Paige Mastrandrea Paige Mastrandrea | February 5, 2021 | Food & Drink Lifestyle Food & Drink
Over the past few years, the omakase scene in Miami has taken off. Whereas Miami institutions like Brickell Key’s NAOE set the pace for the elevated dining experience, newcomers have entered the city to enhance our dining options even further. And with more diversity comes more approachability for those who may be intimidated by a typical omakase tasting menu price or exotic ingredient choices. This gives those who want to dip their toes into the dining experience the opportunity to do so at an easier level.
Here, we’re breaking down the top 10 omakase spots in the city that appeal to any level diner.
FOR THE SEASONED OMAKASE DINER
Hiden
313 NW 25th St., Wynwood / Website
Since its debut in 2019, Hiden has greatly enhanced the omakase scene in the city. Tucked in a nondescript location in the back of The Taco Stand in Wynwood—requiring a passcode for entry that expires 15 minutes after the reservation has begun—Hiden is an extraordinarily memorable and adventurous experience from start-to-finish. If you want to experience the multi-course dinner that highlights fresh and seasonally-rotating ingredients, plan in advance, because it typically books out at least a month in advance and requires a pre-paid reservation, starting at $170/person.
Hiyakawa
2700 North Miami Ave., Wynwood / Website
Brought by the beloved Wabi Sabi by Shuji team, Hiyakawa debuted in a breathtaking space in Fall 2020. Offering Japanese Edomae-style cuisine prepared by acclaimed Chefs Shuji Hiyakawa and Masayuki Komatsu, Hiyakawa is a must-visit for seasoned omakase diners. Expect rare fish, innovative dishes and traditional Japanese techniques observed throughout the dining experience. The omakase experience starts at $175/person, including three kitchen appetizers, 12 pieces of fresh nigiri, miso soup and dessert.
NAOE
661 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell Key / Website
NAOE was the first in the game to bring true omakase to the city, with Chef Kevin Corey helming the kitchen. Dining here is a very intimate and special experience, accommodating only four guests for a three-hour tasting, which spans 16 courses including creative kaiseki dishes that appeal to the most experienced omakase diners. Dinner is priced at $250/person++ and must be pre-paid in advance.
Uchi Miami
252 NW 25th St., Wynwood / Website
The Austin-born eatery of James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole just recently debuted in the heart of Wynwood. Offering both a la carte and omakase menus, Uchi showcases a vibrant menu of fresh Japanese cuisine, including both raw and cooked dishes. Omakase tastings are offered in three options: the 10-course chef's tasting; six-course signature tasting; or the six-course vegetarian tasting, offering a more customizable experience for customers to choose from.
Nossa Omakase
1600 Collins Ave., Miami Beach / Website
The newly-opened Nossa Omakase located in Miami Beach brings the flair of the city mixed with high-end Japanese cuisine, helmed by Chef Max Kamakura. The hidden, prohibition-style speakeasy invites guests in for pre-dinner cocktails, followed by a sit-down, 18-20 course omakase experience that centers around the most indulgent ingredients. Expect plenty of caviar, Japanese uni, dry-aged fish, toro, freshly-shaved truffle and so much more. Come hungry, because this meal leaves nothing to need or want, priced at $250/person. Reservations must be pre-paid via reservations booking system, Tock.
FOR THE MID-LEVEL OMAKASE DINER
Yasu Tanaka
140 NE 29th St., Miami Design District / Instagram
Located in Miami Design District's MIA Market, this nigiri-focused, high-end Japanese eatery is helmed by the talented Chef Yasu, formerly of The Den at Azabu in Miami Beach. While the level of sushi presented is of expert status, Yasu Tanaka offers it at a more reasonable price-point, with different options for diners to choose from starting as low as $35 per 7 pieces and ranging higher with more pieces and higher quality of fish. Enjoy it all amidst the hustle and bustle of the lively Miami Design District food hall.
Mr. Omakase
163 SE 1st St., Downtown Miami / Website
The new concept is brought by Poke OG owners Andrew Mayer and Ryan Leto, with famed Chef Ryo Kato serving up delicious and fresh Japanese omakase in a trendy space, located in downtown Miami. Expect a cool atmosphere elevated with lively hip-hop music and an assortment of fresh sashimi and nigiri dishes. Mr. Omakase offers a more approachable omakase experience, starting at $69/person for 10 courses, with levels increasing by price and course.
Sushi by Bou
1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach / Website
Located in the Versace Mansion, Sushi by Bou offers a hip omakase experience in one of the city's most iconic and historic settings. Dinner starts at $125++/person for a 17-course dinner featuring a decadent lineup of dishes. Enjoy hip-hop music, a cozy lounge with extensive sake and whisky offerings and indulge in a memorable meal.
INTRO TO OMAKASE
Omakai
2107 NW 2nd Ave., Wynwood / Website
For a more approachable dining experience, Wynwood's Omakai is the perfect place to ease into the omakase dining scene. They offer three omakase-style experiences, starting with the Oma Bite for $24, easing into the Oma for $32 or the Oma Deluxe for $48, with add-on a la carte options available as well. If you prefer to dine at home, they offer at-home omakase boxes, which make the perfect option for a night in.
OMAKASE AT HOME
Omakase Direct / Instagram
For a truly special and ultra-luxurious dining experience, Omakase Direct gives diners the opportunity to enjoy an elevated, multi-course omakase experience from the comfort of their homes thanks to Makoto alum Amir Anvari. Anvari brings his expertise after training under revered sushi chefs like Chef Makoto or Chef Noz of New York's Sushi Noz to deliver an authentic meal at home. It's perfect for group dinner parties, with a minimum party size of four guests, ranging up to 15+. Expect everything from his version of the spicy tuna crispy rice to melt-in-your-mouth toro, A5 wagyu, Japanese uni and so much more. Be sure to plan in advance, as each month fills up quickly following the release date announced on Instagram.
Photography by: Top to bottom:
Hiyakawa: Michael Pisarri
Uchi: Reed Kenney
Yasu Tanaka: Sushi Yasu Tanaka by Masumura
Mr. Omakase: George Arango @MREATS305
Omakai: Dan Kocsis @foodshootsdan
Omakase Direct: Paige Mastrandrea