Sushi Chef Puts Expensive Omakase To Shame
Better than anything recommended by BF Goodrich
If your only source of restaurant guidance comes from a tire company, you probably think the best sushi comes in 16-course dinners that cost $275. But real ones know the best sushi comes from little corner sushi counters, where an old man who speaks three words of English makes maki like a machine. And that’s why when you ask locals where to find the best sushi in Miami, the name Sushi Chef comes up over and over.
Sushi Chef is a family-run spot that makes you feel like family as soon as you walk in. The owner – Chef Fusao Enomoto – opened the first Japanese restaurant in Caracas back in the ‘70s, and has been running this shop on Coral Way since the early ‘90s. He’s there every day, looking out at his guests while making top-tier sushi without even having to look down, while his son-in-law runs the dining room. The food tastes like what you’d find in back country rural Japan, a massive menu ranging from sushi to udon and katsu that brings back memories of far east travels.
The space: Is part sushi bar, part Japanese market. If you’re the type who likes a front row seat to the fish-slicing action, there’s only a handful of spots in front of Chef Enomoto. Otherwise, you’ll find about 50 seats divided between two-and-four-top tables, filled with families and in-the-know Miamians. Behind them is a wall of Japanese foods ranging from yuzu sauce to sake, and a cookbook by the man himself if you want to try making his stuff at home (Spoiler: You Can’t). At the front counter, you’ll also find an assortment of Japanese candies that would make a Tokyo 7-11 jealous.
What to eat and drink: Much like you can tell a pizza place by its cheese pizza, so can you tell a sushi spot by its nigiri. The simple fish only sushi combo showcases the quality of the ingredients nicely, and effectively scratches the sushi itch. The hot food impresses too, with a spectacular chicken katsu and a big selection of udons that still feel cozy even when it’s 90 degrees outside.
The tuna diablo roll is a nice take on the spicy tuna (and great for those of us who don’t like mayo) with fresh tuna, sriracha, and kimchee sauce, topped with tempura flakes. For the gram, try the salmon (silent L, people) roll, topped with avocado and more salmon (Stop. Pronouncing. The. L.) roll on top for extra color.
Perfect for: Pretty much anything. Date night. Quick lunch. Quick catch-up with a friend. And the happy hour has most of the sushi on the menu under $10.
Don’t miss: Soft shell crab tempura. If you’re into soft shell, it doesn’t get any better than this one.
Expect to pay: Around $40-50 a person.
How’s the parking: Pretty easy. There’s a small parking strip in front, and plenty of street parking nearby.
@sushishefmiami // 3100 Coral Way, Miami
We’re going to go try this next week. Thanks, Matt!