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To say Japanese food is having a moment right now is an understatement. We can’t keep up with the number of new omakase restaurants and sushi spots opening around town. Although, it’s a good problem—navigating the spate of sushi joints is a challenge we’ll fully accept. Craving sashimi? In the mood for inspired nigiri? Looking to bring the hand-roll experience home? Heed our recs and start sampling the freshest sushi options on the block.
Paperfish Sushi
Paperfish is a new Izakaya-style restaurant that specializes in Nikkei-style sushi. The Japanese/Peruvian mashup is delicious if you enjoy your fish topped with spicy pepper sauces and parmesan cheese, among other things. The Nikkei tuna with Peruvian yellow sauce and foie gras is a delightful take on surf-and-turf, while the San Snow handroll with crab, smoked rocoto peppers and bread crumbs offers a burst of complex flavors and textures. There’s also an omakase tasting menu should you feel inclined to sit back and let someone else do the ordering for you. 1421 South Miami Ave (www.paperfishsushi.com)
Nossa Omakase
Omakase, but make it a speakeasy. That’s the approach that Koa Poke in South Beach has taken with its hidden tasting counter it’s calling Nossa Omakase. You’ll book via Tock and, once confirmed, receive a password to enter the secret space at the end of a long, winding corridor. Oh, the drama! Chef Max Kamakura, who is a Japanese-Brazilian, adds some Latin flair to the 16-course menu, featuring dishes like the chutoro nigiri topped with caviar. Nossa keeps things highly engaging and interactive as most dishes are smoked, set aflame and finished off at your station. 1600 Collins Ave, Miami Beach (www.nossaomakase.com)
ZZ Sushi’s Bar
We told you about this one last week: Major Food Group’s highly anticipated sushi restaurant that just opened in the Design District. It’s a two-story stunner designed by Ken Fulk, whose vision for the main dining room lives at the weird intersection of The Little Mermaid and Mad Men, and we’re so here for it. As for the food, omakase experiences are available at the main marble countertop, while modern Japanese dishes are served in the adjacent space. The original ZZ’s in New York is Michelin-starred, and we’re sure this apple doesn’t fall from the tree. 151 NE 41st St, Suite 117 (www.zzsclub.com)
Bubusan
Omakase boxes thrust onto the scene during lockdown, and the options keep coming. From the people behind Azabu Miami Beach comes Bubusan, an instant standout thanks, in large part, to its adorable packaging. The vibrant colors, the Japanese illustrations, the sleek fonts—this box begs to be Instagrammed. Bubusan’s food is clever too, think heart-shaped onigiri and magic sushi pizzas drizzled with truffle oil. Bubusan is available for delivery on all the major apps, including UberEats and Postmates. (www.eatlikebubu.com)
And coming soon:
Omakai Coconut Grove
Speaking of omakase boxes, one of the city’s pioneers in affordable tastings and sushi to-go just announced it’s expanding. Opening in early 2022, Omakai Coconut Grove brings the Wynwood restaurant’s chef’s-choice experience and signature ’home-amakase’ delivery to a larger space in the growing neighborhood. Let the countdown begin. 3304 Mary St (omakaisushi.com)
