MIAMI — For more than a century, Yamashiro has stood high above Los Angeles in the Hollywood Hills, welcoming celebrities, socialites, and visitors seeking one of the city’s most iconic dining experiences.
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Now, for the first time in its 100-plus-year history, the legendary brand is expanding beyond California — and it has chosen Miami as its first destination.
Located on the ninth floor of the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences in downtown Miami, Yamashiro Miami brings the glamour of old Hollywood together with Japanese-inspired design, elevated cuisine, and immersive entertainment.
“This is our first expansion outside of the 100 years that we’ve been open in LA,” said Executive Chef Gustavo Montes. “The vision being capturing that beautiful dynasty of Yamashiro and reimagining it to the Miami market.”
The nearly 9,000-square-foot venue spans multiple levels and features sweeping views of the Miami skyline, lush Japanese-inspired gardens, and a design that feels more like an escape than a traditional restaurant. The space seamlessly blends Hollywood elegance with Japanese architecture, creating an atmosphere that’s both luxurious and welcoming.
While the brand’s history is rooted in Los Angeles — even making appearances in films such as Kill Bill — the Miami location offers a completely original culinary experience.
“This menu here in Miami is a one-off menu,” Montes explained. “It is a new interpretation of Yamashiro. We’re looking to showcase the best ingredients and the best techniques in the world. So we try to showcase everything for quality, freshness, and simplicity.”
The menu highlights a range of inventive dishes that combine Japanese influences with Miami flair. Among the standouts is the Katsusando, a toasted sandwich layered with aioli and finished with a touch of 24-karat gold — a nod to Miami’s love of luxury. Another signature dish is the black cod, marinated with citrus and miso before being finished in the oven and brushed with a delicate sauce.
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Montes believes the city is the perfect place for Yamashiro’s next chapter.
“Being a Miami local, I’m kind of one-sided on this,” he said. “But I feel like Miami has become a new culinary capital of the world. We have done a lot to change the landscape of the scene.”
The restaurant’s cocktail program is equally ambitious. One of the most talked-about experiences is the signature martini cart, which rolls directly to guests’ tables and allows them to customize every aspect of their drink, from the spirit selection to specialty garnishes, including caviar.
“The inspiration behind this cart was to create an experience for our guests,” Montes said. “You have the option of having an extremely dirty martini, of making a kimchi martini, or going very classical.”
Beyond dining, Yamashiro is expanding its entertainment offerings with the recent opening of the 400 Vinyl Room, an upscale lounge inspired by Hollywood’s Golden Age. The intimate, 60-seat venue exclusively spins vinyl records and features a music program rooted in funk, soul, disco, and 1980s Latin sounds, with themed nights throughout the week.
Montes says the goal is simple: create a destination where guests can celebrate life’s successes while enjoying exceptional hospitality.
“You should definitely come out and enjoy the fruits of your labor,” he said. “Yamashiro is here to provide A1 hospitality with A1 food.”
Even for guests familiar with the original Los Angeles location, Yamashiro Miami offers a distinctly South Florida experience. And the restaurant’s growth isn’t slowing down. Coming soon, Yamashiro plans to open additional indoor dining space with seating for approximately 180 guests, further expanding its footprint in downtown Miami.
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To make a reservation at Yamashiro Miami, click here.
