MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT, Fla. – Leave it to the New York-based food group with a Miami Beach restaurant that has a two-month-long waiting list (we’re looking at you, Carbone Miami), to open Miami’s first Japanese restaurant exclusively open to members — only.
Ok, not quite.
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Introducing ZZ’s Sushi Bar, a new Japanese restaurant in the Miami Design District with an optional, invite-only membership.
Although it’s not technically “members only,” the group behind the new spot certainly wants its patrons to feel that way.
On its website, you’ll find this description: “A private membership club by Major Food Group designed for individuals who appreciate the highest caliber of dining and service, offering personalized hospitality and a collection of amenities unlike anywhere in Miami.”
If this sounds like you, you’re in for a treat.
ZZ’s Sushi Bar is the second of five New York-based restaurants owned by Major Food Group expected to open in Miami in 2021. Carbone Miami opened early this year in the South of Fifth neighborhood, sending shockwaves through Miami’s culinary scene.
The name of the restaurant was inspired by its jewel-box, Greenwich Village restaurant, ZZ’s Clam Bar, nicknamed after partner and Major Food Group co-owner Jeff Zalaznick. According to the group, the world-class seafood and intimacy of ZZ’s Clam Bar in New York City, a Michelin-starred restaurant, can be felt at their latest Miami outpost — it was even designed to feel just like it.
“With ZZ’s Sushi Bar, we want to build a home away from home for the people of this vibrant, diverse city,” says Zalaznick. “It’s a dream come true to be able to create these dynamic spaces in this remarkable neighborhood.”
The two-story restaurant in the Design District was designed by the renowned interior designer Ken Fulk, a frequent collaborator of Major Food Group.
“ZZ’s has always been about surprise and delight,” says Fulk. “In Miami, we wanted to amplify these qualities by creating a true urban oasis—a playful yet glamorous environment with old school touches and bold flourishes. I would describe it as a tropical tuxedo: dressed up but ready to party.”
The first-floor features “curving bentwood banquettes and sculptural gestures on the walls and ceilings, inset with a hand-painted malachite finish. A teal cheetah print rug, antique furnishings, brass palm pendant lights, and vintage clamshell dining chairs,” says the description. “For the ground floor patio, Fulk conceived of a ‘tiki bar on acid,’ a vision that combines wicker furnishings in a bespoke banana leaf print with modern shapes to complement the bold angular lines of the architecture.’”
Furthermore, the first floor is where guests will find a custom-marble sushi counter, which is presided over by renowned chefs Masa Ito and Kevin Kim, who earned a cult following and a Michelin star at New York’s Sushi Zo.
“Kevin and I couldn’t be happier to be in Miami,” says Chef Ito. “This is the experience we have always wanted to bring to life, and it’s an honor to do it with MFG. We can’t wait to get to know our guests, bring them joy, and take our craft to the next level.”
While the intimate counter offers a traditional omakase experience, the adjacent dining room is a modern Japanese restaurant with an extended à la carte menu featuring hot and cold dishes.
Menu highlights include seafood sourced from Tokyo, as well as the largest offering of Wagyu beef in the United States. ZZ’s is licensed to carry true Kobe beef, which the restaurant will present in a variety of styles, from steaks cooked over custom-built charcoal grills to an indulgent Wagyu Katsu Sando with truffles. Ito and Kim will prepare inventive rolls, a signature Caviar Temaki, and nigiri and sashimi by the piece, as well as a selection of ZZ’s classics.
And unlike your classic Japanese establishment, the fun truly begins on the second floor.
ZZ’s will also include an outdoor cigar lounge, backgammon terrace, and an upstairs private bar and lounge with cocktails by longtime Major Food Group master mixologist, Thomas Waugh. Appearing on his menu upstairs will be the drinks that put the original ZZ’s on the map, like the influential Pistachio Cocktail with gin, honey, and lemon.
ZZ’s Sushi Bar is located at 151 NE 41st Street at Paradise Plaza in the Miami Design District. The restaurant will be open Tuesday - Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m.
For more information, visit www.zzsclub.com.