Michelin-Star Sushi Chef Opens His Own Omakase Restaurant In Miami

Chef Shingo Akikuni - Photo Credit Salar Abduaziz

By: Lyssa Goldberg

Third-generation sushi chef Shingo Akikuni is bringing Michelin star power to a historic landmark in Coral Gables, the revitalized La Palma building – where he’s soon to be next-door neighbors with Thomas Keller’s Bouchon.

At SHINGO, a newly opened 14-seat omakase spot, Chef Akikuni offers two nightly seatings for his 18-course menu, featuring traditional Japanese nigiri, sashimi and grilled Yakimono dishes. Chef Akikuni most recently served as executive chef at Japanese fine-dining counter Hiden, which became one of the first restaurants in Miami to earn a Michelin star under his direction.

Growing up making sushi at his family-owned restaurant in Osaka, Chef Akikuni was trained by his father and grandfather before arriving in the states in 2017. WIth SHINGO, his first restaurant, he’s excited to share his passion for Japanese culture through food in Miami.

“I first moved to Miami five years ago, and I feel that the restaurant scene has been booming year by year, featuring so many passionate and talented chefs who I call my colleagues and friends,” says Chef Akikuni. “I'm overjoyed to be able to open my first restaurant in Coral Gables using the experience and skills I've learned working in restaurants in Tokyo, New York and Miami. I’m looking forward to serving our guests dishes that change with the seasons and to continue to add value to the culinary landscape in Miami.”

The Main Entrance - Photo Credit Lyssa Goldberg

The restaurant is in a beautifully minimalist space tucked away within the historic building. Notably, the entire 850-square-foot space was designed and constructed by expert woodworkers in Kyoto, Japan and then completely de-constructed, transported and reassembled here in Miami (let’s call it the Ancient Spanish Monastery of sushi). The Hinoki wood counter is so rare that there’s a whole section on SHINGO’s website dedicated to table etiquette and keeping sharp objects like keys and other personal belongings off the counter.

The Hinoki Wood Counter - Photo Credit Salar Abduaziz

Other special touches include an eclectic selection of sake cups and carafes (which you get to choose from yourself if you order sake), unique silver chopstick holders crafted to resemble food shapes, and an array of custom ceramic plateware created by Kyoto-based ceramics maker Shin Murata. Handcrafted sushi platters that hold your nigiri throughout the omakase experience are even painted with palm trees and flamingos especially for SHINGO.

The Menu - Photo Credit Lyssa Goldberg

SHINGO is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday with two seating options at 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The 18-course omakase menu is $180 per person, with an optional wine and sake pairing for $95 per person. Arrive early and use your indoor voices – this is an intimate experience.

For reservations and more information, click here.