Culinary Excellence on Ocean Drive

Now that the New York-based one (1) Michelin-starred Azabu has opened in the Stanton Hotel on South Beach’s Ocean Drive, the hotel no longer has a typical hotel restaurant. Even 1 Michelin star is a big deal in this tiny beach enclave, so it’s safe to say that it’s Azabu’s turn for the spotlight.

The Experience

The unpretentious entrance off the lobby is almost camouflaged if you’re not looking for it. And in typical South Beach style, it offers a large casual outdoor seating area. Light wood paneled walls play up the serenely monochromatic décor which sets the stage for enjoying the food, sake, and the knowledgeable, well-trained staff. The Azabu experience is a traditional Japanese concept called omotenashi or “selfless service.”

The somewhat stylized premise is to meet a diner’s needs without the diner making superfluous requests. Service is from the bottom of the heart with orders taken promptly, so guests won’t wait long for their choices. Servers are attentive without being overbearing and after the meal, you’re encouraged to enjoy the lounge or even linger at the table. Azabu is in no rush to “turn tables.”

Authentic Japanese Cuisine & Sushi

The 80-seat dining room has an open kitchen and offers a unique menu with authentic Japanese dishes such as Sakura Pork Shio-Koji, and Robata-grilled Yakitori. Expertly prepared and elegantly plated, the cuisine is a treat for the palate. Throw caution to the wind and savor the full experience Chef Christopher Robert creates trying new and exciting dishes.

Renowned for its sushi offerings, Azabu has a “hidden” sushi bar called The Den. Guests are led through the kitchen to the beautiful 11-seat counter crafted from a Hinoki Cypress tree. The menu? It’s strictly omakase (the chef’s choice) incorporating local and imported seafood from Japanese fish markets. Chef  Yasuhiro Tanaka invents the selections for the Den.

Cocktails & Sake

Using handcrafted glassware made by Japanese artisans, Azabu offers specialty drinks like Haru (the name means Spring in Tokyo). Haru, with its frothy whipped egg-white topping, is not only delicious and refreshing but is beautiful with a garnish of fresh, edible flowers and it’s one of many specialty drinks at Azabu.

Watching the bartenders mixing is like watching artists at work. Their precision technique in each and every drink’s construction is impressive, and the use of imported ingredients brings many of the libations to life.

Azabu has an extensive collection of sakes, even offering a sake flight for tasting the subtle and sometimes bold nuances in this underrated liquid.

Back Story

Azabu is a district in Tokyo that began as a local commercial area and is now home to numerous foreign embassies. The company that owns Azabu, Plan Do See, opened its first restaurant there and it quickly became a go-to for international guests. The company then followed up with a US launch in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood, calling it Sushi Azabu. Azabu, Miami Beach is its second location.