Brickell does a great many things well. Live streamers. Alo Yoga outfits. Road rage. But “casual” and “relaxing” are not words anyone would associate with Miami’s financial district. One of the rare exceptions is Tokyo Tuna, a little neighborhood sushi spot tucked near the Latin Café on Brickell Plaza. It’s the kind of place you wander in, drawn by the faux cherry blossom trees outside, saying to no one in particular, “This looks interesting.”
Then you sit down. And plate after plate of top-quality sushi comes out, with nobody flashing a ring light in your face or staring every course with “Hey, Guys!” It’s a calming, low-key restaurant where you can enjoy good sushi and hear the person you’re eating with. And while it’s not grabbing any headlines with tuna cutting ceremonies or $200-a-person omakases, it’s the kind of place that’s an oasis of tranquility in Brickell.
There is So. Much. Sushi. In Brickell. Why go here?
Because it’s the most un-Brickell sushi restaurant imaginable. It’s rarely crowded. The service is quick and friendly. You generally won’t hear the roaring rented sports cars once you’re inside. And the prices, while not cheap, are reasonable for what you’re getting.
The scene: Is like a neighborhood sushi counter, if it suddenly got a grant to improve the décor. The small space has a smattering of tables and a sushi bar, nothing especially fancy that makes you wonder how they could afford the build out. But the outdoor section is adorned in mocked up cherry blossom trees, and there’s a rising sun mural on one interior wall. So Tokyo Tuna gets immersive without getting expensive.
What to eat and drink: On the sushi side, Tokyo Tuna is a great spot to play the classics. The standards like the Hamachi jalapeno roll and smoky dragon roll (the tuna is torched) satisfy the basic sushi craving. The sour apple roll, which adds green apple to salmon, avocado, and citrus juice, was an intriguing blend of flavors. If you’re into rich flavors, the Tokyo Tuna Roll with otoro, uni, and ikura is a fatty, salty blast.
If you’re looking to split something across the table, the Tuna Triple Play does well, with six pieces of Bluefin tuna split among otoro, chu-toro, and akami sushi or nigiri. Beyond the sushi, the hotstone wagyu beef is the best bet, where wagyu strips cook on a stone at your table, and you dip them in ponzu sauces when it’s done.
Pro tip: There’s also a South Miami location with sushi boats that float around the restaurant. So if you’re up for a Metrorail ride that can be a fun adventure.
Don’t miss: The affordable power lunch.Most of the stuff on the daytime menu under $20.
Expect to pay: Sushi can be all over the board depending on how hungry you are. Budget about $50 each and you should be good.
How’s the parking: Literally nonexistent. But it’s right under the Metromover.
@tokyotuna // 1063 Brickell Plaza, Brickell