Photo Credit: DeepSleep Studios
The famed, NYC Michelin-starred Japanese dining destination Azabu has finally made its debut in the Magic City—and it certainly lives up to its distinguished reputation. Nestled in the Marriott Stanton South Beach hotel in the coveted South of Fifth neighborhood, the restaurant offers something Miami has long been needing—fresh, authentic omakase—something you often have to travel to New York to find in the States.
The space boats multiple dining areas, each tailored to something different. In the main area, there is a full-service Izakaya dining room seating up to 80 guests, as well as a hidden sushi counter with Tokyo-trained chefs called The Den and Bar Azabu, a classic-style cocktail bar showcasing sakes and over 40 imported whiskeys. Led by Chef Masatsugu Kubo (Chef Masa), every detail of the dining experience is taken into consideration to make it truly unique.
Photo Credit: DeepSleep Studio
The interior of the space pays homage to its Japanese roots, with understated wooden décor, large open-format kitchens and a gorgeous, intimate sushi den, where guests can partake in a traditional omakase experience. In the main dining room, a six-foot Bonsai fixture is featured as the centerpiece of the room. At the bar, the diligent mixologists whip up crafty, Japanese-style cocktails and showcase one of the most impressive whiskey collections around—featuring up to 30-year-old aged Hibiki whiskey.
Photo Credit: DeepSleep Studios
The main dining room offers specialty dishes from the Robata grill, like the Robata Avocado Uni dish or the Robata-grilled Yakitori—Japanese fried rice served tableside on a sizzling Tobanyaki grill. Other highlights include the homemade Udon noodles, Robta Wagyu Sirloin steak and the decadent Salmon ChanChan.
Photo Credit: DeepSleep Studios
However, inside The Den is where the real magic happens. The 11-seat sushi bar is one-of-a-kind, from the bespoke counter crafted from a Hinoki Cypress tree, to the elevated, homemade and Japanese-imported menu items that are chosen by the sushi chef on that evening.
Photo Credit: DeepSleep Studios
The experience is two hours long, and features two menu options—$120/person which includes eight courses with 10 pieces of omakase, or $150/person which adds on a Toro tasting—we suggest going that route and adding the Uni tasting, as well as the sake pairing, to get the ultimate omakase experience.
Photo Credit: DeepSleep Studios
Serving only the highest quality of fish with precise technique and balance of flavors, Chef Shingo Akikuni, one of the masters of the sushi bar, prepares a decadent tasting menu that will have you craving for more the minute you exit the cozy space. The Toro tasting comes with three pieces—Chu Toro, Seared Toro and Otoro—all of which melt in your mouth, while the Uni tasting features Hokkaido and Santa Barbara Uni.
Photo Credit: DeepSleep Studios
Additionally, the chef whips up 10 pieces of omakase, which vary depending on the evening, but will likely include a variety of buttery Botan Ebi, Sea Bream, Mackerel, Striped Jack, Sweet Snapper and so much more. Other highlights include a Tarabagani Kani Miso Yaki—grilled King Crab with Kani Miso—and homemade Tamago. Dessert may vary on the night, but will likely highlight the spot’s homemade mochi and fresh fruits.
Photo Credit: DeepSleep Studios
In all, the meal is vibrant, adventurous and diverse—and most importantly, impeccably paired and balanced with the utmost precision. If you are a true omakase lover and looking for an adventurous meal, this is a can’t-miss experience that is truly hard to find in Miami.
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