Japanese Omakase
“Omakase” has become a buzzword in Miami. It’s a trend that’s quickly gathered steam in a city that loves fads, but the concept itself has been around in Japan for generations. Omakase translates to “I leave it up to you,” and it’s most closely associated with dining at sushi counters. When you opt for omakase, you give the head chef full creative reign to curate your meal, often at the spur of the moment, based on his or her philosophy and using the ingredients on hand. This means you’re likely to enjoy a slightly different experience each time you visit, especially if you’re dining at a restaurant that sources seasonal ingredients. Ready to give it a try? We’ve rounded up some restaurants in Miami that are doing omakase right.
AZABU
Owned and managed by acclaimed Japanese hospitality team Plan Do See, Azabu Miami offers a truly authentic omakase experience priced at $150 per person, with options to upgrade with a sake pairing and uni and toro tastings. The magic happens at The Den, Azabu’s intimate 18-seat sushi bar. That’s where Chef Yasu — formerly of Sushi Azabu in New York and the Michelin-starred Sushi Iwa in Tokyo — crafts an Edomai-style multi-course meal based on seasonal ingredients flown directly from Japan.
Details: Azabu at the Marriott Stanton South Beach, 161 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach. For reservations, call 305-5367700.
SUSHI BY BOU
Tucked away inside Gianni Versace’s own suite at the former Versace Mansion, Sushi by Bou offers one of the best value (and most intimate — the counter seats only six at a time) omakase experiences in Miami. Arrive early to enjoy some Japanese whiskey or cocktails at the G-Lounge, an exclusive hangout with views over Ocean Drive and a self-service sake
vending machine. Then, tuck into a 12-course omakase experience led by Chef Ryo Kato. Dinner is $50 on Thursdays and $75 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Details: Sushi by Bou inside the Villa Casa Casuarina, 1116 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach. For reservations, visit OpenTable.
HIDEN
If you manage to score a reservation at this exclusive eight-seat counter at the back of The Taco Stand in Wynwood, come with an appetite. Prepared by Chef Tetsuya Honda and Chef James Weinlein, the omakase experience here spans 15 courses and changes every night. It’ll set you back $170 per person, but if you can afford it, you should definitely visit more than once.
Details: 313 NW 25th St, Miami. For reservations, visit www.hidenmiami .com.
ZUMA
Zuma is best-known for its power lunches and champagne-fueled Sunday brunches, but the Brickell hotspot also offers a great omakase experience for those who know to ask for it. Unlike traditional sushidriven omakase, Zuma’s experience defines each “course” as a signature plate. Guests get to sample about 15 different dishes including sashimi, assorted maki and nigiri, grilled meats, and roasted fish. You’ll get to choose between four different options ranging from an $80 multi-course lunch, to a $225 seasonal experience spotlighting premium offmenu items.
Details: 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami. For reservations, visit www. zumarestaurant.com.
KAIDO
Helmed by acclaimed chef Brad Kilgore, Kaido has wowed guests since it opened just over a year ago. The cocktails are good enough to keep locals coming back, but the real gem at this Design District spot is Ama, a hidden bar inside where you can feast on a 16-course “Amakase” menu. Don’t expect traditional sushi offerings here — the Ama-kase experience offers a unique spin on the concept, highlighting courses like uni “ramen,” shiso buds and hibiscus ponzu. Ama hosts three seatings each week at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Details: Kaido, 151 NE 41st St., #217, Miami. For reservations at Ama, visit https://www.exploretock .com/ama.
WABI SABI BY SHUJI
At Wynwood’s Wabi Sabi, Chef Shuji Hiyakawa serves three omakase options. There’s a $39 omakase chirashi, which spotlights a chef’s choice of assorted fish over your choice of base, a $50 sashimi omakase, and the fan-favorite Wabi Sabi omakase, a 14-course nigiri sampler with a maki roll, priced at $100. In February, Chef Shuji will open Wabi Sabi’s sister restaurant, Hiyakawa — a 28-seat dining room that will also offer a $100 omakase menu featuring chef selections from a slew of different categories.
Details: Wabi Sabi, 851 NE 79th Street, Miami. For reservations, call 305890-7228.