fbpx

Where to Celebrate International Sushi Day

Check out the best local joints for nigiri and other delicacies.

Sunday, June 18 is an extra-special day for dusting off those chopsticks. June 18 is International Sushi Day and let’s state the obvious here: South Florida loves it some sushi.

As with many food staples, the origin of sushi is debated. The concept of preserving raw fish in fermented rice—consensus-wise— dates back to the 3rd century BC in China. By the 8th century, the preservation tactic made its way to Japan where it slowly gained steam.

Arguably its biggest catalyst came in the 1820s thanks to a Japanese man, Hanaya Yohei, who is credited with creating the modern nigiri concept (a small ball of rice topped with raw fish) and opening a sushi stall—that lead to a total influx of sushi stalls—in the town of Edo. Fun fact: America’s first sushi restaurant dates is traced to 1966 with the opening of Kawafuku in Los Angeles.

Here in 2023 and in South Florida, the sushi experience comes in oodles of forms, spanning on-the-fly rolls at grocery stores to expansive bars with chefs slicing and dicing away to intimate omakase affairs tucked in our area’s most sought-after restaurants.

In Miami, fresh sushi takes—at long-time establishments and new spots alike—await. This year, Katsuya at SLS South Beach is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. To celebrate, it has new menu with rare Wagyu cut infused morsels as well as the Yasufuku’s Aburi-Style Miyazaki Nigiri, prepared tableside and topped with 24-karat gold flakes. MILA is also on the sushi map, with an omakase space that now serves—a Miami-first—15-course vegan experience every Tuesday at 6 and 9 p.m. And downtown, at Novikov, in addition to maki, sashimi and crispy rice offerings aplenty, there’s a new Sunday brunch option. Opt for the premium feast with unlimited starters like a Wagyu A5 nigiri torched tableside and foie gras siu mai.

In Broward, regional heavyweight Pubbelly Sushi from celebrated chef José Mendín just opened its fifth location, in Pembroke Pines. The Butter Krab Roll—with kanikama, ponzu and warm clarified butter – remains a must. On 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Kubo Asian Street Food and Sushi offers up more than 25 specialty rolls and, pro-tip, make sure to get some of its super-creamy khao soi while you’re at it—it’s the best in town.

And in Palm Beach, Kabuki has sushi lovers covered with three locations, downtown, in PGA Commons and in Wellington. Its stir-fry, curry and noodle lunch specials are in the $10 range and you may easily have leftovers.

So, with all of these sushi options, meshiagare! (That’s Japanese for bon appétit.)

Photo Credit SLS South Beach

You May Also Like

Delight in Culinary Excellence at Chef Tristen Epps’ Latest Venture: Ocean Social

The standout chef of Red Rooster fame unleashes his innovative kitchen talents at this seaside gem at Eden Roc.

Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival Unveils Four-Day Lineup of Culinary Events

The annual Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival, in partnership with Wine Spectator, has recently released its four-day lineup of food-related events taking place from Dec. 7 through Dec. 10.

Eva and The Oyster Bar Are Coming to Cocowalk in Coconut Grove

Opening dates have yet to be announced for the venues.

José Andrés Group to Launch Mediterranean Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

The opening by the end of the year will be Zaytinya’s third location, which opened in 2002 in Washington, DC.

Other Posts

Breaking News: Florida Panthers Reach Arena Naming Rights Agreement With Amerant Bank

The largest community bank in Florida is headquartered in Coral Gables.

Breaking News: Brightline Forms Partnership With Orlando Health

The intercity rail service will begin Miami to Orlando itineraries on Sept. 22.

A New Condo/Hotel Tower With a Killer Pool Is Helping to Redefine Miami

The Elser Hotel & Residences has one of the best-designed amenity decks SFBW has ever seen.

Beyond Banff: The Drive to Jasper Is Half the Fun

In planning your Canadian Rockies adventure, don’t miss out on all that awaits just north.

Drew Limsky

Drew Limsky

Editor-in-Chief

BIOGRAPHY

Drew Limsky joined Lifestyle Media Group in August 2020 as Editor-in-Chief of South Florida Business & Wealth. His first issue of SFBW, October 2020, heralded a reimagined structure, with new content categories and a slew of fresh visual themes. “As sort of a cross between Forbes and Robb Report, with a dash of GQ and Vogue,” Limsky says, “SFBW reflects South Florida’s increasingly sophisticated and dynamic business and cultural landscape.”

Limsky, an avid traveler, swimmer and film buff who holds a law degree and Ph.D. from New York University, likes to say, “I’m a doctor, but I can’t operate—except on your brand.” He wrote his dissertation on the nonfiction work of Joan Didion. Prior to that, Limsky received his B.A. in English, summa cum laude, from Emory University and earned his M.A. in literature at American University in connection with a Masters Scholar Award fellowship.

Limsky came to SFBW at the apex of a storied career in journalism and publishing that includes six previous lead editorial roles, including for some of the world’s best-known brands. He served as global editor-in-chief of Lexus magazine, founding editor-in-chief of custom lifestyle magazines for Cadillac and Holland America Line, and was the founding editor-in-chief of Modern Luxury Interiors South Florida. He also was the executive editor for B2B magazines for Acura and Honda Financial Services, and he served as travel editor for Conde Nast. Magazines under Limsky’s editorship have garnered more than 75 industry awards.

He has also written for many of the country’s top newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, Boston Globe, USA Today, Worth, Robb Report, Afar, Time Out New York, National Geographic Traveler, Men’s Journal, Ritz-Carlton, Elite Traveler, Florida Design, Metropolis and Architectural Digest Mexico. His other clients have included Four Seasons, Acqualina Resort & Residences, Yahoo!, American Airlines, Wynn, Douglas Elliman and Corcoran. As an adjunct assistant professor, Limsky has taught journalism, film and creative writing at the City University of New York, Pace University, American University and other colleges.