Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama is not just a gastronomic journey, it is a cultural odyssey.
Every element at Mouriya Gion was truly authentic, from the top-tier beef, to the meticulously selected ingredients from Kyoto.
Tapas Molecular Bar, Tokyo, was a delightful blend of culinary innovation and careful attention to detail.
Oise Ristorante fuses traditional elements of Italian and Japanese cuisine, showcasing an exploration of imaginative flavours.
Fort Lauderdale can now proudly boast a sophisticated dining experience, with engaging service at Maass.
Lurra in Kyoto’s culinary landscape offers an exquisite fusion of freshness and excitement in every bite.
Our evening at Otome Sushi was nothing short of unforgettable. A high-caliber culinary journey and a must-try if you are visiting Kanazawa.
Fuwari is a buzzing izakaya loved by locals, offering reasonably priced traditional dishes.
Kappo Sato demonstrates unwavering dedication to delivering extraordinary and unforgettable dining experiences.
Narisawa restaurant in Tokyo was the most unforgettable food experience on my 19-day tour of Japan.
L’Effervescence offers a 12-course tasting menu that heavily emphasizes a connection to both the land and sea, drawing influences from French culinary traditions.
Eneko provided a refreshing alternative to traditional Japanese fare and was an evening of pure enjoyment and entertainment.
My lunchtime visit to Kyubey Ginza in Tokyo was far from what I anticipated or expected.
Chef Daniel Calvert has accomplished something truly remarkable at SÉZANNE, crafting dynamic, exquisite, and seasonally updated French dishes, and sourcing ingredients throughout Japan and France.
Here is my list of Restaurants I want to try this year in Miami!
Toronto’s only two star Michelin chef is set to debut his new affordable Omakase restaurant in the heart of Yorkville.
53 Restaurant has a chic atmosphere, with a global clientele and an Asian-inspired menu.
The new panoramic restaurant AP (Antonio Park) with sweeping vistas recently opened, where Chef spotlights Japanese/Peruvian food.
Sérêvène is a sophisticated and chic establishment, with a supper club feel. If I were to return, it might be for a drink and to listen to some live music.
Queen, Miami is a fully immersive experience and a total indulgence for your wallet. Over the top, showstopper, luxurious, excessive, dramatic, high end and glamorous are a few adjectives I would use.
This just might be Miami’s best surf and turf dinner if you can swallow the gut wrenching prices!
After dining out at numerous restaurants in 2022, consuming all types of food from pizza to burgers to special occasion meals. I have come out with my Miami favorites, the best of the best list!
Chef appreciated the current season and expressed it through his creative artistry, his approach to harmony, balance and appealed to all the senses!
The chef uses luxe ingredients from Southern California or imports them from places like Haikodo Japan and using skillful technique and glorious presentations, along with genuine hospitality and gracious service, it was a memorable meal indeed.
Nice to see that Toronto has some innovative, creative mixology going on, and this is under the tutelage of Frankie Solanik. He has created cutting edge mixology and Barchef is one of the best places for inventive cocktails in Toronto!
Asiatiko in Aventura, Florida is a kosher game changer. Who knew, a cool, tasty, kosher spot is in Aventura. I guess you must expect the unexpected. Well done.
I don’t have enough adjectives to describe the reaction I had when walking into Sexy Fish, Miami’s new import from London. Extravagant would be an understatement, but the one thing that impressed me the most was the staff.
The newly opened Jia Restaurant in Miami turns into a late-night entertainment venue on the weekends which might be nice to enjoy a drink from the bar. Personally, I would avoid eating here if you are looking to indulge in some standout Chinese food.
Coral Gables seems to be getting some excellent restaurants of late, and you can add another one to my hit list. There is no better restaurant in Miami right now serving dim sum and Izakaya than Zitz Sum.
Last year I reported that Mamey was my best meal in Miami. This year Chef Niven Patel, one of my personal favourite chefs, has opened a second restaurant called Orno, serving New American wood-fired dishes that are chef-driven and ingredient-focused.
I’m back recommending my favourite new and notable Miami restaurants along with my tried and true choices for ShaneaSavours 2021 Hit List.
I encourage all my fellow foodies to make the pilgrimage to SingleThread Farms in Sonoma for a truly unforgettable experience in one of the most talked-about restaurants in America.
New York’s Tacos Güey is the first Mexican restaurant that I want to try again, and soon. It is a casual, modern Mexican eatery that is creating some ambitious and delicious dishes made with quality and multidimensional flavours.
Newly opened 63 Clinton in New York was truly a memorable dining experience with the dishes pure joy. It was fine dining without the snob appeal.
L’Aria Restaurant at The Mandarin Oriental in Lake Como, Italy boasts a sophisticated ambiance, quality service, and a delightful menu. Chef Max Blasone is an innovator of excellent cuisine and had upped the ante when it comes to dining in Como.
One of Miami’s best-kept secrets is an “underground speakeasy” style Omakase restaurant called Nossa Omakase, hidden in the unlikely location, the back of a poke restaurant in South Beach. If Michelin ever makes it to Miami, this may be one spot they want to check out.
Miami’s Okami is a Nikkei restaurant using Japanese techniques and Peruvian flavours. The menu is not large but well-curated, and I was impressed with the attractive presentations and contrasting flavours.
Uchi Restaurant in Wynwood, Miami serves elevated food with a modern twist. We were pleasantly surprised and pleased with our entire meal.
Cote Restaurant in Miami has imported NYC’s high-spirited and interactive vibe along with Miami’s diverse and vibrant population. It is an elevated experience, with an attractive, fun, and seductive atmosphere, excellent engaging service, and succulent steaks that make for a memorable experience.
Ke-uh Restaurant in Sunny Isles will no doubt become a hot spot in North Miami. The menu is diverse and eclectic, with many shareable plates and fish flown in from Japan and the Mediterranean.
Miami’s Leku Restaurant showcases some exceptional regional specialties, unlike anything else in Miami. This restaurant is a destination in itself. We did not experience one undesirable dish, all were exquisite, artfully plated, and delicious.
La Natural in Miami uses a purity of ingredients, and seasonality that is palate-pleasing. The people, food, music, and environment make for a pleasant evening.
I think Chef Morimoto has a winning formula with Momosan Ramen and Sake Izakaya, which recently opened in the Wynwood district of Miami. It’s a crowd-pleaser, with inspiring dishes, attentive service, and a cool atmosphere.
Everything we ordered at Lido Restaurant and Champagne Bar at the Surf Club in Miami’s Surfside Four Seasons was delightful. They take things seriously when it comes to creating a safe environment for guests.
I’m so happy to see a new establishment opening in North Miami like Perl Restaurant that is worthy of many return visits. The menu combines many influences and there is something for everyone.
Newly opened in Miami’s up and coming Little River district, Hachidori Ramen is a cute and charming treasure of a spot serving warm bowls of love. We felt welcome, safe, comfortable, and satisfied.
Newly opened Mila in Miami is huge, and seats about 250 indoors and 150 outdoors. Outdoors is where you want to be weather permitting. Inside the dining room is finished in earth tones, with a fabulously large teardrop lighting installation, a beautiful sculpted wooded accent wall and an open kitchen and large bar.
Maison T in Toronto was recently opened by a veteran chef with exceptional restaurant experience, and features French classics like mussels, poutine, duck confit, soups, and steak and frites.
Pastel restaurant in Old Montreal has a globally inspired cuisine that is Instagram worthy, showcasing innovative, original and artistic presentations. Opened in Old Montréal in 2018, it’s already listed as #22 on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurant list.
Does Toronto really need another steakhouse? When an establishment like The Butcher Chef at 8 Harbour St. offers quality meat to suit everyone’s taste, along with an extensive global wine list and hospitable service, the answer is a resounding yes.
Chef Patrick Kriss has thrown Toronto foodies a lifeline, during Covid-19, by creating a temporary oasis at 485 Wellington Street West and calling it Alo Midsummer. He is offering a luxurious, and premium ten course blind tasting for 2-4 guests per well-spaced table. It opened on Friday, July 24th and is open till the end of September.
I have always longed for delivery from upscale and delicious purveyors. Unfortunately, it took a pandemic for eateries in Toronto to bring delivery and takeout to the masses. Here is my latest list of restaurants in Toronto offering takeout and or delivery.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong provides you with a luxury level of facilities in the heart of the city. It sets new standards in Asia and abroad for ultra-chic accommodations and customer service that’s unparalleled.
I have always longed for delivery from upscale and delicious purveyors. Unfortunately, it took a pandemic for eateries in Toronto to bring delivery and takeout to the masses. Here is my latest list of restaurants in Toronto offering takeout and or delivery.
In the hope people are continuing to support local eateries and caterers by ordering takeout or delivery from participating restaurants, I’ve created a second edition of my favourite spots in Toronto for takeout / delivery.
I have shared some of my favourite places in New York open for takeout or delivery during the Covid-19 social isolation quarantine. Many of these establishments need our support now more than ever.
I have shared some of my favourite places in Miami open for takeout or delivery during the Covid-19 social isolation quarantine. Many of these establishments need our support now more than ever.
The food at Amber restaurant in Hong Kong is definitely gastronomic but not gimmicky. There is a modern approach to the cuisine, it displays a multitude of refined and meticulous and indulgent details. Highly recommended.
VEA Restaurant in Hong Kong is on Asia’s 50 best list as well as having one Michelin star. They tick off every box, decor, outstanding service and noteworthy food and wines. Every dish is intricately prepared, with a symphony of flavours.
Osaka is a Japanese/Peruvian Nikkei restaurant group with a location recently opened in Miami. The entire menu sounds delicious, all in all it was a delightful meal, and a new unique and cultural dining experience for Miami.
Still during soft opening, I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the new Miami location of Kosushi Restaurant, the first international endeavour for the brand. I found the food priced well, compared to other similar restaurants and every plate was picture perfect.
At Miami’s L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon you will enjoy style, service and exceptional food, with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, along with an extensive wine list, with good choices of wines by the glass, and a creative cocktail list.
Shunoko Restaurant in Toronto offers fun, creative, inventive and affordable fusion rolls, in a clean, minimalist atmosphere. I think you will be very pleased.
I went to Yakashi Restaurant in Toronto with an open mind, and wallet, to try their “fine dining” omakase experience.
Icy-N-Spicy in Miami Beach is a real crowd pleaser. Friendly, creative and reasonably priced. I can’t think of a better spot to cool off with a cold treat while you stroll the beach.
El Jardin in San Diego, California is definitely worth a visit to try Chef Wilkins high-end, refined, yet approachable Mexican cooking. She is breaking some boundaries when it comes to Mexican food, and I couldn’t be more delighted.
The most difficult dinner reservation to secure in Miami is surely the 8-seat omakase experience at Hiden Restaurant in Wynwood. Located through a hidden door at the back of a taco shop awaits a secret restaurant that is booked months in advance.
Mandrake Restaurant in Miami Beach is a new Asian fusion inspired dining experience in a theatrical space.
James Beard award finalist Brad Kilgore opened his latest venture, Kaido in the heart of the Miami Design District. The focus is on fresh, local ingredients and equal emphasis on great cocktails.
Back by popular demand, my personal favourite list of Miami restaurants for 2018/2019 in no particular order, as well as new openings I want to try.
You do not have to indulge in a fine dining experience to receive outstanding food. One of Toronto’s hottest new restaurants, Sara, has a kitchen bursting with ambition, inventive and creative food in a serene, yet casual environment.
Go to Limo for the view of Cusco, Peru, the ambiance, the Pisco sours, and the chill out music. Beautiful day or night, and one of the town’s better dining options.
Last year I had the opportunity to eat at a gastronomic dinner in Miami, where the special guest was Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, who cooked an exquisite Japanese-Peruvian fusion meal. He has been voted the 7th best restaurant in the world this year on the San Pellegrino’s list. So I had to return to his restaurant in Lima for another “Nikkei” experience at San Martin 399, in the Miraflores district.
If you consider yourself a true foodie than Central in Lima is a must-visit destination. Each dish here is beautifully prepared with precision, intellectualism, innovation, finesse and notable highlights. Craft vs art, and the hype meets reality. Kudos!
At Astrid Y Gaston in Lima, Peru everything was well-choreographed and extremely professional. It is a great experience for foodies and I wouldn’t hesitate to highly recommend this fine dining Peruvian cuisine.
Maido in Lima Peru serves “Nikkei”, a Peruvian cuisine with Japanese influences brought to Peru through Japanese immigrants. It’s voted the 7th best restaurant in the world on the San Pellegrino 2018 list.
Sushi Erika in Miami is always packed, with absolutely no social media, just word of mouth. I always order the Love roll, a spider roll topped with torched salmon, and drizzled with truffle oil.
Toronto’s Frilu Restaurant is a modern, casual eatery, serving fine dining, with warm, gracious hospitality and showcasing playful, creative and dramatic food.
At Konjikin Ramen in Toronto you can taste the traditional methods used to provide their flavour packed broth and his delicious noodles. Every single step is painstakingly considered.
Toronto’s Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto offers a culinary expression of art, with meticulous preparation and beautiful presentations. From artistically carved vegetables, to the finest uni and freshest and best quality sashimi, it’s an evening of very fine and precious cuisine.
Momofuku Kōjin in Toronto is a new frontier for David Chang of Momofuku fame. He has given Chef Paula free reign to showcase her cooking skills, which are innovative and extremely satisfying.
Fuwa Fuwa in Toronto is whipping up some airy, jiggly, delicate and tasty delights. The pancake is also not too sweet and relies on the toppings to give the perfect balance.
I say be adventurous, and you will be treated to a super cool, bohemian, urban vibe. Pinky’s Ca Phe in Toronto is a hidden treasure that serves exciting food with unique, bold, healthy, and distinctive flavours.
Godspeed Brewery is a cool place to meet friends for a beer where the food is surprisingly good, with a small menu of about twelve items. Well done, and Godspeed!
All in all, Paris Paris in Toronto is an inviting vibe, with an original, innovative menu. It is a welcome refuge, to get together with friends or loved ones, over a glass or two of wine, and a few bites.
If you value attentive, smart service in a sophisticated setting with playful and tasty food, I think you will enjoy Akira Back in Toronto.
I am always excited to see a new Peruvian restaurants opening, and Toronto has far too few of them. Recently Kay Pacha opened at 744 St. Clair Avenue West.
Toronto is getting some new, cool places to dine. You should add Mira to your list, for a fun, crowd-pleasing, and appealing evening.
The menu offers a creative and contemporary take on the dishes.
Wabi Sabi by Shuji in Miami is an intimate eatery that’s elevated sushi and poke bowls. They had us dancing in our seats, and that doesn’t happen too often. Congratulations to the chef!
Mendin and Friends Dinner Series at Habitat, Miami delivers inspiring, well executed and appealing dishes.
I was truly impressed with the culinary excellence, meal is opulent and rich tasting.
Miami’s St. Roch Market is a contemporary multi-vendor food hall where the curated food and beverage program is accompanied by a high quality, hospitality driven experience.
Finally, Miami has a worthy sushi counter with Tokyo trained chefs. Michelin starred in New York and with a location in Kuala Lumpur, the Azabu Miami offshoot has debuted, and it’s a sublime and memorable experience. The sushi is traditional, of the freshest quality and was superb.
Sherwood’s Bistro and Bar in the Little River district of Miami is a uniquely charming place with reasonably priced, simple food.
I would have to say Nusr-Et Steakhouse is Miami’s newest “it” restaurant of the moment. It’s one of the best steaks I have ever had. Here the steak, a good quality cut of meat, is perfectly cooked, tender and juicy and full of flavour.
StreetXO in Madrid serves dishes that are creative, boldly flavored and fun to eat. It is the kind of food that has no limits, with dishes you’ve never heard of before. It’s street food with a twist, drawn from the inspiration of Asian food stalls.
Toronto’s new Blueblood Steakhouse harkens back to a day when glamour and high-end dining was a mainstay. It’s a classic steakhouse that goes to great lengths to create a special evening.
With the opening of Etaru, people in Hallandale, Florida and surrounding areas can now dine at an upscale, Japanese, contemporary Robatayaki restaurant, with a beautiful waterfront setting.
At Madrid’s Dstage the meal is a special interactive experience. Each dish is beautifully presented and every ingredient is beautifully contrasted in a perfect balance.
1-800-Lucky in Wynwood, Miami is a buzzing marketplace is already a hangout for locals and tourists alike. It has always been difficult to find good Asian food. Now you can find it under one roof. Just be prepared for crowding and lineups. But that makes it part of the fun.
I may be away from Toronto this winter, but I am still keeping tabs on new restaurants. Look forward to you letting me know what you think about these about these as well as anything I should try on my return!
Just when you thought you were all caught up with the latest restaurants in Miami, here comes a new list to keep you busy this season. Watch for my upcoming reviews.
Zen Restaurant in Toronto aims to preserve the culture of Japanese cuisine, providing excellent service and beautifully prepared dishes using fresh, unique ingredients. It exceeded our expectations and lit up my umami sensors.
Dashi in Miami’s River Yacht Club serves beautifully presented dishes that tempt all the senses with equally beautiful views. I don’t think you will be disappointed!
Using the best ingredients and some serious skills, Skippa in Toronto is a success story about how hard work can pay off. Each course had a different layering of flavours.
One of the reasons I think Lake Inez in Toronto is jam packed and so popular is the hands on approach of the owners, who constantly come by to see how everything is going.
The Norman Hotel is elegant and sophisticated and the staff is courteous, respectful and well-trained. It offers 24-hour concierge service, high-end interiors, and great personalized customer service. A stunning new addition to central Tel Aviv.
Bazaar Mar by Jose Andres at SLS Brickell offers a vibrant overwhelming mix of sophisticated and whimsical cuisine, in a playful, Mediterranean interior. The emphasis is on fresh fish from local and Caribbean waters. It is a meal to remember.
Tanuki in Miami is lively, and colorful, with graffiti-covered walls, reclaimed wood and yellow leather banquets with blond wood tables and digital lights accenting a long wrap around bar. Samurai swords decorate the walls. The central focus of the room is a seven-foot statue of a Tanuki, a Japanese talisman said to bring good luck.
Blue Ribbon Sushi has a brand new spot inside the Plymouth Hotel at 336 21st Street in Miami. Here they will service the hotel with an all-day food and bar program as well as a poolside menu.
I am a big fan of the Pubbelly Group and in particular their sushi restaurant. I was happy to hear they were opening at the Brickell City Center at 701 South Miami Avenue. It is so refreshing to see malls like Bal Harbour and Brickell City Center opening quality restaurants.
Shoushin Restaurant in Toronto only uses the best, purest and most authentic ingredients. The chef’s methods are very exacting and you can taste the difference, with wild caught fish and handmade wasabi.
The first cold day in Toronto I immediately ran to Kinton Ramen on 396 Church Street. They have about 5-6 locations throughout Toronto and are part of the Guu and Kinka Family of restaurants. My favourite place is Ja Bistro.
Ja Bistro in Toronto has good dishes with a modern twist, served up in a beautiful but simple unpretentious manner. The fish is fresh and of high quality.
STK in Toronto is a large, impressive, even sexy restaurant in the former Studio Cafe. This is a place to mingle, meet and greet.
Butter Avenue in Toronto brings sweet goodness to the neighbourhood. Brother/sister owners, Calvin and Tina are a passionate and dynamic duo.
For me, the restaurant was hit and miss, and more on the miss side of things. The rolls were beautiful looking, but not at all traditional.
We could choose from two tasting menus – a fifteen course plus four desserts, or a twenty course with five desserts. We chose the larger menu to get the full experience. Each dish was artfully presented and explained to us as well as the history of its origin.
The Chef is Japanese but classically trained in French cooking. He worked with Jamie Kennedy as a sous chef at Crush Wine Bar, and you can tell when you eat the twice-fried French fries. This neighbourhood bistro is a French restaurant with a modern flair and some global influences.
Sourced from 8 different countries for their style, craftsmanship and quality – if you are a passionate chef, a skilled cook or just demand the best equipment in your kitchen then you owe it to yourself to check out Hacher and Krain knives in Toronto.
Did you know Shanea is a contributor to SocialMiami.com? Click through to see some of her latest reviews.
Patrons are in for a treat! Kaori is Miami’s first 360-degree cinematography dining experience. The space is so aesthetically pleasing, with cutting edge technology, art, music and scents. The food presentation is most beautiful, a complete knockout in the terms of creativity.
Set in a former auto body shop, they have kept the original garage doors – hence the name. The place looks cool and there was quite a buzz. That may die down once the excitement of a new place opens, especially when they are not delivering a good product.
Zuma, for years, has been a favourite restaurant of mine. They serve weekend brunch from 12-3, at a cost of $95, $135 and $350. We tried the first two options and quite frankly the $95 option is the way to go. The buffet is HUGE. Please come hungry.
20 Most Delish Dishes in Miami – El Cielo, Beachcraft, Pubbelly, Myumi Food Truck, Pinch Kitchen, Le Zoo and More. I tried to do a top 10 list, but I just couldn’t narrow it down! The truth is, I have dined out every night for 3 ½ months … I’ve tried a lot of dishes, to say the least!! Here’s some of my favourites (including honourable mentions (I know, I’m bad …)).
We started with some rolls, like the NaiYaRa Roll, which was probably my favourite. It contained salmon belly, cucumber, avocado and truffle oil. The presentations were all pretty, but if you know good sushi, you are mostly getting pretty rolls. Is the quality of the rice or the fish transporting? No. It is more designer rolls, which is fine.
Hidden in a dingy market where the staff is not so friendly and the place has lots of rules – no phones, no takeaway, no second orders – the Chef works sushi wonders.
The best rolls for me weren’t even on the menu but thanks to an insider I knew what to order. Now I can share this information with you …
The best part about Myumi, a charming food truck in Wynwood, Miami is the sushi, it’s so fresh tasting and the chef explains where each piece comes from. It could be Alaska, Japan, Boston, Florida , Scotland etc. The menu rotates based on availability. The meal is quite traditional, there are no gimmicky surprises.
We only went for lunch but I can’t wait to go back for dinner later next week to try the American Southern barbecue technique of slow cooking, and smoking. We saw the chef select some wood that was piled on the side so he can start smoking some meat – he said takes up to 14 hours.
Here is my list of restaurants that I want to try this year, or that I have already tried and enjoyed.
The menu is divided into four sections. Crudo, small plates, rice and large format dishes. There is also a section called Binchotan service, where they grill meats, fish and seafood table-side.
Best old favourites and new loves.
There have been many new restaurant openings in Miami since the summer. One of the new ones is The Continental on 2360 Collins Avenue at 23rd street.
We tried a newly opened restaurant in the RBC Water Park Place called Muki. It is located in Toronto’s Harbour front area at Bay and Queens Quay.
Dined at Toronto’s Yasu restaurant on 81 Harbord st. It is a tiny place, minimalist, understated with clean modern lines, and relaxed ,holding about 13 people. It opened 15 months ago.
Of course everyone wants to try The French Laundry at least once in your life. So go ahead, beg your concierge or use a connection to try and get you in. We have been twice and I wouldn’t go back again.
A 30 minute ride to Etobicoke to a little strip plaza to visit a gastronomic temple of Japanese delights was a highlight of summer dining thus far for 2015. Sushi Kaji is by far the best Japanese meal I have had in Toronto. However I have not dined at the Japanese cultural Center yet.
Yorkville has a new contemporary Japanese Restaurant called Kasa Moto. It is owned by the Chase Hospitality Group. The restaurant is in the former Remy’s space and is quite large with a huge capacity.
We were excited to try this new spot in Manning and Harbord formally the home of Ici Bistro. The restaurant is tiny with only 22 seats, and that includes the bar and high tops.
I didn’t know what to expect as I had not been to Punta Mita before. I know the resort was over 16 years old. Well I was not disappointed. The grounds are magnificent, with lush foliage, and wonderful sculptures throughout.