In Japan, an izakaya is akin to a Spanish tapas bar; it’s an informal after-work hangout where one drops by for drinks, most often saké (the name derives from “sakaya,” a saké shop) and small plates that can be shared amongst friends. As the soaring ceilings and sophisticated designer décor of Miami’s Zuma make clear, this first American branch of chef Rainer Becker’s London original is Becker’s much-upscaled vision of the traditional version.
Zuma Miami, located in the heart of downtown, brings chef Rainer Becker’s internationally acclaimed style of modern Japanese izakaya dining from the robata grill and kitchen to its flagship US location.
Zuma’s dishes which come from a robata grill, a sushi-sashimi bar, a tempura station and a kitchen are elevated by art-on-a-plate presentation, top-quality ingredients and flavors that are sometimes intense, sometimes subtle, but virtually always impeccably balanced. On the extensive menu of signature staples plus seasonally changing items, one would expect favorites like miso-marinated “black cod” (sablefish) or Kurobuta pork belly skewers to rock, and indeed, Zuma’s versions are anything but ordinary. But even normally yawn-inspiring items, like tofu, soar, as it’s been spiced, fried, and finished with Japanese herbs. As for the drinks that izakaya food is designed to accompany, cocktails are well-crafted and the western wine list features numerous tempting rare bottles. The best idea, though, is to explore the intricacies of Japan’s wine and saké from Zuma’s large and varied collection. Brunch brings many options as well as free-flowing lychee martinis. To your surprise, people can enjoy private dining in its two unique spaces. The waterfront terrace is no doubt a perfect location to experience private dining.
