Whether you’re in the mood for traditional sushi or something with a modern twist, these tried-and-true Brickell sushi spots are sure to satisfy your cravings. From the freshest fish to the most innovative combinations, these five restaurants serve up the best sushi in Brickell.
Ikigai
For those seeking sushi serenity in the heart of Miami’s high-octane Brickell, Ikigai offers a peaceful retreat steeped in Japanese precision and beauty. Nestled on tranquil Brickell Key, this refined newcomer from Mexico’s acclaimed Grupo Ikigai brings an omakase-style approach to the waterfront with a deep reverence for craftsmanship, balance, and seasonality.
The moment you enter, the atmosphere speaks in hushed tones—every detail curated for a quiet yet elevated experience. Designed by the world-renowned firm Sala Hars and furnished by La Metropolitana, the interiors are minimalist and calming, reflecting the Japanese principle of ikigai, or “reason for being.” Each element—from the seamless woodwork to the thoughtful plating—embodies this ethos.
Chef and Partner Ignacio Carmona, whose culinary pedigree includes top Japanese restaurants in Mexico and extensive training in Japan, leads the kitchen with quiet authority. His Nigiri Omakase Experience changes daily, dictated by what’s freshest from the restaurant’s global seafood sourcing network, including Japan, New Zealand, Chile, and Europe. Signature dishes like White Fish Tiradito, Hamachi Serrano, and Rib Eye Udon showcase a masterful marriage of traditional Japanese technique and bold, contemporary flavor.
Equally compelling are the Shrimp Gyozas—delicate, pan-seared, and bursting with umami—and the expertly sliced sashimi that melts cleanly on the tongue. Whether you’re seated at the sushi bar or tucked into one of the softly lit tables, the experience is immersive yet remarkably serene—free from the noise that often disrupts Miami’s sushi scene.
For sushi lovers who value precision and peace in equal measure, Ikigai stands as a testament to the power of restraint and the elegance of tradition.
Ikigai is located at 615 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
Kaori
Kaori is a modern-Asian restaurant giving diners a bit more than the average Joe. With an emphasis on minimalism and the sublime, Kaori’s atmosphere is geared toward entrancing the senses to a full modus operandum, while keeping you present in every moment. Aside from the sleek, organic design, this spot curates its own playlist of soundscapes by different underground DJs to work in tandem at nudging your immersion into their tenor. To top it all off, the dishes are colorful and lively, served in a casual family style and existing on the silver lining between traditional and modern Asian cuisine. Treat the family.
Kaori is located at 871 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130. For more information, visit their official website.
Komodo
Komodo is one huge extravaganza of vibrancy, entertainment, and good eats. This 3-story funhouse seats 300 guests amidst a stirring Southeast Asian flair. Speaking of Southeast Asia, the cuisine here is an amalgamation of all kinds of heavy (stomach) hitters from the region but with a global twist—think pastrami egg rolls, Chilean sea bass dumplings, and jalapeno hamachi sashimi. They’ve also got some delicious vegetarian options on their intricate menu with both large plates for sharing and smaller plates as well. While these one-of-a-kind options do come at a hefty price, it’s totally worth every penny spent.
Komodo is located at 801 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
Naoe
Where do we start? Since 2003, Chef Kevin Cory has received accolades in respect of his talent to procure delicious seafood on the plates of curious diners. Those awards continue to this day with his latest restaurant, Naoe. This is high-end, traditional Japanese food prepared to the level of mastery with only the most precious of ingredients and techniques. The menu is set and changes constantly at the behest of the chef… and Chef Cory is part of a time-honored heritage. Since the early 1800s, his family has owned and operated both a soy sauce (Naogen) and sake (Nakamura) brewery—both highly honored and certified in Japan. Those practices, that sake, and more have made their way into Naoe.
Naoe is located at 661 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
Osaka Nikkei
Tucked into the heart of Brickell, Osaka Nikkei offers a serene escape where Japanese precision meets bold Peruvian flavors. The restaurant’s ambiance is a harmonious blend of minimalist design and warm lighting, creating an intimate setting that invites guests to unwind and savor the culinary journey ahead.
The menu is a testament to the art of Nikkei cuisine, showcasing a fusion that has been refined over a century. Begin with the akami tartar, featuring tuna, garlic shoyu, avocado mayo, and a crispy nori cracker, or the inca gyoza, filled with duck confit, caramelized onions, shiitake, and ají amarillo sauce. For a refreshing start, the Nikkei salad combines quinoa, seaweed, kyuri, mixed lettuce, almond ra-yu, and a sesame dressing.
Sushi enthusiasts will appreciate the hotate truffle nigiri, presenting Hokkaido scallops with truffle butter and lime, and the hamachi brasa, which pairs Peruvian chili ra-yu with roasted almonds, scallion, and lime. The antiku maki roll, combining A5 Wagyu beef, crispy shrimp, avocado, and yuzu panca sauce, offers a rich and satisfying bite.
For a more substantial course, the pato mochero features crispy moulard duck leg served with wok rice, shiitake, smoked pork, and lulo passion honey. Seafood lovers might opt for the Umi Meshi, a seafood rice skillet accompanied by charred avocado and wasabi chalaquita.
Conclude your meal with the miso toffee crumble, a delightful dessert of caramelized apple, sesame amelcochado, lucuma ice cream, and miso butterscotch.
Osaka Nikkei’s commitment to quality and innovation makes it a standout destination for those seeking a tranquil yet adventurous dining experience in Miami’s bustling Brickell neighborhood.
Osaka Nikkei is located at 1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
Paperfish Sushi
Paperfish must be on this list and a considerable option for any sushi lover. Not only are the rolls simply delicious, but they are also really affordable too, which is such a comfort. This hip eatery and bar specializes in a mix of Peruvian and Japanese-influenced dishes giving diners a bright-spirited taste of Nikkei tradition, plus. As if that wasn’t enough, both the outer and inner space of the restaurant is completely immersed in traditional accouterments, and the food follows suit—truly a sight for sore eyes. The large menu at the sushi bar has space for a more-than-fair selection of tasty drinks to accompany the affordable fare. A+
Pubbelly Sushi
For over 10 years this Japanese-Latin gastropub has been going strong, with a number of locations in Miami and its surrounding areas. The restaurant stands out among other competitors on account of its rather novel Puerto Rico-meets-Japan-meets-Europe style of cuisine. And it has indeed passed the test of time. After all, Pubbelly’s signature butter crab roll is practically a staple of Miami at this point. The atmosphere is always fun and festive (especially at the OG Brickell location), and a great place to grab unique food with your favorite folks. Definitely worth a reservation.
Pubbelly Sushi is located at 701 S Miami Ave Suite 421, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
