YASU Omakase

Celebrated sushi chef Yasu Tanaka partners with Spicy Hospitality Group to put his own spin on omakase at his latest namesake restaurant in the Design District. YASU—an eight-seat counter behind a nondescript storefront in Paradise Plaza—serves a “Japan-meets-Miami” menu, says Tanaka, rooted in seasonality and high-quality sourcing both locally and from Japan’s top purveyors (most from Toyosu Market in Tokyo).

Spring’s bountiful ramps and rhubarb featured prominently during our meal—together in an opening crudo of Florida flounder with a fermented ginger-garlic sauce, and separately as a tart compote in the rhubarb-yogurt dessert and a bright, textural accent in an A5 wagyu brioche tartare bite. The wine and sake list is just as intentional, with a curated selection of rare producers and limited-batch sakes available by the glass (served in stemware), carafe or bottle.

Across 14 to 16 courses ($250), Tanaka and culinary partner Raymond Li flex their creativity in both ingredients and execution. Nigiri arrives in two waves rather than one continuous sequence, progressing from delicate fish to richer cuts of tuna. The Niigata rice is cooked twice and seasoned differently for each, tempered to complement the fish.

Service is highly attentive but never intrusive; you’ll barely notice servers wiping excess soy from your plate or refilling your water. Thoughtful touches, like offering a shawl when the AC dips or discreet purse hooks beneath the 600-year-old hinoki counter, quietly reinforce the restaurant’s deep respect for Japanese tradition.