The Japanese restaurant we’re visiting today, Zuma, has 16 branches around the world. In the U.S., they have a spot in Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and Boston. I took the opportunity to give it a try during our last visit to Miami. 😛
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars! I wanted to give it 4.5 stars, but considering its price it might be closer to a 4-star rating.)
We also made our reservation before our visit for this one. It locates right next to a wide river. You can see one of the bridges through the windows in the picture above. When a big boat passes through, the bridge will open up from the middle and rise to the sides to let the boat go. I have to admit that I saw it moving during the meal and had to pause and watch the cool scene 😉
The atmosphere and service are both great in this restaurant. The brightness of the lights is comfortable – dimmed enough to create the mood, yet also bright enough to let you see your food lol. There’s also a lamp on each desk. Besides a regular dining area, they also have a sake bar area for drinks (as shown on the left side of the picture above) and a sushi counter. The restroom is also tidy and clean.
Before we talk about this attractive tuna nigiri sushi, I have to mention the big bowl in the top left corner. It’s the “kinoko no kama meshi”, which is a “rice hot pot with wild mushrooms, Japanese vegetables and preserved black truffle” according to their menu. It has a charming aroma and tastes really good! The tuna nigiri sushi is fresh and tender. Tastes amazing with wasabi!
The “hokkaido uni” (Japanese sea urchin) we ordered is also very sweet with bright and beautiful colors and no unpleasant tastes.
Last but definitely not least, this ”gin-dara no saikyo yaki” (black cod marinated in saikyo miso wrapped in hoba leaf) under their signature dishes section is also a star! The fish is baked with a pleasant smell but not dry at all. The texture is right between chewy and tender. It has a mild and elegant sweet taste. But the most impressive one is the dip! The slightly sweet, dense sauce has a delightful smell of pomelo and lemon zest, not only making it not too heavy but adding another layer to its flavor.
This restaurant is suitable for all kinds of special occasions for dates, friends, and family! The atmosphere and service meet the high-class restaurant standard, yet lively and casual enough to not let you feel restricted. As to the food they offer, it’s fresh, delicious, and special. I will recommend it if you want to try a different kind of Japanese food! 🙂
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The Restaurants and Things to Do In Miami & Key West post has more Miami and Key West related traveling information and notes. Check it out if you’re interested!