Azabu Miami Beach — Restaurant in Miami Beach

A less than mediocre experience: First impressions: We were running late for our reservation and called ahead to let them know - the lady on the phone said it would not be an issue. Upon arrival, the hostess said they were just clearing the tables and told me while I wait offered for me to sit at the bar (which I did and had a delicious drink, Hikari - some type of cross between a Moscow mule and a spicy margarita). About 10 minutes later, watching walk ins get seated, the hostess came to me and said there were no seats available for another 45 min inside (which would then give us no time to order as the restaurant would be closing) and offered us outside seating instead. We had no choice and it was not the nicest ambiance...

Food: First course we had shishito peppers and hamachi jalapeno - it was very good, nothing that stood out but good. Then we were served the rolls the waiter recommended as well as the miso sea bass- baked snow crab roll and hamachi roll. I found the rolls to be inedible. The rice was terribly prepared the flavors did not work well together, I had one piece of each and left the rest to my husband (who will eat anything). The miso sea bass was very good, it was the saving grace of the meal. Finally we were served the hiramasa nigiri and the zuki (medium fatty tuna) - not only was it on the bad rice, the sushi chef over saturated the zuki with wasabi - and I love wasabi.

Overall if it wasn't a Michelin star restaurant, I would give it a 3 maybe 3.5, but being that it is, I have to take off an extra point for the expectations I had going in.

Oh and I left out the waiter made it clear that he didn't like his job to another table as he was talking to him for over 20 minutes while we were waiting to ask him for the bill.

This will be the first and last time I go to...

Host asked a slurry of questions upon arrival (ie) my full name, do I have a reservation, what's my phone number, am I staying at the hotel (Marriott). An immediate turn off, and strange. I finally had to cut him off and ask him why. To track me? Really? I'm here to eat. That's all the info you need to know.

We were seated outside. Cushioned on one side, chair on the other. The table was wonky, and I sank down on the cushioned side for a very uncomfortable amount of time. To add, with over 50 tables outside, and no one else around, the next couple to be seated was right beside us. Really?

The edemame & grilled shoshitos were really good, as was the seaweed salad and tempura sweet potato.

The main meals were ok, but nothing wowed us....

It would have been nice if both meals had come at the same time. My wife waited a bit, however I insisted she eat her dinner before it got cold (a sushi joke that never grows old). My meal didn't come until my wife had practically finished hers.

....and a thought about my 65.00 meal consisting of 9 pieces sushi. No salad. No soup. Seems rather steep for "just sushi".

The service was sub-par at best. The waitress scrolled through the drink menu on the "interactive ipad" so fast, and spoke even faster, why bother. I'll do it myself.

More than likely this is a 1st and last time I'll eat here.

Too bad. The ratings and overall comments from others reflected a positive experience. Guess we got the one-off dud night....for the low low...

I wanted to lick the plate. The pleasure for the pallet was nothing short of dazzling. Truly a meal worth remembering and definitely to be repeated. The wagyu beef appetizer was terrific and the octopus even better. My friend thought it was the best octopus she's ever had. I felt it definitely was up there. She had the steak which came with a very good sauce. I had the lamb chops which came with a sauce that more or less launched my palate into the stratosphere. we both had the chocolate cake dessert which she thought was the best she's ever had and I have to agree it's certainly one of the very best. The service also was excellent.

unfortunately, the air conditioning was not working so we had to wait well over an hour for a table outside because inside was way too warm. They asked us to wait at the bar, which we reluctantly did; however, they did have the class to comp our drinks which were fairly unique and also excellent. the lengthy wait kind of killed my Sunday morning plans, so I'm not that thrilled, but I must say, certain things are Beyond control and stuff happens plus they did their best to make it up to us and certainly the meal was nothing short of amazing. We're going back for my friend's birthday for sure and I highly recommend you go, as well. It's really one of the best culinary experiences I've had in a city full of great restaurants, so don't miss this one. You'll...