Michelin-Recognized Chef Yasu Tanaka and Spicy Hospitality Group Bring 8-Seat Omakase Experience, YASU Omakase, To Miami Design District

Following the success of Sushi Yasu Tanaka, Michelin-recognized Chef Yasu Tanaka has unveiled an intimate new concept: YASU Omakase, an 8-seat omakase counter in Miami Design District brought to life by Spicy Hospitality Group and designed as a deeply personal reflection of Tanaka’s Yamanashi roots and the rituals that define Japan’s most revered sushiyas.

“Chef Tanaka has made a lasting impact on Miami’s dining scene, and with YASU Omakase, we’re bringing his most personal and refined vision to life. The concept reflects a shared respect for craft and precision—qualities that define both his work and our philosophy. In my travels through Japan, the architecture and intimacy of its traditional sushiyas inspired me to create an omakase that feels truly authentic while remaining true to Miami. Together, we’ve created an experience that celebrates the artistry of omakase at its highest level.” - Andre Sakhai, Partner at Spicy Hospitality Group

Seating only eight guests per service, YASU Omakase represents the pinnacle of Chef Tanaka’s craft: a deeply personal encounter between chef and diner where every detail is intentional and every bite tells a story. Guests are seated at an extraordinary 600-year-old hinoki counter, carved from timber traditionally reserved for Japanese temples and shrines. The experience begins with three to five otsumami (small plates), before transitioning into a curated progression of nigiri, miso soup, a signature hand roll, and a seasonal dessert. Each course reflects Chef Tanaka’s ability to reimagine tradition through a modern Miami lens, blending Japanese precision with coastal vibrancy.

“Miami has embraced my craft and my vision. With YASU Omakase, I want to create something more personal, a place where guests can slow down and experience sushi in a way that feels intimate and true to its tradition.” - Chef Yasu Tanaka

The project is led in collaboration with Chef Raymond Li, a longtime friend and creative partner whose experience at globally celebrated restaurants helps shape their shared vision. His influence introduces a subtle South Florida expression to the menu, adding a sense of place that complements YASU Omakase’s traditional foundation. Together, the chefs aim to create something original—not a replica of any existing model, but a space that honors tradition while pushing boundaries with creativity and purpose.

YASU Omakase offers a single 14–16-course omakase menu, evolving frequently based on seasonality, sourcing, and chef inspiration. Highlights include:

• Three to five otsumami showcasing hot and cold preparations

• A progression of premium nigiri, featuring both Toyosu arrivals and Florida coastal varieties

• House-seasoned soy sauces, crafted to complement individual fish profiles

• Niigata rice, adjusted seasonally for optimal temperature and texture

• A signature temaki hand roll

• Seasonal dessert

The seafood program is sourced through exclusive channels, with the majority of fish arriving directly from Toyosu Market in Tokyo, supplemented by exceptional local species. Vegetables, eggs, and fruit are selected from regional farms.

The beverage program centers on a personally curated sake collection, including rare producers and limited bottles. Guests may select à la carte pours or a pairing designed to mirror the arc of the omakase. A concise wine list, developed with expert consultation, includes selections chosen to complement the precision and subtlety of the menu.

A private room anchored by a second hinoki counter will debut soon for intimate celebrations and special occasions.

YASU Omakase’s design blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with Nordic minimalism, creating a space that feels serene, noble, and quietly powerful. Nearly every element was handcrafted by Japanese artisans, including intricate kumiko woodworking executed with museum-level precision.

The 600-year-old hinoki counter serves as the centerpiece, its natural grain and scent left untreated and polished daily with rice bran—a centuries-old technique that preserves the wood’s warmth and vitality. A matching hinoki cutting board continues this material purity, allowing guests to experience the tactile qualities that define Japan’s most revered sushiyas.

Seating is provided by PP Møbler chairs, handcrafted by master Scandinavian furniture makers to ensure comfort throughout the two-hour experience. The restaurant also features custom tableware and sake vessels, designed in collaboration with ceramic artists in Chef Tanaka’s hometown of Yamanashi, reflect textures, forms, and weight that best complement his approach to sushi.

Chef Yasu has become one of Miami’s most influential sushi masters, known for his thoughtful technique and devotion to Japanese culinary artistry. With multiple thriving concepts and a growing reputation for innovation, he and Spicy Hospitality Group continue to shape the city’s dining landscape with YASU Omakase.

YASU Omakase is located at 151 NE 41st Street, #137 Miami, Florida 33137

Images via Spicy Hospitality Group

Michelin Starred Chef Shingo Akikuni to Open His First Restaurant, Shingo

Critically-acclaimed Chef Shingo Akikuni will open his very first restaurant, SHINGO, on Thursday, May 11, 2023 inside the historic La Palma building in Coral Gables. SHINGO is an intimate, 14-seat, omakase restaurant that will offer an 18-course dining experience featuring traditional Japanese nigiri, seasonal sashimi and Yakimono dishes with premium sake pairings. Chef Akikuni brings his years of experience and accolades to SHINGO. Most recently, he served as executive chef at Miami’s Japanese fine-dining restaurant Hiden. Under his helm as executive chef, Hiden was one of the first restaurants in Miami to be awarded one star from the MICHELIN Guide in 2022.

The 850-square-foot space has been entirely designed and constructed by expert woodworkers in Kyoto, Japan before being de-constructed, transported and reassembled in Miami. Upon entering SHINGO, guests will feel as though they have been transported to Japan’s classic omakase dens. The restaurant features traditional Japanese design elements and vintage materials, including the use of Hinoki and Sugi woods on the counter, ceiling and grand entrance, which doubles as an art gallery. The dining room features an intimate “L-shaped” 14-seat counter made of a rare 10 meter slab of Hinoki wood. Special touches and details are found in every moment at SHINGO, from the unique silver chopstick holders, crafted to resemble food shapes, to an array of custom-made ceramic plateware created by Kyoto-based ceramics maker Shin Murata.

Passionate about sharing Japanese culture through food in America, Chef/Owner Akikuni is excited to add to the thriving dining scene in Miami and seeks to provide diners with an individualized experience based on their personalities and preferences.

“I first moved to Miami five years ago, and I feel that the restaurant scene has been booming year by year, featuring so many passionate and talented chefs whom I call my colleagues and friends,” says Chef Shingo Akikuni. I'm overjoyed to be able to open my first restaurant in Coral Gables using the experience and skills I've learned working in restaurants in Tokyo, New York and Miami. I’m looking forward to serving our guests dishes that change with the seasons and to continue to add value to the culinary landscape in Miami.”

The 18-course menu at SHINGO will change seasonally, with a rotating selection of fresh sushi variations and Yakimono dishes which are prepared through traditional grilling practices. Guests can expect dishes such as Japanese Binchotan Charcoal Grilled Eel topped with caviar and fresh wasabi served with premium sake. Personally sourced and selected by Akikuni himself, SHINGO'S fresh ingredients are imported from Japan and found locally in Florida.

Shingo Akikuni is a third-generation sushi chef originally from Osaka, Japan, and is recognized as one of the best sushi chefs in Florida. Growing up making sushi at his family-owned restaurant in Osaka, Chef Akikuni was taught and trained by both his father and grandfather before coming to America in 2017. Previously, Akikuni served as Sushi Chef at an award-winning sushi restaurant in Tokyo, before moving to Miami and taking on positions as Sous Chef at Sushi Azabu, and, finally, as Executive Chef at Hiden, where the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star.

SHINGO is located at the La Palma building at 112 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134. SHINGO will be open for dinner five days a week (Tuesday – Saturday) with two seating options at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. The 18-course omakase experience is $180 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. An optional wine and sake pairing is available for $95 per person.

Chris Stamp and Nobu Matsuhisa Bring Iconic 'Sushi Club' Collaboration With McLaren To Miami

‘Sushi Club’, the iconic limited-edition, premium menswear collaboration between LA-based designer Chris Stamp and legendary sushi chef Nobu Matsuhisa which has grown a cult celebrity following, is set to make its South Beach debut in time for Miami Race Week with the limited-edition launch of their first ‘Miami Sushi Club’ capsule collection in collaboration with McLaren. This limited-edition capsule will launch on Saturday, May 6th at 11 AM Eastern Time on sushi-club.com and in-store at the La Brea flagship store in Los Angeles at 11 AM Pacific Time.

The limited-edition first Miami Sushi Club capsule includes a pieces, including a Sushi Club x McLaren Hat, T-Shirt and Varsity Jacket.

Since its inception in Beverly Hills, CA 2021 Chris Stamp and Nobu Matsuhisa have embarked on a journey to create a community celebrating the elegant simplicity of quality food and art. Bonded through their mutual love for sushi, the arts, travel and fashion, the duo look to create an inclusive world catered towards like-minded individuals who wish to further immerse themselves in the lifestyle of culinary art.

Coined ‘Beverly Hills Sushi Club’, the first capsule collection collaboration between Stamp and Matsuhisa launched with signature sushi club chopsticks logo on the Beverly Hills Sushi Club 'perfect' fit and ‘relaxed’ T-Shirts, a Stampd Matsuhisa Sport Cap and a Beverlys Hills Sushi Club Trucker Hat, all of which were produced in limited quantities. The collection now features an expanded selection of limited-edition shirts, jackets, hats and accessories if you can even get your hands on them as they tend to sell out fast.

Following Beverly Hills Sushi Club, Stamp and Matsuhisa followed-up with the launch of Aspen Sushi Club, transporting the ‘Sushi Club’ lifestyle to Aspen’s outdoor-centric culture where Matsuhisa also operates a restaurant. The Aspen Sushi Club product mix features Sushi Club’s core essentials with the updated Aspen Sushi Club logo and were available at a pop-up at the Matsuhisa Aspen location on launch day. ‘Sushi Club’ is also set to launch in St. Tropez in June 2023.

In 1987, the ambitious sushi chef Nobu Matsuhisa opened his first restaurant in Beverly Hills, bringing his inspired blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine to the public. When Matsuhisa’s doors first opened, a silhouette of Nobu was painted behind the sushi bar. The smoky grey profile of a 38 year old Nobu is still there 30 years later, and has become the logo to his ever expanding legacy.

Although his flagship still retains the low key décor from day one, it is distinguished by its skilled staff and an enormous menu packed with peerless dishes. Matsuhisa not only represents dining at its finest, it is the foundation of a culinary empire that is still growing today.

Stampd combines luxury fashion craftsmanship, details of premium technical apparel and the modern attitude of contemporary streetwear. Stampd was established in 2011, being born from a passion project of founder Chris Stamp’s final 6 months in business school. Stampd’s garments celebrate both urban and outdoor active lifestyles, prioritizing authentic narratives that pay homage to the inspiration and nostalgia behind favorite pastimes ranging from city to the beach. By 2015, Chris Stamp was awarded the title of one of GQ’s Best New Menswear Designers in America and soon after was a finalist of the prestigious Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund in 2016. That same year, Stampd partnered with New York-based Snarkitecture firm, to open the first Stampd flagship store in Los Angeles at 130 S. La Brea Avenue. Since then, Stampd has collaborated with many globally influential artists and brands, including Puma, IKEA, Daniel Arsham, Futura and most recently, Nobu Matsuhisa.

Images via Miami Sushi Club

Queen Miami Beach Reveals Exclusive 8-Seat High-End Speakeasy Style Omakase Experience

After a warm reception from patrons and gourmands, Queen Miami Beach has revealed one of her most-coveted hidden gems, nestled within her upper wing and peering into the grand dining room below. The intimate haven of glamour, design, and inimitable exclusivity is revealed as Queen Omakase, an exclusive eight-seat omakase bar led by third-generation sushi chef Max Kamakura. The new private dining enclave boldly presents an indulgent speakeasy-style omakase experience, open for reservation beginning April 27, 2023. Queen Miami Beach, a new concept from legendary restauranteur Matthew Massa’s Mr. Hospitality, has become one of the hottest restaurants and most unique luxury experiences in Miami since opening earlier this year.

Tucked within the walls of the Historic Paris Theater, Queen Omakase offers a premier ultra-luxury gastronomic experience to the already lauded Queen Restaurant and Lounge, complete with its own private entrance and elevated view of the universe below.

Upon arrival, guests are escorted by a dedicated VIP host through the main dining room before being led to the second-floor speakeasy lounge area where Queen Omakase lives. Concealed behind elegantly draped crimson-hued curtains, the secluded dining retreat opens up to an immaculately designed black Calacatta onyx-adorned bar surrounded by custom-made Bamboo Forest wallpaper, fabricated in Italy and color-customized by renowned designer Carlos Rodriguez. Dangling from the ceiling, a 1970s glass-blown Murano chandelier imbues the room with a sense of elegance and grandeur.

At the helm of Queen Omakase, Japanese-Brazilian classically trained, third-generation sushi chef, Max Kamakura will take guests on a multi-course journey through timeless Japanese traditions magnified through his distinctive modernist approach and well-traveled culinary experience.

“Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate enough to call numerous cities across several continents my home, which allowed me to deeply immerse myself in different local customs and traditions,” said Queen Omakase Executive Chef Max Kamakura. “Omakase to me is about conveying generations of stories through each meticulously crafted bite. Each dish represents a narrative that has been crafted over the course of many years, and guests will get to experience this through Queen Omakase.”

Queen Omakase perfectly fuses the rich tapestry of Japanese history with the vibrant energy that is quintessentially Miami. With an eight-top counter and only two seatings offered per night, exclusivity is as integral a part of the experience as the exceptional culinary programming, which will introduce a newly curated chef’s selections menu every three weeks. Bringing cooking techniques and quality ingredients to the forefront, guests can look forward to a premium selection of delicately composed nigiri and specialty Japanese dishes, prepared using ingredients from Japan and all around the globe.

Queen Omakase is open Tuesday through Saturday. The first seating is at 7:00 PM and the second seating is at 9:30 PM. Guests prepay in advance to confirm their seating and reservations can be made through OpenTable at $275 per person, plus tax and gratuity. If you have not been to an Omakase experience before, take note that as the chef curates the dishes live for each guest so if you are late they may start the experience without you.

Queen Omakase is located at The Paris Theater at 550 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Valet Parking is available at the front entrance and public parking garages are located at 555 Washington Ave. and 500 Collins Ave.

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Architectural images via Craig Dennis | Culinary images by Sebastian Bednarski