Part of South Florida’s “Philly Invasion,” this modern take on a traditional izakaya is chef Michael Schulson’s addition to the newly revamped Diplomat Resort in Hollywood. The resort can be seen as Broward’s version of the Fontainebleau and carries the laid-back vibes that Miami’s northern neighbor is known for while still being elegant. The menu at Monkitail is diverse and features classic robatayaki, as well as Schulson’s more unique fusion creations. The edamame and truffle dumplings in sake-infused dashi are a must-have.

Located in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Kuro sets itself apart from most Japanese restaurants in South Florida with its desserts. Japan has a rich pastry and confectionary tradition, but sadly most Japanese restaurants in the area may only feature a pedestrian green tea ice cream. Pastry chef Michael Galindo will have none of that here. Instead, diners can finish a meal with unique creations that include a black sesame panna cotta with pickled ginger jelly, pomegranate foam, and crispy seaweed sponge.

Don’t be fooled by the name — there is so much on the menu at this authentic izakaya to make even the biggest sushi addicts try something new. A large portion of the menu is devoted to small plates diners can enjoy with beer or sake, like chilled tofu and crispy croquettes. There are also more substantial dishes, including rice bowls and hotpots. The most interesting items, however, appear on its ever-changing list of daily specials.

Located at the intersection of Red Road and Bird Road, this is one of Miami’s older authentic izakayas. Once inside, guests are certain to find at least one table of Japanese business travelers enjoying a taste of home. Much of the menu is actually written in Japanese. As with many izakayas, Matsuri offers numerous small plates, including a large variety of vegetable dishes. The restaurant also features complete dinners inspired by the seasons.

This longstanding Kendall restaurant offers two levels of seating and gives diners the option to either sit on chairs or on the floor, as one would traditionally do in a Japanese home. The menu features many expected Japanese favorites like teriyaki and tempura. However, Shibui is one of the few places that regularly offers sukiyaki in the area. This comforting stew includes beef and numerous vegetables in a mildly sweet soy broth and is served in a metal cauldron here.

Chef Kevin Cory’s Kaiseki restaurant, NAOE, is perhaps one of the most celebrated dining destinations in Miami. His sister restaurant, N by NAOE, may not be as famous as his first brainchild, but it is definitely worth checking out for shabu shabu. This Japanese style of cooking involves dipping paper-thin slices of beef, as well as vegetables, in an umami-rich broth. Cory’s obsessive attention to detail is present in everything here, quite possibly making this one of the best places for shabu shabu outside of Japan.

Sometimes the craving for Japanese food arrives late at night. Sometimes, there is nothing better than a plate of yakisoba after a night of drinking. Fortunately, Yakko-San is open until 3 a.m. every day to satisfy those urges. The menu kitchen doesn’t dumb things down, either. Expect to find dishes like grilled beef tongue, crispy fried gizzards, and triggerfish jerky. This restaurant also offers a selection of Japanese-style pasta dishes that fuse Japanese and Italian elements.

Chef Makoto Okuwa’s restaurant inside the luxurious Bal Harbour Shops is known for its flawless sushi, but diners can more fully experience Chef Okuwa’s creativity away from the sushi bar. The menu is quite cosmopolitan and features dishes that infuse Japanese flavors into western dishes, such as a wasabi chimichurri and a brown rice risotto. Makoto is also an ideal venue to sample the richness of domestic and imported wagyu beef either seared at the table on a hot stone or served simply as a steak.

Few things are better than meat that has come off the grill only seconds before taking a bite. Gyu-Kaku is a national chain specializing in yakiniku dining with locations in Miami and Pinecrest. This type of restaurant allows diners to grill meat themselves at the table. The concept is similar to Korean barbecue, but the flavors are all Japanese. The restaurants feature a la carte, as well as set price menus.

This Coral Gables eatery offers a concise menu of izakaya favorites for diners who need their fix. It is its namesake ramen, however, that is the real draw here. Besides its bowls of noodles in in a variety of broths, including the rich and porky tonkotsu, the restaurant also offers cold ramen dishes. Additionally, the restaurant offers noodles with dipping sauces, called tsukemen. On occasion, the kitchen will also feature seasonal ramen preparations.

The standout feature of this Doral izakaya is its market. Whether it was intended merely to add to the ambiance, it does offer diners the opportunity to stock up on a box of Pocky or a bottle of artisanal soy sauce. The menu features interpretations of traditional Japanese dishes, as well as some well-priced lunch sets featuring. Dragonfly’s brunch menu, however, is its most unique draw. Expect Japanese takes on traditional American brunch fare, like eggs benedict that featuring kurobuta pork, a steamed bun, and yuzu miso hollandaise.