Uchiko Miami Beach Debuts in Sunset Harbour with Flame-Kissed Japanese Cuisine
Miami’s ever-evolving culinary scene is set to welcome an extraordinary new addition: Uchiko, the bold and smoky counterpart to the acclaimed Uchi. Founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole and Hai Hospitality, the much-anticipated Japanese-inspired concept will make its Miami debut on March 10 in Sunset Harbour’s sleek new Eighteen Sunset development. Reservations are now open for what promises to be one of the most exciting restaurant openings of the year.
A Concept Rooted in Smoke, Fire, and Innovation
While Uchi is celebrated for its refined and delicate approach to modern Japanese cuisine, Uchiko—meaning "child of Uchi"—leans into a bolder, smokier identity. Designed to explore the artistry of the yakitori grill, Uchiko’s menu is deeply influenced by the flavors of fire and char, adding an entirely new dimension to Hai Hospitality’s award-winning culinary vision.
“After Hai Hospitality’s successful Wynwood residence, it feels natural to expand our award-winning portfolio with Uchiko, just across Biscayne Bay to Sunset Harbour. Guests will recognize Uchi favorites like the Sake Crudo and Makimonos, but now they’ll be able to extend their orders with seafood, vegetables, and steak prepared over an open flame—a key distinction between our two similar but uniquely different concepts.”
Chef Cole
The Menu: Where Heat Meets Elegance
At Uchiko, smoke and fire are central elements, creating a dining experience that is both primal and refined. The menu features an impressive "from the hearth" section, where dishes are kissed by flames and infused with smoky depth. Highlights include:
Hearth-Roasted Lobster – Enhanced with umesboshi butter.
4x Seared NY Strip Wagyu – Served with charred snow pea leaves.
Japanese Sweet Potato – A masterful combination of brown butter, nori vinaigrette, and crème fraîche.
Hot Rock Wagyu – A sizzling tableside experience that lets diners sear their own delicate slices of beef.
The opening menu will also feature daily specials such as Thai Sake Maki, a roll with salmon, nuoc mam, and lemongrass oil, and Hirame Amarillo, a dish of thinly sliced flounder accented with aji amarillo paste and corn nut furikake.
For those seeking a truly immersive experience, Uchiko offers two curated tasting menus: the 10-course Omakase and the personalized Somakase—both designed to showcase the nuances of the restaurant’s unique style.
Sweet Endings and Thoughtfully Crafted Cocktails
The dessert program, led by Executive Pastry Chef Ariana Quant, promises a refined yet playful finish to the meal. Guests can indulge in signature sweets such as:
Milk and Cereal – Featuring fried milk, chocolate mousse, and toasted milk ice cream.
Pineapple Upside Down – Elevated with black garlic, brown butter, and rum ice cream.
Complementing the menu is an extensive beverage selection that embraces both tradition and modernity. Japanese whisky, sake, and global wines share space with an inventive cocktail list, featuring drinks like the Kumori, a lychee martini variation, and the Tsurai, made with Espolon Blanco Tequila, passionfruit, aperol, and Thai chili. For those opting for non-alcoholic options, a selection of zero-proof beverages will also be available.
An Atmosphere Where Japanese Elegance Meets Miami’s Energy
The design of Uchiko Miami Beach is an intentional blend of tropical brutalism and Japanese deco elegance, envisioned by the award-winning Islyn Studio. The 5,380-square-foot, 207-seat space is an interplay of raw materials and refined touches, featuring exposed concrete with shell accents, sea-green marble mosaics, teakwood shutters, and bamboo blinds. A dramatic glass block bar reflects golden light at sunset, while a 12-seat private dining room offers a secluded escape complete with a carved stone fireplace and soft ambient lighting.
Beyond the Plate: Exclusive Experiences Await
Uchiko Miami Beach will go beyond traditional dining with interactive and special experiences designed to engage guests in new ways. Patrons can look forward to:
Maki rolling classes – Hands-on workshops led by Uchiko’s expert chefs.
Holiday-themed omakase specials – Limited-time tasting experiences tailored to seasonal celebrations.
Daily happy hour (5-6:30 p.m.) – A curated menu of discounted bites and cocktails, including a seven-course tasting for two.
Reservations and Opening Details
As one of the most highly anticipated restaurant openings in Miami Beach, Uchiko is expected to draw a crowd from day one. The restaurant will bring approximately 100 new jobs to the area and solidify Sunset Harbour’s reputation as a dining destination. Reservations can now be made through SevenRooms, ensuring a front-row seat to this thrilling new addition to Miami’s luxury dining scene.