Matsuri

"Found in a modest Coral Gables strip mall, Matsuri has served exceptional sushi for more than 20 years without the fuss or markup of its flashier competitors. The sparsely decorated space lets the fish do the talking — pristine cuts flown in from Japan transform into nigiri and chirashi bowls. The restaurant offers a variety of combinations and chef’s choice specials at various prices. Those in the know know to arrive early — the restaurant often sells out of its most prized fish selections by mid-evening." - Olee Fowler, Missy Frederick

"This established Japanese restaurant offers a flurry of lunch box specials, most of them priced as low as $12; they come with multiple dishes, plus soup, salad, an orange and a California roll. You can even get them for takeout for 25 cents more." - Eater Staff

"Matsuri is a rare trifecta for a Miami sushi spot: affordable, consistent, and quiet. But you need to get there early or you’ll have to wait. And it is worth waiting for their nigiri and lunch specials, like the $12 bento box that comes with miso soup, a house salad, one california roll, chicken teriyaki, and makes you feel like the luckiest kid in the school cafeteria. Food arrives quickly, so the waitlist moves fast. And if you're coming here for dinner with a friend, get the masa special for two. It's a platter of over 30 pieces of the day's best sashimi, nigiri, and maki for just under $50." - virginia otazo, ryan pfeffer

"An outstanding sushi spot that’s casual, affordable, and consistently excellent is rare in Miami. But Matsuri is exactly that kind of restaurant, which is probably why you will absolutely have to wait for a table at this classic Bird Road spot. It will, however, be very worth it. If you’re here with a friend, get the masa special for two. It’s a platter of over 30 pieces of the day’s best sashimi, nigiri, and maki." - ryan pfeffer, virginia otazo, mariana trabanino

"An outstanding sushi spot that’s casual, affordable, and consistently excellent is rare in Miami. But Matsuri is exactly that kind of restaurant, which is probably why you will absolutely have to wait for a table at this classic Bird Road spot. It will, however, be very worth it. If you’re here with a friend, get the masa special for two. It’s a platter of over 30 pieces of the day’s best sashimi, nigiri, and maki for about $44. It always makes us glad we decided to wait 37 minutes for a table." - virginia otazo, ryan pfeffer