One of Miami's most beloved Japanese restaurants, Wabi Sabi in MiMo along the 79th Street Causeway, is set to transform into its sister restaurant, Midorie, very soon. The minimalist Japanese restaurant, known for its beautifully crafted donburi bowls and ultra-fresh nigiri, will become 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 this transition 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 the 'green painting,' or 'giving green,' and 'health,' which goes more with what we are doing. Also, we are turning the bar into a traditional temaki bar."
This past April, New Times reported that Midorie planned to expand across South Florida, so this shift to focus on Midorie concepts makes sense.
The announcement was made on Instagram on Sunday, June 29, where Perez Miranda shared the following message: "After much time and dedication, Wabi Sabi will be closing its doors to embark on a new chapter: Midorie. Wabi Sabi has been a place for us to express our passion for food and culture, and we are grateful for your support and loyalty. We aren’t saying goodbye to what we’ve created; rather, we are taking it to a new level." The post continues: "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. As we transition to Midorie, we'll continue to uphold these values."
Wabi Sabi Was a Tiny Neighborhood Favorite — And Will Remain That Way, As Midorie
Opened in 2018, Wabi Sabi quickly earned a following for its clean aesthetic, quality ingredients, and precisely assembled offerings, such as the signature "Wabi Sabi" bowl, filled with tuna, salmon, crab, tobiko, cucumber, avocado, shiitake mushrooms, and seaweed.Equally popular were its omakase-style experiences served tableside: sashimi, chirashi, and nigiri compositions that reflect the chef's daily selections and creativity. The unassuming neighborhood favorite was also known for its handful of mochi ice cream flavors, including matcha green tea and salted caramel.
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.
In the meantime, fans can visit Midorie’s Coconut Grove location for a taste of what may be in store. A reopening date for the Upper East Side location has yet to be announced.
Midorie Miami Shores/Belle Meade. 851 NE 79th St., Miami; 305-890-7228; midoriemiami.com. Opening soon.
