Who doesn't love a good Asian restaurant? Whether you are watching Naruto and craving ramen or watching a K-Drama and needing tteokbokk in your life, I've got you covered. It has become my mission to find the best spots for a nice night out or a cozy night in for those who also love Asian food. We all have our personal favorites when it comes to Asian cuisine. My favorite is Vietnamese cuisine; my fiancee's favorite is Japanese cuisine; and my mom's favorite is Thai cuisine. Knowing that everyone has their own favorite Asian cuisine, I wanted to create a unique and reliable list encompassing a vast range of Asian restaurants.
Allow me to save you time and money. We all get too busy to try new restaurants, and even the designated restaurant picker in the friend group (me) can get burned out, so whether you are too busy to find a restaurant or you're not sure where to look next, this list is for you. As a passionate foodie, I've curated a list of must-visit restaurants in South Florida. Prepare yourself, because things are about to get delicious. Check out the captions to discover my favorite dishes on each menu! (No paid advertisements here, just genuine recommendations from one food lover to another!)
Here is my list of the 10 best Asian restaurants in South Florida, in no particular order:
AOKO - Miami, Florida (Japanese) If you're seeking a delicious Omakase experience for your Friday night, this may be your best bet. This newly opened restaurant in Miami provides delicious cuisine and a staff that strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and building personal connections. A lot of Omakase restaurants tend to drop their fish quality over time, but this restaurant prides itself on its extremely fresh and flavorful seasonal fish. Whether you're a pescatarian or a sushi fanatic like me, you'll find this spot a delightful treat. From the torched otoro nigiri to the king salmon hand roll, each dish offers a memorable culinary experience. I highly recommend you make reservations in advance and explore fish you've never tried before.
Pho Bar Vietnamese Kitchen - Davie, Florida (Vietnamese) This is my ultimate go-to spot for any occasion. Whether you're meeting your in-laws, celebrating your anniversary, or just hanging out with friends, this restaurant never disappoints. Without fail, every person I've brought here has enthusiastically shared, "I'm definitely coming back!" Some menu highlights include the Pho Ga (chicken pho), Bahn Xeo (rice flour crepe), Signature Fruit Tea, Fresh Coconut Drink, Crispy Spicy Fish Sauce Wings, Grilled Pork Noodles, Curry Chicken, and don't even get me started on the Toasted Almond Ube Mousse Cake—it's a dessert you can't miss, especially if you like Ube! Don't hesitate to explore beyond your usual picks. Trust me, Vietnamese food is unbeatable! (Full disclosure: My fiancee is Vietnamese, so I might be a tad biased.)
Hutong - Miami, Florida (Chinese)
Hutong's sophisticated interior design is fascinating; with lights and trippy effects on the walls, making it seem like the wall is moving, it transports me to a new atmosphere. When I first walked inside and saw the designs on the wall, I felt like I was eating at a Disney Parks restaurant. It has a unique theme, and it can be a great place to go out for a nice dinner with coworkers, friends, or family. I recommend exploring the menu and picking whatever your heart desires, but I do have to say it would be a pity to eat here without tasting the Peking Duck at least once.
Krakatoa Indonesian Cuisine - Hollywood, Florida (Indonesian) Looking for a hidden gem in downtown Hollywood, Florida? Then your quest ends here. Go tell Sam you don't need to leave the Shire! This place is as authentic as it gets, with flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Indonesia. And here's a little secret: they've got an off-menu special platter that's perfect for groups of 2-4 looking to explore a variety of dishes without breaking the bank. Trust me, these flavors are like nothing else you'll find in South Florida, and they're generous enough to share some of their secrets in their cooking classes too! Grab your bestie and get ready for a night of culinary delights you'll never forget. Be sure to try the Satay, Rijstaffel, Tong Seng Kambing, and don't forget about their mysterious avocado dessert! Oh, and guess what? They've even been featured on Guy Fieri's Food Network show!
The Den - Miami Beach, Florida (Japanese)
This is hands down the best omakase I've had in Miami, FL! It doesn't have a Michelin star for no reason. It is a hidden restaurant inside another restaurant. There's just something special about eating fish imported from Japan, without having to travel there! The fish here is so fresh that it melts in my mouth like room-temperature butter. You should definitely make a reservation if you plan on eating here. Are you squeamish? Are you not used to eating a lot of raw fish? Then, in the famous words of Miyagi, "First learn Stand, Then Learn Fly. Nature Rule, Daniel-san, Not Mine." So, go eat some good sushi, and when you're ready to meet the sensei, you can come here.
Gabose Korean BBQ - Lauderhill, Florida (Korean) Are you a fellow K-drama addict? Need something to fill that Crash Landing on You-shaped hole in your heart? Look no further than this amazing Korean BBQ spot that's been lighting up my taste buds lately! Picture this: more satisfying than Choji's post-BBQ bliss, and guaranteed to have your BTS-loving pals begging for more every week. It's not your typical dining experience—it's an adventure waiting to happen with friends. Plus, they've got a cozy street food joint right around the corner for those spontaneous munchies. Trust me, you've got to try the DAEJI JUMUL LUK GUI (it's like a flavor explosion in your mouth), the JAP CHAE (perfectly slurpy sweet potato noodles), and the soul-warming KIMCHI JJIGAE (seriously, it's comfort in a bowl). Oh, and don't forget to grab a Milkis, the best drink to wash this all down! Last but not least, there's a Korean beauty store attached to the cozy street food joint next door for all your skincare needs. You can thank me later—happy eating and pampering!
Isla Pilipinas Cafe - Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Filippino)
Welcome home! Immediately, when you walk into this restaurant, you will see what looks like someone's living room. This is what I call a real family-owned establishment. Every table is different and has its own charm. You are always welcomed with a sweet greeting, as if you were a guest in their home. They have amazing halo-halo, and they constantly create new Ube desserts each week (my favorite). People are always friendly, and it really feels like I am invited to their family dinner when I eat here. The food is authentic and they have different specials every day on their daily menu. If you're looking for delicious Filipino food that is filled with warm, cozy feelings, then I highly recommend trying this restaurant!
Zuma Miami - Miami, Florida (Japanese) This is where my fiancee took me for my birthday, the first year we started dating. I guess you can say that this place sealed the deal for me. The Kaisen taru taru Kyabia Zoe (salmon and tuna tartare with imperial oscietra caviar) and the Kinoko no kama meshi (rice hot pot with wild mushrooms, Japanese vegetables, and fresh black truffle) are my go-tos every time I eat here. They're both very unique and packed with flavor. I love this place because the outdoor seating is right on the water, which is always perfect for a date night! I highly recommend you make a reservation and bring your piggy bank with you, because you're going to need it.
Komodo - Miami, Florida (Southeast Asian)
I'm sure you have seen MANY photos on Instagram with the word Komodo above your friend and an army of pecking ducks in a display window to the right. Komodo is the type of place you just can't leave without taking photos or videos, which will probably end up on your Instagram story later. This is where I go during Miami Spice because they have a really good deal, plus it's so much fun to go to with friends! Their duck lettuce wraps and their trio of mochi are usually in their Miami spice menu as well. It has a very modern and young feel to it, and I believe this restaurant does a good job of making any group of friends feel boujee. It's a nice treat, but if you like a quiet and uncrowded atmosphere, this may not be the place for you.
Only Thai Authentic Kitchen - Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Thai) Last, but certainly not least! You were probably wondering when a Thai restaurant would pop up on this list. There are so many Thai restaurants in South Florida that it makes it very hard to choose the one to rule them all, but if I had to choose, then this would be it. This restaurant has a very intimate and peaceful atmosphere as well as very kind staff. The chicken satay, red curry, and drunken noodles are delicious and packed with flavor. If you're hanging out with a friend and want to catch up and talk for hours, this is the spot for you! It has a relaxing ambiance, and you two can feel like you are the only ones there, while you enjoy delicious and elegant Thai cuisine.
This concludes my list of the top 10 Asian restaurants in South Florida! I've lived here my entire life and hope for you to have your own mouth-watering experiences at one of the restaurants on this list. If I missed any of your favorite Asian restaurants in South Florida, please leave a comment below, and I'll check them out. Who knows? The next time you check this list, it may have found a home here. As I continue on this quest, I will update this list to keep it relevant for you, so keep coming back for updates and stay tuned for the best dessert spots in South Florida!
Love, Chels
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