When a sushi craving strikes, where should you go? Our handy list of the best sushi restaurants in Miami has all the answers. The Magic City has no shortage of sushi spots, and we’ve hand-picked the top places for rolls and other Japanese delights. Whether you’re looking for traditional options or something a little more out-of-the-box, these nine eateries will hit the spot.
B-Side/Itamae
Over in Wynwood and the Design District, there are two names you need to know for anything sushi-related: B-Side and Itamae.
On the menu at B-Side inside the 1-800-Lucky food hall: fun selections galore. Whimsical names like You Only Live Twice and Lost in Translation are certainly playful, but you’ll find nothing but serious flavors behind each option. You can also choose from a few ceviches and tiradito options.
Up north at Itamae, guests can expect similar top-notch Japanese and Peruvian fare. The menu is constantly changing so no two visits are alike (except for the consistent quality). Here, you’ll find a large selection of nigiri like butterfish, sea trout, scallop, and sea urchin; order a few pieces and supplement with selections such as bluefin tuna tartare and baby Dutch potatoes. Whichever venue you visit, you’ll leave impressed.
B-Side is located at 143 NW 23rd Street, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website. Itamae is located at 140 NE 39th Street, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit their official website.
Makoto
For a more upscale sushi experience, head on over to Makoto inside the Bal Harbour Shops. The luxurious surroundings should give you an idea of the price point the second you walk in. When it comes to the menu, you should also know that sushi is just one part of the cuisine here. There’s a wide variety of items to choose from, including bites like rock shrimp tempura, wasabi fried rice, short rib yaki noodles, and chicken ramen. There’s also a section for robata offerings like wagyu short rib and king crab.
Sushi and sashimi, however, make up most of the offerings at Makoto. The price adds up fast, but you get what you pay for — and what you’re paying for is excellence. You’ll encounter all the usual suspects like yellowtail and fatty tuna, along with less common sights like octopus, cured mackerel, and tiger prawn. If you’re not sure what to order, let the chef take care of everything by ordering one of the samplers.
If you’re watching your budget, consider loading up on the more affordable maki options. Most — like the spicy salmon and spicy tuna — are priced in the mid-teens. Order a few, and you’ll leave with a full stomach (and wallet). But if you can splurge, we suggest you do.
Makoto is located inside the Bal Harbour Shops at 9700 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33154. For more information, visit their official website.
Osaka
Thanks to its exceptional execution of Nikkei cuisine, Osaka has been at the forefront of Miami’s diner lists since its opening. Those dining in can enjoy the cozy, yet upscale vibe, which remains warm despite social distancing regulations. The sushi fare includes colorful renditions of specialty rolls and nigiri, many of which are perfected before your eyes.
The scent of that torched Japanese Wagyu beef—irresistible! Diners looking to savor warm meals can take a peek at the tokusen menu. It features an abundance of prime grilled fish and meat dishes paired with Peruvian specialties. Ceviches, tiraditos, nigiris … they have all those here, too.
All these options can get a little overwhelming for first-timers, which is why we’re grateful for Osaka’s multiple sampler options. The ceviche sampler, for instance, allows guests to try three different options, while the Nikkei bar omakase lets guests go all in on sashimi, ceviches, tiraditos, and sushi. Should you have the budget for it, it’s the best way to try a little bit of everything. Prepare to pay a pretty penny for your visit, but you deserve it.
Osaka is located at 1300 Brickell Bay Dr, Miami, FL. For more information, visit their official website.
Paperfish
Good sushi doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Case in point: Paperfish, which brings affordable rolls and fish to the Brickell area. The menu mixes Peruvian and Japanese influences for delicious combinations like the acevichado—a shrimp katsu and whitefish roll—and the signature Paper Tuna with – you guessed it – tuna tartare, avocado, torched tuna, and Nikkei sauce.
One of the best deals on this side of town is Paperfish’s lunch special aka the Bento Box. Available during the week, customers have their choice of three boxes, each with tantalizing combinations of fish. The most affordable option (Miraflores) serves up a veggie roll with edamame, house salad, and crispy fried rice. The most expensive selection (Paperfish) gives you the Paper Tuna roll, salmon aburi, house salad, and pork and shrimp gyoza. In Brickell, these deals are hard to beat.
Paperfish is located at 1421 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33131. For more information, visit their official website.
Su-Shin Izakaya
Su-Shin Izakaya in Coral Gables is one of those “If you know, you know” places. It doesn’t really promote itself, and the place has barely any social media presence; we found out about it through word of mouth. Despite the lack of modern marketing practices, the restaurant is constantly full. There are multiple reasons for that: It’s fast, it’s cheap and it’s great. You can’t really ask for more from your local sushi joint.
The best part about Su-Shin Izakaya is its big menu — think Cheesecake-Factory size; it’s pages and pages of food. In our experience, places with a menu of this size only excel at a few things. That’s not the case here; my wife and I have been loyal patrons for years and have ordered from different sections every time — it’s always been good. Blackboard specials change regularly, which helps keep things interesting. If you’ve been thinking about a certain Asian food, you’ll likely find it here. Ramen, udon, hot pots … just ask. The star of the show, however, is sushi.
Su-Shin Izakaya also provides some of the best value on this list. Most sushi rolls cost less than $10, and the more expensive ones cost just a few bucks more. Their inexpensive lunch special with sushi or sashimi is a great way to try their food without breaking the bank, but honestly, your regular sushi order won’t cost much more than that anyway.
Su-Shin Izakaya is located at 159 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134. To learn more, visit their official website.
Sushi Erika
You might not see North Bay Village on many local food lists, but the neighborhood is full of hidden culinary gems. One of those is Sushi Erika, which filled a big hole left by the area’s beloved Sushi Deli. For decades, Sushi Deli was the go-to spot in NBV for the namesake item; patrons would gladly wait hours to get a taste of some of the best sushi in town.
Sadly, it closed in 2017, but the late owner’s daughter — Erika Kushi — opened Sushi Erika a year later less than a mile away. The crowds have followed, and for good reason: You’ll be hard-pressed to find better flavors or a larger menu anywhere else nearby. Want a traditional roll? Sushi Erika has a ton. Looking for vegetarian options? Sushi Erika has plenty. Craving something creative? Try one of the restaurant’s signature rolls with BBQ Eel, white fish ceviche, or other uncommon proteins. There’s so much going on in the menu that you’ll quickly start thinking about repeat visits.
One last piece of advice: don’t skip the dessert here. Lychee sherbet, mochi ice cream, and green tea cheesecake are all ideal ways to finish your meal, and they all cost less than $5. At that price, ordering one is a no-brainer.
Sushi Erika is located at 1700 John F. Kennedy Causeway #100, North Bay Village, FL 33134. For more information, call 786-216-7216.
Sushi Garage
For good sushi and good vibes, a visit to Sushi Garage is in order. The local chain may not have as many offerings as the other entries on this list, but it makes up for it in ambiance and experience. Stop by any of the South Florida locations during happy hour, and you’ll find a line out the door. People flock for items like the king crab kani roll, coconut shrimp roll, bagel roll, and more, as well as the copious drink specials (emphasis on copious). We’re talking half off all drinks (minus bottles and Japanese whisky).
Besides sushi, there are a few other specialties like tacos filled with everything from fried chicken and shrimp tempura to Korean beef and pork; the restaurant’s shrimp dumpling soup is another best seller. And make sure to check out the sauce section of the menu: You can order everything from eel sauce and ponzu to yuzu soy, truffle yuzu, and chili tosazu – they can really elevate your picks.
Sushi Garage has multiple locations throughout South Florida. For more information, visit their official website.
Uchi
If there’s one omakase you need to try in Wynwood, make sure it’s Uchi. The Texas-based restaurant serves three different tastings: a chef’s tasting, a signature tasting, and a vegetarian tasting. And regardless of which you opt for, you’re getting some of the freshest fish you’ve ever tasted. The restaurant is best enjoyed on someone else’s dime, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to try the place, consider coming in for happy hour. Multiple rolls are available at a discount, including the popular Hamachi and akami (tuna loin rolls).
While the sushi is the first thing you should try here, you should also throw in some non-sushi bites into your order (assuming you order a la carte). Fan favorites include the pork bell, crispy rice, sake crudo, and sweet chili Brussels sprouts. Uchi is big on takeout, too, so if you just want to grab and go, they make it super easy through their website.
Uchi is located at 252 NW 25th Street, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
