Japón at The Setai

The interior and atmosphere at Japón at The Setai are truly beautiful — elegant lighting, stylish decor, and a refined vibe that makes you want to linger. The service was attentive and welcoming, which I really appreciated. It’s no surprise that the restaurant was included in the prestigious World’s Most Beautiful Restaurants list by Prix Versailles — the only one in North America this year. Unfortunately, the food didn’t meet my expectations. We tried the Miami Spice menu, and while the presentation was nice, the flavors felt flat and uninspired. Even at the relatively low price of $45 per person, I can’t overlook the lack of depth, excitement, and authenticity in the dishes — I didn’t even get a hint of Japanese flavor. Overall, it’s a great spot for ambiance and hospitality, but the food left me wanting much more.

Beautiful and delicious. We’ve come 2 times now and both have been an amazing experience a delicious sushi. Quality of ingredients is second to none. Service is great and atmosphere is incredible. Both times I’ve been for dinner (evening) so humidity and temperature haven’t really been an issue for me. Definitely a must try

Food, ambience & service was exceptional! I truly enjoyed the evening. Perfect for date night when you already know your date. Can be a bit loud if you’re trying to talk and get to know someone. Prices were reasonably priced for South Beach. I have no complaints and will definitely return again. Everything was simply amazing!

Our recent evening at Sitai Miami was a mixed bag—set against a stunning atmosphere that promised much, but the experience, particularly in service and some of the dishes, left room for improvement. We began with a few small appetizer plates to share. The Tuna Tartare, while fresh, lacked the punch of flavor we were hoping for. The Wagyu Setai Roll didn’t quite live up to its name—overpowered by the taste of asparagus, it felt more one-dimensional than indulgent. On the brighter side, the Edamame was spot on—steamed perfectly and generously salted—and the Asparagus was an excellent surprise: vibrant, flavorful, and well-prepared. Unfortunately, the Fries didn’t hit the mark, being too heavy on the potato and not crisp enough. Additionally, we enjoyed a trio of cocktails: the Samurai in Jalisco, Prickly Margarita, and Royale Margarita. All were beautifully crafted, balanced, and a delightful way to open the evening. For the entrées, we paired our meal with a 2022 Fisher Cabernet Sauvignon from California and a Prelude Bordeaux, both of which elevated the dining experience and paired well with our food. The low point of our visit was the service. Our server, Arendale, while polite, lacked warmth and attentiveness. We weren’t checked on consistently throughout the meal, which left us feeling slightly overlooked despite the setting. Overall, Sitai Miami has the makings of an exceptional dining destination—the ambiance, drink program, and a few standout dishes are there. With improvements in the consistency of the food and a more engaging, attentive service experience, it could easily rise above average. For now, it lands at a solid 3 out of 5 stars considering a $500+ bill.

Japón at The Setai – My Honest Take This was the first restaurant I wanted to try when I arrived in Miami, and I was honestly excited. After doing my research and reading a mix of reviews—some positive, others not so much—I had to find out for myself. When we got there, the wait time was perfect and we were seated right away. Service was fantastic—the lady serving us had a warm smile, was knowledgeable, and made us feel very welcome. Plus, we got to enjoy an amazing show during dinner. But when it came to the food, I left disappointed. • Miso soup (served to warm us up) didn’t taste that great. • Tuna crispy rice couldn’t compare to UMI Atlanta—not even close. • Salmon avocado roll was outdone by Whole Foods’ version. • O-Toro nigiri made me wish the chefs had visited UMI ATL to learn what quality really is. • Filet mignon was tasteless. The one standout was the wok vegetables, which I’ll give them credit for—they were excellent. For the price, though, the restaurant felt overrated and overpriced. It reminded me of a Cheesecake Factory-style menu: way too many options across multiple “concepts,” and as a result, the quality suffered. The stated dress code wasn’t enforced either—I saw guests in T-shirts despite the rules. My takeaway: • ⭐ Customer service: Excellent. • 🍸 Atmosphere: Great for drinks and people-watching. • 🍽️ Food: Overhyped and underdelivered. If you’re looking for good food, this isn’t the spot. If you just want nice pictures and a Miami vibe, then maybe it’s worth it. For me, I don’t mind paying for quality, but this wasn’t it. Cheers, BN

I recently had one of the most disgraceful dining experiences of my life! My fiancé and I got a table for dinner around 8:00 and ordered a full meal—drinks, starters, main courses, and dessert. Everything was going well and smooth! While I was enjoying my Port as our dessert drink, the server came over and asked us to change tables! Why? Because there’s a two-hour limit for each table! He told us we’d have to move because they need to make that table ready for the next client!! I asked if we could have just 15 more minutes to finish our dessert, and he said sorry, but they had no time! It was incredibly disrespectful and rude! He could have mentioned this before taking our orders,but he didn’t say a word! They moved Us from outside table to a corner of inside! We felt so humiliated! I complained to the manager, who apologized and didn’t charge us for the dessert items. But honestly, even days later, I still feel unsettled about that incident and the bad experience overall! If anyone is thinking about going there, please consider this kind of behavior—you might not be surprised, but you’ll definitely be disappointed!

Went in for miami spice on a Saturday and this place was like a club. The atmosphere was vibe, lousy and busy as can be. Even with reservations be prepared to wait which is fine normal in miami. After we sat we noticed that it shares the outside space with the adjacent restaurant. While you eat you get a periodic show from female dancers on the water. The food was really good though got a couple of appetizers and entrees which were delicious so cant say anything bad about the food, actually I would come back to eat again. The staff was great just takes some time to get the food of course it was busy so I can understand maybe that can be sped up more idk. Over all great experience.

We came here for the first time and sat in the area they consider “outside.” The vibes were great, the music was amazing, and the food was delicious. The female manager was super attentive, and overall it was a great experience. We came back a second time expecting the same atmosphere. We asked to sit in a similar area to enjoy the vibe, because let’s be honest, the main draw here is the energy and ambiance. Instead, we were seated in a small square room tucked away in the back, completely disconnected from the party-like atmosphere we came for. If I wanted a regular sushi dinner in a shopping plaza, I’d go somewhere else. But when you’re paying premium prices at a spot known for its vibe, that kind of seating shouldn’t even be an option. Honestly, that back room would be better used as a cool Japanese-style speakeasy or a lounge-style waiting area. The male manager didn’t really acknowledge us, and we ended up waiting an extra 40 minutes just to move into the main area. The food is great, but the truth is, you’re coming for the scene. The first time we came, DJ Mac was spinning and it felt like we were partying in Europe. The second time, the DJ made it feel more like a juice bar in Miami. Big difference.

f you're craving a new sushi destination, Japon offers a refreshing take on Japanese cuisine, with a focus on inventive flavors, seasonal ingredients, and an inviting atmosphere. Here's what makes it stand out: Impeccable Freshness, Modern Ambiance Service and Value While sushi lovers know quality often comes at a cost, Japon offers flexible options, from multi-course tasting menus to à la cart . Whether you're an omakase enthusiast or just looking to try something new, Japon delivers with exceptional freshness, creativity, and an approachable vibe. Make a reservation soon--this place is already becoming a neighborhood favorite!

I had the opportunity to eat here inside of the beautiful Setai during art Basel weekend. First when you walk in the ambiance is just amazing. It is very aesthetically pleasing. We had the first reservations of the night at 6pm. We were greeted and seated promptly. For the food I had the shrimp tempura sushi. And the salmon dish. The food was amazing. This is a spot you for sure have to visit when you are in town

For years we been big fans of Jaya restaurant in Setai hotel. This time we decided to try Japon. What a disappointment from the beginning to the end. Hostess didn't knew what they are doing. They were rude! Waiter also he looked like he was not happy to be there. Food was just awful. I ordered Chilean sea bass. Was not fresh, fishy flavor. This place supposed to have some amazing chef. In the plate was peace of fish, some shredded purple onion and two leaves. How can you enjoy eat just fish with 5 strings raw onion! Unbelievable! I returned back. Ordered California sushi roll. Most basic sushi. In my opinion in some random Chinese buffet it tastes better.The only positive was vine person. He was kind and friendly. We will never step foot on that side in Setai, Japon restaurant is just awful!