Photo by World Red Eye
Audio By Carbonatix
One of Miami’s most beloved Japanese restaurants, Wabi Sabi in MiMo along the 79th Street Causeway, will be renamed and rebranded as Midorie. The minimalist Japanese restaurant, known for its beautifully crafted donburi bowls and ultra-fresh nigiri, will be renamed Midorie, a popular sushi spot with a similar atmosphere and ethos, run by the same owner.
New Times spoke to the restaurant’s founder, restaurateur Alvaro Perez Miranda, best known for his work at Michelin-starred Ogawa and Hiyakawa in Wynwood, to get a grasp on the rebranding for its longtime customers. He writes, “Since I will be opening more Midorie [locations] in West Palm Beach and Miami Beach, and I couldn’t register the name, it was time to consolidate the four locations. Midorie translates to ‘green painting,’ ‘giving green,’ and ‘health,’ which aligns better with what we are doing. Also, we are turning the bar into a traditional temaki bar.”
Midorie Miami photo
This past April, New Times reported that Midorie planned to expand across South Florida, so this shift to focus on Midorie concepts makes sense.
“Midorie will be the new home of our passion for food and service, and we’re excited to offer you the same concept that you already know and love from Wabi Sabi, but with a new and exciting addition: a temaki bar,” says Perez Miranda. “As we rebrand to Midorie, we’ll continue to uphold these values.”
Bites at Midorie in Coconut Grove, which will soon be available in MiMo and West Palm Beach
Midorie Miami photo
A Brand New Midorie with a Traditional Temaki Bar
With Midorie, the team says they’ll stay true to the concept that diners already know and love, but with a “new and exciting addition: a temaki bar.” Temaki, or hand rolls, are typically described as sushi cones rolled to order, potentially offering a more interactive, hands-on dining experience.
According to the restaurant, Midorie will continue to practice omotenashi (wholehearted hospitality) and ko makai (detailed attention to quality). “We’re looking forward to seeing you at Midorie and continuing to delight you with our passion for food and service,” the team wrote.
Midorie Miami – 79th St. Causeway. 851 NE 79th St., Miami; 305-890-7228; midoriemiami.com. Now open.
