Itamae AO — Restaurant in Miami

I'm in town to visit some friends and this is not my first visit to Miami. I'm a huge foodie...I've hunted down BBQ shack joints in little Terre Haute, IN to Michelin star restaurants in Lyon, France. Without a doubt, this place, ITAMAE, was a true gem.

I was skeptical at first...4.8 stars and 50+ reviews, but my gut said to go. It's located on the second floor of the St. Roch Market...tucked in the back left corner. To me, it seemed pretty unassuming until I walked up and saw the picture frame...ladies and gents, we have a James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Rising Star Chef of the Year.

With my interest further intrigued, I stood and looked at the menu...even though I had determined what I wanted before I arrived. I was talked into the Unicorn Bowl...very interesting combinations...the tart and refreshing sauce, seaweed salad with sesame and slight sweetness, and the Peruvian corn had this hint of star anise(?). It's was a winner...and the cucumber gave some bite to otherwise softer textures. Well balanced all around from flavor, to texture, to colors...beautifully plated too.

Still hungry (I don't fill up easily) I decided to order one the originals that intended on ordering...the Pulpo Al Olivo; hamachi, avocado, olive oil, octopus, bojita olive aioli, and sarza criolla. An intense olive/briny burst from the olive aioli, then the lemon/acid hits, then a hint of cilantro, then you taste the nori, and finally a little heat at the end. So much flavor in small bites...perfectly balanced so that you'll finish the entire thing.

I'm only here for three days, and I think it'll be mandatory to come back every day. The seafood was super fresh and firm in every dish. Get there early while it's still quiet...your taste buds will thank you as you'll be able to focus on the nuances of each dish. Everyone behind the counter was very kind and helpful. I can see why they hang the award proudly on their wall. I hope they...

A Gastronomic Delight at Itamae - Unmissable!

Itamae, a captivating culinary gem in the heart of Miami, provided an unrivaled Peruvian-Japanese dining experience that my wife and I won't soon forget. Every item on their meticulously crafted menu left us in awe, making it one of those rare establishments where you're tempted to order everything in sight.

From the zesty ceviches to the refreshing cucumber salad, every plate was an explosion of unique flavors. However, the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly their selection of Nigiri. We tried each one on offer and each bite left us in a delightful frenzy, a testament to the outstanding skill and creativity infused in each piece.

Capping off this splendid feast was the exquisite mango sorbet dessert. Set on a bed of luscious cream, it was a stunning end to a truly phenomenal meal. This restaurant doesn't just serve food, but delivers an experience that I daresay is Michelin-star worthy.

While some may be put off by the absence of a traditional liquor option, the extensive range of sake and wine more than compensated for it, ensuring there's something for every discerning drinker.

As avid food explorers, my wife and I were thrilled by our experience at Itamae. The fusion of cultures and the spectrum of flavors we encountered have us yearning for a return visit, and we can't wait to share this gastronomic treasure with our friends.

In a city teeming with dining options, finding a place that excites and impresses consistently is no easy feat. Itamae manages to do this and more. It's a five-star wonder that should be on every food lover's...

In the world of cuisine, certain believe in the holy trinity: French, Japanese and Peruvian, three of them known for their sophistication. So when you enter Itamae - which translates in Japanese to “in front of the board”, the head sushi chef who is ultimately the one in front of the chopping board - the promise is high and the disappointment is higher. It starts right away with the outdoor plastic tables (or plastic feeling) with basic dinnerwares set up after you sit like in a cheap bistro. No cocktails on the drink menu, and only one single choice of Sake. The waiter advised for 6 meals to share. We stayed prudent and ordered 4. Thanks Holy. The bluefin tartare is just a cavernous mystery brownish tasteless mixture served with stale roasted seaweed. The octopus is so chewy that it takes a whole liturgy to finish it. The so-called creative "scallop with parmesan cheese" is just sacrilegious accompanied by a maki roll that could have been purchased at the gas station around the corner. But the alleluia comes with the Cebice that could have been acceptable if it was not soaking in the sea of acidity instead of the usual soft and creamy leche de tigre*. The mass has been said as French say. We skipped the dessert and paid a quite expensive bill. Itamae deserves no attention, and certainly not its Bib on the Michelin guide. Or may be just for its friendly and careful staff. For the rest, keep walking and stop at a real temple of excellent cuisine "Le Jardinier", just around the corner. Amen!

I cannot help thinking of the wonderful cebiche from La Peruana...