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Melanie Beard

Makoto at Bal Harbour


One of the most important elements in any trip is the gastronomy. Living new, different and good culinary experiences is essential when you visit a any place, understanding the culture better and giving into sensory pleasures.

In Miami, in the incredible city of Bal Harbor, is the haven of high gastronomy. Among its beautiful golf courses, luxurious shopping centers, spectacular hotels and vibrant energy we can find restaurants that transport us to all corners of the world through our senses.

Makoto, located in the heart of the Bal Harbor Shops, is one of the hottest spots in Miami. Its vibrant atmosphere, its dim light, minimalist decor and good music merge with a simply exquisite cuisine.

From wonderful makis, to Wagyu carpaccios, fried rice with tuna and a delicious selection of sake, this famous establishment transports us with innovative dishes to the heart of Japan.

With more than twenty years of experience, Chef Makoto Okuwa has developed his own version of Japanese cuisine, where the Edomae-Sushi tradition blends in with the lastest innovations. Chef Makoto's introduction to the intricacies of Japanese cuisine, especially sushi, began in his city of Nagoya, Japan. Nowadays it is recognized for its creativity and for the delicacy of its dishes.

This wonderful chef was recognized in 2005 by the James Beard Foundation for his astounding contributions to gastronomy. In addition, the touch of its chef and owner Makoto Okuwa elevate the status of the place not only to a trendy concept, but to a true temple to contemporary Japanese cuisine.

Makoto, named for Iron Chef Makoto Okuwa, presents an elegant menu that gets playful with its spin on Asian classics. Owned by famed restaurateur Stephen Starr (Morimoto, Buddakan and Alma de Cuba, among others), Makoto seats up to 200 in an elegant dining room and patio designed by the French firm Gilles & Boissier.

The restaurant’s warmth comes through with golden walls, wide-plank floors and lighting that give off a rosy glow. And although the décor is enviable, the main attraction here is the sushi bar, bincho-charcoal robata grill and the sake-focused beverage menu.

At Makoto's restaurant in Bal Harbor, the talented Chef continues to evolve his style of playful, exquisitely presented dishes that pay tribute to Japanese tradition.

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