From the serene, tucked‐away counter at Hiden, where every morsel feels like a whispered secret, to the playful, hand‐roll–focused energy at Nami Nori, Miami’s Japanese restaurants continue to evolve and surprise. Whether you’re seeking the purest expression of nigiri, a warm bowl of ramen, or inventive fusion tapas, this list will guide you through the best spots to eat, drink, and linger in the Magic City.

1. Hiden

Hiden is a hidden gem in Wynwood, seating just eight guests at a time for an exclusive omakase experience that feels both reverent and relaxed.
Chef Kazushige Suzuki sources fish flown in multiple times a week and serves it with minimal adornment—often just a brush of nikiri soy—to let the quality speak for itself.
Time Out Miami gave Hiden a perfect 5-star rating, praising its “secretive, shrine‐like atmosphere” and skillful itamae.
Vibe & Highlight: A low‐lit counter in Wynwood with discreet entrance; don’t miss the soy-marinated akami nigiri.
Price: High-end omakase, around $200+ per person.

2. Hiyakawa Miami

Hiyakawa opened in late 2023 as chef‐owner Shigetoshi Nakamura’s second Miami outpost, channeling Tokyo’s refined sushi bars in a sleek, modern setting.
Fresh fish arrives several times weekly, and each piece is treated with precision—brushed with subtle nikiri, sometimes accented with local citrus zest.
The dining room’s minimalist design, with wooden counters and clean lines, feels instantly transportive, evoking Ginza’s quiet elegance right in Miami Beach.
Vibe & Highlight: Polished Miami Beach haunt; order the otoro and uni pairings.
Price: $$$–$$$$, omakase options starting around $150.

3. Sushi Yasu Tanaka

Situated in the Design District, Sushi Yasu Tanaka is led by chef Yasu Tanaka, whose eponymous restaurant was hailed as one of the city’s best sushi experiences in 2024.
Tanaka’s focus is straightforward: pristine fish, rice seasoned just so, and a warm counter where he’s happy to chat sashimi provenance and seasonal variations.
Signature offerings include Hokkaido scallops drizzled with yuzu kosho and a memorable nigiri lineup that changes daily based on market arrivals.
Vibe & Highlight: Casual counter in the Design District; try the scallop carpaccio.
Price: Moderate to upscale ($$–$$$).

4. The Den at Azabu Miami Beach

The Den at Azabu brings South Beach a slice of upscale Japanese comfort, combining sushi, izakaya plates, and an intimate blue-accented bar area.
Well‐trained itamae dress each piece with care—uni nigiri arrives topped with a hint of chive, while octopus comes dotted with miso foam.
Beyond sushi, don’t miss the yasai tempura and the Den roll, a crunchy shrimp tempura roll with avocado and spicy mayo that adds a playful contrast to the refined courses.
Vibe & Highlight: Candlelit booths by Ocean Drive; the Den roll lives up to its name.
Price: $$$.

5. Ogawa

Ogawa in Little River feels like stepping into a private Tokyo sushi club, complete with a zen garden courtyard and an 18-course omakase that commands attention—and reservations.
Chef Masayuki Komatsu tailors each omakase to your preferences, but you’ll want to surrender to his $250 tasting menu, which moves from delicate sashimi to bold seared toro.
The Wynwood location’s soaring ceiling and whale‐ribcage motif set the stage for an immersive evening in art and food.
Vibe & Highlight: Wynwood’s cathedral‐like dining room; the 18-course omakase is a must.
Price: Upscale omakase ($250+).

6. Shingo

Tucked inside the Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key, Shingo turns out a refined—and very photogenic—omakase that blends traditional technique with a warm, gallery-like setting.
This spot emphasizes seasonal produce as much as fish; think conch sashimi one day, a playful uni custard the next.
Chef Ryuji Shindo’s approachable explanations of each course—often comparing Japanese micro-seasons to Florida’s weather patterns—add a personal touch.
Vibe & Highlight: Serene bay-view counter; ask for the mini uni chawanmushi.
Price: $$$–$$$$.

7. Uchi Miami

A transplant from Austin, Uchi Miami brings a contemporary twist to Japanese-style small plates and sushi, focusing on bold flavors and creative presentations.
Highlights include beef tataki with ponzu gelée, crispy rice topped with tuna tartare, and a seasonal wagyu nigiri that’s unforgettably buttery.
Vibrant wood tables and a spacious patio make Uchi ideal for groups seeking a lively evening of sake flights and sharable dishes.
Vibe & Highlight: Rice Village meets Wynwood energy; the tuna tataki is a perennial favorite.
Price: Moderate to upscale ($$–$$$).

8. Naoe

Naoe was Miami’s first dedicated sushi‐and‐omakase bar when it opened in Brickell Bay back in 2009, and it remains a benchmark for pure, no-frills nigiri.
Owner-chef Keitaro “Naoe” Imagawa adheres to Edo-style simplicity: no maki rolls, just impeccable seasonal fish and perfectly vinegared rice.
Reservations are coveted, so plan weeks in advance and relish the subtlety of each course—from silken kohada to delicate akami.
Vibe & Highlight: Brickell Bay loft; the seasonal nigiri omakase is transformative.
Price: Upscale omakase (around $175+).

9. Nami Nori

Nami Nori, in the Design District, puts the spotlight on temaki (hand rolls), making it a casual, interactive joy for both sushi novices and connoisseurs.
Pharrell Williams even partnered on this concept after being impressed by the precision and hospitality at the New York flagship.
Choose from classics like spicy tuna or inventive mash-ups like mango-topped hamachi, then watch as each cone is rolled to order, crisp nori crackling as you bite.
Vibe & Highlight: Bright, counter-service spot; the spicy salmon hand roll is instantly addictive.
Price: Moderate ($$).

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10. MILA Omakase

MILA Omakase on Lincoln Road offers a 10-seat, enclosed omakase room that fuses Japanese traditions with Mediterranean flair, helmed by 26-Michelin-starred Chef Michaël Michaelidis.
Dishes evolve with Japan’s 72 micro-seasons, featuring everything from line-caught fish to Hokkaido sea urchin and Bushu-Gyu wagyu.
The oak-lined counter and overhead cherry blossom installation make it feel like you’re dining inside a modern art installation as much as a restaurant.
Vibe & Highlight: Ultra‐luxurious 10-seat room; the uni and wagyu courses are revelations.
Price: High-end omakase ($195–$280).

These ten restaurants showcase the vibrant spectrum of Japanese cuisine in Miami—from rigorous Edo-style counter service to playful, modern fusion concepts. Whether you’re craving the ritualistic focus of eight‐seat omakase or the joyous crunch of a hand-rolled temaki, Miami’s Japanese scene has never been more dynamic. Pack your appetite (and a reservation list) and get ready to explore.