One of Miami’s most beloved Japanese restaurants has completely transformed itself into a new destination. Makoto has been located on the ground floor of the Bal Harbour Shops since opening in 2011 and starting 2022 off strong, the restaurant has officially relocated to the third floor of the open-air luxury shopping center.

Chef Makoto Okuwa and Stephen Starr have worked on making the new location a complete dream and an entirely new experience.

The team worked alongside renowned designer India Mahdavi to complete an indoor, outdoor restaurant oasis. Two years later, the final product explores many feminine elements, through the magical and enchanting space.

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Stephen Starr, founder of STARR Restaurant Group explained, “If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that a restaurant must evolve in order to continue thriving,” he continued, “Chef Okuwa has long delivered an exceptional culinary experience at Makoto and we plan to continue offering his stellar Japanese cuisine to guests in a stunning new space designed by India Mahdavi.”

The new design of the restaurant draws a parallel to Mahavi’s Parisian background, with Makoto’s Japanese roots. With a color scheme of coral pink, saffron and sandalwood, walking into the space is a complete breath of fresh air. Making way outside, the design emulates the 1930’s era, with vintage-inspired chairs and beautiful hues of green florals.

Mahdavi expressed, “I wanted to redefine the Japanese restaurant typology at the crossroads of cultures that were relevant to this location…This is a more feminine experience of Japanese dining, one where the ephemeral memory of the atmosphere is as delicate as the experience of taste.”

The new location features expansive seating for a total of 244 guests indoor and outdoor and a beautiful state-of-the-art sushi counter for 16. Okuwa will continue to deliver his high-quality and picture-perfect dishes including Edomae-style sushi, charcoal robata grill skewers and his signature Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice.

“When I first came to Miami ten years ago, I had to introduce myself and our new restaurant to this amazing market,” said Okuwa. “Our success has been steadfast, and we are so grateful for our loyal guests who return time and time again to experience what we have to offer. With our new location, there is more for them to love.”

With its door officially open, the new and improved Makoto is so excited to welcome guests, both new and old, to its transformed culinary oasis.