Set the scene.
In celebration of The Setai’s 20th anniversary as Miami Beach’s premier luxury hotel, the property has introduced Japón, a crown jewel in its dining portfolio, alongside the renowned South Asian Jaya and Mediterranean-inspired Ocean Grill. This newly opened restaurant pays homage to Japanese gastronomy through its motifs and cuisine, with an avant-garde high-end dining experience curated by Saladino Design Studios.
A striking torii gate—symbolizing the passage into a spiritual realm—frames the entrance from the hotel’s lush moss-and-mural enveloped courtyard, where guests dine among palm trees and a stunning water feature. Entering through a quieter front entrance beside The Setai’s pearl-tiled lobby bar, guests are greeted by a majestic mosaic of the “Tsuru” crane—a revered symbol of happiness and good fortune. The hostess, wearing a beautiful silk kimono, guides you to your table.
Inside, an intimate atmosphere and exquisite attention to detail await. Intricate, undulating wooden patterns echo traditional Japanese architecture, complemented by fabric pendant chandeliers and a bell adorned with Buddha faces. Sumptuous velvet seating in classic Oriental patterns invites guests to relax while the luxurious marble sake and sushi bar beckons with inviting wooden stools.
Discreetly hidden at the back is the private dining space, “The Kyoto Room.” Accessible through a speakeasy-style door for select guests, this exclusive 14-seat room boasts an impressive collection of mid-1800s artworks arranged in gallery style within antique wooden frames. Gold-lacquered ceilings painted with dainty cherry blossom trees enhance the opulence of this enchanting space.
Let’s begin with the drinks this time.
The design is undeniably show-stopping and deserves significant attention, but the food and drinks are equally—if not more—worthy of obsession. To kick off our meal, we indulged in one of their inventive libations: the enticing Wasabi Martini. Surprisingly refreshing, it combines vodka, cucumber, fresh citrus, and blended wasabi. Just a hint of the pungent spice that the green condiment is known for subtly infuses the drink, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Contemporary mixology techniques blend seamlessly with heritage flavors in the other signature cocktails, including the Fuji Blossom (Fuji apple-infused ALB vodka, Joto Yuzu sake, fresh citrus, and egg whites), the Suntory Sour (Toki Whiskey, Midori melon, Choya plum, citrus, saline, and egg whites), and the Samurai in Jalisco (shishito and orange peel-infused Jaja reposado tequila, Aperol, and grapefruit). However, if you prefer to enjoy sake with your sushi, Japón offers an extensive sake list, along with wine and beer options.
What can we expect from the food?
Led by acclaimed chefs Vijayudu Veena and Ián Monzón, Japón masterfully blends authentic Japanese flavors with stunning aesthetics. Every dish on the menu is a visual delight, a fitting complement to the restaurant’s artful interiors. From plant-based and seafood-forward starters to dynamic sushi rolls and protein-infused main courses, the recommendation for a shareable dining style is wise, as a tempting array of plates will entice your taste buds.
We started with the Miso Black Cod, comprising miso-glazed cod wrapped in bibb lettuce cups, served with fresh ginger. Next was a Baby Spinach salad, perfectly complemented by a delicious yuzu miso dressing. The sashimi and sushi selections were exceptional, so we chose a couple from each. Highlights included the Toro Tartare sashimi with thinly sliced salmon, ponzu, garlic chips, and shiso, as well as the King Crab maki roll with soy paper, sesame, cucumber, avocado, scallion, spicy mayo, tempura flakes, and a generous lump of king crab.
For the main course, you simply can’t miss the signature Japanese Wagyu Sandwich, featuring F1 Japanese Wagyu slabs, and the Truffle Hotpot fried rice, prepared tableside with sushi rice, wild mushrooms, shaved truffle, kimchi miso, and a poached egg. Another standout dish is the Chicken “Setai” Skewers, served with a creamy peanut sauce and a splash of lime for a citrusy zing.
To wrap up our meal, we enjoyed a sweet treat integral to Japanese cuisine dating back to the Jomon period (14,000–300 BCE): mochi, available in three flavors—coconut, mango, and passion fruit. Since we shared, we could sneak in a few final bites of the Chizu Yuzu, Japón’s inventive twist on cheesecake, garnished with yuzu and strawberries.
Final thoughts?
Japón sets a high standard for elevated gastronomic experiences, transforming every aspect of the setting into a work of art. It’s quite the commemoration of The Setai, Miami Beach’s 20th year, to say the least.
Top Takeaways
Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Address: 2001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Cuisine: Japanese
The vibe: A high-end, traditional Japanese restaurant that infuses Miami’s vibrant energy into the dining experience’s atmosphere.
Pricing: $$$$
Takes reservations? Yes – OpenTable
Our favorite dish on the menu: We chose two dishes: the Miso Black Cod and the Chizu Yuzu, both of which were outstanding.
The attire: Casual Elegant Dress Code. Flip-flops, sportswear, and beachwear are not permitted. Men are encouraged to wear blazers and button-down shirts.
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Dinner is served daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
