When you step into the restaurant, you're greeted by a stunning ambiance filled with amazing music that ranges from Afro House to Latin classics. The interior boasts beautiful artwork, neon signs, a fully stocked bar, and unique decorations like a striking astronaut sculpture in the corner. There's even a DJ booth inside, which, along with the two VIP tables in the corners of the club, hints at future club nights.
The outdoor patio, shared with other establishments like Candela, recently hosted its first major event during swim week. This expansive space is set to become a hub for large-scale events in the future, helping add more events and shows to the ever-expanding Wynwood area.
When New Times spoke to Daniel Rosario, he explained that the restaurant's vibe is designed to transport you from Miami to Japan. The menu, which is made to look and feel like a passport, is a harmonious blend of Asian and Latin cuisines, showcasing the best of both worlds and how they can intertwine a lot of foods and flavors to create something new and refreshing.
The ceviche selection is outstanding, with the "OG Ceviche" standing out for its mix of Corvina shrimp and octopus drenched in Rocoto and calamari, served alongside crispy yuca chips for an added crunch.
Casa Crudos photo
The Food
The food is, in a word, incredible. Highlights include the "Bang Bang Roll," which explodes in your mouth with sweet and savory flavors in every bite without spoiling too much, and the "BBQ Unagi Roll," featuring a perfect combination of avocado and barbecue hints. The ceviche selection is outstanding, with the "OG Ceviche" standing out for its mix of Corvina shrimp and octopus drenched in Rocoto and calamari, served alongside crispy yuca chips for an added crunch.The bao buns are another must-try. They are filled with soft, tender short ribs that melt in your mouth almost instantly and fill your mouth with delightful tropical flavors. Don’t miss the yuzu-glazed Ribs, which Daniel mentioned were inspired by frequent visits to Flanigan’s. The team aimed to create ribs that could rival the South Florida classic, and they've definitely created something that is in the running. These ribs, served with delightful curly fries, are packed with flavor.
This menu packs quite the punch, with something for everyone and numerous options, whether you want to eat something quick or are down to get a table and feast among the many different dishes.
The Drinks
The full bar offers a range of creative cocktails with stunning presentations. A standout is the espresso martini, garnished with burnt cocoa on top of the espresso. The Piña Colada is another crowd-pleaser.Fans of Zion will appreciate subtle nods to his music throughout the menu, including unique dishes like the "Zun Da Da" roll.
A Tribute to History
This restaurant is more than just a dining experience — it's a love letter to Japanese cuisine and Puerto Rican heritage. Daniel shared that they chose Wynwood because of its rich history; in the 1950s, Wynwood was known as Little San Juan. This restaurant pays homage to that legacy while carving out a new cultural and culinary space in the neighborhood.The restaurant is now open and offers an exquisite happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by and try it out.
Casa Crudos. 2445 N. Miami Ave., Miami; instagram.com/casacrudos.
