South Beach’s Sushi Dynamic Duo

In a time when Miami seems to be debuting new sushi concepts weekly, seasoned residents Katsuya South Beach and Dragon Lounge rise above the hullaballoo of today’s trendsetting competition. The secret to the success of master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi’s namesake restaurant is simple: Continue serving the tried-and-true dishes that branded Katsuya a national icon—items like the signature spicy tuna crispy rice, baked crab handrolls, king crab tempura, and crispy brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic soy. Likewise, don’t mess with the drink menu that once defined the mixology movement; accept it as timeless.

Pioneering cocktails like the Burning Mandarin (Ketel One orange, mandarin reduction, lemon, and serrano tincture) and Jasmine’s Margarita (Volcan Blanco tequila, jasmine green tea, grenadine, lime, and orange bitters) never go out of style. Above Katsuya South Beach, the hidden Dragon Lounge stays popular, too, by wooing locals for a nightly Social Hour from 6-8 p.m. During that time, starters and handrolls range from $6-$8, and select specialty cocktails run $10. It’s a fun, flavorful, and flirty pre-dinner experience, whether dining at Katsuya or elsewhere.