YAKKOSAN — Restaurant in North Miami Beach

This place is so good I had to return twice in one week to repeat some items and try more things on the menu. This place is a whole entire vibe! Check the instagram page for the special events for the week. First time I went was on a Wednesday night and it was ladies night, large group to celebrate and we also got a hookah. Let’s talk about the aesthetics first, place is gorgeous. Walking in the first thing you notice is the very elegant decor, the bar is on the right and restaurant has an open feel with foliage on the ceiling. The place is classy and very much what you would expect to dine at a trendy spot in Miami. The service was impeccable, it had a fine dine feel but yet relaxed; hard to explain because you expect fine dine service to be stiff. The staff is attentive without being hovering and our waitress guided us through to menu effortlessly highlighting the delicious dishes on the menu. The food is incredible just writing this review my brain wants the spicy tuna crunch appetizer, I think about this particular dish often. The tuna was finely chopped with a just the right amount of heat on a bed of a crispy rice cake bc with an umami sauce that is just to die for. The chicken lettuce cups was so delicious we had to order a second one, a little messy to eat but that is typical to anything that you eat on a bed of lettuce. The chicken was very flavorful and juicy, the slaw was crunchy and the sauce … well let’s just say the chef knows his stuff. We had the edamame with the sea salt and this edamame is sautéed and the salt comes flaming, the orange sesame salmon was perfectly executed with cauliflower and a carrot ginger purée, we had the Nara Miami Roll with fried plantains, shrimp tempura mango and guava was an explosion of Miami flavors in one bite and we had a dessert sampler just because. Cocktails the menu was definitely crafted by a master mixologist because the flavors compliments the food and the presentation was gram worthy. The smoked old fashioned was a show in itself. I am mad at myself for not remembering the gin cocktail ingredients because that is definitely a cocktail I would like to have again and again. It was well balanced with the perfect amount of sweet and tart bringing out the aromatics of the gin. The second visit we had to try a few more items and repeat the tuna and the edamame. The roasted cauliflower, crispy shrimp, chicken katsu and the octopus were also superb. I can say that everything I have tried so far on this menu will appease to any palate. I forgot to mention that when we returned on Friday there was a DJ playing music at the perfect sound level leaving it comfortable for you to engage in conversation and the DJ was amazing. Song selections were the perfect compliment to the restaurant. This is my new go to sushi spot, hang out, bar, vibe night, birthday party...

This was my go to place. I love the tonkotsu ramen, undo noodle, pork fried rice. I have been with this place about 7 year. However, sadly, I have to say I will not return to this place anymore. Because the quality of the food went down and the so so service I received. About one year ago, I went there with my husband, my two kids and my brother-in-law.My brother-in-law order three things one cup of coke, one Crunchy Spicy Tuna, and a Yaki Undo noddle. His entire order never been serve. We asked the waitress couple of times about his order during, and after our meal. The end result, just a no show for his meal. Luckily, we ordered enough or I should say the two kids had enough left over to feed their poor uncle. the waitress finally figure out and apology to my brother-in-law at very end of our meal. So, we only left 10% of the tip and a note to the waitress regarding her poor performance that night. Because I loved this place so much, my husband and I decided to let it go. We though just one bad experience in 6 years.

About four month ago, I went there with my family. When the food was severed, I got my kids ready to eat. In the half way of cutting the Chicken Tatsuta-Age, which is fried marinated chicken, I noticed that 3 of the fried chicken was under cooked. I can still see the chick was half raw. I immediate called in our waitress and told her the problem. She said she was sorry and offered to refried the 3 piece of the chick. Yes, refried, not replace the whole dish or took the order off. I was very made at the why they handle the situation and told my husband I will never go back again.

Last night, i went back again, Yes, I admit, I really miss their tonkotsu ramen. I cannot find another place in Miami can replace the test.So, I decided to give it another try. I ordered the tonkotus ramen i been thinking for four months. The second I put the noodle in my mouth, I knew the noodle was totally under cook. Then, I searched the whole bowl of noodles. I found half of my noodle was all rubbery, stuck together-uncooked. I talked to the waiter again (WHY!!!!!), I told him it was not acceptable. He say he was sorry. That was about it. He did not do a thing to make it right. Not offer the order from the bill, not offer to give me a new dish. It was raining very heavy last night (9/5/2015), I have two kids under 5 need to go to bed before 8:00pm. So, I didn't have a chance to talk with the manager. On the way home, I told my husband, I am very sad but I think I have to let this spot go and should not come back anymore. Regardless, how much I love their food, I really don't want to pay for something with the full price when I only receive the half of the price quality of food. Not even to mention about the service. Or maybe, that just the way they train their waiter/waitress, when customers complain just say your are sorry and...

A Culinary Masterpiece with Carlos at the Helm

I recently had the pleasure of dining at NARA Sushi & Japanese Steakhouse. It was an unforgettable experience, thanks mainly to the exceptional service provided by their Maître D', Carlos. I knew I was in for something unique from the moment I stepped through the door.

Carlos greeted us with a warm and genuine smile, setting the tone for the entire evening. His impeccable professionalism and knowledge of the menu immediately put us at ease. He took the time to explain the evening's specials, offering insightful recommendations that perfectly matched our preferences.

As we settled into our seats, it became clear that Carlos was orchestrating a symphony of hospitality throughout the restaurant. His attention to detail was truly remarkable. He ensured every guest received the same care and attention, making each diner feel like a cherished guest at a friend's home.

One of the standout moments of the evening was when Carlos expertly paired our wine with our dishes. His wine knowledge was extensive, and he effortlessly guided us to select the perfect bottles that complemented our meal beautifully. It was clear that Carlos had a genuine passion for food and wine, and his enthusiasm was infectious.

The food itself was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece. The chef's creations were a testament to the restaurant's dedication to using the finest ingredients and perfecting every dish. Each course was a work of art, bursting with flavors that danced on the palate. Carlos ensured that every course was presented impeccably and explained the unique elements of each dish.

Throughout the evening, Carlos remained attentive without ever being intrusive. He anticipated our needs, refilled our glasses, and ensured our dining experience was flawless. His ability to create a seamless dining experience was a testament to his expertise as a Maître D'.

In addition to Carlos's exceptional service, the entire staff at NARA Sushi & Japanese Steakhouse was equally attentive and professional. Evidently, they operated as a well-coordinated team, each member playing a crucial role in delivering a memorable dining experience.

In conclusion, dining at NARA Sushi & Japanese Steakhouse was a culinary journey elevated to perfection by Carlos, the Maître D' extraordinaire. His passion, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to providing top-notch service made our evening truly exceptional. If you're looking for a restaurant where outstanding food meets impeccable service, look no further. Please create a reservation at NARA Sushi & Japanese Steakhouse, and let Carlos and his team take you on a culinary adventure you won't soon...