Japanese & Thai
Asaka Japanese Restaurant — In the Promenade Shops, 20355 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, asakasushi.com. Chef Koji Ando studied and mastered “Kansai Kappou,” a traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi, from a young age. Today, he serves up authentic Japanese Cuisine to South Florida.
AIZIA RESTAURANT & NIGHTCLUB — In the Westin Diplomat, 3660 S. Ocean Drive, 954.602.8330; aiziahollywood.com. Go small, with appetizers such as pan-seared pork belly bites or a sampling from the sushi bar, or choose from a list of entrees such as crispy whole snapper, wuxi-style short ribs with rice porridge or Pad Thai. There’s also a comprehensive wine and sake list, imported beers, and inventive martini and mojito menus. Open Wed.-Sun., 6 pm-2 am.
Blu Sushi — In The Village at Gulfstream Park, 600 Silks Run, Hallandale Beach; 954.744.4398, blusushi.com. Outrageous Cocktails”—like Butterfly Kisses and Bites, with chocolate vodka, DeKuyper Buttershots and Dooley’s Toffee Liqueur—and a wine list that enhances the whole experience.
FUJI HANA — In Loehmann’s Fashion Island, 2775 NE 187th Street, Aventura, 305.932.8080; kampaifujihana.com. Japanese/Thai restaurant with a lavish, wood-appointed décor and boat-shaped sushi bar; serving hot and cold entrées, super fresh sashimi and sushi, teriyaki and tempura.
KAMPAI JAPANESE RESTAURANT — 3575 NE 207th St., Aventura; 305.931.6410. Known for the freshness of their sushi and pleasant, efficient service rather than the decor and ambience. Carryout available.
MIYAKO — 18090 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach; 305.931.0455. Best known for its all-you-can-eat quality sushi at a very reasonable price; an à la carte menu is also offered as are tempura and Chinese dishes.
Oishi THAI — 14841 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami, 305.947.4338; oishithai.com. Former Nobu chef Piyarat Arreeratn a.k.a. Bee brings his culinary expertise and delectable dishes to Oishi Thai as Executive Chef.
SUSHI house — 15911 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami Beach; 305.947.6002, sushihousenmb.com. This sleek restaurant specializing in modern sushi and Pan-Asian cuisine raises the bar on Asian-fusion fare. Intimate dining, sushi bar seating, happy hour and late-night menus available.
YAKKO-SAN — 3881 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach; 305.947.0064; yakko-san.com. Hot pots, hot and cold Japanese dishes such as donburi (meat-filled omelets over rice) and sushi plus noodle dishes and a variety of desserts are on the menu at this longtime favorite spot.