This longtime Stephen Starr restaurant in Bal Harbour Shops, which just moved into a brand new location on the mall's top floor, continues to be a go-to destination for the Gucci-clad set thanks to chef Makoto Okuwa’s pristine sushi menu. In addition to the raw stuff, Makoto’s modern Japanese dishes, bincho charcoal robata, and surprisingly affordable lunch bento boxes have hungry shoppers making this a staple in their rotation.

From the family behind the now-closed Sushi Deli and Japanese Market comes Sushi Erika. Operated by the daughter of Sushi Deli’s owner Michio Kushi, Erika Kushi, it features a similar feel and menu as its predecessor, housing just four tables and a small no-frills sushi bar. Favorites from Sushi Deli, like the sweet shrimp, macadamia, and love rolls, make an appearance on the menu, along with well-priced sashimi options. At the same time, newcomers like octopus salad also are found on the menu.

While Wabi Sabi may be known for its pristine donburi bowls, sushi lovers can indulge in a la carte pieces of fish or opt for the Wabi Sabi Omakase with 12 pieces of nigiri and one maki of the chef’s choice. 

Yes, one of Miami’s best omakase experiences can be found inside a food hall in the Miami Design District. Sushi Yasu Tanaka, from sushi chef Yasu Tanaka who formerly led The Den at Azabu, offers a pristine, nigiri-focused menu that can be purchased by the piece. But the real star is the $59, 10-course omakase option, which is easily one of the best omakase deals in town.

From its days inside the former St. Roch Market, this Japanese-Peruvian restaurant has grown into a larger space all its own in the Design District’s Palm Court. The restaurant is helmed by brother and sister chef duo Nando and Val Chang and their father Fernando Chang, who are lovingly referred to as the “Chang Gang.” Itamae highlights the family’s Peruvian heritage with bright flavors found throughout the menu, which are tactfully combined with Japanese techniques and ingredients. Sushi lovers in particular opt for the creative nigiri offerings that rotate frequently. Its sister restaurant in Wynwood, B-Side, offers more casual rolls and is worth visiting, too.

This aptly named omakase restaurant is literally “hidden” behind a taco shop in Wynwood. Once guests enter with a numeric code (provided when the reservation is made), they encounter an intimate, eight-seat restaurant serving up an elaborate menu featuring small Japanese appetizers, sashimi, and nigiri, all made with seasonal ingredients brought in from Japan. The meal is paired with sake, shochu, beer, and wine to wash it down. Make sure to reserve early, as seats book out months in advance. 

This Austin import — which is described by Brett Anderson of the New York Times as “altering the city’s culinary identity” — has made a name for itself in Miami as a sushi staple. Located in Wynwood, it features creative sushi and sashimi made with fish flown in daily from the Tsukiji market and makimono, yakimono, agemono, and other Japanese dishes in a chic and serene atmosphere. Those who want to try the entire menu can opt for the 10-course chef’s tasting, a six-course signature tasting, and a six-course vegetarian tasting.

Who says that well-priced sushi can’t be found in Miami? Omakai Sushi offers a proper omakase experience starting at just $26 a person and running up to $84 for its deluxe, multi-course meal filled with seasonal fish. Various hand rolls, nigiri, and sashimi can also be ordered a la carte.

Hidden behind Koa Restaurant on South Beach, guests are escorted through a dark corridor that opens up into a theater-like den dining room where they’ll dine on a 16- to 18-course dinner created by executive chef Sebastian Labno. The menu often rotates with show-stopping dishes highlighting Kamakura’s Brazilian roots and Japanese training, like lobster sashimi, uni with black truffle on crispy rice, A5 wagyu nigiri, and otoro uni truffle temaki. Reservations are required, and guests will receive special instructions on how to access the restaurant once booked.

One of Miami’s most unique omakase experiences is tucked away inside the Esme Hotel. Led by one of the country’s only female omakase chefs, Ambrely Ouimette, diners feast on a 17-course meal that let’s the “chef decide.” Expect contemporary nigiri enhanced with ferments, salts, koshos, and unique condiments. While the menu will shift almost daily, expect unique items like aged bluefin akami with dehydrated red miso, bagel spice, and the Hokkaido scallop with white truffle salt shaved black truffle, and spherified truffle caviar.

This tiny Downtown spot lacks all the bells and whistles of some of its ostentatious brethren — and that is just fine. The focus here is on the omakase experience that features a perfectly paced selection of nigiri, including memorable surprises like Chawanmushi, a Japanese egg custard packed with flavor, along with a miso soup to end things off. With an extremely limited seating capacity, reservations are a must.

This New York City import boasts a “hidden” sushi counter inside its main restaurant, which serves omakase using local and imported seafood from the top fish markets in Japan. Wash it back with one of the 40 imported whiskeys on hand. Keep an eye on its social media channels for announcements about various interesting collaboration dinners with local chefs and purveyors.

While not an inexpensive meal, the tiny, eight-seat Naoe in Brickell Key offers one of the best sushi experiences in Miami. The meticulous meal rotates daily (no substitutions permitted) with dishes like stone crab nigiri, fresh uni marinated in salt water, unagi two ways, and a mystery ice cream served at the end of the meal. And to drink? Sake from the Cory’s family brewery in their Japanese hometown.

This classic Japanese spot off U.S. 1 offers rolls, sushi, and Japanese sides that have kept the crowds coming back for more than 20 years. The well-priced menu has something for everyone, from the classics like a Dragon Roll and fried pork gyoza to rolls like the Mermaid Roll filled with spicy tuna, avocado, and cucumber, topped with masago, seaweed salad, and spicy mayo, making it a popular spot for people of all ages.

Those looking for their sushi fix in the ‘burbs will find the answer at Shibui. The Japanese restaurant serves a huge variety of fresh sushi, sashimi, and rolls that have been a hit for more than 40 years, complete with tatami seating on the floor just like it’s done in Japan.