NAOE

naoe restaurant miami menu

For those in Florida seeking the pinnacle of Japanese culinary artistry and an truly exclusive dining experience, NAOE in Miami's serene Brickell Key stands as an unparalleled destination. This intimate establishment is not merely a restaurant; it is a meticulously crafted omakase journey, a true testament to the dedication of Chef/Owner Kevin Cory. If you are a discerning local looking for a "Japanese restaurant near me" that offers an extraordinary, highly personalized, and unforgettable meal, NAOE represents the very best of Japanese fine dining, having earned global recognition and immense praise from sushi enthusiasts.

NAOE is a name synonymous with excellence in the world of Japanese cuisine. It holds the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award and the AAA Five-Diamond Designation, making it a unique and celebrated establishment not just in Miami, but globally. Chef Kevin Cory, who trained under masters in Japan and has family roots in traditional Japanese brewing and shoyu making, orchestrates every aspect of the dining experience. The concept at NAOE is pure omakase – meaning "I leave it up to you" – where Chef Cory personally curates a nightly tasting menu for a very select few guests. This approach ensures that every dish is prepared with the freshest, often rare, ingredients sourced daily from Japan and local harbors, reflecting a deep respect for seasonality and culinary precision. The dining experience at NAOE is designed to be immersive, providing a direct connection between the diner and the chef's artistry, making it an absolute must-visit for serious food lovers and a true gem for sushi enthusiasts in Florida.

NAOE is discreetly located at 661 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131, USA. This exclusive address places it within the tranquil and upscale enclave of Brickell Key, a residential island community just off downtown Miami. While offering a sense of seclusion and luxury, its proximity to the bustling Brickell financial district ensures accessibility. Reaching Brickell Key is typically by car via the bridge connecting it to the mainland, or by ride-sharing services. For those driving, NAOE is situated within the Courvoisier Centre, and the restaurant validates garage parking for the first three (3) hours for guests. Drivers can conveniently drop off and pick up guests at 651 and 691 Brickell Key Drive. The location on Brickell Key also offers picturesque views and a serene ambiance, setting a refined tone for the unique dining experience within.

NAOE offers a highly exclusive and curated dining experience, emphasizing an intimate and personalized approach:

• P Omakase Dine-In Experience: NAOE operates as an omakase-only restaurant. Chef Kevin Cory prepares a multi-course tasting menu for a very limited number of guests per seating. The experience typically lasts a minimum of two to two and a half hours.
• P Intimate Seating: The restaurant is incredibly small and intimate, seating only five guests at a time at a hinoki (Japanese cypress) bar overlooking the open kitchen. This ensures each diner receives the chef's undivided attention.
• P Advanced Reservations Required: Due to its highly exclusive nature and limited seating (only 10 seatings per week, two per night), advanced reservations are mandatory and are exclusively accepted online via platforms like Tock.
• P Personalized Menu: Guests receive a personalized menu, and the restaurant keeps track of past orders to ensure new dishes are presented on subsequent visits, further enhancing the bespoke experience.
• P Curated Beverage Pairings: While sake is the only alcoholic beverage offered, the selection includes exclusive options from Chef Cory's family breweries in Japan, chosen to perfectly complement his cuisine. Organic Japanese green teas are also available. Sake is required upon reservations.

NAOE's exceptional reputation and unique position in the culinary world stem from several distinguishing features:

• P Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star & AAA Five-Diamond: NAOE holds the highest possible accolades from both Forbes Travel Guide and AAA, confirming its status as a world-class dining establishment. It was the first traditional Japanese restaurant to achieve the AAA Five Diamond Designation.
• P Chef-Driven Omakase: Chef Kevin Cory, a highly acclaimed sushi master with family heritage in traditional Japanese food production, personally prepares every course. This hands-on approach ensures an unparalleled level of quality and artistry in each dish.
• P Emphasis on Freshness and Rarity: The menu changes daily, dependent on the seafood Chef Cory freshly sources from Japan and local Miami fishermen. This commitment to seasonality and the highest quality ingredients, including rare delicacies, is paramount.
• P Unique Taste Palette: As noted by a reviewer, Chef Cory's approach can be very unique, incorporating items like "huge slug" and "sea cucumber," which are delicacies not commonly found in typical Japanese restaurants. This showcases an adventurous and authentic exploration of Japanese cuisine, beyond standard sushi fare.
• P Family Heritage Ingredients: The soy sauce and sake served at NAOE hail from Chef Cory's family breweries (established 1825) in Kanazawa, Japan, adding a profound layer of authenticity and personal connection to the dining experience.
• P Intimate and Attentive Service: With only five seats per seating and a dedicated team, the service is exceptionally attentive. Chef Cory often explains dishes, providing insights into the ingredients and preparation, creating an engaging and educational experience.
• P Artful Presentation: Each dish is described as a "work of art," emphasizing the meticulous attention to detail in presentation, which is a hallmark of traditional kaiseki and high-end Japanese cuisine.
• P No Substitutions Policy: Reflecting the omakase style and the daily fresh menu, NAOE generally does not accommodate food substitutions. This is a crucial detail for diners to be aware of, as it ensures the integrity of the chef's curated experience.
• P Casual Dress Code: Despite its high-end status, the dress code is surprisingly casual, allowing guests to feel comfortable while enjoying the sophisticated meal.

Given NAOE's highly exclusive and fixed omakase concept, it does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the sense of discounts or happy hours. Its value lies in the unparalleled quality of the ingredients, the artistry of Chef Cory, and the intimate, bespoke dining experience. The price, around $280 per person plus sake, service charge, and tax, reflects this high level of exclusivity and quality. The "meal" itself is the "special offer" – a rare opportunity to indulge in one of the world's most acclaimed Japanese culinary journeys. They occasionally offer a new 7:30 PM seating time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, providing a slightly different timing option for reservations.

For reservations (which are exclusively accepted online) or inquiries, you can use the following details:

Address: 661 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131, USA

Phone: (305) 947-6263

NAOE is an extraordinary and uniquely suitable destination for Florida locals, particularly those in the Miami area, who consider themselves true connoisseurs of Japanese cuisine and are seeking an unparalleled dining adventure. While its price point places it in the realm of special occasion dining, the experience it offers is truly "worth it," as affirmed by numerous rave reviews and its prestigious accolades like Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond ratings. For locals, NAOE provides a rare opportunity to experience an intimate, chef-driven omakase, a culinary format that is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition and showcases the highest quality, often rare, ingredients.

This is not a casual sushi spot; it's a profound culinary journey led by Chef Kevin Cory, whose personal heritage and dedication to sourcing exceptional ingredients shine through every "work of art" dish. The intimate setting with only five seats ensures a personalized and engaging experience that simply cannot be replicated in larger establishments. While some of the more adventurous delicacies might be a surprise for those unfamiliar with true kaiseki, for the open-minded and adventurous local sushi lover, NAOE is an "absolute must-visit" and a "gem." It's a place to celebrate, to explore the depths of Japanese gastronomy, and to create an unforgettable memory right in the heart of Miami, affirming its status as a bucket-list destination for discerning Floridians.

NAOE

661 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131, USA