Miami has tons of amazing sushi restaurants to choose between, ranging from traditional and authentic omakase experiences to fusion concepts that work global flavors into every roll. If you’re in the mood for the latter, here are seven restaurants known for their imaginative, non-traditional sushi selections.
Kazumi Modern Japanese
Located in Key Biscayne, this chic, contemporary spot is known for its fusion cuisine. Blending Japanese flavors with Latin touches and inventive flare, the team serves up unexpected options like a Jalapeno Popper packed with shrimp tempura, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese, an eel Ichigo Roll topped with fresh strawberries and avocado, and a Sex on the Beach roll made with fried chanquetes, crab salad, and shrimp tempura.
Details: Kazumi Modern Japanese is located at 260 Crandon Blvd., Suite #16, Key Biscayne. To order, call 305-361-2675.
Sushi Kong
Another go-to if you’re craving Japanese-Latin fusion, Sushi Kong on Coral Way delivers signature rolls that go all out with presentation and all in with flavor. We love the Florida Roll, made with crab, salmon, deep-fried salmon skin, chicharron, cream cheese, honey mustard and more. The riceless Akita Linda Roll is also a must — it comes with sweet plantain, crab, and smoked salmon, topped with melted Raclette cheese and a balsamic reduction.
Details: Sushi Kong is located at 3000 Coral Way # Cu-4, Coral Gables. To order, call 305-800-5664.
Back Door Monkey
This buzzed-about spot in Wynwood transports guests to the 1940s with its crazy cool decor, but what really keeps folks coming back is their amazing maki selection. Try the hamachi serrano, for instance, which comes with King Crab salad, serrano pepper, chives, mango, yuzu-truffle mayo, and red onion. Or the famous Octopussy, made with octopus, shrimp tempura, creamy avocado, peanut masago, and eel sauce.
Details: Back Door Monkey is located at 2328 North Miami Ave., Miami. Order online here.
Nobu Miami
For impeccable Nikkei cuisine in an upscale setting, head to Nobu at the Eden Roc Miami Beach, where Chef Nobu Matsuhisa flawlessly marries Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Taste your way through the restaurant’s extensive sashimi and nigiri selection, then move on to hand and cut rolls featuring shrimp tempura, softshell crab, Japanese eel and cucumber, spicy salmon, and scallops with smelt eggs, just to name a few.
Details: Nobu is located at 4525 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Dine in, or order takeout here.
Doraku Izakaya & Sushi
This fan-favorite izakaya offers plenty of traditional Japanese plates, but if you’re looking to order something a little more avant-garde, opt for the Big Wave “Takanami” Roll, made with coconut shrimp and topped with mango salsa, or the hearty “East Meets West” Roll, packed with shrimp tempura, asparagus, cream cheese, and scallions and topped with seared steak, spicy aioli, and eel sauce.
Details: Doraku Izakaya & Sushi is located at 1104 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. Order online here.
Kae
If you happen to be in Coral Gables of South Miami, don’t miss this neighborhood gem. Executive Chef Efrain Landa infuses every roll with a bit of Miami flavor. You’ll taste it in creations like the sweet plantain-topped Miami Roll, made with raw tuna, shrimp, cream cheese, avocado, togarashi and cilantro, and the Jalepeño Yaito Roll, baked with shrimp, cream cheese, jalepeños, parmesan cheese, and spicy mayo.
Details: Kae has locations in Coral Gables and South Miami. Order online here.
By Amanda M., Contributing Writer