Miami Go-To for Sushi and Crispy Rice Opens in Coral Gables

A Miami hidden gem for crispy rice, hand rolls, and budget-friendly omakase experiences has just reopened at its new location in Coral Gables.

Cofounded in 2022 by Andrew Mayer of Miami-based OG Hospitality, Miss Crispy Rice opened in Wynwood at the Oasis food hall to the fanfare of local foodies and residents alike. While the spot was a hit, it was located inside a hidden food hall and didn't get much foot traffic. After briefly closing on November 2, the restaurant just reopened at the former Caja Caliente location on Ponce de Leon Boulevard, starting a new chapter for the beloved restaurant in a new neighborhood.

The move is an exciting evolution for Miss Crispy Rice, which has now opened in a 1,600-square-foot space that reflects its playful yet contemporary personality. Now, a beautiful 14-seat omakase counter takes center stage, flanked by a smaller four-seat bar for express service and a scattering of intimate tables for à la carte diners.

Its cherry blossom wallpaper adds a whimsical touch, while the restroom's homage to Kill Bill — complete with bright yellow walls and the movie's iconic soundtrack — sets a totally fun vibe.

Creative Hand Rolls, Crispy Rice, and Budget-Friendly Omakase Set Them Apart

Miss Crispy Rice earned a loyal following after opening in 2022 with its creative and approachable omakase menus, a tradition it's continuing in Coral Gables.

The new express omakase experience, available at lunch starting at $35, offers a quick but thoughtfully crafted experience: a chef's appetizer, two pieces of nigiri, two pieces of crispy rice, one hand roll, and a soup of the day. For dinner, patrons can dive into 14- or 16-course omakase options, priced between $87 and $125. The 14-course option includes a crudo trio, soup dumplings, seasonal appetizer, three pieces of crispy rice, four pieces of nigiri, a chef's choice of hand roll, donburi, miso soup, and dessert.

Upgrades will also be available at the restaurant, including specialty nigiri like the A5 Wagyu ($15), shrimp uni" ($18), or hand rolls like the spicy scallop ($17) and toro ($18). As for drinks, sake, wine, and beer will also be available for pairing.

Beyond the omakase experience, regulars can expect brand-new menu items, including seafood bowls like the "Kaisendon Bowl" ($38), which is a rice bowl with salmon, tuna, shrimp, scallops, hamachi, and crab. Halfway through the preparation, servers pour in a rich housemade bone broth, transforming the dish into a comforting, umami-packed treat.
As for Mayer, the cofounder of Miss Crispy Rice and the mind behind Poke OG and Mr. Omakase, he is already envisioning what's next.

According to Mayer, a dry-aging program for fish is already in development, which is a move to deepen the restaurant's culinary ambitions while maintaining its approachable ethos. Mayer shares, "Due to high demand, we've been looking for a larger space to allow Miss Crispy Rice to be the star of the show. Our team has worked hard to ensure that this new location feels like home, and we can't wait to welcome the community and beyond."

Miss Crispy Rice. 808 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables; misscrispyrice.com. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.