My walkabout town started with an exceptional tasting at the new TOYKO TUNA on 73 Street. For those who have been in the area for a while will recall the site was first Segafredo some twenty years ago, then ROC:BRG for many years, followed by Javier Flores’ Ceviche Lovers. The new venture is the second for the owners of Toyko Tuna, a popular long-standing dining venue in Brickell where the restaurant has built its reputation in Miami, with fish flown in daily from around the world and a focus on consistency that has earned loyal regulars. The brand carries through to its new SoMi location.
The owners Jafar Shabani and Chef Sean Raee have created an elegant and sophisticated modern Japanese dining experience. Sean sourced many of the design features directly from Asia and created and personally built the first “sushi river” where patrons can select a plate from a floating boat while seated at the bar. Seating is available indoors and outdoors. Hospitality, quality, value and staff interaction sets this restaurant apart.
Tokyo Tuna is open 7 days from 5p to 10:30p.
5800 Southwest 73rd Street | 305.417.7644
Co-owner Chef Sean Raee in front of the “sushi river.” Photos: SOMI Magazine
Fried Shrimp Shumai
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
Hamachi Crudo
Photos: SOMI Magazine
Marhaba is back!
Hussein, Cynthia & Nicole WELCOME you back to MARHABA.
A long-standing culinary delight on Sunset Drive for eighteen years, Marhaba has recently reopened on Madruga Avenue in Coral Gables.
It’s no secret that Marhaba has been a favorite of mine for nearly two decades. Hussein and wife Cynthia hosted a reception for local businesses as SOMI Magazine was laying out its publishing plans back in 2005, and their commitment to the South Miami community has been constant throughout.
As noted by Cynthia “Marhaba is the most authentic Lebanese food in Miami. Not modern, not fusion, just real.”
Marhaba, which means “welcome” provides those welcoming flavors, serving lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Parking on premises. Catering services are available.
1537 Madruga Avenue | 786.752.8330
A Return to Dorn Avenue
After some fifteen years, chef Martin Monteverde comes back to South Miami with his KINSU NIKKEI SUSHI in the same location as his MIXT sushi restaurant years gone by at 7209 SW 59 (Dorn) Avenue .
The menu includes appetizers such as Pork Gyoza, Sticky Shrimp Sui Mai, and Fried Calamari. There are also soups, salads, and a variety of ceviche. Martin’s focus is the sushi, with traditional rolls and his signature rolls which include a Salmon Mousse Maki and a White Tiger Maki. A large number of nigiri dishes, as well as sashimi are on the menu. And don’t forget the dessert: Key Lime Pie and Thai Donuts to name two.
Kinsu is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.
LA TRAILA TEXAS CRAFT BARBEQUE
Opening in March on 71 Street next to the popular La Pizza, La Traila is a very popular bbq joint in Miami Lakes, La Traila brings its great reputation to SoMi. Get ready for some good ole’ Texas BBQ.
5840-B SW 71 Street
DELICIAS DE ESPAÑA
Coming soon to SoMi on Sunset East at 5600 Sunset Drive, Delicias de España locations offer a unique culinary experience that encloses a restaurant, deli, bakery, marketplace, and take-out service all under one-roof. www. deliciasdeespana.com
NOW OPEN
My walk about town wraps up with a visit to LIFE THEORY, a new boutique med spa located on Sunset Drive. It’s here I meet nurse practitioner Melissa Escalona, Life Theory’s founder and owner. With years of practice in medicine, her singular vision is to merge science, wellness, and transformative aesthetics under one elevated standard of care. What began as a wellness focused practice has organically evolved into a boutique med spa in South Miami known for its results driven approach and uncompromising clinical integrity.
An educator at heart, Melissa holds herself and her team to the highest standards. Each treatment is thoughtfully curated, blending innovation, advanced skincare, and evidence-based protocols to deliver visible, lasting transformation.
At Life Theory, clients are welcomed like family and guided with intention on a personalized journey toward optimal wellbeing, confidence, and refined beauty.
An educator at heart, Melissa holds herself and her team to the highest standards. Each treatment is thoughtfully curated, blending innovation, advanced skincare, and evidence-based protocols to deliver visible, lasting transformation.
5840 Sunset Drive | 786.676.2592
And rounding up health and wellness, South Miami now has a BAPTIST URGENT CARE facility on US 1.
6300 South Dixie Highway | Ste. 100
WHAT’S NEW IN TOWN is an exclusive feature of SOMI Magazine, and is gratis promotion in appreciation of business owners’ investment into our community.