Wabi Sabi

Wabi Sabi Miami is owned by none other than Alvaro Perez, the same owner from the more upscale Hiyakawa restaurant. Wabi Sabi, of course, is the preceding venture and thrives on notes of authenticity, casualness, and care. The setting is heart-warming and unique, with paper cranes adorning the walls, adorable kokedama plants, and endearing tableware. It’s lighthearted and zen, traditional and airy. The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi — perfect imperfection, is graciously felt throughout.

The cuisine at Wabi Sabi is straightforward, with five staple dishes of Japanese cuisine all flawlessly executed. That is fish donburi, maki, nigiri, sashimi, and temaki. The donburi is perhaps the star of the show and a substantial lunch option, being customizable with a choice of fish, base, and sauce. The Wabi Sabi bowl, for instance, comes with the freshest salmon, tuna, and blue crab atop a choice of rice, soba, or greens. The restaurant also offers omakase with a selection of nigiri, chirashi, or sashimi. Some fish specialties include fatty tuna, golden eye snapper, uni, and saltwater eel. No matter what you order, rest assured it will be fresh above Miami standard. Wabi Sabi is genuinely a peaceful sanctuary amidst the city’s bustle.

Wabi Sabi is located at 851 NE 79th St, Miami, FL 33138; (305)890-7228; wabisabimiami.com; Open Tuesday-Saturday noon to 3 pm, 6 to 9 pm