At many restaurants, a chef’s tasting is one of the best ways to experience the menu. These multi-course feasts usually include a little bit of everything, giving diners a comprehensive journey through a restaurant’s offerings. If you visit any of these six restaurants, a chef’s tasting menu is a must.
Buya Izakaya + Yakitori
At Wynwood’s Buya, guests will be wowed by affordable Japanese-inspired cuisine. The neighborhood spot has built a reputation for incredible shareable plates that don’t break the bank. The star of the menu: the $60 chef’s tasting menu, which is one of the best deals in town. Diners can expect a selection of crowd favorites that might include the likes of the salmon sashimi, wagyu tataki, bao buns, and other highlights (menu items are subject to change). Opting for the $30 sake tasting makes this great deal even better.
Buya Izakaya + Yakitori is located at 250 NW 24th Street, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
Hiyakawa
Let’s get this out of the way: Don’t bother ordering a la carte at Hiyakawa. While the Wynwood Japanese spot does offer an assortment of tasty a la carte options, you’re better off splurging on a tasting. While your meal won’t be cheap, it’s worth every penny. You can expect to have a bit of everything: nigiri, sashimi, tempura… the list goes on. Selections are subject to change, but the quality is not. Just be sure to make a reservation—you’ll need it for the chef’s counter.
Hiyakawa is located at 2700 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit their official website.
House of Food Porn
The name might not be very appealing to some diners, but House of Food Porn deserves to be taken seriously. The private dining establishment is by reservation only and serves up a unique omakase experience. Select your multi-course experience—which ranges from six to 11 at the time of this writing—and get ready for an out-of-this-world outing. Each package includes drink pairings, so we suggest using Uber and Lyft to get around. One major note: This is not the place for anyone with food allergies. Modifications are very limited.
House of Food Porn is located at 197 NW 62nd St Miami, FL 33150. For more information, visit their official website.
Stubborn Seed
If you choose the chef’s tasting menu at South Beach’s Stubborn Seed, make sure to have your camera ready: These are some of the prettiest plates you’ll encounter. The 8-course $150 affair is a little on the pricier side, but the food speaks for itself. In fact, you don’t really have a choice on weekends; the restaurant is tasting menu-only on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s hard to nail down what type of cuisine this place offers, but one word is enough: delicious. Come in with an open mind.
Stubborn Seed is located at 101 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit their official website.
The Wagyu Bar
The Wagyu Bar is unlike any steakhouse you’ve been to. This casual Coral Way eatery is known for its laid-back vibes, great service, and quality cuts—this is not a place for vegetarians. While you could order a steak for yourself, we recommend opting for the “sharing plates” for maximum value. The wagyu tasting with three steaks will set you back a few hundred bucks, but you’ll forget the price tag once you take a bite. Another option: picking a few smaller steaks for the table; the chef and staff are more than happy to guide you toward the best cuts.
The Wagyu Bar is located at 2257 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145. For more information, visit their official website.
Wabi Sabi
Just like its more upscale sibling Hiyakawa, Wabi Sabi is a restaurant best enjoyed through an omakase experience. A la carte is certainly available if you’re not that hungry, but you’ll more bang for your buck with a tasting. The $50 chirashi tasting (12 pieces of sashimi over rice) is a nice way to try a bit of everything without spending too much money. If budget is of no concern, go all out with the 14-piece nigiri tasting. Either way, you’ll leave with a smile on your face.
Wabi Sabi is located at 851 NE 79th Street, Miami, FL 33138. For more information, visit their official website.
