Asian in Miami

1418 20th St., Miami Beach South Beach

305-532-7555

Asian, Gastro Pub, Small Plates, Sponsor, Slideshow

The quiet block of 20th Street between Purdy and West Avenues in South Beach has given aspiring restaurateurs nothing but headaches. Nowadays, folks are gathering beneath Pubbelly's high loft ceilings, leaning against the exposed brick walls, and waiting for one of the three dozen seats or dozen barstools to open up. So how did the Asian-accented gastropubs's three young owners succeed where others could not? By offering fresh, creative, flavor-packed cuisine in a cozy urban-tavern setting, along with attentive service and the one thing those failed ventures did not: value. Of course, it helps that Pubbelly embraces popular dining trends such as Asian food, small plates, gastropubs, and pork belly. The small menu somehow encompasses 30-plus items, and a half-dozen of them contain belly meat from the pig. On the low end, the cripsy salmon rolls pack plenty of flavor into a small bun via a melt-in-your-mouth combination of cream cheese, avocado, eel sauce, and spicy mayo that's offset by crispy panko. It's just one of a dozen so-called small plates that anchor the bill of fare. On the pub side: more than a dozen bottled beers, 14-ounce draughts, two dozen boutique red and white wines, and a rotating list of sakes. Service is personable, and the vibe is friendly in a neighborly sort of way. Read our full review of Pubbelly Noodle Bar.

128 articles

Sweet Saloon

7100 Biscayne Blvd. Miami Shores/Biscayne Park

305-759-3999

Asian, Dessert, French, Bars and Clubs, Sponsor

4 articles

1-800-Lucky

143 NW 23rd St. Midtown/Wynwood/Design District

305-768-9826

Food Hall, Asian, Bars and Clubs, Recommended, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice, Takeout-Home, Takeout-Cuisine, Takeout-Neighborhood

A 10,000-square-foot Asian food hall with indoor and outdoor seating in Wynwood. Seven vendors offer pan-Asian dishes from dumplings to bánh mì in an open dining room that also includes two full bars and a karaoke lounge.

102 articles

33 Kitchen

3195 Commodore Plaza Coconut Grove

786-899-0336

Asian, Latin, Latin American, Peruvian, Tapas

The man behind the Asian-influenced Peruvian food at 33 Kitchen in Coconut Grove is Chilean-born chef Sebastian Fernandez. He worked at the Coral Reef Yacht Club for 14 years before leaving to open 33 Kitchen with his Peruvian wife, Leslie Ames. The restaurant's name is a nod to the Grove's zip code, as well as the number of vertebrae in the human spine. It's also Fernandez's favorite number. The menu is divided into hot and cold tapas, each with about a dozen options. From the cold section, try the causa limena, a signature Peruvian potato dish made here with purple mashed potatoes, seared tuna, and microgreens. The final touch is a coating of creamy and spicy ají amarillo sauce, which the chef makes from scratch. It's utterly delectable and beautifully ties in all the elements. From the hot section, grilled octopus with an olive cream sauce and bonito chips is perfectly crisp and tender. For dessert, there's a delightful bread pudding. It's not quintessentially Peruvian, but neither is 33 Kitchen. It is, however, a great addition to Miami's dining scene.Read our full review.

4 articles

Akashi Japanese Restaurant

3444 Main Highway Coconut Grove

305-529-9954

Asian, Japanese, Best Of

2 articles

Asia De Cuba

1100 W. Ave., Miami Beach South Beach

305-514-1940

Asian, Contemporary, Latin, Recommended

A breathtaking sunset over a stunning bay and pool-scape feet from the chic restaurant terrace, white-on-white whimsical wonderland effects indoors, and big, distinctive Asian-Latin fusion cuisine - it's all pretty impressive. Diners can start with a tower of tuna tartare picadillo-style - flecked with currants, almonds, coconut, and olives in soy-lime juice - but we preferred the oversize calamari salad with chayote, palm hearts, bananas, and cashews. Entrées also touch upon all taste points, beginning with a juicy wedge of "sustainable" Chilean sea bass speckled with coconut and mustard seed atop jalapeño-plum coulis. A pounded palomilla of seared lamb is luscious too, as are tender planks of pork "pot roast," which pleased with a sweet honey-rum glaze and Asian-spiced bok choy plugged with nubs of bacon. Asia de Cuba offers a panoply of contrasting textures and flavors in its food, as well as a similarly quilted clientele of hotel guests and hipsters.

12 articles

Asiatiko

2906 NE 207th St. Aventura/North Miami Beach

786-786-0626

Asian

Atchana's Homegrown Thai

3194 Commodore Plaza Coconut Grove

305-774-0404

Thai, Asian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow

It's bold to name a dish "the perfect bite," but Atchana Capellini has done just that. The miang kham is a delight handed down through generations. A plate holds wrinkly pale-pink dried shrimp, toasted coconut flakes, and tiny slices of ginger. Even the leaves look different. Rather than the ruffled bright-green fronds of butter lettuce, these betel leaves are deep green and spade-shaped, with an almost unnoticeable flavor. Combine all of this with a few bits of crushed peanuts, a squeeze of lime, and a dash of spicy-sweet tamarind sauce, and you'll soon be reaching for a napkin to dab the tears of joy cascading down your cheeks.

7 articles

Bamboo Garden

13195 Biscayne Blvd. North Miami

305-899-9902

Asian, Chinese, Best Of, Menu

Make sure to ask for the small "Chinese" menu -- it yields authentic goodies like kung pao frog's legs. Steamed whole flounders and Maine lobsters -- not to mention dishes like stir-fried rice noodles with seafood, stocked with shrimp, scallops, squid, and lobster -- are big enough for four to share, as is the terrific hot-and-sour soup.

4 articles

Blade

4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach Mid/North Beach

305-538-2000

Asian, Japanese, Sushi

5 articles

Cafe Sambal Restaurant

500 Brickell Key Dr. Brickell

305-913-8358

Asian, Contemporary, Recommended

The sushi bar tenders a first-rate array of maki rolls, nigiri sushi, sashimi, and temaki (cones); even the California roll, usually crammed with crappy surimi, is laden with luscious lumps of blue crab. The sake selection rocks as well, from aged, sherrylike Hanahato Kijoshu to fruity Harushika Daiginjo. The elegant interior, replete with loud, splashy waterfall; and the spacious outdoor terrace, replete with sweeping vistas of Biscayne Bay and the Brickell skyline, are among Miami's prettiest dining areas. If you wish to partake of Sambal's romantic waterfront ambiance, stick to sushi and sake.

10 articles

Casa Sensei

1200 E. Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale

954-530-4176

Asian, Latin American

2 articles

China Grill

1881 SE 17th St. Causeway Fort Lauderdale

954-759-9950

Asian, Asian Fusion, Contemporary, Sushi

Jeffrey Chodorow's famed China Grill waited 20 years to land in Fort Lauderdale, but now that it has, this glitzy pan-Asian fusion eatery is attracting the young and beautiful in droves. From the infused saketinis and Poire cocktails to the giant platters of spareribs, moo shu duck, overwrought sushi rolls, mountains of toro and Kobe, and bananas in a tuile "box," the food at China Grill is excellent even if the flavors, like a decorating scheme that relies on special effects such as a pair of glow-in-the-dark bars, can sometimes seem a little too outrageous.

China Grill

404 Washington Ave., Miami Beach South Beach

305-534-2211

Asian, Asian Fusion, Music Venues, Recommended, Menu

This SoBe pioneer is still bold, boisterous, big on a grand scale. Let's use one dish to illustrate: Sake-marinated chicken was a half-bird crisply grilled and sliced into thick, moist wedges imbued with smoke and spice. A mound of vinegary napa cabbage salad countered with an acidic tang, as did a thin, dark sauce based on rice wine vinegar, miso, and soy; thick tempura onion rings were a nice touch on top. This one meal contained enough heft to be tasted by the whole table, and also served to remind that while the food here isn't as exquisite as the elite handful of our best New World/fusion restaurants, China Grill does serve fresher, lighter, smarter cuisine than the glut of muddled global eateries that regrettably followed in the wake of its success.

41 articles

CombinAsian

2324 N. Miami Ave. Midtown/Wynwood/Design District

305-705-5585

Vegan, Asian, Sushi

1 article

CY Chinese Restaurant

1242 NE 163rd St. Aventura/North Miami Beach

305-947-3838

Chinese, Asian, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow

The minute you step into this Sichuan-style North Miami Beach hideaway, your senses fall prey to the overwhelming perfume of rendered beef fat and chili oil. Take, for example, the hot pot, in which beef fat is the central ingredient; the rich, savory aroma is the yardstick by which most Chinese folks judge the quality of hot pot. A simple chicken broth, made by simmering carcasses with ginger and garlic for three hours, is poured on top just before the dish is sent out to the dining room. Bring a big group so you can order as many of the accouterments as possible. Also be sure to pace yourself: One of the most joyous moments of hot pot comes at the very end when the broth and spices have reduced, along with everything that's been cooked in them, into a rich, flavorful brew that makes the final few bites truly special.

4 articles

Dynasty Buffet

1656 NE Miami Gardens Dr. Aventura/North Miami Beach

305-919-7705

Asian, Chinese, Best Of, Menu

Buffets can be questionable. After all, who knows how long the kung pao chicken's been exposed to the unwashed masses coughing, spitting and smearing their way through self-service? But luckily, Dynasty Buffet achieves its aim of hot, fresh and thoroughly edible Asian eats, with none of the ick factor. You can stuff yourself at this North Miami Beach spot with coconut shrimp, egg drop soup, tofu and vegetables, sweet and sour chicken, dumplings and sushi, all for a weekday lunchtime price of $7.55 (dinnertime $10.55). That's less than you'd pay for a a four course meal at McDonald's - and who knows where that crap's been.

1 article

El Rey De Las Fritas

801 NW 37th Ave. Little Havana

305-646-1495

Asian, Caribbean, Cuban, Japanese, Mexican, Best Of

1 article

Etaru

500 E. Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale

954-477-8068

Japanese, Asian

1 article

Fuchai Korean Kitchen

2506 NE Second Ave. Midtown/Wynwood/Design District

786-655-0888

Korean, Asian

2 articles

Gigi

3470 N. Miami Ave. Midtown/Wynwood/Design District

305-573-1520

American, Asian, Contemporary, Menu, Slideshow

Everything about the place is smart, starting with the lofty, industrial, urban-chic décor that bespeaks big city, late night, youth, energy, and fun. Comestibles are categorized into noodle bowls and rice bowls (three of each); "raw" and "grill" items (five of each); and a quartet of "basics." Just about every dish delights: two fluffy, white, taco-shaped roasted-pork buns; shreds of braised short ribs compacted into a "meat loaf" with smoky plantain sauce; a BLT with brown-sugar-cured pork belly on griddled bao buns with a small jar of ginger-pickled cucumbers and cauliflower alongside; steak chow fun; pork ramen with organic egg; and so forth. Mini nondairy ice-cream cones go for a buck apiece, but try the homemade carrot cake or peach crumble - like all else at Gigi, delectable and a great deal.Read our full review.

49 articles

Hong Kong House

955 NE 125th St. Miami Shores/Biscayne Park

305-891-3111

Asian, Chinese, Best Of

When you're broke as a joke but can't stomach any more PB&J or ramen noodles. At times like these, thank God for Chinese takeout. North Miami's Hong Kong House will stuff that rumbling tummy for less than $10 with favorites like krab rangoon, pork fried rice and chicken lo mein. It's satisfaction for both your bank account and your belly.

1 article

Hoshi & Sushi

5401 Collins Ave., Miami Beach Mid/North Beach

305-763-8946

Sushi, Japanese, Korean, Asian, Asian Fusion

Chef Dongwook Seo thinks eating fresh seafood is one of life's richest pleasures. His first restaurant, Hoshi & Sushi, serves sushi that's a mix of simplicity and invention. Located on the ground floor of a condo building on Miami Beach's Millionaires Row, Hoshi & Sushi is a two-room, 60-seat eatery filled with hanging lanterns, wooden seating, and Japanese-themed wallpaper. Artistic Asian mirrors and contemporary pop music lend an unpretentious, friendly vibe. Standout signature rolls are the Geisha, a fusion of salmon and avocado drizzled with truffle sauce; and the Gangnam-Style, made with tempura shrimp, eel, tuna tataki, and avocado. Tempura lobster and avocado are crowned with tuna and salmon in the hearty ten-piece Godfather roll, and sushi combos range from 16 pieces to a boat for two. Pair your meal with a bottle of sake, such as the Hana Fuga Peach or Yuki Lychees. Hoshi & Sushi also delivers directly to the sands of Mid-Beach, so you can eat while you sunbathe. Read more about Hoshi & Sushi.

2 articles

Juvia

1111 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach South Beach

305-763-8272

Asian, French, Latin American

Juvia sits on the penthouse level of the Herzog & de Meuron-designed building at 1111 Lincoln Rd. like a sparkling jewel set in concrete. After a brief elevator ride up, guests step into an open-air dining room with vertical gardens designed by Patrick Blanc and much of the rest of the space defined by nature. The indoor seating area is wrapped in windowed walls and offers a stunning panoramic vista of South Beach and beyond. The food has vision too. Best bets are among the crudos, tiraditos, ceviches, and nigiri-style plates: for instance, hamachi with a mildly spicy, citrus-accented espuma of yuzu kosho, or coins of cold-smoked scallops with bloody mary foam, a crisp round of pancetta, micro-celery sprouts, and a sprinkling of dried bonito flakes. Main plates are split between composed entrées and items grilled straightforwardly over diamond-hard binchotan coals. The latter group includes a beef tenderloin that proved the stuff of dreams -- assertively grilled, meltingly tender, and thoroughly delicious. Other entrées weren't as successful -- the kitchen crew still needs to work on execution. There are steeply priced deluxe menu items, but many entrées are under $30 and pricing is generally in line with other SoBe spots. It's a lovely place to grab a sunset cocktail, and a great place to dine too -- especially if you play it safe and stick to the starters.

58 articles

Kaori Sushi Express

100 S. Biscayne Blvd., #116 Downtown/Overtown

305-373-7326

Asian, Sushi

1 article

Ki'Na

420 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale

954-900-3107

Asian, Chinese, Menu

1 event

Kosushi Miami

801 S. Pointe Dr., Unit 105, Miami Beach South Beach

786-647-7272

Sushi, Japanese, Asian, Menu

3 articles

Level One

1110 S. Miami Ave. Brickell

786-814-5816

Fusion, Italian, Asian, Brazilian, Bars and Clubs

2 articles

Lil' Laos

8300 NE Second Ave. Little Haiti/Liberty City

Asian, Best Of

1 article

Little Lotus

25 N. Miami Ave., Ste 107 Downtown/Overtown

305-533-2700

Asian, Small Plates, Sushi, Menu, Slideshow

Secreted within downtown Miami's International Jewelry Center is an izakaya (that's the term for the smallish, Japanese-style pubs littered throughout Tokyo) offering a surprisingly large menu of sushi and tapas-style plates that capture the essence of an authentic Asian kitchen. The small restaurant has only 30 seats, half of which line the outside hallway, plus four stools at the tiny sushi bar. Decorations are modest -- no giant Buddha statue or bamboo garden here. Owner Sari Maharai hails from Jakarta, so a few Indonesian specialties round out the mainly Japanese menu offerings. From yaki tori to yaki udon, everything is fresh and tasty. Chef Inyoman Atmaja deals mainly with the hot kitchen dishes, while chef Michael Asalie oversees the sushi bar. The menu might look familiar. Atmaja hails from North Miami's Yakko-San and brings knowledge from that experience. Crossovers include the crispy baby bok choy ($6.50), grilled eel ($10.95), and trigger fish jerky ($6.50). Asalie worked for Masaharu Morimoto in NYC, so his sushi skills were developed while working under one of the greats, and it shows. Sushi rolls have curious names such as "Angel Heart" (eel tempura with spicy tuna, $11.95) and "Big Mac" (crunchy spicy tuna with snow "krab," $11.95). Delivery is available in the Brickell area, and because most basic rolls (tuna, Cali, salmon skin, etc.) are priced from $3.95 to $5.95, they are an excellent everyday option. Well-priced lunch specials ($7.50 each) range from spicy braised beef with coconut and spices, fried Singapore rice noodles, and chicken simmering in coconut sauce, to the "Japanese Amazing Lunch" ($7.95 to $9.95), covering sushi and sashimi, as well as a teriyaki bento box. We see this little flower blooming big.

3 articles

Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay

119 Washington Ave., Ste. 100, Miami Beach South Beach

786-671-4840

Asian, Sushi

2 articles

Madame Phuong Cocktail + Den

7100 Biscayne Blvd. Miami Shores/Biscayne Park

305-602-3710

Bars and Clubs, Bar Food, Asian

4 articles

Malakor Thai Isaan

90 Miracle Mile Coral Gables/S. Miami

786-558-4862

Thai, Asian

1 article

Asian in Miami

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