Hello dear
Welcome To Itamae AO
Welcome to Itamae AO, a culinary gem where Japanese and Peruvian flavors intertwine beautifully. Nestled in Miami’s vibrant Design District, Itamae AO offers a unique dining experience that celebrates freshness and innovation. Each dish exemplifies meticulous craftsmanship, from the Acevichado Sushi Roll, brimming with succulent shrimp tempura and daily catch ceviche, to the mouthwatering Pulpo Al Olivo, featuring Hamachi and octopus in Cotija olive aioli. With options for vegan diners and an inviting outdoor seating area, this establishment caters to a diverse clientele. The warm ambiance and attentive service make every visit memorable, promising a delightful journey through exquisite flavors.
About
Itamae AO
Welcome to the vibrant world of Itamae AO, a culinary gem that seamlessly blends the rich traditions of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines. Nestled in the heart of Miami's Design District at 3225 NE 1st Ave, this unique dining experience invites food lovers to explore the harmonious fusion of flavors and artistry that distinguishes Itamae AO.
This Michelin-recognized establishment specializes in innovative dishes that pay homage to both cultures. One of the standout offerings is their tiraditos, notably the Clasico Tiradito featuring Hamachi, onion, cilantro, sweet potato, and Peruvian corn, all elegantly drizzled with leche de tigre. Another highlight is the El Callao Tiradito, a vibrant combination that includes octopus and aji amarillo leche de tigre for those daring enough to try it. Both dishes exemplify the freshness and creativity that set Itamae AO apart.
- Sushi Rolls: The Acevichado Sushi Roll is a crowd favorite, combining shrimp tempura and sweet potato topped with the daily catch's ceviche—a delightful burst of flavor in each bite. For a more adventurous palate, try the Pulpo Al Olivo, where hamachi and avocado meet octopus and a unique Cotija olive aioli.
- Nigiri and Sashimi: Succulent offerings include the District Sashimi Salad, which beautifully balances the freshness of sashimi with organic greens and ginger vin, making it a refreshing start to any meal.
Patrons have lauded the restaurant for its emphasis on freshness and attention to detail. Customer reviews paint a picture of a dynamic dining atmosphere, where each dish is crafted with precision. The acclaim from food critics and everyday diners alike speaks of Itamae AO's commitment to quality and innovation.
While the location boasts an inviting ambiance, there are areas for improvement, particularly in service consistency and menu clarity, as some guests have pointed out the evolving nature of the menu. Nonetheless, the culinary delights at Itamae AO are a testament to what happens when two rich cooking cultures collide into an extraordinary experience.
Whether you're indulging in a delicate octopus dish that promises an explosion of flavors or sampling expertly crafted sushi rolls, Itamae AO serves as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts in Miami. Dive into this flavorful journey and allow your taste buds to explore the exquisite marriage of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines.
“ Freshness and attention to detail reign supreme at this James Beard awarded gem in the heart of Miami's design district. ”
“ I'm a bit perplexed where to leave a review as Itamae was closed but the owners rebranded this to b-side at the same location. There is a b-side inside 1-800 lucky which I've had a poke bowl in the past. We went for a family lunch to the design district as checked out the Cartier watch exhibit nearby, during the holidays and the outdoor seating of b-side is not desirable but guess they're still figuring out what is next on this space. We had the yellowtail tiradito, chicken karaagae, lost in translation rolls, salmon avocado rolls, nigir set, salmon anticuchera bowls and junmai daiginjo. The quality of the food is very good however they need to figure out whether this is counter service? ”
“ Itamae was very good, although considering its Michelin recognized, I expected a bit more. The ceviche and tiradito was fresh and good, but I have definitely had better. All their ingredients are great quality, it was just taste that was not fully there. If I could give one dish a million stars, it would be the octopus dish - Pulpo Bañadito- I would describe it as a giant sushi roll. It exploded in my mouth with soooo much flavor. Would go back again just for that. Although if your not a fan of olives, it is probably not for you. Nigiris were also very good. Menu was also limited, and different from what I saw online so was turned down for some dishes I purposely went to try. Service was alright and ambiance outdoors was not the most desirable either. ”
“ Itamae was delicious! Delicious fresh ceviche, located in the center of design district. We stopped by without a reservation and we're seated right away. Our waiter recommended some of his favorites and told us the menu is different every week. We started with the bluefin tuna tiradito, cebiche tradicional, a few nigiris and mojaditos. I guess since the menu changes every week, you might not see these on the menu. But they were delicious I am sure they make similar dishes every week that you can enjoy. They only sit parties of 2 or 4 which is so odd to me. The menu is also pricy for the amount of food that you get. Don't expect to leave feeling full as they suggest up to 6 plates for 2 ppl and I am sure they suggest more for a party of 4. I guess it's the design district so charging this much is "reasonable". ”
“ Got a reservation on a Friday night at 7PM at the chefs table a couple days in advance. The restaurant wasn't too busy when we got there but filled up a bit after us. Servers were attentive and quickly cleared our plates and refilled our waters. We got the firefly squid, tuna tartare, stone crab rice, toro nigiri and ebi nigiri, and the mandarin shaved ice. The squid sauce was a bit salty and so was the tuna tartare. We got a free salad which was nice but again could use less salt. The stone crab rice was great and nice and hot. The toro nigiri was our favorite! Ebi nigiri had a lot of sauce which wasn't our favorite but still extremely flavorful. We loved the dessert because of the different textures and flavors. It was creamy whilst being tangy. Highly recommend the dessert! It was nice to sit at the chefs counter and see the chefs cook and browse the beautiful interior! It was also a more formal casual restaurant and you definitely don't need to be wearing fancy things. ”
“ I didn't know what to expect coming here. It's in the middle of design district and mainly outdoor seating. Parking is valet or street. The menu is intriguing but our waitress, Alexa did a great job at explaining everything. They only have wines and sake. We tried the potatoes, the ceviche, the conchitas and a nigiri. Everything was good and felt fresh. One downside is the restaurant does not have bathrooms. They are on the other side, upstairs of the square. ”
“ I saw Itamae on the 2021 NYT list of best restaurants and knew I had to check it out since I was going to Miami for a business trip. I looked at their Instagram and saw the most beautiful (and beautifully plated) dishes of mostly raw seafood (drool). I had also never had Japanese-Peruvian/Nikkei cuisine before so I was stoked. This was my first time in the Miami design district, and it's really a beautiful and upscale area. The shops are really fun to look at, and it's very artsy as well. When we got to the restaurant, the service was fantastic and very kind, attentive, and caring to make sure we were enjoying our experience. I don't really remember what we ordered but we ordered pretty much the whole menu to share as a group (not all is pictured), and while everything was an adventure and delicious, my favorites were the 2 soft shell crab dishes, and the dessert. Everything on the menu was very special and creative and it was a great experience. I do have to say that it was a little inconvenient that you can't make a reservation for a party larger than 4 without emailing them, and it's challenging because they don't have a phone number so modifying the reservation is tough since you can't just call. Still, it wasn't too hard to get the reservation and I was so excited. ”
“ Wow, the hype is real. Was going for some light bites with friends, so scoured the reviews in order to place the optimal order and this place delivered on all! Octopus banadito - menu staple and a must order, an amazing harmony of tastes. My favorite dish of the 4 we ordered. Chutoro tiradito - I don't think this is usually on the menu, if you see it ORDER IT. Melt in your mouth tuna toro deliciousness. Conchitas - sophisticated scallop sushi with charred parmesan, was a strong flavor but amazing if you like either of those ingredients. Cebiche - living in Miami, I'm now torn by what I consider my favorite ceviche. This is up there another perfect harmony of flavors and textures. And the sweet potato was a great addition to balance the acidity. Lovely outdoor atmosphere in middle of the design district. Friendly service, the server recommended 2 plates per person. Which would have been about right if we didn't have a big breakfast. It definitely is pricey, but the taste is worth the splurge. Will be making any excuse to return. ”
