Top Best Japanese Restaurants in South Beach

"Since it debuted in early 2018, the Miami Beach outpost of this Michelin-starred New York City concept by the acclaimed Japanese hospitality group, Plan Do See, has been a hit among both locals and tourists. Their main menu features incredible options like succulent sea scallops from Hokkaido paired with creamy, rich uni, shichimi pepper, shisho, yuzu, and ponzu; Japanese wagyu tataki seared to perfection and drizzled with rich truffle oil; crispy golden lobster tempura served with spicy mayo and bubu rice crackers; and all kinds of delectable robata favorites, like Nagoya-style chicken wings with caramelized spice teriyaki sauce, and bonito BBQ pork belly skewers with bubu arare, chile, and lime. You can also choose from a broad assortment of sushi, sashimi and nigiri offerings, oysters on the half shell with Japanese mignonette, and a toro sampler, as well as a range of tempting rice dishes."

"Don’t let the Ocean Drive location fool you: Azabu Miami is not a tourist trap. It’s actually a South of Fifth gem that deserves your full attention. The restaurant, located inside the Stanton Hotel, is known for its memorable Japanese cuisine that’s both satisfying and inviting."

"This New York City import boasts a “hidden” sushi counter that serves omakase using local and imported seafood from fish markets in Japan. Wash it back with one of the 40 imported whiskies on hand."

"Bars Lounges Allapattah. Watr owns its stunning view of the ocean with a Peruvian-inspired rooftop restaurant and bar decked in reclaimed wood. The soundtrack is more akin to breaking waves than the usual club bangers you hear in these parts."

"The wooden bar and Polynesian inspired rooftop make water a must-visit place to come. Enjoy great nightlife that you usually don’t get in the usual clubs because the soundtrack is fantastic. The stunning ocean view, drinks, and Zen vibes will also let you feel that you are in a spa."

"Nothing like a soft sea breeze, white, pillowy couches and some delicious Peruvian-influenced Japanese cuisine to make us feel like we’re on vacation right here at home. 2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-604-6580 or 1hotels.com. View this post on Instagram"

"From its days inside the former St. Roch Market, this Japanese-Peruvian restaurant has grown into a larger space all its own in the Miami Design District’s Palm Court. Led by a brother, sister, and father team lovingly referred to as the “Chang Gang,” Itamae is an ode to combining their Peruvian heritage with Japanese classics. Think: a curated selection of maki and rolls, sashimi, and rice bowls served alongside tiraditos and ceviches."

"When I heard Itamae, an excellent Nikkei spot that initially debuted in a Design District food hall, was going to open its own restaurant, I was way too excited. I probably checked their Instagram page on a weekly basis for updates. I even ended up interviewing Nando and Val Chang about the process of opening during a pandemic, which sounded like a planetary-size headache."

"Peruvian-Japanese food in Miami. This Nikkei restaurant from the Chang Gang (Papa Fernando Chang, Son Nando and Daughter Valerie) who make the most delicious makis and ceviches in Miami. I'm looking forward a lot for the opening of their new location.". Itame140 NE 39th St #136Miami, United States"

"Restaurants Japanese South Beach. One of the original New York imports to find a home in South Beach (there are many now), Blue Ribbon is a solid choice in the neighborhood. It’s small but offers outdoor seating by the pool (it’s inside the Plymouth Hotel) and a comfortable sushi counter where you can watch the pros go to work on your rolls."

"Blue Ribbon is a top name in the sushi world and this Miami outpost lives up to the hype. Nestled in the historic and newly restored Plymouth Hotel in the flourishing Mid-Beach Dis..."

"This Gainesville import made a name for itself by serving up inventive rolls like the Cobra Kai filled with red onion, tomato, imitation crab, tempura flakes, lemon, Loch Duart salmon, garlic-shiso pesto, and aged balsamic or the Black Dragon made with soft shell tempura, mascarpone, cucumber, scallion, topped with avocado, smoked eel, eel sauce, spicy mayo. Its daily happy hour is also a can’t miss, make this restaurant a go-to spot for many."

"Doraku Sushi, a sushi bar in Flamingo Lummus, is another go-to, with four stars out of 920 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1104 Lincoln Road to see for yourself. Doraku set out to reinvent the Japanese restaurant by capturing the flavors of Latin Cuisine while staying true to Japanese sushi traditions."

"Doraku offers a menu that has something for everyone whether they enjoy sushi or not. A well-rounded menu also provides wide selection for those … […]"

"Japanese , Sushi"

"1111 SW 1st Avenue, MiamiA former El Bulli employee, and recognized as one of the most talented chefs in the world, Diego Muñoz, has created one of the most interesting new restaurants in Miami, in the innovative 1111 Peruvian Bistro. Chef Muñoz travelled the world for work and for inspiration. This inspiration manifests itself food that hints of his global view, his mentors, and the places he has lived."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Design District. Pastry chef Soraya Caraccioli-Kilgore’s playful dessert spot sells vibrant unicorn cakes, rich chocolate bark and soft-serve in unexpected flavors. Her ice cream, in varieties such as matcha and berry rhubarb, is already pretty special yet she always finds a way to kick it up a notch with add-ons like edible glitter, gold leaf, gold dust, cotton candy and fancy sprinkles—and we’re all the more grateful for it."

"Soraya Kilgore — best known as the pastry chef at restaurants like Brava and Alter — is the woman behind this palace of sweets in Miami's Design District. MadLab Creamery isn't just about the ice cream, however. This spot also entices young and old to create their own sweet-treat work of art via more than 30 toppings, including edible glitter, tufts of pink cotton candy, golden-sheet sprinkles, even a macaroon or two."

"Restaurants Brazilian Shenandoah / Silver Bluff. Get sugared up at this kitschy shop and coffee bar serving 20-plus flavors of Brazilian brigadeiros: truffle-like balls made from condensed milk, butter and chocolate and covered in chocolate sprinkles. While these treats are the focus, the coffee shouldn’t be missed—plus it subs in as dessert."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by OH MY GOSH!!!"

"If you are really looking to treat yourself, head to Chez Bon Bon after dinner. Order an espresso or special drink like The Mochaâ€"made with espresso, steamed milk, and ghiradelli chocolate. This patisserie makes everything from scratch. From the hand-rolled chocolate croissants to cakes, macaroons, marshmallows, and 28 flavors of gelato."

"Restaurants Miami Beach. Find this upscale patisserie in the lobby of the Fontainebleau resort. Whether you’re on vacation or just pretending, you can indulge in gourmet chocolates, specialty cakes and pastries almost too pretty to eat."

"This Gainesville import made a name for itself by serving up inventive rolls like the Cobra Kai filled with red onion, tomato, imitation crab, tempura flakes, lemon, Loch Duart salmon, garlic-shiso pesto, and aged balsamic or the Black Dragon made with soft shell tempura, mascarpone, cucumber, scallion, topped with avocado, smoked eel, eel sauce, spicy mayo. Its daily happy hour is also a can’t miss, make this restaurant a go-to spot for many."

"Doraku Sushi, a sushi bar in Flamingo Lummus, is another go-to, with four stars out of 920 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1104 Lincoln Road to see for yourself. Doraku set out to reinvent the Japanese restaurant by capturing the flavors of Latin Cuisine while staying true to Japanese sushi traditions."

"Doraku offers a menu that has something for everyone whether they enjoy sushi or not. A well-rounded menu also provides wide selection for those … […]"

"Kosushi is a many-time Michelin star-rated world-renowned tailor of Brazil-based Japanese cuisine, located in the heart of South Pointe. Ingredients are handpicked by head chef George Koshoji who has extensive experience in multicultural Japanese cuisine, which highlights the focus of the eatery. Koshoji has honed his collective wisdom to bring South Beach an expertly refined exposure of Sao Paolo’s flavor."

"Internationally acclaimed sushi spot Kosushi has made its way to South of Fifth. The Brazil-based concept has brought with it a number of appetizing options for diners. These options include king crab truffle, salmon aji Amarillo with caviar, and wagyu gyoza."

"Hidden behind Koa Restaurant on South Beach, guests are escorted through a dark corridor that opens up into a theater-like den dining room where they’ll dine on a 16- to 18-course dinner created by executive chef Max Kamakura. The menu rotates often with show-stopping dishes highlighting Kamakura’s Brazilian roots and Japanese training like lobster sashimi, uni with black truffle on crispy rice, A5 wagyu nigiri, and otoro uni truffle temaki. Reservations are required, and once booked, guests will receive special instructions on how to access the restaurant."