"Miami things to do"

If you love Asian food, Miami Spice 2022 from August 1 to September 31 gives you a chance to try a three course meal at a reasonable cost from their regular menu. From Chinese, Korean, Japanese to Pan Asian, Miami Spice is a great way to get a taste of restaurants you want to try and possibly was beyond your budget.

These are not reviews or even recommendations, just my personal observations from times I’ve dined at certain restaurants. I’m shocked how many I have been to. 

Below is my complete list of 29 Asian restaurants. For the list of over 200 restaurants, go to Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). Go soon. This is a massive undertaking, so be understanding and patient. 

I’ve been slacking posting about Asian restaurants in S. Florida, be patient and you’ll be rewarded with some soon, I promise.

Enjoy! Drop a comment below which one you liked, your dining experience or if I missed any out.  And if you’re interested in joining one of my Wok Star Supper Club events where we visit usually a chef owned Asian restaurant, click on the CONTACT tab and specify you want to get on my list for this.  

Here are a few tips to help you get the best experience for Miami Spice…

Spice Menu… check to make sure you understand menu and options PRIOR to making reservations and if in doubt, call and have them clarify so you won’t get disappointed. 

Parking…check this prior to making reservations. South Beach is a challenge. 

Reservations…definitely a must, do not just show up. Mention you’ll be having Spice Menu.

Clarify…some Entrees have extra costs, check so you don’t get sticker shock. 

Certain Days & Times…make sure to double check the days and time range they offer Spice menu. It is posted on the GMCVB website. 

Lunch or Dinner…some only offer Lunch OR Dinner, some offer both. 

Two Dinner Menus…some offera $45 OR $60 menu or both. 

COTE Miami, a Korean Steakhouse
Today, I had a mini Butcher’s Lunch BBQ for extra $12 (total $40) with 2 meats, Ribeye and USDA Prime Hanger Steak, 4 ounces total but enough for me. Cooked by your server at BBQ table. Accompanied by 7 dishes of banchan which included a souffle. See photo. Tricky timing when other guests ordered the Prime Rib Baguette and finished much earlier, so they had to watch me eat and wait for their dessert. 

CH’I, pan Asian
Only had lunch bites from the Mercardo not restaurant when they opened. Beautiful modern Asian artwork. Restaurant is run by Chef Raffa who is very good with Asian flavors. I have not tried dinner there. It’s at Brickell City Center. 

Chotto Matte, Peruvian with Asian flavors
I went when they first opened. Everything was beautifully executed. Interesting decor and the front door is in an alley in South Beach! 

Da Tang Zhen Wei, Chinese 
I went when they first opened many years ago. It’s inside a condo hotel when you enter Key Biscayne. I see they’ve modernize and now specialize in Hot Pot. 

Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market, Japanese
I’ve been several times for lunch and dinner and really like it there.  Beautiful Japanese decor and high ceilings. So, I’m sure the Spice Menu will be delightful.

Drunken Dragon, Korean BBQ
Interesting restaurant/bar lounge with Korean BBQ.  I had a sold out Wok Star Supper Club when Chef Xavier Torres cooked up a feast including a very addictive Cracked Ribs. What we had was very well executed.  

EST.33 Thai Craft Brewery & Kitchen, Asian
Thai food with craft brew right there! We had very good grilled meats, their pork belly was tender with a really crispy skin. Knockout venue, wide space filled with light and seating out on the balcony. It’s at Brickell City Center. 

Hakkasan Miami Beach, Chinese
Fabulous chefs who know about Chinese techniques. Looks like a nice menu with lots of choices and Dim Sum, that’s what they specialize in. The traditional wood panels and decor is outstanding. Set inside Fountaineblue Hotel. 

I had another sold out Wok Star Supper Club! They treated us like royalty and surprised us with a complimentary glass of champagne! 

Hutong, Chinese
Hands down, is one of our favs, food is EXCELLENT. Modern, cheerful and tasteful decor and food was top notch. There’s option to have Peking Duck on the Spice Menu for extra cost! It’s just how I remember it made in Hong Kong. So, if you’ve not experienced it, it’s highly recommended. In Brickell but not City Center. Has lovely outdoor dining area as well. 

Jaya, at The Setai, Pan Asian
Only been a guest during South Beach Wine & Food Festival Indian dinner. Outdoor dining by the pool is lovely. 

Juvia Miami, International
Beautiful views from rooftop oasis, gorgeous plant wall with interesting International menu by Chef Sunny Oh. Went many years ago. 

Koari, Mediterranean with Asian flavors
Says Mediterranean but I know has Asian flavors cause Chef Raymond Li is there doing his magic. In Brickell but not the City Center. 

Kao Sushi & Grill, Japanese
Sounds like they have Argentinean influences with empanadas and flan. 

Katsuya South Beach, Japanese
Only been to an interesting art event with delicious sushi in their upstairs area, so not experienced their dining area.

Kosushi Miami, Japanese
Looks like a nice selection of dinner menu. I’ve never been. 

Kyu, Pan Asian
Went for lunch when they first opened, good grilled meats. Lovely dining room with few tables outdoors and an amazing plant wall.  

Minty Z Vegan, Pan Asian
If you’re vegan, you’ll be in heaven!  Cute dining area and fun artwork. There are a few outdoor tables.  There’s dumplings galore. Of course in my “adopted city” of Coconut Grove.  

Mr. Chow Miami, Chinese
I’ve only been to the one in London but I did pop in to take a look at spacious dining room and large outdoor dining, very nice. They are pricey, so might be a great way to get a taste! It’s inside W Hotel in South Beach. 

Pao by Paul Qui at Faena Miami Beach Pan Asian
Went when they first opened. The food was divine so was the service. Magical and beautiful settings. Go for walk round the gorgeous gardens after your meal and of course take photo with Damien Hurst’s famous gilded sculpture. It’s at Faena Hotel, notice exquisite artwork on the walls in lobby when you walk through.

Paperfish Sushi, Japanese
My talented friend is executive Chef Mike Asalie. His unique sushi/sashimi combinations really are exotic with gorgeous presentations. I’ve not been here yet but I’ve tasted Mike’s amazing creations. 

Planta Queen, Vegan 
Dined there, beautiful classical Chinese decor and also a modern area. The co-owner chef is Malaysian (my mom was born in Singapore), so there are many dishes I was familiar with. Flavors were spot on. Yay, they have Singapore Noodles on Spice Menu, try it. Another in my “adopted city”, Coconut Grove. 

Pubbelly Sushi Miami Beach, Aventura,Brickell City Center,Dadeland, Japanese
Four locations! Everything there is so good. Chef Jose Medin is fabulous at making sure there’s consistency at all his restaurants. 

Sushiato, Japanese
Have some rolls and then the Oreo Tempura, ha, ha. 

Sushi Garage Miami Beach
Only been to their Happy Hour bites, in my “adopted city” of Coconut Grove, nice hanging out in courtyard at Coco Walk. Nice menu selection. 

Tanuki Miami , Japanese 
I must say the chefs there have the Asian flavors down. I’ve been a guest to their Chinese New Year dinner and also SOBEWFF Asian Night. Both times, excellent. 

Zuma Miami, Japanese
Only been for lunch with foodie friends. Beautiful river views, it’s inside Epic Hotel in downtown Miami. Tricky parking.