Cafe Oriental

For those living in or exploring the vibrant culinary scene of Miami, Florida, Cafe Oriental offers a delightful and authentic taste of Japan and beyond. This hidden gem has quickly become a beloved spot for locals seeking genuine Asian flavors, particularly their celebrated ramen and famously large onigiri. Beyond just a place to eat, Cafe Oriental provides a unique and friendly atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone craving quality Japanese comfort food.

Cafe Oriental is a charming and cozy Japanese and Asian fusion restaurant located in Miami, Florida. It distinguishes itself by focusing on made-to-order dishes, ensuring freshness and quality in every bite. While ramen is a significant draw, the menu extends to include a variety of Japanese classics and popular Asian fusion dishes. Customers consistently praise the savory ramen, flavorful onigiri, and the warm, welcoming service. It’s a place where you can find everything from satisfying noodle soups to delectable appetizers, all crafted with care and a commitment to authentic taste. For many, it's not just a meal but an experience that transports them directly to the heart of Asian culinary traditions.

Cafe Oriental is conveniently situated at 9800 SW 77th Ave, Miami, FL 33156, USA. This location makes it easily accessible for residents of South Miami, Kendall, Pinecrest, and surrounding areas. For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Cafe Oriental is notably "a must if you're cycling on US1!" It's recognized as a fantastic "cycle pitstop" with the added convenience of "bike parking in the neighboring shop!" While its outdoor seating offers a pleasant spot to dine, especially for cyclists, it's worth noting that it can be "bombarded with the nearby highway traffic noise," a minor point that is "not the shop's fault." Despite the ambient noise from the highway, the friendly atmosphere and delicious food more than make up for it. Car parking is typically available in the plaza, ensuring easy access for all visitors.

Cafe Oriental is dedicated to providing a pleasant and efficient dining experience with several key services:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in their cozy space, with options for both indoor and outdoor seating. The personal and friendly service contributes significantly to the overall positive experience.
• Takeout: All dishes are made to order, and customers can call ahead or order in person for convenient takeout. This is perfect for those who want to enjoy their meal at home or on the go.
• Extensive Japanese & Asian Fusion Menu: Beyond their highly popular ramen bowls, the menu includes a wide variety of Japanese classics. This includes popular appetizers like Takoyaki (octopus balls), Gyoza (dumplings), Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and a diverse range of Onigiri (stuffed rice balls). They also offer various Donburi (rice bowls with toppings like Beef Teriyaki Don, Chicken Katsu), and different curry dishes such as Katsu Curry and Curry Udon.
• Made-to-Order Dishes: A significant highlight is that all food, including the Onigiri, is prepared fresh to order, ensuring the highest quality and taste.
• Friendly and Personalized Service: The staff, described as "friendly shop keepers" and "sweet lady who took my order," go above and beyond, sometimes even offering to customize dishes like making Kimchi Ramen extra spicy. Many reviews commend their "impeccable service" and "warmest welcome."

Cafe Oriental stands out for several compelling reasons that resonate with its local clientele:

• Highly Praised Onigiri: Their Onigiri are a major highlight, described as "so big and filling!" and a "must" for anyone visiting. With various fillings like Salmon, Chashu (roast pork belly), Unagi (BBQ eel), and even unique ones like "Peach Plumb Onigiri" and "fried baby octopus," they offer a vast selection.
• Savory Ramen Broths: While one customer found the ramen not entirely worth the price, another specifically praised the "shoyu Ramen broth was very nice, it was like a light meal and it was enjoyable." This suggests a nuanced approach to ramen, with some broths offering a lighter, enjoyable profile. The Ton-Kotsu Ramen is described as an "egg noodle soup with slices of roasted pork, bean sprouts bamboo shoot and a soft egg in pork broth" on their menu.
• Delicious Takoyaki: The Takoyaki is consistently lauded as a "nice appetizer or snack," affirming its quality and popularity among customers.
• Commitment to Freshness: The fact that all dishes are "made to order" is a significant advantage, guaranteeing freshness and a hot, perfectly prepared meal.
• Beyond Ramen: The restaurant offers a wide "selection of the food," including enticing options like Katsu Curry and various Donburi, indicating a rich and diverse menu that caters to different preferences beyond just ramen.
• Cycling Pitstop: Its reputation as a bike-friendly spot on US1 with bike parking makes it a unique and practical choice for the active Miami community.
• Potential for Dessert Expansion: While not currently offering fresh Japanese desserts like melonpan, bean buns, or manju, customers express excitement and hope for such additions, indicating a desire for a more complete Japanese culinary experience.

The provided information does not detail specific, ongoing promotions or special offers at Cafe Oriental. However, small, locally-loved establishments like this often have unadvertised daily specials or loyalty incentives that can be discovered during a visit. Given their focus on made-to-order food and reasonable pricing for many items (though some find the ramen and overall meal price on the higher side), their value is often in the quality and authenticity of the ingredients. It's always recommended for Florida locals to inquire directly with the friendly staff about any current deals or future plans for special offerings. Sometimes, popular items like Onigiri or Takoyaki might be featured in a combo deal.

To experience the authentic Japanese and Asian fusion flavors of Cafe Oriental, you can reach them using the following contact details:

• Address: 9800 SW 77th Ave, Miami, FL 33156, USA
• Phone: (786) 294-3101

Their team is available to take your order for takeout, answer questions about their menu, or welcome you for a dine-in experience.

For Miami locals, Cafe Oriental is far more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a cherished neighborhood spot that consistently delivers authentic Japanese and Asian fusion cuisine with a personal touch. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted: from the incredibly popular and filling onigiri that are praised by cyclists and casual diners alike, to the diverse menu that extends beyond ramen to include delicious takoyaki and promising curries. The unique appeal of being a "cycle pitstop" with convenient bike parking makes it a practical and enjoyable destination for the active community. Despite some minor concerns about pricing for certain items, the general sentiment is that the quality, freshness (everything made to order), and genuinely friendly service make it a worthwhile experience. Cafe Oriental offers a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere where you feel welcomed and can truly savor authentic flavors. For any Florida local seeking a real taste of Japan without leaving Miami, and particularly for those looking for a great spot after a bike ride, Cafe Oriental is a highly recommended and truly unique culinary haven.

Cafe Oriental

9800 SW 77th Ave, Miami, FL 33156, USA