legitimate ramen experiences. The Midtown space runs casual-industrial with an izakaya vibe, though the peeling faux-leather banquettes suggest the décor hasn't kept pace with the food program. Chashu portions could be more generous for protein seekers. Come for the Soul Ramen or Black Dragon when you want the real thing without flying to Japan or paying omakase prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soul Ramen, Black Dragon Spicy Ramen, Duck Wings
What Makes it Special: 20-hour simmered tonkotsu broth with fresh homemade noodles crafted daily—one of Miami's most authentic ramen experiences outside Japan.
8.1
Chef Yu opened the original 107 Taste in 2016 on 107th Ave after earning her hospitality master's from FIU, expanding to this Brickell location with a pan-Asian menu spanning Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Chinese staples—all built on house-made sauces. The pad thai draws connoisseur-level praise, and the takoyaki and tonkotsu ramen deliver solid execution at neighborhood-friendly prices. Generous portions keep the value equation honest, though service can lag when the room fills and an 18% gratuity kicks in for groups. A practical everyday option that over-delivers on quality for its price bracket.
Must-Try Dishes:
Takoyaki, Pad Thai, Korean Kimchi Ramen
What Makes it Special: An Asian women-owned Pan-Asian spot with house-made sauces, sustainable practices, and Miami's most praised pad thai at neighborhood prices.
#15
Momi Ramen
8.1
Owner-operated ramen house that commits to a narrow menu—tonkotsu broth simmers for 18 hours, noodles are pulled daily from Japanese-imported flour, and the kitchen seats fewer than 25. Brickell regulars treat it as a late-night anchor, returning for the pork belly char siu and oxtail bowls that consistently rank among the neighborhood's strongest ramen options. The price point runs steep for noodles, but the portion size and broth depth justify repeat visits for those who prioritize craft over convenience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly Char Siu Ramen, Oxtail Ramen, Chicken Pan Seared Gyoza Dumplings
What Makes it Special: A tiny, owner-operated Brickell ramen house where noodles are made fresh daily with flour imported from Japan and tonkotsu broth simmers for hours in massive kettles.
#16
Tokyo Tuna Sushi
8.1
A decade-plus Brickell fixture co-owned by Sean Raee, who's made multiple trips to Tokyo chasing authenticity—and it shows in the daily-flown fish and layered flavor profiles on rolls like the Hamachi Supreme. The space delivers on the Instagram-friendly promise with faux cherry blossoms and a vibrant terrace that pulls in the happy hour crowd for genuinely solid deals (70-piece platters under $100 is real). Service gets consistently name-checked as warm and attentive, though kitchen execution runs hot and cold based on recent feedback—some visits land perfectly, others feel rushed. Best for groups who want festive energy and respectable-not-transcendent sushi in a neighborhood drowning in overpriced mediocrity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi Supreme Roll, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Himachi Crudo
What Makes it Special: A 25-year Miami institution serving daily-flown fresh fish in a vibrant, Instagram-worthy space with faux cherry blossom trees and colorful decor that stands out in the Brickell dining scene.
8
Philadelphia's beloved izakaya translates well to Wynwood, with binchotan-grilled robatayaki and black cod fried rice emerging as early favorites since the March 2025 opening. The signature cheesesteak bao reads better on paper than on the plate, lacking the punch the Philly homage deserves. Strong execution on Japanese classics makes this a reliable Wynwood Walls dinner option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tamago Soufflé, Black Cod Fried Rice, A5 Wagyu with Rice Cracker
What Makes it Special: Philly celebrity chef Michael Schulson brings his beloved izakaya to Wynwood with binchotan charcoal robatayaki and inventive bao that rival the sushi.
8
A 20-year Miami institution that was doing late-night ramen before it was trendy, open until 5AM every night with an izakaya-style menu spanning crispy rice rolls, A5 wagyu ramen, and deep-fried cheesecake. The value proposition is strong—quality ingredients at prices that don't punish you for ordering a second round—and servers like Luis and Noel get called out by name. Peak hours can slow the kitchen considerably, and some find the ramen merely solid rather than destination-worthy. Works best as a reliable Brickell standby or post-bar spot rather than a special-occasion pick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Rice Roll, Red Dragon Roll, A5 Wagyu Ramen
What Makes it Special: One of Brickell's only quality sushi spots open until 5AM, offering A5 wagyu ramen and creative rolls at accessible prices.
Worthy Picks
#19
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
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.
#20
Komodo
7.9
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
David Grutman's three-story Brickell spectacle grosses $41 million annually—the top-earning restaurant in America according to Restaurant Business—and those numbers tell you exactly what you're walking into: a see-and-be-seen celebration factory where the floating bird's nest seating and Instagram moments matter as much as the food. The Peking Duck and Lobster Dynamite are legitimately good, but reviews consistently note that service struggles to keep pace with the crowds and reservations don't always mean much. Expect bottle service energy, steep prices ($115 average check), and a fashionable crowd dressed for the moment. This is where you go for birthday spectacle or impressing out-of-towners who want the full Miami experience—not for a quiet Tuesday dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Half Peking Duck, Lobster Dynamite, Miso Chilean Seabass
What Makes it Special: A three-story indoor/outdoor spectacle with floating bird's nest seating that's become Miami's ultimate see-and-be-seen celebration destination.
7.8
A Brooklyn-born concept inspired by Sydney's Bondi Beach, this spot does clean-cut fish in a casual counter setting with Japanese brunch items—fluffy pancakes with matcha, wagyu benedict on milk bread—that differentiate it from the neighborhood's omakase and izakaya options. The happy hour reportedly ranks among Brickell's best for hand rolls and nigiri at reduced prices. With only 28 reviews on the major platforms, it's still building its track record, and the brunch-forward identity may confuse diners expecting a traditional sushi experience. Drop in for pancakes and a spicy tuna crispy rice when you want something lighter than the scene-heavy alternatives.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fluffy Japanese Pancakes, Wagyu Benedict, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
What Makes it Special: A Brooklyn-born sushi chain bringing Japanese brunch culture to Brickell with matcha-topped pancakes and wagyu on milk bread alongside solid hand rolls.
#22
Sexy Fish Miami
7.8
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Late Night Legends
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
A London import that doubles as an art installation—Damien Hirst sculptures, Frank Gehry fish lamps, and a crowd that treats dinner as a runway show. The caramelized black cod and robata-grilled items hold their own, but portions run small for the price, and quality can swing between excellent sushi and forgettable cooked plates. Reviews consistently rate the atmosphere five stars and the food closer to 3.5, which tells you exactly who this place is for. Dress code enforcement is inconsistent enough to frustrate, and table placement can make or break the experience—request the main room or risk being banished to a lesser section.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caramelized Black Cod with Spicy Miso, King Crab and Bone Marrow, Crispy Duck Salad
What Makes it Special: A London import with Damien Hirst art and Frank Gehry fish sculptures, where Asian-inspired seafood meets Miami nightlife glamour.
7.8
A riverfront Asian fusion destination where the sunset views and waterfront setting often outshine the food itself. The Peruvian-born chef delivers competent Japanese-Chinese fusion with standouts like toro tartare and pork bao buns, though some diners find the execution inconsistent. Best suited for happy hour drinks with appetizers or romantic evenings where ambiance takes priority.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro Tartare, A5 Wagyu Kamameshi, Pork Bao Buns
What Makes it Special: Modern Asian fusion with waterfront views where premium Japanese fish meets dim sum and wok dishes under one roof.