Miami is fast-becoming a mecca for Asian cuisine. A bevy of new restaurants caters to an influx of New Yorkers and Californians, not to mention Latin Americans from cities with large populations of Asian descent. Climb aboard our dining version of the Orient Express to sample the vast variety.
Jia
Once known for stone crabs and steaks, South of Fifth is shaping up to be a culinary contender. Jia focuses on modern Cantonese fare by an award-winning chef known for the niche. He recommends his hometown recipe for char siu, a Chinese barbecue staple with pork shoulder, white wine and ginger. jiamiami.com
Cote
One of the toughest tables to get in town, the Florida outpost of New Yorks Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse Cote packs them in for its elevated approach to Korean barbecue. Most first-timers order the Butchers Feast with four selected cuts (American wagyu, 45-day USDA prime dry-aged beef), sides and soft serve. cotemiami.com
Hiyakawa
Among many new omakase temples here, Hiyakawa stands out for its beautiful, minimalist setting of pale wood. Former Tokyo-based restaurateur Alvaro Perez Miranda (70+ restaurants within 15 years) shares his deep passion and knowledge for the Japanese aesthetic and kikubari, the art of service, for authentic omakase experiences. hiyakawamiami.com
2 Korean Girls
Sub your brown-bag lunch with a signature bowl from 2 Korean Girls. The fast-casual concept introduced lunch service on Monday-Friday for dishes such as the Original Bibimbap with ribeye, Korean white rice, sesame spinach, a fried egg and red chili paste. Other proteins are spicy Korean chicken and miso cod. 2koreangirls.com
ZZs Sushi Bar
Whether Soho Beach House or the Bath Club, Miami loves members-only destinations. New Yorks Major Food Group, which is taking over South Florida from Miami to Boca Raton, got the memo. Its private ZZs Sushi Bar in the Design District also serves spring rolls, dumplings wagyu and Asian-style steamed bass. zzsclub.com
On Deck
Two highly anticipated Chinese eateries are slated for 2021-22. Late to our celebrity chef scene, Gordon Ramsay finally makes his foray with Miami Beachs Lucky Cat next year. Pagoda Kitchen, which boasts a double, vertical rotisserie for Peking duck, Chinese spare ribs and chickens, debuts in Delray Beach in October. gordonramsayrestaurants.com | pagodakitchen.com
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