Yamashiro Miami Opens October 29 at Gale Miami Hotel & Residences

The long-awaited opening of Yamashiro Miami is finally here. The legendary Los Angeles restaurant, renowned for its century-old history, Japanese-inspired architecture, and panoramic Hollywood Hills views, officially expands to South Florida with a new location opening Tuesday, October 29, 2025, inside the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences in Downtown Miami. This marks the first-ever expansion of the iconic Yamashiro brand outside California, bringing its unmistakable blend of history, design, and culinary excellence to the heart of Miami’s skyline.

A Legendary Brand Reinvented for Miami

Originally built in 1914, the original Yamashiro Hollywood became a cultural landmark and one of L.A.’s most photographed dining destinations, famous for its ornate pagoda design, koi ponds, and sweeping city views. Its Miami counterpart captures that same sense of magic while introducing a contemporary tropical flair. The new outpost sits atop the 9th floor of the Gale Miami Hotel, overlooking Biscayne Bay and the Downtown skyline. Expect an elegant mix of traditional Japanese aesthetics—bonsai gardens, wooden detailing, and stone lanterns—blended with modern Miami energy and bold architectural lines.

The concept was reimagined by Executive Chef Gustavo Montes and Chef Charbel Hayek, who together have created a menu that fuses Japanese culinary precision with the vibrant flavors and diversity of Miami. Their goal is to bring an “East-meets-Miami” dining experience unlike anything the city has seen before.

A Menu That Marries Japanese Craftsmanship and Miami Flavor

The Yamashiro Miami menu features both classic and inventive dishes that showcase the restaurant’s signature balance of artistry and indulgence. Standout offerings include Japanese Fried Chicken (JFC) tossed in spicy gochujang buffalo sauce, the Katsu Sando made with Japanese milk bread and tonkatsu aioli, and a showstopping Wagyu Tomahawk served with bone marrow teriyaki and house pickles. Seafood lovers can look forward to Maine Lobster in miso beurre blanc, Alaskan King Crab with yuzu hollandaise, and Chilean Seabass roasted in mandarin dashi with shiso flower.

Complementing the cuisine is a vibrant cocktail program that honors Japanese mixology traditions while embracing Miami’s tropical flair. Guests can expect drinks such as the Dragon Pearls, Fortune Teller, and Samurai Negroni, alongside refreshing non-alcoholic options like the Yamashiro Creamsicle with yuzu and vanilla foam. Each drink is designed to complement the restaurant’s visually stunning dishes and atmosphere.

Rooftop Views, Koi Ponds, and Nightlife Energy

Beyond the food, Yamashiro Miami delivers a fully immersive experience. The restaurant’s design pays homage to the original Hollywood landmark with its lush gardens, koi ponds, and tranquil water features, but with a distinctly Miami twist—think tropical greenery, artful lighting, and open-air terraces. The 9th-floor location offers sweeping views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay, positioning Yamashiro among the city’s most striking new rooftop dining destinations.

The venue also promises to be a nightlife hotspot, with live instrumental music, DJ sets, and rotating cultural activations planned throughout the week. Together, these elements make Yamashiro Miami not just a restaurant, but a destination for both dining and entertainment.

Details, Reservations, and What to Expect

Yamashiro Miami officially opens its doors Wednesday, October 29, 2025, and will operate Wednesday through Sunday from 5 PM until late. The dress code is upscale casual or resort chic, in keeping with the venue’s sophisticated ambiance. Located at 159 NE 6th Street, 9th Floor, Miami, FL 33132, the restaurant offers valet parking through the Gale Hotel, along with nearby garage options.

Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially during the opening weeks, as excitement builds around what’s expected to be one of Miami’s most anticipated restaurant openings of 2025. Those seeking the best experience should request terrace seating or tables near the koi pond to enjoy the skyline and ambiance at their fullest.

A Milestone for Miami’s Dining Scene

With its rich Hollywood heritage and elevated Japanese-inspired design, Yamashiro Miami is poised to become one of Downtown Miami’s premier dining destinations. The combination of architectural beauty, culinary innovation, and panoramic rooftop views perfectly captures the spirit of modern Miami—luxurious, multicultural, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re planning a special dinner, entertaining clients, or simply eager to experience one of the most talked-about openings of the year, Yamashiro Miami delivers an experience where Japanese tradition meets Miami glamour. Reservations are now open — and if history is any indication, this will be one of the toughest tables in town to get.

Uchi Sister Restaurant Uchibā Opening in Brickell Spring 2026

Miami’s Japanese dining scene is about to level up once again. Hai Hospitality—the Austin-based restaurant group behind the acclaimed Uchi and Uchiko—is bringing its third concept, Uchibā, to Mary Brickell Village in Spring 2026. Located at 900 S. Miami Avenue, Uchibā will introduce a stylish, bar-forward take on Japanese dining right in the heart of Brickell.

Hai Hospitality launched its culinary legacy with Uchi in Austin, Texas, back in 2003. Since then, the group has expanded its portfolio to include Uchi, Uchiko, Uchibā, and the Asian smokehouse Loro. Uchi made its Miami debut in Wynwood on January 30, 2021, and quickly became recognized as one of the city’s top three sushi restaurants. Its sister restaurant Uchiko opened on March 10, 2025, in Miami Beach at Sunset Harbour, bringing a bolder, fire-kissed approach to Japanese cuisine.

Each concept under the Hai Hospitality umbrella offers a distinct experience. Uchi is known for its innovative sushi and refined non-traditional Japanese dishes. Uchiko, meaning “child of Uchi,” adds depth and smokiness through its charcoal-driven menu. Uchibā, translating to “Uchi Bar,” is the most casual of the trio—focused on Japanese-inspired bar bites, craft cocktails, whiskies, and an izakaya-style dining vibe.

When it opens, Uchibā Miami will be the third location for the concept, following successful launches in Dallas (2018) and Austin (2023). The new 3,500-square-foot Brickell location will feature a 56-seat dining room, covered patio with 40 additional seats, a 16-seat cocktail bar, an 8-seat sushi bar, and an 8-seat lounge—an ideal setting for both intimate dinners and vibrant late-night outings.

With signage already installed and buzz building across the city, Uchibā is primed to become one of Brickell’s hottest new culinary destinations.