Hiyakawa Miami — Restaurant in Miami

I called and it led to an automated message asking me to text the number. Fine, no problem. I messaged the number and asked about the Omakase pricing - to which I was clearly told it was a tasting menu for $200/person (picture attached below).

As soon as we arrived to our reservation, the vibes were immediately off. We were seated at the sushi bar, and all the chefs seemed uncomfortable to see us there. They started explaining the menu, and then we told them we were here for omakase. To which they started asking what we wanted, and we had to keep reiterating that we trusted them as we were here for the tasting menu.

Finally, the tasting menu began. The chef stood in front of us and hand made rolls as he explained what they were. This was a cool experience, but the chef seemed unsure and kept asking us what we wanted, which confused us as we understood that we were there for the $200 omakase tasting menu.

The waiters kept coming around and refilling our water cups, which we assumed were included, only to find out that each small bottle was $8 - costing us $24 just in water by the end.

Only one person in my party drank alcohol, and when he ordered a particular sake, the waiter brought out an entire bottle. My friend clarified that he only wanted a cup, but the waiters nonstop refilled his glass without asking - costing us an extra $60.

At one point, one of the sushi chefs even asked me to “lower my voice” and “stop talking so loud”.

The chef eventually asked us if we were full or wanted to keep going, which started ringing alarm bells in our heads, to which I realized that maybe this wasn’t the tasting menu we had clearly discussed beforehand on the phone, and in-person.

Upon realizing this, I asked the chef what the price was - to where he listed the name of every single item we ordered, but still didn’t give us any numbers.

This is where everything took a sharp turn downhill.

All four of the sushi chefs started to go from friendly to unfriendly, and the manager got involved to help us with the pricing. They went in the back and came back 10 minutes later to tell us where our bill was at in terms of price. I showed the manager the text messages I exchanged, and asked why this wasn’t a preset $200 meal. He responded saying “Oh, that’s for the special reservation you have to make 2 weeks in advance. Thanks for the feedback, we’ll try to make it more clear in the future.”

After this, and seeing how expensive the bill was after only eating 8 pieces of sushi each, we asked if we could just have a hot item to make us full, then we would go. After I asked this, we were quite literally laughed out of the restaurant. The sushi chefs looked at each other and the manager, and started laughing at us.

We immediately became extremely uncomfortable, and we wanted nothing more than to leave the restaurant.

After the chef made our last roll, we said we were finished, and waited 10 minutes - or what felt like hours - for them to bring us the check so that we could leave.

After seeing the outrageous $200/person bill for half a meal that didn’t get us close to full, we were so uncomfortable that we decided we would rather pay than argue so that we could leave as quickly as possible.

Immediately afterwards, we all drove down the street and got Cuban sandwiches so that we could...

Step into Hiyakawa in Miami and you'll find yourself in what feels like a japanese zen garden—an oasis of tranquility, blending serenity and sophistication. Warm wood tones punctuated by splashes of artful lighting. The ambiance hums with a gentle buzz of conversation coupled with the blissful tap of chopsticks and the gentle clink of sake ceramic cups, the latter which is selected by you from a thoughfully curated box.

Now, let's delve into the food. The sake was smooth, aromatic, and the perfect companion for what lies ahead. Of course you must begin with the edamame as the opening act, a familiar tune and staple at these types of places. I was unsure about the wagyu gyoza dumpling, but my hesitation was quickly quelled and dismissed as it was super juicy, tender and flavorful. It's the dumpling diva that stole the spotlight. The sakana karaage was a crispy delight where the exterior crackles in your mouth. Next, on to the sushi lineup. The wagyu nigiri is like butter on a cloud, melting with each delicate bite. The salmon is a splash of coral elegance on your plate. The mackerel, kanpachi, yellowtail, scallop, and snapper all showcase the ocean's finest. Now, I've got to spill the beans—while everything was top-notch, the fish nigiri was the understudy, good but not stealing the show. And for the sweet finale, the yuzu cream brulee is like a dessert mic drop. Creamy, citrusy, and the perfect ending to a sushi saga leaving you with a dessert induced smile.

The service and hospitality is impeccable. The staff at Hiyakawa are like culinary ninjas, silently anticipating your every need and making you feel like they are there just to exclusively serve you...

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Wynwood, Hiyakawa is a culinary gem that’s just a stone's throw from Bal Harbour and Coral Gables. This remarkable establishment offers not just a meal, but a full-fledged experience that deserves every bit of your time.

From the moment you step inside, the ambiance wraps you in a warm embrace. The staff greets you with genuine smiles, making you feel like part of their family. Their attentiveness is unparalleled; they anticipate your needs and ensure that every aspect of your dining experience is nothing short of perfect.

The focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every dish. Each plate is a work of art, meticulously crafted with an attention to detail that showcases the skill and passion of the culinary team. Whether you're indulging in their exquisite sashimi or savoring a perfectly grilled dish, the flavors are vibrant and authentic, transporting you straight to Japan.

Hiyakawa also offers an impressive selection of sake and wines, expertly curated to complement the menu. The pairing suggestions from the staff elevate the meal to new heights, enhancing the overall experience.

The location in Wynwood is ideal for both locals and visitors, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the area. After a meal at Hiyakawa, you’ll leave not just satisfied, but inspired and eager to return.

In a city known for its vibrant culinary scene, Hiyakawa stands out as a must-visit destination. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a delightful meal, this restaurant promises an unforgettable experience....